Abstract: A sensor apparatus and a method of operating the sensor apparatus can include one or more sensors and a circuit board, wherein the one or more sensors can include a rotatable component (e.g., pulse disk, crank, pin, shaft, etc), and an angular circuit board assembly that maintains the circuit board in an angular position with respect to the rotatable component in an arrangement that allows the rotatable component to dive through the circuit board. The sensor can be, for example, a magnetic sensor, a light emitting diode or a photo diode. The sensor apparatus can include a flow channel and the rotatable component can oscillate to provide a measurement of a flow of fluid through the flow channel. The sensor apparatus can be used for the mechanical/electrical detection of pulses of a rotary motion.

Abstract: A phototransistor apparatus and a method of operating the phototransistor apparatus. The phototransistor apparatus can include a phototransistor, a light source, and a supply voltage associated with the phototransistor. After switching on the supply voltage, the phototransistor can generate a phototransistor signal that is scanned, wherein the supply voltage associated with the phototransistor is switched on later than the light source, and wherein charge carriers in a base area of the phototransistor are reactive to a light pulse from the light source in a currentless state, and continue to react after the light source is switched off. Alternatively, the power supply of the phototransistor can be switched on before the light source is switched off. By delaying the switching on of the power supply of the phototransistor compared to the switching on of the light source, a significant current saving can be achieved.

Abstract: A tamper proof locking mechanism incorporating a first fixture for attachment to an index protective cover, a second fixture for attachment to an instrument, and a third fixture for connecting the first fixture to the second fixture. The first fixture may have a receptacle, the second fixture may have a plate with an opening, and the third fixture may have a protrusive structure that fits into the receptacle of the first fixture and into the opening in the plate to connect the first fixture to the second fixture. The protrusive structure may have a rivet that is partially embedded with a plastic-like material that reveals tampering when an attempt is made to break a connection between the first fixture and the second fixture.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system comprises a valve disc configured in an overpressure protection device. The system can also include a valve gasket configured to rest on the valve disc. The system also includes a valve seat configured above the valve gasket, wherein the valve gasket is sealed in between the valve seat and the valve disc. The system further includes a supporting structure configured above the valve seat. The supporting structure is configured to enable the valve gasket to remain in position between the valve disc and the valve seat in response to an increase in pressure.

Abstract: A valve without position indicating switches. Positions of the valve are detected from current magnitude measurements and current profile analytics. The current profile may be learned initially and relearned and adapted at each operation. The valve may be opened and closed by a driver that is actuated by an electrical current to control the opening and closing of the valve. The current may be regulated by a controller to open and close the valve appropriately.

Abstract: One embodiment is a device comprising a first and second section of a housing connected by a connection region that uses a plurality of connection elements, an inlet connected to the first or the second section, an outlet connected to the first or the second section where a gas can exit the housing, and a valve connected to the outlet, the valve capable of withstanding a first pressure in the housing.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system comprises a valve disc configured in an overpressure protection device. The system can also include a valve gasket configured to rest on the valve disc. The system also includes a valve seat configured above the valve gasket, wherein the valve gasket is sealed in between the valve seat and the valve disc. The system further includes a supporting structure configured above the valve seat. The supporting structure is configured to enable the valve gasket to remain in position between the valve disc and the valve seat in response to an increase in pressure.

Abstract: A frictionless rotary valve comprising: a valve body to be connected within a gas meter, the valve body comprising: a seal, fixedly attached near an outlet of the valve body; and a valve disc, having a ball bearing attached to the valve body; and a gear mechanism comprising: a worm wheel engaged with a worm, wherein the worm wheel is attached to a second end of the valve disc; a drive gear connected to the worm, wherein a rotation of the drive gear in a clockwise direction rotates the worm wheel in an anti-clockwise and moves the valve disc in a closed position; a worm wheel stop, for restricting a movement of the worm wheel in the anti-clockwise direction and driving the worm wheel in a vertically upward direction; and a linear guide attached to the worm wheel.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus and a method of operating the sensor apparatus can include one or more sensors and a circuit board, wherein the one or more sensors can include a rotatable component (e.g., pulse disk, crank, pin, shaft, etc), and an angular circuit board assembly that maintains the circuit board in an angular position with respect to the rotatable component in an arrangement that allows the rotatable component to dive through the circuit board. The sensor can be, for example, a magnetic sensor, a light emitting diode or a photo diode. The sensor apparatus can include a flow channel and the rotatable component can oscillate to provide a measurement of a flow of fluid through the flow channel. The sensor apparatus can be used for the mechanical/electrical detection of pulses of a rotary motion.

Abstract: A frictionless rotary valve comprising: a valve body to be connected within a gas meter, the valve body comprising: a seal, fixedly attached near an outlet of the valve body; and a valve disc, having a ball bearing attached to the valve body; and a gear mechanism comprising: a worm wheel engaged with a worm, wherein the worm wheel is attached to a second end of the valve disc; a drive gear connected to the worm, wherein a rotation of the drive gear in a clockwise direction rotates the worm wheel in an anti-clockwise and moves the valve disc in a closed position; a worm wheel stop, for restricting a movement of the worm wheel in the anti-clockwise direction and driving the worm wheel in a vertically upward direction; and a linear guide attached to the worm wheel.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system comprises a valve disc configured in an overpressure protection device. The system can also include a valve gasket configured to rest on the valve disc. The system also includes a valve seat configured above the valve gasket, wherein the valve gasket is sealed in between the valve seat and the valve disc. The system further includes a supporting structure configured above the valve seat. The supporting structure is configured to enable the valve gasket to remain in position between the valve disc and the valve seat in response to an increase in pressure.

Abstract: A phototransistor apparatus and a method of operating the phototransistor apparatus. The phototransistor apparatus can include a phototransistor, a light source, and a supply voltage associated with the phototransistor. After switching on the supply voltage, the phototransistor can generate a phototransistor signal that is scanned, wherein the supply voltage associated with the phototransistor is switched on later than the light source, and wherein charge carriers in a base area of the phototransistor are reactive to a light pulse from the light source in a currentless state, and continue to react after the light source is switched off. Alternatively, the power supply of the phototransistor can be switched on before the light source is switched off. By delaying the switching on of the power supply of the phototransistor compared to the switching on of the light source, a significant current saving can be achieved.

Abstract: A valve without position indicating switches. Positions of the valve are detected from current magnitude measurements and current profile analytics. The current profile may be learned initially and relearned and adapted at each operation. The valve may be opened and closed by a driver that is actuated by an electrical current to control the opening and closing of the valve. The current may be regulated by a controller to open and close the valve appropriately.

Abstract: A tamper proof locking mechanism incorporating a first fixture for attachment to an index protective cover, a second fixture for attachment to an instrument, and a third fixture for connecting the first fixture to the second fixture. The first fixture may have a receptacle, the second fixture may have a plate with an opening, and the third fixture may have a protrusive structure that fits into the receptacle of the first fixture and into the opening in the plate to connect the first fixture to the second fixture. The protrusive structure may have a rivet that is partially embedded with a plastic-like material that reveals tampering when an attempt is made to break a connection between the first fixture and the second fixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for blocking and releasing a fluid flow having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A main opening is disposed between the inlet and the outlet and associated with a main blocking element that can seal off the main opening. An actuation device can move the main blocking element from the open position to the closed position, and the main blocking element is disposed in the closed position such that an increased fluid pressure at the fluid inlet relative to the fluid outlet brings about a press force holding the main blocking element in the closed position. A fluid overflow path is provided between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet that can be sealed off by the actuation device. The main blocking element can be released by the actuation device and the fluid overflow path can be opened by the actuation device.