Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dispenser system comprising a dispenser and a replaceable liquid container, and a dispensing mechanism causing fluid to be discharged from the liquid container upon actuation and comprising a pump unit for discharging said liquid; said dispenser also comprising a detection unit for detecting displacement of said pump unit; and wherein information related to said displacement can be transmitted to an external computer unit. The pump unit is configured with a displaceable element which, upon actuation, has a linear motion during discharging of liquid, that the displaceable element interacts with a rotating gear element, and that the gear element is associated with a sensor of the magnetometer type.

Abstract: A fluid flow meter is described, that includes intermeshing gears that rotate synchronously. The fluid flow meter has a nominal operating range between a maximum volumetric flow rate and a minimum volumetric flow rate. The flow meter has a flow sensor to produce a pulsed output and a controller operatively coupled to a data storage medium. The controller can receive detection signal from the flow sensor to generate input pulses and determine an input pulse frequency. The controller can determine whether the fluid flow meter is operating outside the nominal operating range and apply a correction function to input pulses to generate linearized output pulses. The controller may generate the correction function based on the input pulse frequency and a predetermined pulse frequency; or based on the time interval between input pulses and a predetermined interval between input pulses; or based on a generic calibration of the fluid flow meter.

Abstract: A universal monitoring system applicable to a variety of hydraulic fracturing equipment includes an accelerometer mounted on a housing of a positive displacement pump and configured to sense a vibration associated with the positive displacement pump on start-up and generate a wake-up signal. A processor is communicatively coupled to the accelerometer and configured to initiate execution upon receiving the wake-up signal. A pressure strain gauge is mounted directly on the pump housing and is configured to sense deformity in the pump housing caused by alternating high and low pressures within the pump housing and generate sensor data. The processor is configured to receive the sensor data from the pressure strain gauge and configured to analyze the sensor data and determine a cycle count value for the positive displacement pump, and there is at least one communication interface coupled to the processor configured to transmit the sensor data and cycle count value to another device.

Abstract: A method for validating a sensor assembly of a meter is provided. The method comprises a step of receiving one or more sensor calibration values. The method further comprises a step of comparing the received sensor calibration values to one or more known sensor calibration values. The method can then validate the sensor assembly if the one or more received sensor calibration values are within a predetermined tolerance of the one or more known sensor calibration values.

Abstract: A fuel pressure regulation system is provided. The fuel pressure regulation system includes a supply arrangement for supplying an outlet flow. The supply arrangement includes a primary pressure regulator and a bypass pressure regulator. The primary pressure regulator is operably connected to downstream pressures of each of a plurality of parallel metering circuits. The bypass pressure regulator is upstream from an output of a pump or pumps, which in combination with the primary pressure regulator, is operable to increase the output of the pump or pumps to accommodate for downstream pressure spikes in any one of the parallel metering circuits.

Abstract: A hygiene compliance monitor for a dispensing container that dispenses material when a dispensing nozzle is actuated, includes a flexible main section having a receiving aperture through which the dispensing nozzle extends, so as to enable the main section to be removably attached to the dispensing container. Extending from the main section is a secondary section that is terminated by an attachment sleeve that is configured to removably retain the dispensing nozzle therein. A token, such as a magnet, is carried by the attachment sleeve and is detected by a sensor carried by the main section. Thus, when the dispensing nozzle is actuated to dispense material, the sensor detects the presence and non-presence of the token and accordingly updates a count value that is presented on a display that represents the number of actuations of the dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for regulating fluid flow are disclosed. The apparatus includes a curved, elongated support member elastically deformable and having first and second ends. The apparatus also include an opposing support member configured to position a tube against the curved, elongated support member between the first and second ends. Deformation of the curved, elongated support member by movement of the first and second ends toward each other reduces an internal volume of the tube.

Abstract: A hygiene compliance monitor for a dispensing container that dispenses material when a dispensing nozzle is actuated, includes a flexible main section having a receiving aperture through which the dispensing nozzle extends, so as to enable the main section to be removably attached to the dispensing container. Extending from the main section is a secondary section that is terminated by an attachment sleeve that is configured to removably retain the dispensing nozzle therein. A token, such as a magnet, is carried by the attachment sleeve and is detected by a sensor carried by the main section. Thus, when the dispensing nozzle is actuated to dispense material, the sensor detects the presence and non-presence of the token and accordingly updates a count value that is presented on a display that represents the number of actuations of the dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a signal from a cycle switch mounted to a lubrication divider block system. The method comprises receiving a signal from a remotely located cycle switch that is mounted to a divider block, wherein the cycle switch is responsive to the motion of a piston in the divider block. The number of cycles of the cycle switch are counted based on the signal from the cycle switch. The number of cycles is stored in a computer readable medium and the amount of lubricant used is calculated based on the number of cycles. The amount of lubricant used is then stored in the computer readable storage medium.

Abstract: The invention, is directed to a system including a shielded container (16), a radioisotope generator disposed within the shielded container, and an elution supply mechanism. The elution supply mechanism may include an eluant supply container (4) at least partially external to the shielded container (16), a conduit (10) extending between an inlet (20) of the radioisotope generator and an outlet (6, 8) of the eluant supply container, and an eluant visualization portal.

Abstract: A shaft revolution counter including one or more reed magnetic sensors interacting with one or more magnets attached to the shaft. The interaction generates voltage spikes in the reed magnetic sensors that are used as input signal to an electronic non-volatile counter, as well as its sole power source.

Abstract: A shaft revolution counter comprising one or more reed magnetic sensors interacting with one or more magnets attached to the shaft. The interaction generates voltage spikes in the reed magnetic sensors that are used as input signal to an electronic non-volatile counter, as well as its sole power source.

Abstract: A system for rewarding and encouraging compliance with a predetermined personal hygiene standard in a hygiene compliance program. The system comprises a fluid dispenser. The fluid dispenser includes an actuator. A sensor is connected to the actuator. A processor in electrical communication with the sensor. The processor is configured to increment a count when the sensor is actuated, relate the count to the identification code, and compare the count to a predetermined number.

Abstract: A system for the operation of a number of commercial washing machines and automatically feeding liquid chemicals to the washing machines. The system has chemical reservoir pods with a pressure sensor and an output valve on each. The chemical pods are supplied with liquid chemical by refill pumps. The quantity of chemical in a chemical pod, and the quantity of chemical dispensed from each chemical pod is calculated from information received by a controller from the pressure sensor to determine when to open and close the valve. A further pressure sensor is provided in the supply pipe to each washing machine to verify and measure flow quantity of water and chemical to the machine.

Abstract: A metering device has a magnet with ten poles which is driven to rotate by a gear connected to a source of rotation that is proportional to fluid flow, the passage of time, or other phenomenon. A reed switch is mounted so that rotation of the poles of the magnet, into and out of a position adjacent to the reed switch causes the reed switch to open and close as the magnet rotates. The opening and closing of the reed switch causes a step change in voltage applied to an electronic device which increments a counter. A second reed switch spaced from the rotating magnet sufficiently so that it remains normally open can act as a sensitive device for detecting the presence of extraneous magnetic fields that might interfere with the operation of the first reed switch.

Abstract: A switch status sensor is provided for counting on/off events of a switch of a water meter. When an on/off event is detected by a microcontroller, the microcontroller supplies a “signature” signal, which is distinguishable from electromagnetic noise, to the switch. If this “signature” signal is detected as having passed through the switch by the microcontroller, then it can be confirmed that the switch is closed. Alternatively, if the “signature” signal is not detected as having passed through the switch by the microcontroller, then it is verified that the switch is open. Thus, the switch status sensor can distinguish between false switch events caused by electromagnetic noise and true on/off events of the switch.

Abstract: A gas meter using optical communication. The meter includes a shaft that is rotated by a flow of gas, a first sensor for sensing a first rotational angle of the shaft, a second sensor for sensing a second rotational angle of the shaft, a first light source operated by the first sensor for issuing a first light signal, and a second light source operated by the second sensor for issuing a second light signal. One or more fiber optic cables carries the light signals to an external meter interface having an optical receiver. A rotation of the shaft is recognizable by the external receiver when first one then the other of the light signals is detected.

Abstract: Computer implemented methods for determining blocked and partially blocked conditions in the flow of particulate matter in an agricultural air seeding system are disclosed which automatically adapt for changes in seed type, seed density, fan rate or seed rate. In a first embodiment, the number of samples that are taken before making a determination of the blockage condition is varied depending on the number of seed events that have been detected in a given time interval. In a second embodiment, one or more criteria such as the maximum number of samples to wait for an event, the value a sensor filter must reach before the method determines a blockage sensor to be BLOCKED, or the value a sensor filter must reach when in the blocked state before the method determines the sensor is no longer blocked is varied depending on a smoothed value of the number of seed events that are detected per sampling period.

Abstract: A two-terminal integrated circuit magnetic-field detector, for use in detecting a low level of a liquid in a vehicle, has a Hall element, a Schmitt type comparator, an anti-sloshing accumulator such as an up-down counter, and a latching driver all connected in tandem. The anti-sloshing accumulator is for producing a signal that is the integral as a function of time of the binary comparator output signal. During sloshing, when the average liquid level is near that at which a low-level warning signal is desired, the accumulator signal climbs in a vacillating manner. The latching driver is connected across the two integrated circuit (I.C.) terminals and latches on when the accumulator signal reaches a predetermined value, dropping the impedance across the two I.C terminals. A liquid level indicating lamp is connected in series with a source of DC voltage and the two I.C. terminals, so that when the average position of the floating magnet approaches that of the I.C.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of counting dispensing events or washes in a fluid dispenser in which an activator is moved from a starting position to a dispensing position and back to dispense material includes a counter which is indexable to record a dispensing event and which can only be indexed again after dispensing pressure is totally relieved from the activator for a predetermined period of time. The counter is activated by a switch carried on the activator that initiates a timer when the activator leaves the dispensing position. The timer is reset if the activator is returned to the dispensing position prior to the predetermined period of time elapsing. Only after elapse of this period of time can the counter be activated again.

Abstract: A phase angle difference between two alternating electrical signals is determined as a function of a ratio of a differential combination of two different numbers of pulse counts to an additive combination of the two different numbers of pulse counts, wherein the first of the two different numbers of pulse counts is obtained by counting a series of electric pulses generated by an electrical pulse generator in a time interval between an occurrence of zero value of the leading signal of the two alternating electrical signal and (i-1)th occurrence of zero value of the trailing signal of the two alternating electrical signals occurring after the occurrence of zero value of the leading signal, and the second of the two different numbers of pulse counts is obtained by counting the pulses in an time interval between an occurrence of zero value of the trailing signal and the (j)th occurrence of zero value of the leading signal occurring after the occurrence of zero value of the trailing signal, wherein (i) and (j) are

Abstract: A portable flow timer device for determining the time between two successive fluid flow detection signals input thereto comprising an electric timer mechanism including an input probe connector mechanism for receiving fluid flow detection signals from external fluid detection probes coupleable thereto, a bridge circuit mechanism for receiving a fluid flow detection signal and transmitting a timer activation signal and for receiving a succeeding fluid flow detection signal and transmitting a timer de-activation signal, a resetable count-down logic mechanism for transmitting a plurality of timer signals at a set timing interval based upon receipt of the timer activation signal and for preventing transmission of the timer signals based upon receipt of the timer de-activation signal, a display mechanism for receiving the timer signals and displaying elapsed time from receipt of timer signals up to their cessation, and a battery mechanism for supplying electric energy for operation.

Abstract: Ultrasonic fuel gauging apparatus for a fuel tank having a plurality of ultrasonic fuel level sensors for sensing fuel levels at respective predetermined locations in a tank based on echo ranging; a memory means for storing sensor data; and a state device for interrogating each of the sensors by controlling the application of transmit pulses to each of the sensors and for receiving output signals corresponding to return echoes, the state device operating in response to a sequential state counter.

Abstract: An improved liquid level measuring apparatus having a plurality of spaced reed switches having a microprocessor attached to the liquid level measuring sensor apparatus. The switches are wired together in parallel and in sets and are addressed by a shift register for providing a parallel to serial shift of the switch status position to the microprocessor. This allows a reduction in the number of conductors existing the sensor and providing an output signal indicating the vertical position of a float relative to the switches. A microprocessor control notes any inoperative switches, disregards the reading of the inoperative switches in calculating liquid level, and provides stored information to the measurement process for compensating for defective switches.

Abstract: A timing circuit 10 that can be used to control the flow of fluid according to a specific time period that is allotted for each user includes a initialization circuit 30, a reset counter circuit 32, a flow time counter circuit 38, and a clock circuit 40. The timing circuit 10 accepts a DETECT* input signal, that indicates the presence of a user, and provides a DRIVE output signal that indicates when fluid shall be permitted to flow. The flow time counter circuit 38 is user configurable to provide a maximum flow time period while the DETECT* signal is active. The reset counter circuit 32 ensures that each user is provided with his or her maximum flow time period by introducing a system reset time between consecutive users and by allowing a user to remove him or her self from being detected, thus placing the DETECT* signal in an inactive state and subsequently inactivating the DRIVE signal, for certain periods of time without forfeiting any of his or her allotted maximum flow time period.

Abstract: An improved electronic measuring system which not only determines the amount of fuel oil consumed by a home, office, or factory heating system, but also detects leaks in underground fuel storage tanks, errors in oil deliveries, heating system problems such as clogged nozzles, lines, filters, etc. and declining heating system efficiencies. The measuring system consists of an electromagnetic counter, printed circuit board with electronics, transformer, and dipswitches which are located in an enclosed housing. The device calculates fuel consumption rate via a mathematical algorithm based on burner nozzle size, fuel pump pressure, and burner flame-on time. Errors in count are avoided by using the burner's photo-optic cell output, and maintaining constant power to the electronics.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a rotation gauge for a water meter register where the hydraulic part of the meter rotates a shaft whose revolutions are to be counted. At the other end of the shaft at least one magnet is driven by rotation by the shaft. Outside this hydraulic part, two flexible blade switches are mounted opposite the path of said magnet and connected to an electronic circuit which provides a register with metering pulses. The metering pulses are characterized by the fact that each of triggered by the closing of the first flexible blade switch and stopped by the closing of the second switch. The second switch is closed substantially in the middle of the period during which the first remains closed.

Abstract: The input voltage from a fuel tank level sender is processed by an anti-slosh circuit which has a short time constant during a fast acquire operation and a longer time constant during normal operation. The slew rate of the output voltage provided to a gauge is determined by the clock rate of an up/down counter which is determined by switched resistances and a small valued capacitor. Either analog or digital anti-slosh outputs are provided.

Abstract: A refuel control system is disclosed which may be utilized in a gasoline or other fluid refuelling operation. This system effectively prevents differences in refuelled volume and accurately determines the amount of fluid dispensed. Differences in refuelling operations for a particular dispenser may be due to pressure variations inside a refuel pipe during the initial stages of refuelling and before gasoline is actually flowing through a discharge nozzle. This system involves the use of sub-CPU which reads initialization time data from a host CPU. A motor is then activated to pump fluid to the nozzle after which pulses are generated in response to the flow of gasoline. The sub-CPU receives these pulses and then inhibits counting of these pulses until the time period for that particular pumping operation corresponds to the initialization data. After this period, pulses are then monitored in order to correctly determine the actual amount of gasoline dispensed.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus for counting and recording a number of drops of fluid. The preferred embodiment of the invention is configured as a molded receptacle housing for receiving a commercially available eyedrop bottle in which the cap has been replaced by the housing. The invention includes a detection device that detects the separation of drops from a fluid supply bottle, and counts and records the number of such drops in a preset time period. Optionally, a real-time clock time stamps the stream of drop count data so that the absolute time period during which drops are released is also ascertained and recorded. Optionally, a reminder signal or indication is given to a patient as to the dosage and appropriate time for each eyedrop administration, or an alarm is given if over or under medication is occurring. An alternative application is disclosed in which the drop detection and counting features of the invention are used in a feedback loop to control the flow of fluid in a drop metering system.

Abstract: A control system apparatus for a fluid distribution system includes a low-voltage circuit and a positive displacement disc in a throughput line such that as fluid displaces the positive displacement disc a magnet associated therewith is also rotated. The rotating magnet sets up a magnetic flux that is sensed by a switch in close proximity to the rotating magnet and when the switch closes a low-voltage current is allowed to pass to a time delay relay, which in turn monitors the duration and strength of the low-voltage current and can, under program control, further actuate another branch of the low-voltage circuit, which causes a normally open valve to be closed by a solenoid. As the solenoid is actuated, the water flowing in the throughput line is shut off.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus for counting and recording a number of drops of fluid. The preferred embodiment of the invention is configured as a molded receptacle housing for receiving a commercially available eyedrop bottle in which the cap has been replaced by the housing. The invention includes a detection means that detects the separation of drops from a fluid supply bottle, and counts and records the number of such drops in a preset time period. Optionally, a real-time clock time stamps the stream of drop count data so that the absolute time period during which drops are released is also ascertained and recorded. Optionally, a reminder signal or indication is given to a patient as to the dosage and appropriate time for each eyedrop administration, or an alarm is given if over or under medication is occurring. An alternative application is disclosed in which the drop detection and counting features of the invention are used in a feedback loop to control the flow of fluid in a drop metering system.

Abstract: In a particle counting system for sensing and counting particles, a sample fluid is drawn through an orifice from a sample chamber into a substantially enclosed fluid passage at a selected rate sufficient to maintain the pressure in the substantially closed fluid passage at a predetermined pressure level if the orifice and the substantially closed fluid passage are free from leaks and clogs. A sensor detects the actual pressure in the substantially closed fluid passage. The actual pressure is compared to the predetermined pressure level to identify clogs or leaks in the particle counting system. If a clog is identified, an automatic clog removal sequence is inititiated for dislodging or otherwise removing the clog from the particle counting system. The particle counting system is tested to determine if the clog has indeed been removed.

Abstract: To obtain better accuracy, it is known to modify the mechanical metered volume reading of the flow through a gas pipeline according to the gas laws, which incorporate the pressure and temperature parameters of the gas. The present invention samples those parameters with analog sensors and inputs them into an analog to digital converter. The digital output from the converter is employed to obtain a more accurate digital volume reading.

Abstract: The occurrence and frequency of a periodic component embedded in a composite waveform including noise is detected by real time calculating the autocorrelation function of the waveform and deducing the frequency of the periodic component from the value of the autocorrelation function coefficients. An analog-to-digital converter periodically transforms the waveform into samples having q bits. The samples are delayed by a predetermined time interval .DELTA.t and multiples thereof, to derive 2n delayed samples, x.sub.i, x.sub.i-1 . . . x.sub.i-2n. The delayed samples are multipled to derive 2n products, such that the first n products are represented by x.sub.1 .multidot.x.sub.i-k and the second n products are represented by x.sub.1-n .multidot.x.sub.i-(n+k), where k is selectively 1 . . . n. Difference between the first and second products are obtained as (P.sub.1 -P.sub.n+1) . . . (P.sub.n-1 -P.sub.2n), where P.sub.1 =x.sub.i .multidot.x.sub.i-1, P.sub.n-1 =x.sub.i .multidot.x.sub.i-n, P.sub.+1 =x.sub.i-n .

Abstract: A device for measuring the volume of flowing liquid with temperature compensation includes a device for generating a volume signal, a device for detecting the temperature of the fluid to generate a temperature signal, and an electronic computer for receiving the volume and temperature signals to calculate a compensated volume. A device is provided for setting the value of the specific gravity of the liquid so that the computer, which is stored with coefficients for compensating the volume of various liquids each having the respective specific gravity at a standard temperature, the specific gravity being varied depending on the liquid temperature, selects one of the coefficients with reference to the set specific gravity value and the temperature value and calculates the compensated volume per volume signal and outputs the latter to a displaying device.

Abstract: A pulse accumulator network for receiving a plurality of pulse trains wherein each pulse train includes a plurality of pulses. The pulse accumulator network accumulates the pulses in each of the received pulse trains and the pulse accumulator network outputs each of the accumulated count of pulses in response to receiving polling signals. The pulse accumulator network is adapted to be utilized in a flow monitoring system, for example, wherein the pulse trains are flow signals indicative of the velocity of the fluid flowing through one of the monitored flowlines.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a supply of a predetermined quantity of fluid comprises a pump for supplying a fluid, a motor for driving the pump, a measuring device for measuring a flow quantity of the fluid which is supplied by the pump, a device for presetting before starting a fluid supplying operation a preset value P which is indicative of a desired fluid supplying quantity, and a control device supplied with a measured flow quantity from the measuring device and the preset value P for controlling the application of a current to the motor. The control device comprises a first circuit for applying the current to the motor until the measured flow quantity from the measuring device becomes equal to P-K, where K is a predetermined value greater than an oversupply quantity .DELTA.

Abstract: A light source to project a light beam along an axis to a receiver means intermediate the source and the receiver to cause the light to refract so that the light reaching the receiver is substantially reduced; means to periodically introduce a quantity of liquid into the area where the light is refracted, the liquid changing the amount of refraction whereby the light reaching said receiver is substantially increased; and means to detect each said change in light at said receiver and count same.

Abstract: A fuel supplying system comprises a first circuit for discriminating whether a previous fuel supplying operation is carried out in a normal fuel supplying mode or a preset fuel supplying mode, and for storing a discriminated fuel supplying mode of the previous fuel supplying operation, a second circuit for discriminating whether a present fuel supplying operation is carried out in the normal fuel supplying mode or the preset fuel supplying mode, and for storing a discriminated fuel supplying mode of the present fuel supplying operation, a third circuit for counting a flow quantity signal generated from a flowmeter when a fuel flows through the flowmeter so as to fill a fuel supplying hose before a valve of the fuel supplying nozzle is opened upon starting of the present fuel supplying operation, and for storing a counted value as a correcting quantity, and a fourth circuit for reading out the correcting quantity stored in the third circuit depending on the previous fuel supplying mode and the present fuel sup

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled apparatus monitors a plurality of flow meters for computing and displaying the flow rates detected by each flow meter, the total volumes accumulated through each flow meter, the sum of the current flow rates for the flow meters, and the sum of the total volumes for the flow meters. The information from which the computations are made and the system operating parameters are transferred to a non-volatile memory in response to electronic means for detecting when a power outage or interruption occurs.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a supply of fluid to an integral quantity, and automatically and precisely supplying an integral quantity of fluid. When an operation is performed so as to stop the supply of fluid at the point when the quantity of supplied fluid reaches the integral quantity, the driving of a pump is once interrupted. Thereafter, the pump is repeatedly driven in terms of minute time periods, so that the fluid supplying operation is stopped at the point when the quantity of fluid which is finally supplied is equal to the integral quantity which is closest to a quantity of supplied fluid at the point when the driving of the pump was once interrupted.

Abstract: A tire pressure control system having a pressure switch installed in a rim, which pressure switch, as part of a tuned circuit, damps, across an air gap, an HF transmitter, installed in a wheel web and having downstream analysis electronics, the pressure switch having a diaphragm pressure cell with a reference pressure, the diaphragm of which reference cell is subjected on one side to the reference pressure and on the other side to the tire pressure. A valve installed in the pressure switch makes it possible to adjust the reference pressure so that, when filling the tire, the desired tire pressure is simultaneously retained as the new reference pressure in the diaphragm pressure cell for the tire pressure control system.

Abstract: Automated fluid dispensing apparatus operative under stored program control includes an attended console for controlling an array of dispensing pumps or the like, e.g., a pump island in a self service filling station. An array of data input fields, display and status signalling fields and control keys are disposed on the console. Input signalling from the console may illustratively comprise data from price-per-gallon and transaction limit registers, pump enabling keys, and display controls. Console presentations are for such as pump identity and status, and dispensed fuel value or volume. A microprocessor is connected to the console equipment, and to individual pump controllers, sensors and the like. Fluid flow at each pump is thus readily monitored and controlled by an attendant at the console via the microprocessor.

Abstract: A monitoring system (10) for a fluid waste disposal system is provided. Fluid waste is transported from a source (12) through a valve (16) to a reservoir (14) under access control provided by access switches (40). The monitoring system (10) includes density circuitry (64) for monitoring the density of fluid being deposited into the reservoir (14). Level detector circuitry (90) is provided for monitoring the level of fluid which has been deposited in the reservoir (14). The monitoring system (10) further includes a counter (56) for counting the number of times the valve (16) has been actuated. Counter delay circuitry (54) provides an output to counter (56) to positively indicate that an access switch (40) has been actuated.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system comprises a supply of liquid (121), a pump (101), a meter (161) and a plurality of dispensing points or stations, (181) each controlled by a solenoid valve (201). A control box (281) monitors the meter and controls by electronic apparatus which station is enabled (that is, which solenoid valve (201) is opened) and displays on a display (261) provided a reading derived from the meter. In one embodiment, selection of a station (181) is effected at the control box but the invention also provides electronic apparatus enabling selection to be effected at each station. The invention does away with the need for a meter at each station and finds application in the dispensing of oil or the like in garage workshops.

Abstract: In flow quantity measuring apparatus of the type comprising a detection circuit which produces a pulse signal corresponding to flow speed of fluid to be measured, a converter which converts the pulse signal into an electric signal corresponding to a flow quantity of the fluid and a counter counting the number of the electric signals, the converter is constituted by a rate multiplier inputted with the signal for producing an output signal corresponding to a predetermined preset value, a register for storing the preset value, and a state change detection circuit for detecting change of a state of the register.

Abstract: Disclosed is a measurement apparatus for measuring physical quantity, such as temperature, pressure etc., and providing corresponding measuremnt data suitable for transmission to a remote central location. The physical quantity being measured is first converted to a frequency signal, either directly by an appropriate transducer or by a combination of an appropriate transducer and appropriate converter. Counters are then used to convert the frequency signal to a corresponding digital quantity. An appropriately programmed digital processor is then used to perform processing operations on the digital quantity to derive the measurement data. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an optical transceiver for converting the measurement data into corresponding optical signals for transmission via an optical fiber to a central processor.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing compressed gas from a storage tank is disclosed in which the temperature and pressure in the tank is measured before and after the dispensing cycle and electric signals representative of these values are applied to a processor/computer which is programmed to compute from these signals the volume of gas dispensed.

Abstract: A pulse generator unit for a fuel pump register employs a pulser shaft driven by a pulser drive gear rotatable with a lowest order counter wheel. A permanent magnetic means at the end of the pulser shaft rotates and actuates a reed switch to produce a pulse train having pulses indicative of rotation of the counter wheel. A ratchet clutch assembly is employed to selectively permit rotation of the pulser shaft in a counting direction and a resetting direction.