Abstract: A flow meter prover with a piston assembly that is movable from a start position to a finish position and an actuator assembly with a carriage that moves between a first position and a second position. Preferably, the carriage is operable to releasably couple to the piston assembly, and the carriage is operable to move the piston assembly from the finish position to the start position as the carriage moves from the second position to the first position. The actuator assembly preferably includes a linear actuator that moves the carriage, and the carriage preferably includes an electromagnet that releasably couples to the piston assembly. The piston assembly preferably slides on a flag rod having first and second flags mounted thereon and two guide rods. A photoelectric sensor senses the flags as the piston assembly slides on the flag rod and generates signals when it senses the flags.

Abstract: The invention is generally directed to a pipeline sphere, and more specifically a seamless pipeline sphere wherein said sphere presents a flexible, seamless outer layer surrounding an inflatable inner bladder portion which itself defines a hollow chamber. The outer layer and the inner bladder portion contain apertures which are aligned to form a channel connecting the hollow chamber to the outside environment. A weighted material may be added to the pipeline sphere, if desired.

Abstract: A sphere or pig detection switch assembly adapted for being mounted on a pipe through which the sphere or pig will run. The assembly includes an elongated, hollow main body portion presenting an elongated chamber therein. The body portion defines a detection zone positioned alongside the chamber and includes mounting structure for a detection element including a detection surface to be mounted adjacent said zone. The assembly also includes an elongated probe shaft disposed mainly within the chamber. The probe shaft includes a centrally disposed activation portion and is longitudinally moveable within the chamber from a first position with the activation portion spaced from the zone to a second position with the activation portion at the zone.