Abstract: An on-line sensor mount assembly for monitoring one or more physical properties of a particulate material that is free flowing in the ductwork of a processing installation. The sensor mount assembly includes a vertical housing with an upwardly open inlet opening and a uniform vertical sensing passage/chamber. An outlet opening is located at the lower end of the housing. A flow metering apparatus is installed at the lower end of the housing and includes a flow metering element positioned in blocking relationship between the sensing chamber and the outlet opening. Continuous operation of the flow metering element transports material from the sensing chamber through the outlet opening at a regulated rate. This assures that the sensing chamber is full and that there is a uniform flow of material past one or more sensor elements installed on the housing and positioned to monitor the particulate material passing through the sensing chamber.

Abstract: A multiple pipeline orientation water meter that includes a water meter arrangement having a water meter and a pipe connector. The water meter body coacts with the pipe connector to permit proper installation of the water meter in various piping orientations.

Abstract: A wide-area remote telemetry system which monitors and controls remote devices by means of a information control system. The system uses a plurality of sensor interface modules which constantly monitor devices for triggering events. The sensor interface modules transmit information to at least one data collection module which gathers, process, stores and transmits information to a host system via standard external communication systems. The host module receives, records, processes, and transmits information to the network. The information may then be transmitted to customers or may be accessed by customers as desired.

Abstract: A fluid flow system, casing and method according to which a chamber is formed in the casing and at least one conduit is coupled to the casing so that fluid passes from the conduit and into the chamber and so that forces acting on the conduit creates stresses on the casing that causes flexure of the casing. At least one groove is formed in the wall of the casing defining the chamber, and is configured and located relative to the chamber to direct the flexure away from the wall of the casing defining the chamber.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a sensor housing or mounting apparatus for positioning in a free flowing stream of particulate matter in order to accomplish on-line measurement of a physical property of the material such as moisture content. The housing has an inlet nozzle, a mid-section or sensing chamber, and a discharge section. The inlet nozzle has flow deflector plates that intercept a sample of material from the process stream from a single plane and channel it to the sensing chamber. A sensor is embedded in the walls of the sensing chamber and positioned to sense the material property of the passing sample. A discharge nozzle extends from the sensing chamber and has a constricted discharge opening in order to regulate flow through the sensing chamber. The discharge nozzle has a pair of downwardly convergent deflector plates such that the flow of particulate matter is restricted in a single vertical plane that is perpendicular to the vertical plane referenced by the inlet section.

Abstract: A multiple pipeline orientation water meter that includes a water meter arrangement having a water meter and a pipe connector. The water meter body coacts with the pipe connector to permit proper installation of the water meter in various piping orientations.

Abstract: An in-ground receptacle for a fluid meter and/or a valve, comprising a continuous wall defining a chamber for the meter and/or valve. The wall is co-molded in three layers comprising inner and outer layers of plastic with an intermediate plastic layer having high insulative characteristics. The receptacle is provided at its upper end with an appropriate openable closure, substantially at ground level, and permitting inspection of and access to the meter and/or valve. The receptacle may have an annular interior rim near its upper end. The rim supports an insulative pad at the top of the receptacle beneath the openable closure therefor. The pad has a removable center portion enabling inspection and access to the fluid meter and/or valve. The construction of the receptacle is such as to prevent freezing of the fluid meter and/or valve.

Abstract: An improved assembly (10) for housing electronics for remote reading to meter reading data in a subsurface enclosure (11) includes a first inner enclosure (40) of metal for housing the receiver/transmitter circuitry (90), a second inner enclosure (69, 86) for housing a battery (65) and an outer enclosure (24) of plastic which encloses both of the inner enclosures.

Abstract: An adapter module mounts on a utility meter having one or more meter dials. The adapter module has a cover and a mating bracket. The cover includes a plurality of bosses extending from a front side of the cover to a rear side of the cover. The bosses are spaced a predetermined distance from a cover perimeter to provide space for ribs inside the adapter to provide extra support. The cover also has a tamper-proof magnet housing extending from the rear side of said cover and a front battery chamber portion to receive a battery. The mating bracket has a rear battery chamber which, in combination with the front battery chamber, houses one or more batteries. The bracket also has a printed circuit board (PCB) chamber which is adapted to receive a PCB with electronics on-board. The bracket also has a recess which receives a dial dog. The dial dog has a gear for driving original dials of the meter. The dial dog is driven by a meter dog, which in turn is connected to a gear on the original meter.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the flow of water through a pipe. A pipe section is adapted to be located in a water line which includes a metering device having a target displaceable at a rate representative of the rate of flow through the pipe section. A telemetering unit includes a sensor for sensing a target and a receiver for receiving the output of the sensor and transmitting data representative of the flow to a remote receiver. A housing houses the telemetering unit and is releasably secured to the pipe section so that the sensor will sense the metering device target.

Abstract: A water meter has a glass window (30) having an aperture (32) through which extends one or more screw threaded terminals (20) enabling electrical connection to be made to an internal electronic encoder. A resilient grommet (34) is positioned in the aperture (32) and is held in compression between inner and outer sealing plates (36, 38). These are drawn together by the terminals which carry nuts.

Abstract: A fluid meter includes a casing, a lever within the casing that oscillates in response to the flow of fluid through the meter and an attachment mechanism that mounts an automatic meter reader to the casing in proximity to the lever. A magnet is attached to the lever so that movement of the lever creates a changing electromagnetic field external to the casing. The changing electromagnetic field is detected by and operates to actuate the automatic meter reader. As a result, the automatic meter reader detects fluid flow in the fluid meter without being directly connected to, or interfering with the operation of, a mechanical meter index associated with the fluid meter.

Abstract: An in-ground receptacle for a fluid meter and/or a valve, comprising a continuous wall defining a chamber for the meter and/or valve. The wall is molded in three layers comprising smooth inner and outer layers of plastic with an intermediate plastic layer having high insulative characteristics. The receptacle is provided at its upper end with an appropriate openable closure, substantially at ground level, and permitting inspection of and access to the meter and/or valve. The receptacle has an annular interior rim near its upper end. The rim supports an insulative pad at the top of the receptacle beneath the openable closure therefor. The pad has a removable center portion enabling inspection and access to the fluid meter and/or valve. The construction of the receptacle is such as to prevent freezing of the fluid meter and/or valve.

Abstract: A gas meter installation wherein a gas meter is contained within a protective bag during normal operation and wherein the bag may not be opened to obtain access to the meter without causing a permanent indication of such opening.

Abstract: A sealed wire entry port for a housing (10) having a base (12) and a top (11), and a body of sealing material (16) joining the top (11) to the base (12) and a pair of insulated wires (21) in which the insulation (31) is removed where the wires (21) run through the body of sealing material (16), a plug (22) disposed in an opening in the base (12), wherein the two wires (21) run through the plug (22) into the sealing material (16) and a vent (23) that runs through the plug (22) into the housing (10), wherein the vent (23) is adapted to be closed after a gas has been either evacuated or introduced into the interior of the housing (10) to reduce moisture within the housing before final sealing. A method of assembling and sealing the unit (10) is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable, spring-loaded support mast which is affixed to standard flow hoods in order to maintain the hoods in position over ventilation registers and diffusers while air flow measurements and adjustments are made. The mast is adjustable in length to accommodate different ceiling heights and is spring loaded to facilitate the positioning and removal of the flow hood over the diffuser as well as to hold it firmly in place. This allows air flow adjustments to be made much more quickly and efficiently, saving time, expense and manpower.

Abstract: A safety valve for use in a meter through which gas or liquid may flow, the safety valve being activated to a closed position upon the disturbance of the system such as during an earthquake, thereby blocking the flow of liquid or gas. The valve may then be reopened by a reset assembly.

Abstract: Modified water meter arrangements, and more particularly a modification kit for conducting various activities (e.g., repair, testing, monitoring, and the like) with respect to water meters typically employed by utility companies in monitoring usage of water by customers, are disclosed. By using the disclosed modification kit, utility company personnel can easily and more quickly conduct pressure checks, flow checks, bacteria checks, and meter checks, as well as lateral repairs. In carrying out some of these functions, the modification kit can be used with a conventional water meter while, in carrying out other functions, the modification kit is used in conjunction with an improved water meter in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: An adapter for a meter chamber provides proportional metering of a flow through a maincase that is sufficiently accurate at large flow rates to avoid the unmetered loss of significant quantities of water. An essentially unobstructed passageway is provided under the meter chamber to provide a free flow of water through a path that can be made large enough to avoid flow blockage by debris, even if the path through the meter becomes blocked. Thus, the adapter is particularly useful for installation in residential fire service mains. The adapter includes a chamber housing into which the meter chamber may be inserted, a bypass plate to hold the meter chamber in place, and a bypass to provide the passageway through which the free flow of water flows. The chamber housing includes inlet and outlet apertures, as does the bypass.

Abstract: A handwheel expansion mechanism including a meter adapter, a handwheel body and an expansion cup. The expansion cup is slidingly engaged with the meter adapter, and the handwheel body is rotationally coupled to the meter adapter. Rotation of the handwheel body cause the handwheel body to create a space between the base of the meter adapter and the handwheel body. At the same time, metal-on-metal contact between the handwheel body and the expansion cup causes the expansion cup to pushed along the meter adapter.

Abstract: A remote meter reading receptacle for pit lid mounting includes an annular, cup-shaped housing containing a ferrite coil and electronic circuit board. This housing is mounted within an outer shroud which has an annual flange formed about its periphery. The shroud includes a pair of openings, the first for receiving a threaded fastener, such a bolt, and the other for receiving an electrical cable connected to the circuit board of the housing. The shroud is dimensioned to fit securely within an opening formed in the lid of a pit-type meter box, such as used for outdoor setting of water meters. A complementary cup-shaped washer includes a pair of openings for cooperating with the threaded fastener and for receiving the electrical cable. The washer is disposed on the underside of the pit lid and receives the threaded fastener to fasten the housing and shroud assembly securely to the upper surface of the pit lid. The washer is reversible to accommodate a wide range of pit-lid thicknesses.

Abstract: A device which removes condensation formed on the inside surface of the window of a flowmeter. The device comprises a circular skid guided for translational movement by a slideway and provided with a gutter laid against the inside surface of the window so as to remove the condensation by capillary action. The skid is moved by rotating a link driven by a manual control knob. Used for reading water meters of the dry or extra dry type.

Abstract: A water meter housing has a scalloped edge positioned in a crevice where the housing attaches to a meter register housing to improve the tamper-resistant features of the assembly.

Abstract: A meter boundary box comprises an outer casing which is upstanding from a base, the outer casing containing a tubular housing with a lid thereon, the lid engaging the housing so that rotation of the lid effects rotation of the housing but arranged so that the lid can be lifted away from the housing, the housing containing a meter which is threadably engaged in a valve member, the valve member itself threadably engaging a manifold which incorporates the inlet and outlet conduits, the arrangement being such that by rotation of the lid, firstly the valve member can be closed and secondly the meter can be unscrewed from the valve member for easy removal.

Abstract: A compact gas consumption measuring device which is flexibly insertable into existing gas installations includes in a single compact housing, a permanently installed flowmeter, and a pressure-control device and a shut-off valve, which are modularly constructed in two parts. Additionally, several spatially staggered gas admission and gas discharge ports are provided. To this end, the housing possesses, on the front side, slide-in openings into which one basic module each is inserted and secured. Assigned to each basic module are a function module and a blank module which, depending on the requirement, are insertable into the basic module and are sealable gastight to the outside. The basic modules and the assigned function modules are each provided with a gas intake and gas discharge wells and are connected to each other in such a way that they are connected in series to the flowmeter as well as to the connecting ports for gas admission and for gas exhaust.

Abstract: An apparatus for defining the free surface of a moving column of a fluid in vertical pipe to enhance the accuracy of measurements of transient rate of flow of the fluid using electromagnetic flowmeter is described. It provides a neutrally buoyant plug which stays in contact with the free surface of the column of the fluid at all times and thus defines the free surface of the fluid moving in the vertical pipe accurately and reduces the oscillations of the free surface of the fluid.

Abstract: A fluid flow sensing apparatus for measuring very low fluid flows comprising a fluid mass flow sensor for measuring the mass flow rate of a fluid from a temperature differential between predefined points within the sensor; a fluid flow channeling element for accepting the fluid at an input temperature and pressure and directing the fluid across the sensor, and wherein the input temperature and pressure about the sensor is maintained; and a fluid flow dampening element for providing an average fluid flow to the sensor.

Abstract: A gas flowmeter which is disposed between adjacent sections of a gas piping includes a central elongate housing. This housing includes a central gas passage, a plurality of sensor modules arranged in a row adjacent the central passage, and a distribution strip arranged along the sensor modules to conduct measuring signals therefrom. A plurality of electronic processing units are mounted about the elongate housing and in electrical contact with the distribution strip to process the signals from the modules and to then produce processed signals. These processing units are shell shaped with an open longitudinal side so as to fit onto and about a corresponding portion of the elongate housing. With this construction, a compact, lightweight and easy to repair gas flowmeter is provided.

Abstract: A water strainer, water meter, and crossover check valve structurally and functionally integrated within a single housing having a single access port. A water strainer, including a screened portion and a solid floor, diverts debris from the water flow path into a collection chamber in the bottom portion of the housing. The water strainer defines an interior volume within the housing, designed to pass strained water and protect the impeller assembly of the water meter located therein. A strainer outlet pipe, extending from an outlet port into the interior volume of the housing, may be included to house both the impeller and the check valve. The single access port provides for service of the interior components and removal of collected debris.

Abstract: A meter is mounted inside a housing where the meter is designed for low pressure gas flow measurement and the housing is designed to withstand high pressure differentials. The meter itself includes a plurality of divided chambers and one chamber includes moving elements to measure the flow of gas between the inlet and the outlet. The moving elements inside the gas transmission chamber are supported in place in bearings mounted in dividing walls. Chambers on each side of the dividing walls which define the gas transmission chamber include oil slingers which dip into puddles of oil in the bottom of the chambers and fling a fan of oil upward to lubricate the bearings and other moving parts.

Abstract: An expansion mechanism for a meter box or a meter yoke. The mechanism includes a body having an at least partially threaded axial body opening passing therethrough. The body has four spaced spokes extending generally radially out therefrom in the form of a cross. The body has first and second diametrically opposed positioning prongs and a third positioning prong disposed generally midway between them. The three prongs each have inwardly-disposed lips at their outer ends. A bushing having a nut with a threaded female portion into which the meter threads and having a threaded male portion adapted to thread into the threaded body opening is provided. The bushing includes a sleeve adapted to pass through and partially out of the body opening when the threaded male portion is threaded into the threaded body opening. A cup having a cup opening passing therethrough and an outwardly flaring annular cup lip at one end thereof is also provided.

Abstract: An expansion mechanism for a meter box or a meter yoke. The mechanism includes a body having an at least partially threaded axial body opening passing therethrough. The body has four spaced spokes extending generally radially out therefrom in the form of a cross. The body has first and second diametrically opposed positioning prongs and a third positioning prong disposed generally midway between them. The three prongs each have inwardly-disposed lips at their outer ends. A bushing having a nut with a threaded female portion into which the meter threads and having a threaded male portion adapted to thread into the threaded body opening is provided. The bushing includes a sleeve adapted to pass through and partially out of the body opening when the threaded male portion is threaded into the threaded body opening. A cup having a cup opening passing therethrough and an outwardly flaring annular cup lip at one end thereof is also provided.

Abstract: A water meter is locked into its housing to prevent tampering by placing a cover over a hexagon nut and a hand nut. Relative rotation between the hexagon nut and the hand nut is necessary to remove the meter from the housing. The cover has a wrench which fits the hexagon nut and prevents relative rotation between the hexagon nut and the cover. The cover has a boss which engages the hand nut and prevents relative rotation between the case and the hand nut. The cover has legs which engage the housing to prevent relative rotation between the cover and the housing.

Abstract: The device for connecting and supporting a water-meter (1) comprises a water-inlet pipe (2) and a water-outlet pipe (3) secured in a support (8). The support comprises a stationary seat (9) in which are mounted the water-inlet pipe (2) and the water-outlet pipe (3). The seat carries a plate (10) comprising two conduits (11, 12) designed to be connected to inlet (4) and outlet (5)-apertures on the meter (1). The plate (10) is mounted to rotate upon seat (9) about an axis (X-X') for the purpose of opening up or shutting off the flow of water, or for testing the meter.

Abstract: A disposable flow cell for use in a thermal pulse flow meter of the type that incorporates a pulse heated thermal probe and a detecting thermal probe. The disposable cell has two side ports covered with a stretchable film barrier. The thermal probes extend into the flow cell through the ports stretching the barrier ahead of them so that the probes can transmit and then detect thermal pulses to a fluid flowing through the flow cell while at the same time maintaining isolation between the probes and the fluid. The invention is also a thermal pulse flow meter incorporating the above cell.

Abstract: A below ground meter box for a fluid meter includes a first sleeve for placement at the bottom of a pit in which the fluid meter is located, the first sleeve having apertures for receiving fluid conduits for the fluid meter and a second sleeve of greater axial length than the first sleeve but of substantially the same diameter; the upper edge of the first sleeve has internally an abutment edge spaced a small distance therefrom and externally a curved wall section extending above the upper edge so that when the second sleeve engages the upper edge of the first sleeve, the curved wall section will prevent lateral movement between the sleeves.

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: An improved drive post and dog arrangement for transferring the motion of the piston in an oscillating piston meter from the piston to the exterior of the measuring chamber whereby the noise produced by repeated disengagement and re-engagement of the drive post and dog is reduced.

Abstract: A water meter is provided with a retaining ring which is mounted on the top wall of the main case and secured thereto by means of a connection requiring limited rotary motion for engagement. A bonnet within which the register housing is enclosed is mounted on the retaining ring by a similar rotary motion whereby removal of either the bonnet from the retaining ring or the retaining ring from the main case requires only limited rotary motion in the reverse direction. To prevent removal of the register by unauthorized individuals such reverse rotary motion is prevented by a locking pin which projects through the bonnet, the retaining ring and into a recess in the main case whereby relative rotary motion between the bonnet and the retaining ring and the retaining ring and the main case is prevented. Once in place the pin cannot be removed without visible deformation or destruction thereof.

Abstract: A meter comprising a receptacle and cover structured to receive, respectively, a metering component and a registering component and provided with forcibly interengageable internally non-accessible latching elements which inhibit disengagement of the cover from the receptacle after assembly.

Abstract: A gas meter in which the index and register thereof is directly housed within the main gas chamber of the meter itself. An integrally molded plastic cover which is visually transparent provides the means for mounting the index and in part forms the gas chamber. The index register is visible through the cover.

Abstract: A condition responsive sensor is provided with a flow sensor channel means that is interconnected to a capillary tube restriction. The capillary tube restriction can be readily interchanged on the device to change the response of the condition responsive sensor. A very small flow sensor is placed in the flow sensor channel. The flow sensor channel and the capillary tube restriction can be placed generally parallel to one another to reduce the overall length of the device.

Abstract: A rotary meter with an integral instrument housing is arranged so that the rotating components of the meter rotate about vertical axes. The meter includes upper and lower housings which together form a pressure hull. A cover is provided to be connected to the upper housing and define therewith an instrument enclosure. All instruments are mounted on the upper housing within the enclosure. The cover and upper housing are constructed to provide a secure, tamper resistant, environment for the instruments.

Abstract: A tamper-proof cover for a fluid flow monitor comprises a guard portion at least partly disposed about the monitor when the cover sealingly engages the fluid system in which the monitor is disposed. Preferably, the cover comprises an assembly including a plate fixed to the cover of the flow monitor to seal the interior of the device. Access to the monitor and alarm or actuator circuits disposed therein is impeded by the assembly so long as the cover seals the fluid system, and access thereto requires breaching the fluid system by removing the cover.

Abstract: The flow monitoring device comprises a housing having a passageway therethrough for liquid flow through the housing. The passageway has an inlet opening and an outlet opening. A first thermistor is provided for sensing the temperature of the liquid in the passageway at a place near the inlet opening. A heating resistor is provided for heating the liquid at a place near the outlet opening and a second thermistor is provided for sensing the temperature of the liquid at the place near the outlet opening. A control circuit controls the input of heat energy to the heating resistor for heating the liquid just enough to maintain a predetermined temperature differential between the first and second thermistors.

Abstract: A water meter has a register cover which performs the dual function of covering the register as well as providing a tool to enable disassembly of the meter.

Abstract: A fluid flow meter having an improved impulse generator for generating an electric signal to actuate a remote reader in response to a fixed volume of flow through the meter. A direct current motor having an armature having at least three poles or coils is used as the impulse generator. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the meter is modularly packaged in a cup-shaped housing with the various components layered one upon the other.

Abstract: A water meter is disclosed in which the main case is of plastic material and is particularly structured for ease of molding with relatively simple molds in that no undercuts are formed on the main case which would require complicated molds and molding practices.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved meter installation for a deep underground pipeline employing a meter pit. Pre-coiled, flexible tubing lengths are coupled between the ends of the pipeline in the pit and a flowmeter which is also housed within the pit. The meter is vertically movable within the pit. As the meter is raised, the pre-coiled tubing uncoils or expands, and as the meter is lowered, the pre-coiled tubing re-coils or contracts.The meter installation of this invention is particularly useful for water metering in pipelines laid a substantial depth below ground level--as, for example, in cold plains states. The present system provides a meter reader, repairman, or the like, with ready access to the meter without the necessity of physically entering the pit. The meter is easily raised to ground level without interrupting the flow of liquid therethrough.

Abstract: A fluid flowmeter having a plurality of separate outlet port means therein for exhausting fluid from the flowmeter into a common outlet chamber in the cover of the pump housing in which the flowmeter is enclosed and is pluggably detachably received.