Abstract: A malfunction determining apparatus of an exhaust gas recirculation system can prevent an erroneous determination that an exhaust gas recirculating valve is normal when the valve has a cause of malfunctioning. The exhaust gas recirculating valve is provided between an exhaust passage and an intake passage of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. An operation determining part determines whether the exhaust gas recirculating valve has been operated at least once. A malfunction determining part performs a determination as to whether the exhaust gas recirculation system is malfunctioning. The determination is performed after the exhaust gas recirculating valve has been operated at least once.

Abstract: In a venting arrangement for an internal combustion engine having a cylinder head with an intake duct structure consisting of plastic material and including intake passages, an inlet stub for connection to a vent pipe, and an outlet for communication with the intake passages, the intake duct structure includes a passage with a metal sleeve and a bolt extending through the metal sleeve for mounting the intake duct structure to the cylinder head while firmly engaging the metal sleeve with the cylinder head and a throttle structure which limits the vent flow from the inlet stub to the outlet intake ducts is formed in the passage adjacent the metal sleeve so as to be heated by the metal sleeve.

Abstract: A separator (8) for separating liquid from gas is disclosed in which two or part cylindrical chambers (12, 12', 14, 14', 16) are arranged to produce contra-rotating vortices therein when a liquid and gas mixture is passed therethrough. The change in direction of the flow when passing from one chamber to the next and the centifugal effect of the vortex flow separates the denser fluid from the less dense gas.

Abstract: A vented, unitary sealing grommet for establishing a first liquid-tight interface between a ignition coil and a spark plug adapter tube and a second liquid-tight interface between the ignition coil and a valve cover includes a hollow main body portion having a substantially cylindrical shape with a longitudinal axis and including a pair of annular sealing ribs, a planar flange portion which is disposed within a geometric plane which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the main body portion being designed to fit between the ignition coil and the spark plug adapter tube such that the annular sealing ribs are compressed due to the interference fit. The planar flange portion is designed to fit between ignition coil and the valve cover.

Abstract: An evaporated fuel treatment device comprising a purge control valve for controlling an amount of fuel vapor fed into the intake passage from a charcoal canister. The drive pulse of the purge control valve is controlled by a duty ratio. When the engine is idling, if the air-fuel ratio becomes rich, the speed of increase of the duty ratio of the drive pulse of the purge control valve is restricted to less than a predetermined speed.

Abstract: The invention comprises a combination stabilizer/drawlock device adapted for use with an overdraw arrow rest in archery and bowhunting. The stabilizer/drawlock device includes an elongated mounting bracket having near its forward end a bolt slot for attaching the bracket to an archery bow's handle, and having intermediate its forward and rearward ends a support for an overdraw arrow rest that permits the arrow rest to be positioned at a selectable distance to the rear of the bow's handle. The device further includes a draw tube attached to the rearward end of the mounting bracket and a draw rod in telescoping engagement with the draw tube. The draw tube can be attached to the bow at a selectable angle or permitted to pivot freely to align with the axis of the arrow between nock point and arrow rest after vertical adjustment to a tuned nocking point. The back end of the draw rod supports a bow string mechanical release.

Abstract: An arrow rest assembly attached to a bow is designed to be horizontally movable in order to clear the fletching on a released arrow. The arrow rest assembly incorporates a flexible positioner to position the arrow away from the handle of the bow, in line with the bow string and in clearance of the fletching. An arrow rest holds the arrow in position while the bow is drawn and the arrow is aimed. The arrow rest assembly has a triggering control which responds to the movement of the bow string after the arrow is released; such triggering control retracts the arrow rest from its extended holding position to its retracted clearing position before the fletching of the arrow passes by the arrow rest. The triggering control can be adjusted relative to the bow string in order to vary the timing of the arrow rest's retraction.

Abstract: A toy gun is disclosed. In one embodiment, the toy gun includes a housing, a barrel coupled to the housing for movement between retracted and extended positions, and a stock for movement between retracted and extended positions. In another embodiment, the toy gun includes a chamber; a device for forcing air from the chamber; a barrel coupled to the housing for movement between retracted and extended positions; and a seal for directing air forced from the chamber through the barrel.

Abstract: Two grooved rolls 11 and 12 among three grooved rolls 11.about.13 engaged by a saw wire 14 are arranged one above the other and the saw wire 14 is made to travel vertically between the grooved rolls 11 and 12. A workpiece 9 is moved horizontally and pushed against the vertically traveling wire 14. It is preferred that the grooved roll 13 be disposed at a height approximately the same as that of the lower grooved roll 12.

Abstract: An outdoor cooking apparatus (10) for use over an open fire pit. The cooking apparatus has three legs (12, 14 and 16 or 216) mounted together by a connector plate (18) in a tripod shape. The third leg of the apparatus includes a top portion (16A), a middle portion (16B) and a bottom portion (16C or 216C). The top and bottom portions extend downward at an angle and are connected by the horizontal middle portion. The middle portion extends horizontally away from the first and second legs such that the bottom portion of the third leg is spaced farther apart from the first and second leg than the top portion of the leg. A screw mechanism (36 or 236) is mounted on the bottom portion of the third leg to move the cooking surface (56) vertically. The cooking surface is mounted by a telescoping arm (58 or 258) to the sleeve (38 or 238) of the screw mechanism. The telescoping arm can be extended or retracted to horizontally move the cooking surface.

Abstract: A portable grill which permits adjustment of a food support platform in three dimensions. A ground support accepts a trussed stanchion and permits rotation of the stanchion. The ground support can be a tubular ground stake or may comprise a support stand. A swing arm is reciprocally mounted to the stanchion and supports one or more couplers having support hooks, a chain and an "S" hook. A harness is suspended from the S hook and secured to a cooking platform.

Abstract: A shutter (1; 10) for regulating the fluid flow in an absorber pipe (D) of a solar-thermal power plant comprises a shutter body (2) with a central shutter opening (3) for the fluid (F) and a movable throttle element (4; 12) at least partly closing the shutter opening (3; 11). The throttle element (4) is connected to a motion element (6) that is in thermal contact with the fluid (F) and changes its shape as a function of the fluid temperature so that in case of an increased temperature of the fluid (F), the opening cross section of the shutter opening (3; 11) is enlarged, whereby the mass flow of the fluid (F) increases and the temperature thereof drops.

Abstract: A refractive energy window system which uses light energy to heat the air. The system has a solar panel which focuses the light energy on the air when the air passes through the solar panel. A frame structure is used to support and hold the solar panel. The frame has an input section which draws the air into the solar panel and an output section which outputs the air after the air has passed through the solar panel and has been heated by the light energy.

Abstract: A method is provided for dispensing dry powder antioxidant compounds, preferably consisting of vitamin C, vitamin E, betacarotene and a membrane permeation enhancer such as lactose. The compound is administered via a conventional dry powder inhaler to deliver said the compound into the subject's respiratory tract in order to enhance prophylactic and therapeutic effects of the antioxidant vitamins. Other antioxidant vitamins can also be included within the dry powder compound.

Abstract: A manual resuscitator controls the portion of gas delivered from the ventilation bag to the patient responsive to which of a plurality of masks the ventilation bag is connected. Different sized masks deliver different portions of the gas from the ventilation bag as would be appropriate for a patient of a size associated with the mask. Emergency personnel, or others, need only couple the correct size mask to the ventilation bag, and the correct volume of gas is automatically delivered to the patient.

Abstract: A collection tray for use in pelvic procedures includes a single piece molded plastic tray having a planar portion, a basin portion, and a live hinge therebetween. The basin portion is preferably provided with a central drain which includes a sponge barrier. The basin portion is also provided with a shelf having one or more slots for holding an irrigation fluid tube so that irrigation fluid may be easily directed toward the site of the procedure. A pair of ears defining instrument receiving holes are preferably located adjacent to the basin portion and the live hinge.

Abstract: A flat rigid plate having a specialized contoured shape that allows it to best fit the contoured x-ray pattern generated by the different breast tissues on both mediolateral oblique view and craniocaudal view mammogram films. A lower, larger portion of the plate is shaped in the fashion of the lower portion of a spade, with bilaterally symmetrical lobes and a flared stem. An upper, smaller portion of the plate is trapezoidal shaped, having rounded corners. A medical professional examining a mammogram uses the stem as a handle while positioning the plate so that it obscures certain parts of the mammogram. The shape of the plate enables the medical professional to cover any of the film representing the more radiopaque breast tissues that would otherwise present photographic contrast and adversely affect the viewing of a breast tissue area chosen for examination.

Abstract: A head immobilizer for use in emergency situations is formed in a flat, compact shape which is easily formed into an operable configuration. The head immobilizer includes a base and a head stabilizing structure attached to the base. The stabilizing structure includes a pair of inner panels that are hinged to the base at one edge and can be conformed to the shape of the patient's head. An outer support panel is hinged to an opposite end of the inner panel. A slide tab is attached to the outer panel and is coupled for sliding movement with respect to the base. A locking mechanism is provided to lock the sliding tab in position during use. The position of the slide tab with respect to the base adjusts the spacing of the inner panels comfortably to conform to the patient's head.

Abstract: Device for protecting large wounds, such as surgical incisions, from the environment. The device contains a semi-rigid, flexible plate with attaching means which direct environmental pressures away from the wound.

Abstract: A pacing apparatus has a housing formed of laminar material less than about 1" in thickness. Visual indicia are applied to the housing and provide instructions for the administration of the rescue procedure. A pacing signal generator is carried by the housing for providing the pacing signal to a user. The pacing signal generator provides visual and/or audible indications to a user for pacing the administration of the rescue procedure. The usual indicators may be LEDs and the audible indicator may be one or more tones.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing coronary artery bypass surgery establishes a channel leading directly from a chamber of a heart into a coronary artery with said channel retained open during both diastole and systole. The coronary artery bypass procedure may be performed with or without cardiopulmonary bypass.

Abstract: When fructose-1,6-diphosphate (FDP) is used as an inotropic drug in patients who have undergone surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass, it can increase the pumping strength of a struggling heart, without increasing the heartbeat rate. As such, FDP can reduce the dosages of (and in some some cases eliminate the need for) other inotropic drugs such as dobutamine, epinephrin, or amrinone lactate, which have undesired and potentially dangerous side effects, mainly involving increasing the heartbeat rate, which imposes substantial additional stresses on hearts that are struggling to regain strength after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.

Abstract: A method for treating victims of cerebral edema is presented that includes the intravenous injection of a carbonic anhydrase enzyme inhibitor that passes through the blood-brain barrier, such as acetazolamide (A.K.A., DIAMOX.RTM.), which is a readily-available and often-prescribed diuretic. Such edema, or brain swelling may be caused as a result of ischemic strokes especially, but also swelling due to tumors, surgeries, or cerebral trauma. It is preferred to combine the a carbonic anhydrase enzyme inhibitor therapy with hyperventilation of the lungs, even including the use of supplemental oxygen, thereby to reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood and hence in the brain.

Abstract: A system for detecting the position of a catheter in a patient includes three sets of reference electrodes, with one set disposed on each of the mutually orthogonal X, Y and Z axes. A signal processor measures the differential voltage indicative of impedance between a detection electrode disposed on the catheter and each electrode of each of the three sets of reference electrodes in order to determine the X coordinate, Y coordinate and Z coordinate of the catheter. The detected position of the catheter is recorded and the detection of subsequent catheter positions is performed relative to the recorded catheter position. The difference between subsequent catheter positions and the recorded position relative to the X, Y and Z axes is displayed in order to facilitate re-positioning of the catheter at the recorded position. Optional EKG and/or respiratory sensors may be used to synchronize the catheter position detection in order to reduce detection inaccuracies due to EKG and/or respiratory artifacts.

Abstract: A passive system for accurately determining the location of a device positioned or implanted within a patient's body is disclosed. The system includes a detectable mechanism mounted at the tip of the device which is configured to generate a self-induced magnetic field, and a detector for detecting the magnetic field of the magnet. The detector is detached from the magnet. In a preferred form, the detectable mechanism is a direct current permanent magnet. Methods of using such a system to accurately determine the location of a device within a patient's body are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vacuum filtration system especially adapted for removing smoke in the vicinity of ashtrays includes a vacuum manifold assembly for connecting a plurality of hoods adapted for placement over ashtrays to a common charcoal filter and vacuum blower/motor assembly. The vacuum manifold includes a plurality of flexible tubing segments secured to connectors. A plurality of replaceable disposable first stage filter elements in fluid communication with each of the hoods filter smoke prior to passage into the manifold, thus substantially reducing tar fouling of the system. In a first embodiment of the invention, the hood includes a circular disk shaped member which also functions as a drink coaster disposed in fluid communication with a conduit slidably received in a connector mounted in the table adjacent an ashtray location. The combined hood and coaster may be raised and disposed over an ashtray to collect smoke, or lowered against the table surface for use as a drink coaster.

Abstract: A smoking article and its method of construction and operation to provide products of combustion which are used to form flavorable aerosol gases delivered to the smoker's mouth while controlling the composition of such gases of combustion. Hot gases generated in a catalytic section in which fuel and air combust aided by a honeycomb catalytically coated surface including alumina and a cerium compound.

Abstract: Smokable products made of tobacco and/or another smokable material, which comprise natural substances having an antioxidative effect and/or naturally identical synthetic products thereof. These natural substances are selected according to the invention from hydroxycinnamic acids and their esters and depsides, plant phenols which can be derived from hydroxycinnamic acids, polymers of hydroxycinnamic alcohols, further natural substances of plant origin which have antimutagenic and aromatizing properties and are combined with vitamins, their precursors and/or derivatives having an antioxidative effect, and further vitamins having an antioxidative effect which are complexed with eukaryotic cell cultures. Processes for the preparation of products of this type are furthermore described. Compared with conventional smokable products, the products have a distinctly decreased risk potential.

Abstract: A method for forming a dual component ornamental accessory for a fingernail which includes an elongated overlay having a top surface and a bottom surface and first and second ends, the first end having a shape and size approximating the shape and size of at least the end of a fingernail. The base portion is fixed to, and substantially coextensive with, at least the second end of the overlay. In preferred embodiments, the overlay is transparent or translucent while the base is translucent or opaque, and the base also forms an abutment for use in fitting the accessory to the end of the nail of the user. Furthermore, the present ornamental accessory is preferably an artificial fingernail tip, and most preferably a French tip.

Abstract: The invention comprises an electric eyelash curler. The invention has a handle connected to a head assembly. The head assembly comprises a heat element, gap and clamp surface. The heat element circuit is contained within the handle. A user places her eyelash into the gap. The user then presses on a lever, which moves the heat element into contact with the clamp surface. Movement of the lever also activates the heat element electric circuit. The heat element is turned "on", thereby heating and curling a user's eyelash. An audio signal or tone sounds once the proper amount of time has passed. In an alternate embodiment, the heat element is automatically de-activated when the tone sounds. Once complete, the user releases the pressure on the lever, thereby releasing her eyelash and de-activating the heat element circuit. A light is included to illuminate the user's eyelash.

Abstract: A hair curling device which has an elongated flexible member in the form of a strip which has a self coiling capability from an at-rest storage configuration, and when initially moved from a longitudinally straight configuration will automatically form a coiled configuration of a substantially circular shape. An attachment is mounted on the strip to connect the outer side of the strip with the overlapped inner side of the strip when in the coiled configuration and maintain the substantially circular shape. Depending on the point of connection of the attachment, coiled configuration can comprise various different diameters.

Abstract: A hair curling device for forming spiral curls. The curling device has an elongated rod containing longitudinally extending grooves with one end being tapered with a retaining shoulder formed at the outer end. A removable funnel-shaped retaining member is fitted over and retained by the shoulder, and an adjustable clip is positioned near the opposite end to prevent the curler from unwinding and for keeping the curler close to the head.

Abstract: A hair-styling device containing a hand attachmentt and a source for heated air under pressure connected to the hand attachment. The hand attachment is made up of a heat-reflecting member, bands for attaching the hand attachment to a hand, an air chamber, and bristles attached to the air chamber. In one embodiment, the hand attachment is substantially hand shaped and the attachment bands are located on the fingers and wrist so as to allow easy attachment to the hand of the user. In another embodiment, the hand attachment is substantially rectangular in shape and the attachment bands are connected to the sides. Heated air may leave the air chamber through openings in the air chamber between the bristles. Alternatively, air may leave the air chamber through ducts in the bristles. The source of heated air contains a heater and a pump. Preferably, the source is in a base which contains a holder for the hand attachment. The hand attachment is useful in providing a brush for simultaneously drying and styling hair.

Abstract: A bladder is attached to a puff to allow even and accurate dispensing of soap or other wash products. When squeezed, liquid soap within the bladder is dispensed through a nozzle. In a second embodiment, liquid soap dispensing is accomplished by having a handle which at the end has a bladder portion. In an alternative embodiment, the present invention may also incorporate a novel means of shaving one's legs by having a receptacle at one end of the handle wherein a razor can be inserted. When a razor is inserted in the receptacle, the user can grasp the "puff end" of the handle and quickly, easily reach the extremities of the legs and shave them.

Abstract: An electromechanical dental flossing device is disclosed for flossing the area between a portion of the tooth and the gum tissue. The device comprises an elongated member coupled to a motor source to effect oscillation of the elongated member. The elongated member includes an intermediate portion and a tip which are capable of being received between the tooth and the gum tissue.

Abstract: A system for treating oil laden used products, e.g., oil filters to achieve complete recycle of the products. The used products are heated in a primary combustion zone under reducing conditions to lower the viscosity of the oil for removal and to create oil in vapor form. The oil vapor is passed to a reclamation chamber where oil is condensed and removed. The remaining vapors are led to a secondary combustion chamber under greater than stoichiometric conditions to produce clean exhaust.

Abstract: An improved detergent recycling apparatus for parts washing machines includes a detergent recycling apparatus additionally provided with a control box, a manifold, a first control valve, an extension tube, a spray gun, a second control valve, a third air duct and a secondary serpentine hose. The control box is mounted on one side of the detergent recycling apparatus, and the manifold, first control valve, silencer, extension tube and second control valve are assembled thereto. The manifold is internally provided with an air vent and has a high pressure air inlet at one end thereof. The manifold includes front, intermediate and rear threaded holes. The first control valve is screwably secured to the rear threaded hole and communicates with an extraction pump via a first air duct. The extension tube is screwably locked to the front threaded hole at one end and connected to the spray gun at the other.

Abstract: A high pressure liquid sludge cutter for pulverizing sludge in a sludge storage area to enable the sludge to be removed by pumps on a remote controlled sludge removal apparatus. The invention includes a plurality of nozzles located on a rotating and oscillating header. The nozzles are aligned to spray high pressure water onto the sludge, and the rotation and oscillation of the header enables rapid and thorough removal of the sludge located at the bottom of a sludge storage area.

Abstract: A water spray apparatus for a tableware washing machine is provided. The water spray apparatus sprays water to tableware in a tableware washing machine in which a washing space is formed for washing the contained tableware with the sprayed water. The water spray apparatus includes a water spray having a plurality of nozzles, for spraying water while rotating and moving in such a non-circular pattern that a rotational radius varies along the inner walls of the tableware washing machine body enclosing the washing space. The water spray apparatus can spray water to the corners which are dead zones when the rotary spray rotates and sprays water in the washing space. Thus, a washing effect of the tableware washing machine is enhanced and utility of the washing space is increased.

Abstract: A wafer restraining device clips onto a semiconductor wafer cassette. The wafer restraining device is provided with at least one opening to allow bubbles forming during acid baths on excess resist-covered semiconductor wafers to escape. Portions of the wafer restraining device only contact the periphery of the sensitive, disc-shaped semiconductor wafers.

Abstract: This invention is a boat covering system with adjustable bracket devices clamped to the outer stanchions of a boat. Flexible support ribs extend across the boat and are inserted into the pair of brackets located on opposite sides of the boat. These flexible support ribs form the main framework for the boat cover. The brackets are adjustable around a plurality of axes for adjustability of the overall cover height and configuration.

Abstract: A collapsible tent frame is disclosed. The tent frame has a center pole used for stretching and sustaining a tent's roof when pitching a tent. A plurality of side poles are coupled to each other through a plurality of scissor-type ribs, with upper ends of the ribs being hinged to connectors provided at top ends of the side poles and lower ends of the ribs being hinged to sliders movably fitted over the side poles. The center pole is coupled to the connectors of the side poles through a plurality of center pole ribs. The above center pole ribs individually consist of two rib members, which are coupled to each other through a hinge joint. Each of the center pole ribs is also hinged to the slider of an associated side pole through a support link, thus being collapsible at the hinge joint in accordance with a sliding motion of the slider along the side pole.

Abstract: A portable hunting blind for attachment to an aiming device, such as an archery bow, a firearm, or other hunting device. The portable blind is a camouflage screen supported by a frame of stay rods extending from a central block. The central block has a first set of sockets for receiving the stay rods in an orientation in which the screen is extended and a second set of sockets for receiving the stay rods in an orientation in which the screen is collapsed. The blind is mounted to the bow or other aiming device by a mounting frame that allows the support frame and camouflage screen to be folded out of the way when carrying the aiming device. Alternative mounting frames are shown for a bow, for a firearm, and for a camera.

Abstract: A flow force compensating method for a flow control valve and a flow control valve using the same method, in which a spool is supported by hydrostatic bearings within a sleeve and fluid flow from the hydrostatic bearing flows into a valve space defined between a spool land and a circumferential groove of the sleeve, wherein a circumferential groove is formed in the spool land, bearing fluid flow flowing out of the bearing into the valve space defined between the circumferential groove and the sleeve groove is directed toward a central axis of the spool, and control flow is swirled by the bearing fluid flow, thereby compensating a flow force, acting on the spool.

Abstract: A method and system for preventing a source of ultra-purified water from being contaminated with chemicals includes a source of ultra-purified water and a reservoir containing a chemical source. The reservoir has a chemical delivery valve and a chemical outlet pipe coupled to a chemical delivery line for supplying chemicals to a process chamber during a chemical delivery mode of operation. A first controllable inlet valve has its outlet coupled to the chemical delivery line and the source of ultra-purified water for supplying the ultra-purified water from the source of ultra-purified water to the process chamber during a flushing mode of operation. A second controllable inlet valve has an outlet coupled to the inlet of the first controllable inlet valve and an inlet coupled to the source of ultra-purified water. A source of gas under pressure is coupled between the outlet of the second controllable inlet valve and the inlet of said first controllable inlet valve for creating a virtual air gap.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a valve container and a valve member. The valve container is formed to include an inlet in fluid communication with a fuel tank, an outlet, a side wall extending between the inlet and outlet, and a chamber in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet. The valve member is disposed in the chamber and includes a central post and wing segments positioned to lie in a spaced apart relationship about the post. The wing segments are formed to define flow passages therethrough that are sized to permit the flow of fuel vapor therethrough and to momentarily block the flow of liquid fuel therethrough.

Abstract: A circuit is provided for the circulation of solvent to and from a valve having a movable component and a housing for movably housing the movable component. The movable component has a first orientation with respect to the housing in which it permits the flow of a valved fluid from the valve through a first port provided on the valve and a second orientation with respect to the housing in which it permits the flow of the valved fluid from the valve through a second port provided on the valve. The circuit includes a first passageway provided between the movable component and the housing. A third port is provided on the housing for the introduction of the solvent into the housing and a fourth port is provided on the housing for removal of the solvent from the housing. The first passageway couples the fourth port to the third port. The solvent is a solvent for the valved fluid. A reservoir is provided for the solvent, along with conduits for coupling the third and fourth ports to the reservoir.

Abstract: A dump valve apparatus is disclosed for dumping water from a firetruck. The apparatus includes a flange sealingly secured to the firetruck, the flange defining an opening for the flow therethrough of the water. A faceplate has an inner and an outer face which define an aperture, the faceplate cooperating with the flange. A seal is disposed between the flange and the inner face of the faceplate such that when the faceplate is urged towards the flange, the flange and the inner face are sealed relative to each other. A dump valve chute is rigidly secured to the faceplate and extends through the aperture of the faceplate, the dump chute defining a valve seat. A hinge has a proximal and a distal end, the proximal end being pivotally connected to the inner face of the faceplate. The hinge freely pivots within the opening of the flange. A valve door has an inner and an outer surface, the valve door being pivotally secured to the hinge between the proximal and distal ends thereof.

Abstract: An electrovalve installation of the type comprising an electrovalve and a device for fastening said electrovalve to a support, such as a hydraulic block. The installation includes a collar (2) for detachably mounting the electrovalve (1) on the support (3).

Abstract: A process mass flow instrument for measuring the mass flow rate of a process fluid including a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a flow passage connecting the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, a fluid flow sensor which provides a raw output signal corresponding to an unknown mass flow rate and a processor which contains an empirically derived conversion routine for converting the raw output signal to an adjusted signal indicating the mass flow rate of the process fluid. A method for determining an unknown mass flow using an empirically derived conversion function, the function being derived by correlating the output signals of a mass flow instrument sensing the flow of a calibration fluid with the output signals of the mass flow instrument sensing the flow of the process fluid.