Abstract: Methods and apparatuses associated with flow sensing devices are provided. An example flow sensing device may include a sensing element disposed at least partially within the housing, and a plurality of channels disposed within the housing defining a flow path configured to convey a flowing media through the flow sensing device, wherein the flow path is disposed proximate the sensing element such that at least a portion of the flowing media makes direct contact with the sensing element.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a fluid composition sensor device and method of using the same. In various embodiments, the fluid flow composition sensor is configured to receive a volume of fluid, the fluid composition sensor comprising a housing, a removable fluid flow component, an impactor nozzle, a collection media assembly dock element configured to receive a replaceable collection media assembly comprising a collection media configured to receive one or more particles within the volume of fluid, an imaging device configured to capture an image of at least a portion of the one or more particles received by the fluid composition sensor, and a controller configured to determine, based at least in part on the image, at least one particle characteristic of the volume of fluid. The imaging device may be configured to capture the image of one or more particles received by the fluid composition sensor using lensless holography.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses associated with flow sensing devices are provided. An example flow sensing device may include a sensing element disposed at least partially within the housing, and a plurality of channels disposed within the housing defining a flow path configured to convey a flowing media through the flow sensing device, wherein the flow path is disposed proximate the sensing element such that at least a portion of the flowing media makes direct contact with the sensing element.

Abstract: A flow sensor assembly including a top flowtube that defines an inlet port, an outlet port, and a main channel. An inlet flow channel fluidly may connect the inlet port of the flow sensor assembly to the main channel. An outlet flow channel fluidly may connect the main channel to the outlet port. The bottom flowtube may include a shroud which acts as a cover over an electronic circuit board. The shroud may eliminate a step, created by the flow sensor, to provide a continuous flow path over the sensor. The channels may be formed to utilize the entire footprint of the flow sensor assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to a system comprising a flow sensor assembly. The flow sensor assembly includes a housing defining a flow channel. The flow channel has an inlet serpentine portion fluidly coupled to an inlet port, and an outlet serpentine portion fluidly coupled to an outlet port. The housing further defines a sensor chamber fluidly coupling the inlet serpentine portion to the outlet serpentine portion, where the sensor chamber has a split planar region. The flow sensor assembly further includes a sensor die located proximate to the split planar region and configured to sense a measure related to a flow rate of a fluid.

Abstract: A mass flow sensor assembly that contains an absolute pressure sensor for compensating via electronics an output reading of mass flow of a fluid through a channel. The flow and pressure sensors may be built in close proximity to each other in the channel. The mass flow sensor assembly incorporating the absolute pressure sensor may be fabricated using MEMS techniques.

Abstract: A flow sensor assembly including a top flowtube that defines an inlet port, an outlet port, and a main channel. An inlet flow channel fluidly may connect the inlet port of the flow sensor assembly to the main channel. An outlet flow channel fluidly may connect the main channel to the outlet port. The bottom flowtube may include a shroud which acts as a cover over an electronic circuit board. The shroud may eliminate a step, created by the flow sensor, to provide a continuous flow path over the sensor. The channels may be formed to utilize the entire footprint of the flow sensor assembly.

Abstract: A flow sensing module is provided for determining a flow rate of a fluid flowing through a flow channel. The flow sensing module may include an integrated flow restrictor, sometimes including a plurality of concentric ribs defining a plurality of orifices shaped to match the curvature of the wall of the flow channel. A first sensing port may open into the flow channel upstream of the flow restrictor, and a second sensing port may open into the flow channel downstream of the flow restrictor. A flow rate of a fluid flowing through the flow channel may be determining using a differential pressure between the first and second ports created by the flow restrictor, either using a flow sensor or a pressure sensor. The particular arrangement and relative dimensions of the orifices of the flow restrictor and the pressure ports can result in substantially reduced noise.

Abstract: A sensor may include a substrate defining a flow channel that extends through the substrate, and a plurality of bond pads on the substrate. A first housing may be disposed along the substrate and may permit at least some fluid to flow from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet along at least part of the flow channel. A second housing may be disposed along the substrate. A sense die may be disposed between the second housing and the substrate and may include a sensing side facing the substrate with a sense element in registration with the flow channel and a plurality of bond pads on the sensing side that are in registration with, and bump bonded to, the plurality of bond pads on the substrate. An adhesive or other material may be disposed between the sensing side of the sense die and the substrate.

Abstract: A flow sensor assembly. The flow sensor assembly comprises a housing defining a flow channel and a sensor die. The flow channel comprises an inlet and an outlet port, an inlet serpentine portion of the flow channel fluidly coupling to the inlet port, an outlet serpentine portion of the flow channel fluidly coupling to the outlet port, and a sensor chamber fluidly coupling the inlet serpentine portion to the outlet serpentine portion, where the sensor chamber defines a planar region, an inlet ramp that transitions between a bottom of an inlet of the sensor chamber to a spit portion of the planar region, an outlet ramp that transitions between a bottom of an outlet of the sensor chamber to the spit portion of the planar region. The sensor die is located proximate to the spit and configured to sense a measure related to a flow rate of a fluid.

Abstract: A flow sensor assembly includes a housing that defines an inlet port, an outlet port, a main channel and a bypass channel. An inlet flow channel fluidly connects the inlet port of the flow sensor assembly to the main channel and an outlet flow channel fluidly connects the main channel to the outlet port. A bypass feeder input channel fluidly connects the main channel to the bypass channel and a bypass feeder output channel fluidly connect the bypass channel to the main channel. In some instances, at least 40 percent of an input pressure differential applied between the inlet port and the outlet port of the flow sensor assembly drops across the inlet flow channel and the outlet flow channel collectively. A sensor is exposed to a fluid in the bypass channel and senses a measure related to a flow rate of the fluid flowing through the bypass channel.

Abstract: A flow sensing module is provided for determining a flow rate of a fluid flowing through a flow channel. The flow sensing module may include an integrated flow restrictor, sometimes including a plurality of concentric ribs defining a plurality of orifices shaped to match the curvature of the wall of the flow channel. A first sensing port may open into the flow channel upstream of the flow restrictor, and a second sensing port may open into the flow channel downstream of the flow restrictor. A flow rate of a fluid flowing through the flow channel may be determining using a differential pressure between the first and second ports created by the flow restrictor, either using a flow sensor or a pressure sensor. The particular arrangement and relative dimensions of the orifices of the flow restrictor and the pressure ports can result in substantially reduced noise.

Abstract: A sensor housing includes an inlet flow port, an outlet flow port, a flow sensing region, and a flow channel extending between the inlet flow port, the flow sensing region and the outlet flow port. The flow channel defines a flow path between the inlet flow port and the flow sensing region that is contorted in three-dimensions. The three-dimensional contorted flow path between the inlet flow port and a flow sensing region may include a particle collection region that is configured to decelerate a fluid and collect particles that are released from the fluid. The deceleration of the fluid flow and/or one or more changes in the direction of fluid flow along the contorted three-dimensional flow path may cause dust and/or other particulate matter to be released from the fluid prior to reaching a sensor in the sensing region.

Abstract: A flow sensor assembly includes a housing that defines an inlet port, an outlet port, a main channel and a bypass channel. An inlet flow channel fluidly connects the inlet port of the flow sensor assembly to the main channel and an outlet flow channel fluidly connects the main channel to the outlet port. A bypass feeder input channel fluidly connects the main channel to the bypass channel and a bypass feeder output channel fluidly connect the bypass channel to the main channel. In some instances, at least 40 percent of an input pressure differential applied between the inlet port and the outlet port of the flow sensor assembly drops across the inlet flow channel and the outlet flow channel collectively. A sensor is exposed to a fluid in the bypass channel and senses a measure related to a flow rate of the fluid flowing through the bypass channel.

Abstract: A sensor may include a substrate defining a flow channel that extends through the substrate, and a plurality of bond pads on the substrate. A first housing may be disposed along the substrate and may permit at least some fluid to flow from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet along at least part of the flow channel. A second housing may be disposed along the substrate. A sense die may be disposed between the second housing and the substrate and may include a sensing side facing the substrate with a sense element in registration with the flow channel and a plurality of bond pads on the sensing side that are in registration with, and bump bonded to, the plurality of bond pads on the substrate. An adhesive or other material may be disposed between the sensing side of the sense die and the substrate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to modular flow sensor assemblies and methods. The modular flow sensor assembly may include a main sensor body, a first end adapter having a first connection port configuration, and a second end adapter having a second connection port configuration. The main sensor body may include a main housing and a sensor, where the first end adapter is configured to engage the main housing and the second end adapter is configured to engage the main housing. The first end adapter and the second end adapter may be selected from a group of end adapters, wherein at least two of the end adapters has a different connection port configuration. The selected first end adapter and the selected second end adapters may have the same or different connection port configurations. The first end adapter and the second end adapter are configured to be interchangeable end adapters.

Abstract: A sensor housing includes an inlet flow port, an outlet flow port, a flow sensing region, and a flow channel extending between the inlet flow port, the flow sensing region and the outlet flow port. The flow channel defines a flow path between the inlet flow port and the flow sensing region that is contorted in three-dimensions. The three-dimensional contorted flow path between the inlet flow port and a flow sensing region may include a particle collection region that is configured to decelerate a fluid and collect particles that are released from the fluid. The deceleration of the fluid flow and/or one or more changes in the direction of fluid flow along the contorted three-dimensional flow path may cause dust and/or other particulate matter to be released from the fluid prior to reaching a sensor in the sensing region.

Abstract: Flow sensor assemblies having increased flow range capabilities are disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, a flow sensor assembly includes a housing with an inlet flow port, an outlet flow port, a fluid channel extending between the inlet flow port and the outlet flow port, and a bypass channel having a pair of taps fluidly connected to the fluid channel at separate locations. A flow sensor for sensing a measure related to a flow rate of a fluid flowing through the fluid channel can positioned in the bypass channel. A pressure differential between the two taps of the bypass channel can drive a fraction of a fluid flowing through the fluid channel through the bypass channel. The flow sensor assembly may be configured to achieve, control, and/or balance a desired fraction of fluid flow through the bypass channel and past the flow sensor.

Abstract: A flow sensor includes a main flow body, a laminar flow element, a first bypass tap, and a second flow element sensor tap. The main flow body has a first main flow port, a second main flow port, a main flow channel, a first bypass tap, a second bypass tap, and a bypass flow channel. The laminar flow element is disposed within the main flow channel. The bypass flow channel has a cross sectional area, and the first bypass tap and the second bypass tap each have a cross sectional area that is greater than the maximum cross sectional area of the bypass flow channel.