Abstract: The invention relates to fluidics as used in medical and diagnostic equipment and relates further to means for purifying, abstracting, filtering, detecting and/or measuring analytes in liquid samples.

Abstract: An instrument for accurately measuring mass flow rate of a fluid pumped from a hermetically sealed container, through attainment of a steady state mass flow rate, having a check valve positioned between a vacuum pump and a mass flow rate sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for improved check valve technology used in flow meters, particularly compound/combo meters. The improved check valve technology may be comprised in a single piece module that (1) can easily be removed from the meter without disturbing the metering module, (2) has few or no complicated rollers and pins that require calibration, (3) requires little or no special training to remove, (4) does not require the meter repairperson to move relatively heavy objects, (5) comprises a seal as part of the check valve assembly simplifying seal inspection, seal removal and seal replacement; and (6) is secured in its housing using only external fasteners. The check valve module further comprises fluid hammer relief features.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for improved check valve technology used in flow meters, particularly compound/combo meters. The improved check valve technology may be comprised in a single piece module that (1) can easily be removed from the meter without disturbing the metering module, (2) has few or no complicated rollers and pins that require calibration, (3) requires little or no special training to remove, (4) does not require the meter repairperson to move relatively heavy objects, (5) comprises a seal as part of the check valve assembly simplifying seal inspection, seal removal and seal replacement; and (6) is secured in its housing using only external fasteners. The check valve module further comprises fluid hammer relief features.

Abstract: A system and method for the integration of lead frame technology within an electro-mechanical switching device. An integrated thermostat system can be formed, which includes a lead frame substrate, at least one electro-mechanical lead frame configured upon said lead frame substrate, and an electro-mechanical switching device associated with the electro-mechanical lead frame, wherein the electro-mechanical lead frame is integrated with said electro-mechanical switching device within said electro-mechanical switching device.

Abstract: A microvalve sensor for sensing fluid flow therethrough and generating an electrical signal indicative thereof comprises: a housing connectable inline with a fluid passageway; a microvalve disposed in the housing to permit fluid to flow unidirectionally through the housing, the microvalve including: a substrate; an insulating layer disposed over the substrate, the substrate and insulating layer including an orifice to accommodate fluid flow through the housing; and a diaphragm element disposed over the insulating layer, the diaphragm element including: a solid center portion having an area sufficient to cover the orifice, and an outer portion surrounding the center portion having a plurality of apertures for passing fluid from the orifice through the housing, the outer portion being affixed to the insulating layer around a periphery thereof, the diaphragm element and substrate forming opposite plates of a capacitor having a capacitance which changes with fluid flow through the housing; and a circuit coupled a

Abstract: A microvalve sensor for sensing fluid flow therethrough and generating an electrical signal indicative thereof comprises: a housing connectable inline with a fluid passageway; a microvalve disposed in the housing to permit fluid to flow unidirectionally through the housing, the microvalve including: a substrate; an insulating layer disposed over the substrate, the substrate and insulating layer including an orifice to accommodate fluid flow through the housing; and a diaphragm element disposed over the insulating layer, the diaphragm element including: a solid center portion having an area sufficient to cover the orifice, and an outer portion surrounding the center portion having a plurality of apertures for passing fluid from the orifice through the housing, the outer portion being affixed to the insulating layer around a periphery thereof, the diaphragm element and substrate forming opposite plates of a capacitor having a capacitance which changes with fluid flow through the housing; and a circuit coupled a

Abstract: A twin check valve water meter having a water register and being connected between a source of water (e.g. a fire hydrant) and a water receptacle (e.g. a tanker truck) so as to measure the volume of water flowing between the source and the receptacle. In order to reliably prevent the back flow of non-potable water from the receptacle to the water supply of a municipality, the water meter is provided with a first check valve at the inlet end thereof ahead of (i.e. upstream from) the water register and a second check valve at the outlet end behind (i.e. downstream from) the water register. A flat screen follows the first check valve in the flow path, and a wave-shaped strainer is located between the flat screen and the water register. The flat screen and the wave-shaped strainer cooperate to slow and smooth the stream of water from the source to enable the water register to provide an accurate reading of water consumption.