Abstract: A compact fluid flow sensor of the variable area type is disclosed which can accurately measure a broad range of flow rates and can be installed in any position relative to the horizontal plane and which is therefore particularly adaptable for use with vehicular fuel systems. The sensor comprises connected input and output housing members that retain between them a flexible diaphragm having an annular central orifice member. An adjustable needle valve is positioned within the orifice member to form a small, variable opening for fluid. The orifice member is connected to a core member of a differential transformer whose windings are connected to a circuit producing output signal responsive to the linear position of the core member. The varying pressure differential due to fluid flow rate created on opposite sides of the diaphragm causes the orifice member, and its attached core member, to move relative to the windings and produce an output from the differential transformer proportional to the fluid flow rate.

Abstract: A flow sensor particularly adapted to the measurement of fuel flow to internal combustion engines, but not limited thereto, the sensor including an annular raceway intersected by a tangentially disposed inlet jet nozzle and an outlet opening disposed immediately downstream of the inlet jet nozzle and radially offset therefrom whereby the initial fluid jet passes the outlet opening before radial distribution in the raceway, then circles the raceway and discharges into the outlet; the raceway receiving a ball having a density corresponding to the fluid for continuous rotation at a speed corresponding to the speed of the fluid movement in the raceway; the raceway having a traverse optical sensor to detect rotation of the ball; a chamber having a diaphragm exposed to flow through the inlet, the chamber assuming an expanded condition during increased flow and contractable on initial minimum flow to effect momentary supplemental flow to the raceway, and aid in maintaining movement of the counter ball.

Abstract: An improved marking gun for printing and applying adhesive price labels and the like, carried by a tape backing, the gun being of the type having a printing head connected to an operating trigger for imprinting the labels and wherein the improvements include a drive drum having radially projecting teeth for engagement with perforations in the label backing tape together with a pressure roller geared to rotate with the drive drum and exert a sufficient pressure on the backing tape to hold it against the drive wheel such that when the drive drum and pressure roller are initially rotated by the action of squeezing the marking gun trigger, the pulling force thereby exerted on the backing tape is less than the frictional force exerted by the printer which must necessarily be overcome to pull the backing tape and the labels through the printer.