Abstract: A microfluidic flow sensor may include a substrate having a microfluidic channel, an inert particle source to supply a fluid carrying an inert particle to the microfluidic channel and a sensor element along the microfluidic channel and spaced from the inert particle source. The sensor element outputs a signal based upon a sensed passage of the inert particle with respect to the sensor element. Portions of the microfluidic channel proximate the sensor element have a first size and wherein the inert particle provided by the inert particle source is to have a second size greater than one half the first size.

Abstract: A flow control valve assembly has at least one manifold having an inlet flow port, an outlet flow port, and a flow channel provided there between, the flow channel having an inlet chamber, a variable area chamber and an outlet chamber, with fluid flowing from the inlet flow port to the inlet chamber, the variable area chamber and the outlet chamber, in that order, before exiting the outlet flow port. The flow control valve assembly further includes a float assembly having a float extending through the flow channel and which is limited for its movement inside the variable area chamber, a connecting rod extending through the flow channel and which has an upper end that is connected to the float and a lower end that is connected to a magnet. A measuring device is positioned outside the fluid chamber at the bottom of the at least one manifold, and spaced apart from the magnet.

Abstract: A rotameter includes a rotameter body including an inlet, an outlet, and a flow channel that provides fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet. A valve for controlling fluid flow through the inlet includes an actuator rotatable about a first axis. The actuator includes worm gear threads. The valve also includes a valve drive element rotatable about a second axis that extends transverse to the first axis. The valve drive element includes worm gear teeth that mate with the worm gear threads on the actuator so that rotation of the actuator about the first axis imparts rotation of the valve drive element about the second axis. The valve drive element further includes first screw threads that rotate with the valve drive element about the second axis. The first screw threads are configured and arranged to mate with and engage second screw threads to cause linear movement of a valve component along the second axis in response to rotation of the valve drive element.

Abstract: A flow control valve assembly has at least one manifold having an inlet flow port, an outlet flow port, and a flow channel provided there between, the flow channel having an inlet chamber, a variable area chamber and an outlet chamber, with fluid flowing from the inlet flow port to the inlet chamber, the variable area chamber and the outlet chamber, in that order, before exiting the outlet flow port. The flow control valve assembly further includes a float assembly having a fitting, a float extending through the flow channel from the fitting and which is limited for its movement inside the variable area chamber, a measuring device that measures the displacement of the float and which is secured to the fitting and positioned outside the flow channel, and a connecting rod which connects the float to the measuring device and extends through the flow channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus can include: shutting off a gas line at a stop valve; disconnecting a utility meter from a house line; connecting the house line to an output end of a flow meter; connecting the utility meter to an input end of the flow meter; turning the gas line on at the stop valve; and determining: the gas line is leak free based on the flow meter showing no gas flow, and the gas line is leaking based on the flow meter showing a steady gas flow.

Abstract: A flow control valve assembly has at least one manifold having an inlet flow port, an outlet flow port, and a flow channel provided therebetween, the flow channel having an inlet chamber, a variable area chamber and an outlet chamber, with fluid flowing from the inlet flow port to the inlet chamber, the variable area chamber and the outlet chamber, in that order, before exiting the outlet flow port. The flow control valve assembly also includes a float assembly extending inside the flow channel, the float assembly having a float that is limited for its movement inside the variable area chamber, a measuring device which measures the displacement of the float, and a connecting rod which connects the float to the measuring device. A bracket assembly is secured to the inlet chamber inside the flow channel, with the measuring device retained by the bracket assembly.

Abstract: A parking brake has the function of monitoring a malfunction of the parking brake, thereby preventing accidents. The parking brake includes an electric motor and a linear motion mechanism which are connected together through a speed reduction mechanism. The parking brake further includes a locking pin which can be brought into engagement with the speed reduction mechanism by a solenoid. The parking brake further includes a monitor for detecting a change in reactance of the solenoid. Since the change in reactance as detected corresponds to a displacement of a plunger, it is possible to prevent accidents by monitoring deteriorated sliding properties of the locking pin based on the displacement detected.

Abstract: A flow meter having a magnetic base sensor for electrical feedback of flow rate is disclosed. A float rod carrying an indicator and a magnet moves within the flow meter body with and the flow being visually read and electronically read.

Abstract: A fluid flow detector includes a detector main body defining a fluid flow channel having a fluid flow detection channel positioned adjacent an upstream hole and a discharge channel positioned adjacent a downstream hole. A mobile body is positioned within the fluid flow channel and dimensioned to be movable along the fluid flow channel. The diameter of the fluid flow detection channel is smaller than the diameter of the discharge channel, and the maximum diameter of the outer peripheral edge part of the face of the fluid flow channel orthogonal to the direction of movement of the mobile body is slightly smaller than the diameter of the fluid flow detection channel. The upstream hole and the downstream hole are formed with a size and shape such that fluid can flow through the upstream and downstream holes without being obstructed by the mobile body.

Abstract: An upstream hole is formed at the upstream end of a detector main body of a liquid flow detector for detecting liquid flow, and a downstream hole is formed at the downstream end, with a liquid flow channel comprising a liquid flow detection channel, discharge channel, and, optionally, intermediate flow channel, being formed between the upstream hole and downstream hole. A mobile body which is optionally, spherical, moves with the flow of liquid, and is arranged inside the liquid flow channel. The diameter of the liquid flow detection channel is smaller than the diameter of the discharge channel, and the diameter of the mobile body is slightly smaller than the diameter of the liquid flow detection channel. The shape of the peripheral edge part of the upstream hole and the downstream hole is optionally elliptical.

Abstract: A flow meter having a magnetic base sensor for electrical feedback of flow rate is disclosed. A float rod carrying an indicator and a magnet moves within the flow meter body with and the flow being visually read and electronically read.

Abstract: An improved fluid flow gauging device includes a light enhanced acrylic block flow tube to optimize visualization of pressure readings. An LED or other light source is fitted to the top of the flow tube and illuminates a float or bobbin from above to provide more accurate readings, especially in low light conditions such as modern operating rooms. In addition, the light enhanced flow tube provides a mechanical backup in the case of failure of newer electronic systems and visually matches the graphical flow display, simultaneously providing a double-check of the electronic system.

Abstract: A flow metering device and method for monitoring flow of a liquid, has a body with an inlet port and an outlet port. A flow chamber is formed therein between a pair of laterally placed windows in the flow chamber. A light emitting source placed in one of the windows and a light receiver placed in a second of the windows. The flow chamber has a flow restricting and light stopping element held therein and movable between a rest position and an operating position.

Abstract: A flow measurement system uses conduits adapted to be coupled to and throughout a liquid or gaseous fluid flow distribution system. Each conduit is instrumented to measure parameters associated with the liquid or gaseous fluid moving therethrough, and wireless transmit a unique code and data indicative of the parameters so-measured. A remotely-located receiver and output device(s) may be used to provide the data and unique code associated with each of the conduits in a human-discernable format. Each conduit may also receive data resulting in adjustment of fluid flow through the conduit.

Abstract: The compressor has a differential pressure type flow rate detector that obtains the pressure in an upstream passage and the pressure in a downstream passage to detect a refrigerant flow rate within a refrigerant passage. The detector has an accommodation chamber, and a partition body slidably accommodated within the accommodation chamber. The partition body comparts the accommodation chamber into a high pressure chamber to which the pressure in the upstream passage is introduced, and a low pressure chamber to which the pressure in the downstream passage is introduced. The compressor has an oil separator having an oil introduction passage connected to the oil separating chamber and a high pressure introduction passage introducing the pressure in the upstream passage to the high pressure chamber. The oil introduction passage introduces the oil separated from the refrigerant by the oil separator to a pressure zone other than a discharge pressure zone.

Abstract: A flow meter for a variable displacement compressor comprises a movable body operable to move by differential pressure, a magnet provided in the movable body, a magnetic sensor for detecting change of magnetic flux density of the magnet, a flow passage for refrigerant gas which is discharged from cylinder bores to flow therethrough, a sealed chamber connected perpendicularly to the flow passage and accommodating therein the movable body, an urging member for urging the movable body into the flow passage, a clearance formed between a movable body and an inner wall surface of the flow passage, a by-pass passage opened and closed as the movable body is moved in an axial direction of the movable body, and a communication passage for introducing into the sealed chamber the refrigerant gas in a downstream flow passage of the flow passage which is located downstream of the movable body.

Abstract: A flowmeter can measure a small flow rate of fluid with high measurement precision, can be made small-sized, can deal with a variety of types of chemicals, and can be produced easily at a low cost. The flowmeter includes: a casing having an enlarged portion and being disposed vertically; and a float enclosed in the enlarged portion of the casing and at least partly having a detection surface. The float is to be pushed up by a fluid flowing from below into the casing and flowing upwardly in the casing. The flowmeter also includes at least one displacement sensor, disposed outside the enlarged portion of the casing, for detecting an axial displacement of the float by magnetizing the detection surface of the float.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flow meter that obtains the individual flow rates of gas, liquid hydrocarbons, and water in a predominantly gas-containing flowing fluid mixture. The flow meter comprises a water content meter (7) that provides a signal representing a measure of the water content of said fluid. The flow meter also comprises a double differential pressure generating (3) and measuring (4) structure, denoted a DDP-unit (2), that provides two measurement signals (6A and 6B) representing two independent values of differential pressure (DP) in said fluid (1). In addition to the above, the meter also comprises a signal processing unit (8) having inputs (9A-C) for receiving the measurement signals and the water content signal, and a calculation module (10) which calculates values representing the volumetric flow rates of said gas, liquid hydrocarbons and water in said fluid.

Abstract: A flow meter for a variable displacement compressor comprises a movable body operable to move by differential pressure, a magnet provided in the movable body, a magnetic sensor for detecting change of magnetic flux density of the magnet, a flow passage for refrigerant gas which is discharged from cylinder bores to flow therethrough, a sealed chamber connected perpendicularly to the flow passage and accommodating therein the movable body, an urging member for urging the movable body into the flow passage, a clearance formed between a movable body and an inner wall surface of the flow passage, a by-pass passage opened and closed as the movable body is moved in an axial direction of the movable body, and a communication passage for introducing into the sealed chamber the refrigerant gas in a downstream flow passage of the flow passage which is located downstream of the movable body.

Abstract: A floating body flowmeter having a measuring tube (1) which is positioned vertically and through which a substance (2) to be measured flows, in which tube a floating body (3) is arranged in order to determine the flow rate, the rise height (h) of said body relative to the measuring tube (1) being in a defined relationship with the flow rate, it being possible for the measuring range to be adjusted at least via the density of the floating body (3), and the floating body (3) being heterogeneous in such a way that the latter consists of an industrial mass-produced material in the core (4), the material selection being coordinated with the fact that the measuring range can be adjusted substantially via the density of the core (4), and the core (4) is provided with an external coating (5), its material being coordinated with the fact that this is chemically and/or mechanically resistant to the substance to be measured, and furthermore that all the other parts in contact with the substance to be measured are coated

Abstract: We have invented an improved apparatus for electronically measuring fluid flow. The apparatus includes a radiation detection means for indicating the position of a flow indicator in a chamber of a variable area flowmeter and has a reliability, versatility and functional accuracy not obtainable with known variable area flowmeters. The invention may also include a variable area flowmeter with the flow indicator in a tapered fluid flow chamber with a wall and a long axis, the chamber having a front side, a back side, and an operational length substantially parallel to the long axis. The invention has no moving parts and is not intrusive so mechanical malfunction and unwanted leaks can not occur. Useful embodiments include, for example, compact self contained apparatus useful for fitting around existing flowmeters, systems that include flowmeters and systems able to work with some fluids that are visually opaque.

Abstract: A flowmeter includes a floating body which floats freely in a stream in a measuring tube, and is acted upon by a flowing force, buoyancy and a weight. In order to generate a counterforce, a measuring spring is fixedly connected to the floating body. The floating body is preferably self-stabilized through a selection of corresponding geometrical relationships. The measuring spring can optionally be rotatably supported on the floating body and/or the measuring tube. The floating body is suitably made of light weight plastic material, so that the density (mass/volume) of the floating body matches the density of the flowing medium.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a sight tube flowmeter is formed of a plurality of fluoropolymer components welded together to form a unitary flowmeter body. The components can comprise a PFA upright sight tube having two end portions, a flow conduit extending therethrough and two fitting portions that are uniquely welded onto each end of the sight tube, and a fluoropolymer float device movable to various positions within the flow conduit depending on the flow level of the fluid flowing therethrough. The float device can be of conventional design or for those flowmeter embodiments where low fluid flow rates are to be measured, an elongate float can be utilized. The floats and, in particular, a designated portion thereof, are visible through the sight tube to provide visual indication of the position, and thus the flow rate of fluid flowing through the flowmeter. In addition, alternative embodiments include the implementation of the unique sight tube and elongate float design in conventional flowmeters.

Abstract: An apparatus for flow rate measurement includes a body having a chamber with an inlet and an outlet and a structure, buoyant in the presence of a fluid, disposed in the chamber. The structure moves to a position in the chamber in proportion to a flow rate of the fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A flowmeter has an inlet body including a flow detector and an outlet body including a flow adjuster. The inlet body is fixed to the outlet body and forms a single piece assembly comprising an inlet tube and a measurement tube. The flow adjuster includes a disk turned by a knob. The disk has holes so at least one hole always faces the outlet tube, regardless of the position of the disk, to allow flow distribution without the risk of interrupting it even while flow is adjusted, and enable gradual flow adjustment.

Abstract: A flow meter alarm device easily attached to and removed from a flow meter at various locations along the length of the flow meter. The device is compatible with flow meters which have a float for measuring flow velocity. The device preferably has two housings, extending from a third housing having a display surface, that define an area for receiving a flow meter. The extending housings are preferably drawn together by a threaded member thereby clamping the device onto the flow meter. A sensor mounted on the device, preferably an optical emitter coupled with an optical receiver, is able to detect the float. When the float is detected, a signal is produced by the device notifying that the flow rate has fallen outside a desired range. The device is adjustable to function with flow meters of various different dimensions.

Abstract: A method of determining the NER and vacuum quality of a cryogenic liquid container that includes the steps of providing a flow gauge having a scale provided thereon adjacent a flow volume indicator ball that is selected to provide an NER value in pounds per day lost directly from the position of the indicator ball.

Abstract: A float-type flowmeter measures the rate of a fluid flowing upwardly through a tube based on the position of a float movably disposed in the tube and including a magnetic material. A coil is wound around the tube such that the intervals gradually decrease in an axial direction. The coil is excited by an alternating current supplied from an inductance change detector. The inductance change detector detects a change in the inductance of the coil which is caused when the float moves in the axial direction, and generates a voltage. A voltage-to-position (flow rate) converter determines a flow rate from the voltage corresponding to the position of the float.

Abstract: A flow meter having a float slideably mounted along a float rod centrally located within a flow meter body, the float assuming a height along the flow meter float rod representative of fluid pressure. The float preferably has a cylindrical-shaped through-bore. The float rod preferably has a polygonal-shaped perimeter over substantially its entire length permitting fluid flow between the float rod outer diameter (OD) and the float inner diameter (ID) to dislodge any particulate, thereby serving a self-cleaning function. The float rod is preferably hollow and closed at its upper end and having flow inlet and flow outlet openings near its lower end communicating with a flow chamber which conveniently provides the inlet and outlet flows at the lower end of the flow meter.

Abstract: A flow meter, particularly for warm water heating systems, includes a measuring element and an indicator element. The indicator element has a basic component with a cylindrical attachment extending into the collector pipe. An indicator rod with a rebounding plate extends into the measuring element and vertically slidable. According to the invention, a filter is installed ahead of the rebounding plate in the flow direction of the heating medium. Where the basic component extends to a cylindrical attachment affecting the flow against the rebounding plate, it is suitable to provide a number of slits in the cylindrical external wall of the lower portion of the attachment, the slits being distributed around the perimeter parallel to the axis. In this manner, dirt particles, which could impair the function of the indicator, are virtually filtered out.

Abstract: A flow meter alarm device easily attached to and removed from a flow meter at various locations along the length of the flow meter. The device is compatible with flow meters which have a float for measuring flow velocity. The device preferably has two housings, extending from a third housing having a display surface, that define an area for receiving a flow meter. The extending housings are preferably drawn together by a threaded member thereby clamping the device onto the flow meter. A sensor mounted on the device, preferably an optical emitter coupled with an optical receiver, is able to detect the float. When the float is detected, a signal is produced by the device notifying that the flow rate has fallen outside a desired range. The device is adjustable to function with flow meters of various different dimensions.

Abstract: A flow meter having a float slideably mounted along a float rod centrally located within a flow meter body, the float assuming a height along the flow meter float rod representative of fluid pressure. The float preferably has a cylindrical-shaped through-bore. The float rod preferably has a polygonal-shaped perimeter over substantially its entire length permitting fluid flow between the float rod outer diameter (OD) and the float inner diameter (ID) to dislodge any particulate, thereby serving a self-cleaning function. The float rod is preferably hollow and closed at its upper end and having flow inlet and flow outlet openings near its lower end communicating with a flow chamber which conveniently provides the inlet and outlet flows at the lower end of the flow meter.

Abstract: An anemometer that visually indicates the speed of the wind by the position of a float housed within a first chamber. The first chamber is in communication with a second chamber through a vertically extending conduit system. The second chamber is in communication with a low-pressure zone of a push differentiating system preferably a Venturi.

Abstract: A flowmeter has an inlet body including a flow detector and an outlet body including a flow adjuster. The inlet body is fixed to the outlet body and forms a single piece assembly comprising an inlet tube and a measurement tube. The flow adjuster includes a disk turned by a knob. The disk has holes so at least one hole always faces the outlet tube, regardless of the position of the disk, to allow flow distribution without the risk of interrupting it even while flow is adjusted, and enable gradual flow adjustment.

Abstract: A flow-indicating device is provided, comprising a tubular body adapted to direct a flow therethrough. The body has opposed ends, with one end being a downstream end, and has a flow element disposed therein. A shaping block is operably engaged with the body so as to form a constricted portion between the ends, the constricted portion of the body defining a constricted orifice having a downstream side. The constricted orifice is configured to prevent the flow element from passing therethrough. The flow element is disposed on the downstream side of the constricted portion and is configured to engage the constricted orifice when the flow is below a flow rate and to move toward the downstream end of the body as the flow increases over the flow rate to thereby indicate the flow through the body.

Abstract: A positive displacement flowmeter comprising a cylindrical enclosure and a piston movable within the enclosure between the opposite ends of the enclosure; with the piston having a diameter closely approximating the diameter of the enclosure to form a clearance seal; means for permitting a gas, the flow of which is to be measured, into one end of the enclosure for moving said piston toward the opposite end of the enclosure, means for detecting the movement of the piston between two locations along the cylindrical enclosure, means for measuring the pressure in the cylindrical enclosure and for calculating the presence of a dynamic error, if any, during said timed interval in accordance with the following equation: Error = ( P 2 - P 1 ) P 1 · Vm

Abstract: In one embodiment, a sight tube flowmeter is formed of a plurality of fluoropolymer components welded together to form a unitary flowmeter body. The components can comprise a PFA upright sight tube having two end portions, a flow conduit extending therethrough and two fitting portions that are uniquely welded onto each end of the sight tube, and a fluoropolymer float device movable to various positions within the flow conduit depending on the flow level of the fluid flowing therethrough. The float device can be of conventional design or for those flowmeter embodiments where low fluid flow rates are to be measured, an elongate float can be utilized. The floats and, in particular, a designated portion thereof, are visible through the sight tube to provide visual indication of the position, and thus the flow rate of fluid flowing through the flowmeter. In addition, alternative embodiments include the implementation of the unique sight tube and elongate float design in conventional flowmeters.

Abstract: A floating-probe flowmeter for measuring the flow rate of a moving medium includes a measuring tube through which flows a medium against the force of gravity and a float capable of moving at least in the direction of the medium flow. The surface of the float that is exposed to the flow of the medium and/or the inner surface of the measuring tube at least in the area of movement of the float is/are provided with a microstructure designed to virtually eliminate the effect of the viscosity of the flowing medium on the lift of the float.

Abstract: A flowmeter capable of real-time fuel mass flow measurement involving extremely low fuel mass flow quanta. The flowmeter includes a dual flow path conduit system, a flow control for alternating the selection of one flow path exclusive of the other flow path, an indicator tube interfaced with the conduit system, an indicator shuttle slidably mounted in the indicator tube, and a sensor for sensing the position of the indicator shuttle relative thereto.

Abstract: In a flow meter, especially for liquid cooling media in injection molds, comprising a housing with an inlet and outlet conduit and inside the housing a piston that is slidable against the force of an axially acting spring by the pressure of the fluid flowing through the housing in such a way that the displacement of the piston takes place in dependence upon the flow rate and is indicated through a window, provision is made, to attain a high measuring accuracy with a simple construction, for a helical spring (22) that is guided in extension of the inlet conduit (2) in an axial direction to be disposed in such a way that the entering fluid is transported around the centrically disposed helical spring (22).

Abstract: A optical flow-meter device comprises an outer tubular body provided with an inlet pipe fitting and an outlet pipe fitting for a fluid, and a tubular element made of transparent plastic material, which sealingly extends inside the body between the inlet and the outlet pipe fittings. The outer tubular body has two facingly arranged side openings for the insertion of a light-emitting element, and a light-receiving element connected to an electronic flow control and digital reading unit. A light-shuttering member is axially slidable within the inner tubular element and is shaped to allow the fluid to flow and at the same time to partialize or gradually shutter the light beam between the emitter and the receiver, providing an electronic signal proportional to the fluid flow running along the inner tubular element. A biasing spring member acts on the light-shuttering member to balance the fluid thrust.

Abstract: A flow-indicating device is provided, comprising a tubular body adapted to direct a flow therethrough. The body has opposed ends, with one end being a downstream end, and has a flow element disposed therein. A shaping block is operably engaged with the body so as to form a constricted portion between the ends, the constricted portion of the body defining a constricted orifice having a downstream side. The constricted orifice is configured to prevent the flow element from passing therethrough. The flow element is disposed on the downstream side of the constricted portion and is configured to engage the constricted orifice when the flow is below a flow rate and to move toward the downstream end of the body as the flow increases over the flow rate to thereby indicate the flow through the body.

Abstract: A float-type flowmeter measures the rate of a fluid flowing upwardly through a tube based on the position of a float movably disposed in the tube and including a magnetic material. A coil is wound around the tube such that the intervals gradually decrease in an axial direction. The coil is excited by an alternating current supplied from an inductance change detector. The inductance change detector detects a change in the inductance of the coil which is caused when the float moves in the axial direction, and generates a voltage. A voltage-to-position (flow rate) converter determines a flow rate from the voltage corresponding to the position of the float.

Abstract: A steam trap system is disclosed. The steam trap system includes an inlet, an outlet, and a float, with the inlet and the outlet separated by an orifice. The steam trap includes a plug operatively coupled to the float and disposed adjacent the orifice and arranged to open and close the orifice in response to movement of the float. A instrument module includes a pressure transducer arranged to detect pressure in the steam trap, a temperature transducer arranged to detect temperature within the steam trap, and an eddy current probe arranged to detect movement of the plug. A central processing unit is operatively coupled to and arranged to receive an output from each of the pressure transducer, the temperature transducer, and the eddy current probe, the central processing unit arranged to process the respective outputs to thereby determine total steam flow and total condensate flow through the steam trap.

Abstract: A flowmeter capable of real-time fuel mass flow measurement involving extremely low fuel mass flow quanta. The flowmeter includes a dual flow path conduit system, a flow control for alternating the selection of one flow path exclusive of the other flow path, an indicator tube interfaced with the conduit system, an indicator shuttle slidably mounted in the indicator tube, and a sensor for sensing the position of the indicator shuttle relative thereto.

Abstract: A flow sensing system capable of improving the monitored range of a flow sensing system. The flow sensing system has a transparent tube, an upper edge sensing assembly, a lower edge sensing assembly and a floating buoy. Under normal operating conditions, the lower edge sensing assembly detects the buoy exactly once during a first timing session, detects no buoy during a second timing session and detects the buoy exactly once during a third timing session. If one of the conditions is violated, a warning signal is issue to a station operator. The upper edge sensing assembly should not detect the buoy throughout the three timing sessions; otherwise, an abnormality has occurred and a warning signal is sent to the station operator. The sensing system prevents the size and length of buoy from interfering with the monitored range so that a more stable flow system is maintained.

Abstract: A flow meter comprises a housing with a tube, a floater inside the tube, and a permanent magnet embracing the housing. The volume of a fluid being passed through the tube defines the height of the floater position in the tube. The floater is equipped with a rotation coil and bulb connected thereto. Rotating the floater in the magnetic field of the permanent magnet under the influence of a fluid induces a voltage in the coil, and the bulb is turned on making reading volume values easier and more convenient.

Abstract: A flowmeter includes a floating body which floats freely in a stream in a measuring tube, and is acted upon by a flowing force, buoyancy and a weight. In order to generate a counterforce, a measuring spring is fixedly connected to the floating body. The floating body is preferably self-stabilized through a selection of corresponding geometrical relationships. The measuring spring can optionally be rotatably supported on the floating body and/or the measuring tube. The floating body is suitably made of light weight plastic material, so that the density (mass/volume) of the floating body matches the density of the flowing medium.

Abstract: A steam trap system is disclosed. The steam trap system includes an inlet, an outlet, and a float, with the inlet and the outlet separated by an orifice. The steam trap includes a plug operatively coupled to the float and disposed adjacent the orifice and arranged to open and close the orifice in response to movement of the float. A instrument module includes a pressure transducer arranged to detect pressure in the steam trap, a temperature transducer arranged to detect temperature within the steam trap, and an eddy current probe arranged to detect movement of the plug. A central processing unit is operatively coupled to and arranged to receive an output from each of the pressure transducer, the temperature transducer, and the eddy current probe, the central processing unit arranged to process the respective outputs to thereby determine total steam flow and total condensate flow through the steam trap.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a sight tube flowmeter is formed of a plurality of fluoropolymer components welded together to form a unitary flowmeter body. The components can comprise a PFA upright sight tube having two end portions, a flow conduit extending therethrough and two fitting portions that are uniquely welded onto each end of the sight tube, and a fluoropolymer float device movable to various positions within the flow conduit depending on the flow level of the fluid flowing therethrough. The float device can be of conventional design or for those flowmeter embodiments where low fluid flow rates are to be measured, an elongate float can be utilized. The floats and, in particular, a designated portion thereof, are visible through the sight tube to provide visual indication of the position, and thus the flow rate of fluid flowing through the flowmeter. In addition, alternative embodiments include the implementation of the unique sight tube and elongate float design in conventional flowmeters.