Abstract: A fuel mass flowmeter 10 includes a rotatable drum 22 through which fuel to be metered may pass and an impeller 24 mounted within the drum such that it may rotate relative thereto but is biased against such rotation by a spring 26. The drum 22 may be rotated as fuel is passed therethrough, the passage of the fuel past vanes 36 on the impeller causing the impeller to rotate relative to the drum 22, the extent of rotation depending upon the mass flow rate. The rate of rotation of the drum 22 is measured and a correction factor is applied to the measured mass flow rate, the magnitude of the correction factor depending upon the rate of rotation of the drum 22.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing system employing a dual rotor turbine flow meter is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing a controller to monitor a flow volume in a fluid transportation system. The controller being operably connected to a module. The module being operably connected to a flow meter. The module senses a series of pulses that represent a known fluid volume in a proving loop. The module also measures the fluid density of the fluid in the proving loop. The controller utilizes a dynamic density of the fluid and the sensed pulses to determine a correction factor to more accurately calculate the flow volume through the measuring flow meter. The controller ensures the accuracy of the flow meter by utilizing the partial pulses sensed during a meter-proving period by using an interpolation method.

Abstract: An electronic, programmable meter register (10) includes an input section (18, 19, 30) for generating pulses in response to units of flow in a water meter, a stored control program (46), a microelectronic CPU (31) for executing the program (46) to read input pulses and to transmit output data representing units of flow volume. An output device (16) is responsive to output data from the CPU (31) to display units of flow volume, and the CPU (31) stores a programmable meter input resolution factor for a corresponding one of several meters that scales the output data that is transmitted to the output device (16). A magnet (49) is held outside the register unit (10), but in proximity to a reed switch (22) inside the sealed unit (10) to sequence the display (16) through a series of totalization, rate of flow and other screen displays. A magnetic pulse pickup (24, 18, 19) is provided to signal both forward and reverse flows.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring apparatus (1) for fluids with the following features: a) the measuring apparatus (1) has a support tube (2); b) a rotor (3, 36, 42) is rotatably journaled in the support tube (2); c) the rotor (3, 36, 42) is configured for interaction with the fluid found in the support tube (2); d) the rotor (3, 36, 42) has at both ends axially-magnetized permanently magnetic rotor magnets (7, 8; 46; 47); e) permanent magnetic stator magnets (18, 19; 52, 53) connected with the support tube (2) are axially juxtaposed with the ends of the rotor (3, 36, 42); f) each stator magnet (18, 19; 52, 53) has such axial magnetization that the neighboring stator and rotor magnets (18, 19; 7, 8; 46, 47; 52, 53) are oppositely attractive. g) the rotor device (1 [sic]) has a magnetic axially-stabilizing device (22, 23, 27; 58, 59, 66) for the rotor (3, 36, 42).

Abstract: A system and method for communicating information between a utility metering device, such as a water meter, and a remote location, such as inside a residence or a service provider.

Abstract: A flowmeter for sensing fluid flow. The flowmeter includes a housing including a first port, a second port, a chamber in fluid communication with the first port and the second port, and a fluid passageway extending from the first port to the second port. An impeller having a non-magnetized metal pole piece is located within the chamber of the housing and is rotatable about an axis in response to fluid flow through the fluid passageway. A Hall Effect sensor and a magnet are located outside of the fluid passageway. The magnetic field generated by the magnet enables the Hall Effect sensor to sense rotation of the impeller and thereby the rate of fluid flow through the fluid passageway.

Abstract: A totalization meter system for a water treatment device, the device having an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, and a channel for channeling water between the inlet and outlet apertures. A flow reactive device is positioned in the channel and is exposed to the flowing water, and a signal generating member is positioned on the flow reactive device. A switch is positioned proximately to the flow reactive device, and is sensitive to the proximity of the signal generating member. The switch is able to communicate electric signals indicative of the motion of the signal generating member. A resettable processor having a performance threshold programmed therein and an output device is included. The microcontroller is in electrical communication with the switch for receiving electrical signals from the switch. The switch is capable of sensing the characteristics of the flow reactive device and communicates electrical signals representative of the characteristics to the microcontroller.

Abstract: A cartridge (3) carrying an impeller (4) is inserted into a flowmeter sensor (1). The water pressure and shape tolerances as well as forces and bending moments acting on the system from the outside shall not affect the rotary behavior of the impeller (4). The outer surface (10) of the cartridge (3) is spaced apart from the inner surface (11) of the water space (20). A flange (14) is provided to seal the cartridge (3) against the water space (20). The cartridge (3) is supported linearly or in a punctiform manner in a guide area (32) of the inner surface (11).

Abstract: A turbine type flow meter has a four-vaned plastic torpedo-shaped turbine mounted by portions of the plastic turbine within a housing between first and second bearings. The turbine supports a pair of magnets of the Neodymium-Iron-Boron type which rotate with the turbine. An upstream portion of the housing incorporates a sensor cavity, which is sealed from a flow cavity containing the turbine. A connector and an attached printed circuit board with a Hall effect sensor is mounted within the sensor cavity closely spaced from the rotating magnets. The sensor housing is constructed from two parts. Each part of the housing incorporates mating structures that are designed for joining by spin welding.

Abstract: A flowmeter includes a conduit having an elbow portion and a straight section downstream of the elbow. A turbine is mounted inside the conduit in the straight section adjacent the elbow portion. The turbine occupies less than the entire cross section of the conduit and is disposed adjacent the side of the conduit which receives the laminar flow exiting from the elbow portion. A permanent magnet is mounted on the turbine, the rotation of which is picked up by a Hall-effect sensor mounted in a cavity in a wall of the conduit.

Abstract: A device for delivering a preset volume of fluid, such as oil, includes a casing (10) with an inlet port (16), an outlet port (17) and supply passages (22, 24) for flow of fluid from the inlet port (16) to the outlet port (17). A valve including a valve member (24) is situated to control the flow of the fluid through a valve chamber (23). The valve is manually actuated to an open position and held by momentary energization of a latching solenoid (36). When the fluid volume reaches a preset volume, the latching solenoid (36) is energized again to allow the release the valve member (24) to return to a closed position. In the event of a battery low condition, the latching solenoid (36) can be disabled, so that the valve can only be held open manually, thereby preventing an electrical failure with the valve open. A manual push button (21) is directly connected to the valve member (24) for closing the valve manually. A method for controlling the dispensing of a fluid is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an anomaly in a flowing stream includes a set of blades rotatably suspended in the flowing stream and aligned with a normal flow direction of the flowing stream. The blades are configured to rotate at one rate when the anomaly is present in the flowing stream and to rotate at a different rate when the anomaly is absent from the flowing stream. A device is prescribed for measuring rate of rotation and rotation direction of the blades.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for accurately controlling the amount of NH3 to be applied to a field by measuring the NH3 flow rate without condensing or cooling the NH3. The system includes a control station 12 on the vehicle with a tachometer 12A or a GPS system for providing a vehicle speed signal to a control panel 13. The control panel includes a toggle switch 17 for adjusting the opening or closing of a valve 52 in the flow line to regulate the flow through the system, although the control panel alternatively may automatically control the valve 52. The vehicle transports a tank 20 containing liquid NH3 and a tool bar 30 for distributing the NH3 to the soil. After flowing through the flow meter 40, 60, 130, the NH3 is conducted to the soil through a series of hoses, fittings, a distributor, and tubing. The flow meter transmits a signal to the control panel, which is converted to a corrected flow rate signal in response to a fixed value vaporization correction factor.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the flow of water through a pipe. A metering device is located in a pipeline. A transmitting unit including a sensor is contained within a housing which has a frame projecting horizontally outwardly from the housing. A clip having an elongated band and a “U” shaped clasp at either end has an inner clasp portion and an outer catch portion to hold the meter against the housing.

Abstract: An integrated pump and meter having a spindle axially extending in the direction of the flow of fluid for pumping and metering the flow of fluid. A volume of fluid pumped is calculated as a function of spindle rotation. In one particular of embodiment, a pair of pressure sensors are located at the inlet and outlet of the pump/meter, respectively for computing a gap loss volume due to fluid passing between the pump/meter spindle and the cylinder wall. The gap loss volume and calculated flow volume are combined to calculate a total volume of fluid to be dispensed.

Abstract: A system including a pulse-generating device can comprise of at least one analog sensor and at least one unit for signal-processing is arranged to detect the analog signal and to generate signal changes having a higher frequency. When generating signal changes in connection with the determination of the amount of fuel dispensed from a fuel pump unit and a frequency generator for generating a periodic analog signal having a frequency is generated, which corresponds to a fuel volume flow in the pump unit. The amplitude of the analog signal is detected and then signal changes having a higher frequency are emitted, which is dependent on and higher than the frequency.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an anomaly in a flowing stream includes a set of blades rotatably suspended in the flowing stream and aligned with a normal flow direction of the flowing stream. The blades are configured to rotate at one rate when the anomaly is present in the flowing stream and to rotate at a different rate when the anomaly is absent from the flowing stream. A device is prescribed for measuring rate of rotation and rotation direction of the blades.

Abstract: A metering device has a magnet with ten poles which is driven to rotate by a gear connected to a source of rotation that is proportional to fluid flow, the passage of time, or other phenomenon. A reed switch is mounted so that rotation of the poles of the magnet, into and out of a position adjacent to the reed switch causes the reed switch to open and close as the magnet rotates. The opening and closing of the reed switch causes a step change in voltage applied to an electronic device which increments a counter. A second reed switch spaced from the rotating magnet sufficiently so that it remains normally open can act as a sensitive device for detecting the presence of extraneous magnetic fields that might interfere with the operation of the first reed switch.

Abstract: An air-flow measuring device for measuring respiratory performance includes a valve having at least one rotary blade for detecting air-flow through the device. The valve includes at least one air-directing aperture which alters the direction of air-flow incident on said valve from a first direction onto a second altered direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and to the planar surface of the rotary blade. The direction-altered air-flow provides a force which causes the rotary blade to move. An optical transducer measures the rotation of the blade to determine air-flow parameters in the device.

Abstract: Passive solid-state magnetic sensors are based on the combination of magnetorestrictive materials and piezoelectric materials. Sensors have applications in rotor speed detection, magnetic field detection, read heads, and MRAM, for example.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an anomaly in a flowing stream includes a set of blades rotatably suspended in the flowing stream and aligned with a normal flow direction of the flowing stream. The blades are configured to rotate at one rate when the anomaly is present in the flowing stream and to rotate at a different rate when the anomaly is absent from the flowing stream. A device is prescribed for measuring rate of rotation and rotation direction of the blades.

Abstract: A light weight, refrigerant flow meter that calculates the quantity of refrigerant that has flowed through the refrigerant flow meter for a given period of time and provides a continuous visual display output of the quantity of refrigerant transferred between a refrigerant container and a system being charged with refrigerant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cyclone turbine flowmeter for extracting information about a flow rate or measuring the quantity of flow flowing in production facilities. The cyclone turbine flowmeter includes a cyclone turbine formed with flow channels for allowing liquids flowing in from the outside to receive rotary power, a rotor rotated by the liquids passed through the flow channels of the cyclone turbine, a turbine bearing manufactured so as to minimize frictional forces and at the same time, to have durability and resistance to chemicals, and a vibration isolation bearing constructed in such a manner of enclosing the turbine bearing and its turbine axle to prevent vibration.

Abstract: A device for measuring fluid volume output by a pump includes a meter housing having an inlet and an outlet through which the fluid flows. At least two inter-engaging screw spindles are rotatably mounted within the meter housing and are rotatable in response to fluid flow in an axial direction through the housing. An exciter disc is arranged in the fluid flow in the meter housing and connected to one of the at least two inter-engaging screw spindles for rotation therewith. The exciter disc has at least one substantially planar surface and a plurality of magnets circularly arranged thereon with their fields in an axial direction relative to the exciter disc. The meter housing is configured to form a gap and the exciter disc penetrates the gap, whereby a region of the meter housing is in close proximity to and extends over a portion of the planar surface of the exciter disc.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for a fluid flow meter, more particularly a gas meter, includes a sensor well made of a non-magnetic material and a sensor which is removable from the well without depressurizing the fluid line in which the flow meter is located. The sensor well is mounted within a bore formed in a meter body boss and, in a preferred embodiment, extends through the internal rotor housing and includes an inner face contoured to conform to the inner wall of the housing. In certain embodiments of the invention, the sensor is shaped to cover the sensor well mounting bolts so that the well cannot be removed without first removing the sensor. In other embodiments, the sensor well mounting bolts are retained in the sensor well by dowel pins, stakes or retaining rings such that the bolts must be gradually and sequentially loosened to remove the sensor well, in order to prevent improper removal of the sensor well from the meter body boss.

Abstract: A flow rate measuring system for conveyed material includes a conveyor including a frame and a material supporting surface moveably supported by the frame. The flow rate measuring system utilizes height measurement devices which are responsive to the height of the material supported on the material supporting surface of the conveyor for taking material height measurements. A signal generating device provides an output signal in response to the height measurement device. The height of the material on a conveyor of known width and known speed allows the calculation of volume or mass flow rates. The height measurement device typically comprises a deflection impact surface which is a finger or paddle assembly. The flow rate measuring system for conveyed material additionally may include a signal processing device such as computer for taking and recording height measurements as specific intervals.

Abstract: A system for insuring proper human hydration comprises an oral-suction-activated flow meter (202) which measures and displays (292) the volume of fluid (255) withdrawn from a reservoir (258) through tubing (270). An optional check valve (280) prevents return flow of fluid (255) from the user's mouth (205) to the reservoir (258). Mode and control buttons (294) control operation of a microprocessor (300) and a display (292). Both alphanumeric (292) and graphical (730, 850) displays show the volume withdrawn as a function of time or other events. Drink reminder alarms are provided through a display (292) or loudspeaker (520) to alert the user when it is time for a drink to ensure proper hydration.