Abstract: A gauge for measuring a pre-determined volume of liquid flowing through a conduit. A slug having substantially neutral buoyancy is positioned within the conduit and moves along the conduit at substantially the same rate as the liquid flowing therein. The slug is free to move within a constraint system defining a length of the conduit. The gauge further comprises detection means capable of detecting when the slug has moved a predetermined distance within the conduit.

Abstract: A small volume prover is disclosed which is compact and capable of obtaining highly reliable measurement, keeping a highly accurate base volume without being affected by temperature and pressure of fluid to be measured.The prover includes a cylindrical outer housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet spaced apart from each other, a cylindrical measuring conduit having both open ends and first and second sets of fluid ports radially made in a wall thereof and coaxially mounted within the outer housing and an annular wall mounted between the outer housing and the measuring conduit at the position between the measuring conduit open end and the first set of ports thereof to form an upstream annular passage and a downstream annular passage. During proving preparation a piston is restrained by a piston actuator provided in the outlet-side end of the outer housing to permit the fluid to pass through the annular passage.

Abstract: The present invention is a sludge pump system which includes a means for monitoring operation of a sludge pump. The sludge pump includes a material cylinder and a piston moveable in the material cylinder. A pump drive moves the piston during working cycles which include a pumping stroke and a filling stroke. A pump valve mechanism connects the material cylinder to an outlet during pumping strokes and connects the material cylinder to an inlet during filling strokes. A means for monitoring operation of the pump is provided. The means for monitoring includes a means for sensing a first parameter related to operation of the pump drive, a means for sensing a second parameter indicative of operation of the piston, and a means for determining errors in the operation of the pump based upon the first parameter and the second parameter.

Abstract: A system for the transport of high solids sludge includes a positive displacement pump for pumping sludge through a pipeline. The volume of sludge transported is accurately measured by determining the fill percentage during pumping cycle.

Abstract: A fluid loss cell has an outlet through which fluid lost during a fluid loss test flows. This outlet is connected in closed pressure communication with a fluid measuring device that senses the amount of lost fluid received in the device and generates an electrical signal representative of the sensed amount. The signal is preferably provided to a computer so that automatic monitoring of the fluid loss occurs. The fluid measuring device contains blow off pressure and subsequent increased fluid amounts. Valves and pressure regulators are included in a preferred embodiment. A related method is disclosed.

Abstract: A quantity flowmeter for measuring the volume of flow of a pulsating fluid stream has a conduit for a freely movable float which is biased against a stop and is moved away from the stop by successive pulses or droplets of the pulsating fluid stream. The float carries or includes a permanent magnet or an electromagnet, and the conduit is surrounded by a self-inductance coil with turns having a density which varies in or counter to the direction of movement of the float away from the stop. When a pulse causes the float to move away from the stop, voltage signals which are generated by the coil and indicate the speed of movements of the float are transmitted to an integrator which transmits integrated signals to a computer. The computer calculates the volume of flow of successive pulses.

Abstract: The reciprocating piston positive displacement flow meter of the present invention comprises a hollow flow tube having a movable piston for reciprocal movement between opposite ends and a solenoid controlled valve assembly having a sliding valve member for reversing the direction of fluid flow through the flow tube in response to the activation and deactivation of a solenoid. The solenoid is switched from an activated state at one end of the piston stroke to an unactivated state at the opposite end.

Abstract: A system for the transport of high solids sludge includes a positive displacement pump for pumping sludge through a pipeline. The volume of sludge transported is accurately measured by determining the fill percentage by using a material flow signal, measured time intervals, hydraulic fluid pressure, or hydraulic fluid flow rate during each pumping cycle.

Abstract: In a flow meter, a detective core (5) is slidably fitted in a cylindrical chamber (3a) in a main body (2), and a fluid is introduced at a predetermined angle from inflow passageways (17) into the interior of this detective core (5), the fluid introduced into the detective core (5) being discharged at a predetermined angle to the interior of the main body (2) through outflow passageways (13). A force generated by a variation in momentum of the fluid is applied to the detective core (5), and this force is detected by a device for measuring load (6) and thereby momentarily determines a mass flow rate of the fluid. Thus, a variation in momentum is generated in the fluid by the inflow passageways (17) and outflow passageways (13), and the force produced by the momentum variation is applied to the detective core (5), the force applied to the detective core (5) being detected by the device for measuring load (6).

Abstract: A positive displacement meter for measuring the volume of liquid dispensed over a given period of time includes at least one pair of pistons moving in counter opposition to one another within a pair of cylinders, an acoustical transducer located through a side wall of one of the cylinders, for transmitting and receiving acoustical pulses along a folded acoustical pathway, a first portion of which is transverse to the face of the piston, and a second portion of which is parallel to the axis of movement of the piston, via a wedge-shaped reflector mounted on the inside wall of the cylinder directly opposite from the acoustical transducer for so reflecting transmitted and reflected acoustical waves between the transducer and face of the piston under measurement, whereby changes in the position of the piston are detected over successive measuring periods for determining each full stroke thereof, representative of a given amount of fluid or liquid being dispensed from the meter, which volume portions are accumulate

Abstract: A precision gas metering apparatus is disclosed and comprises facing duplicate cylinders each having a piston therein, wherein the two cylinders are aligned with one another so that a common non-rotating shaft moves pistons in each. The shaft is driven by a stepping motor having a traveling nut connected to said shaft to impart rotation from the motor which is converted into linear movement of the shaft. With suitable valves and a pressure transducer, gas to be measured is delivered first to one volume and then to the other, the pistons being driven to equalize in flowing gas pressure to atmospheric pressure level, and thereafter summing the total volumetric filling by summing each filling of each chamber, and also summing any partial fillings. A pressure transducer assures that the filled chambers are held to a specified volume.

Abstract: A system for controlling the output flow rate of a second pump to proportionately track the output flow rate of a first pump in which the first pump produces an electrical signal at each successive stroke thereof. An electrical circuit produces an electrical control signal from the first pump stroke signal for controlling the flow rate of the second pump.

Abstract: A fluid flow sensor comprises a housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a measuring chamber in the housing connected at opposite ends to both the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, a member in the chamber movable between opposite ends of the chamber, and a valve assembly for controlling fluid flow through the housing. The valve assembly is movable between a first position in which it cuts off one end of the chamber from the outlet so that fluid in that end of the chamber acts on the movable member to urge it to the other end of the chamber, and a second position in which it cuts off the other end of the chamber from the outlet so that the member is urged back in the opposite direction. The member oscillates back and forth at a rate proportional to the flow rate.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the throughput and average suction and discharge pressures of a compressor comprises pressure sensors for measuring the suction and discharge pressures of the compressor and in one embodiment a device for measuring gas temperature. The apparatus further comprises a data processor for receiving signals representative of the suction and discharge pressures of the compressor and generating a signal representative of the throughput of the compressor during a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: Linear sensing apparatus for a positive displacement meter includes relative to each piston of the meter, an elongated rectangular member rigidly attached at one end to the top face of its associated piston, and carrying at its other end a multiwindowed member that reciprocates back and forth with movement of the piston for alternately interrupting detectable energy flowing between energy transmitting and detecting devices, the detecting device converting the detected energy into alternating electrical signals analogous to the volume of fluid passed through the meter, whereafter the signals are processed via a microprocessor for obtaining the actual volume and/or price of the fluid passed through the meter over a given period of time.

Abstract: A device for measuring the volume of a gas comprises a cylinder and a piston movably mounted in the cylinder. A first membrane sealingly connects the piston with the inner wall of the cylinder. The cylinder, the piston and the first membrane determine a measuring space in which a measuring conduit for the gas to be measured debouches. A second membrane also sealingly connects the piston with the cylinder inner wall. The first and second membranes determine an intermediate space in which an underpressure is generated during operation.

Abstract: A hydropneumatic accumulator has a separator piston, movable in the chamber of a housing. A switch member is attached to the separator piston by a support for simultaneous movement. Sensors can be influenced by the switch member position. The switch member is surrounded by a tube member which supports the sensors and is attached to the housing. A filling attachment is provided on the tube member. A filling conduit extends within the tube member and adjacent the support to simplify the configuration of the hydropneumatic accumulator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a testing device for at least one flow meter installed in a pipeline. The device includes a calibration container connected to the pipeline across a switch-over valve. A measuring piston is guided for reciprocating movement in the container between a starting and a terminal position. The measuring piston supports two signal releasing rings which are spaced apart from the other about a distance which when multiplied by the inner clearance of the calibration container determines a calibration volume of the measuring path of the piston. At least one signal generator is installed in the wall of the calibration container and cooperates in a contactless manner with the first and second signal releasing rings so as to produce start and stop pulses for one measuring cycle. The flow meter is connected to a pulse generator responsive to the flow rate and connected to an evaluation circuit which after completion of a measuring cycle compares the counted pulses with the calibration volume.

Abstract: An apparatus which functions as a combined outlet valve and a meter for a fluid. The apparatus comprises a space (2) in which a piston means (3) is reciprocatable and which is in connection with an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit on each side of the piston (3), each of said conduits being provided with a shut-off valve (5a, b; 6a, b). According to the invention the adjustment of the shut-off valves (5a, b, 6a, b) is effected by means (4, 8-14) acting by vacuum and/or atmospheric air.

Abstract: A compact bidirectional meter prover mechanism incorporates a straight calibration barrel having spaced detectors sensing passage of a fluid induced displacer piston. A four-way control valve is connected by flow conduits to the conduit containing the flow meter and is connected by a conduit system to respective extremities of the calibration barrel. Launch valves are interposed between the control valve and the calibration barrel and are selectively positioned to permit metering flow through the calibration barrel only after the control valve has been positioned for directional flow of fluid through the conduit system and the calibration barrel. Thus, the necessity for piston prerun is eliminated and minimum cycle time is permitted. The length of the calibration barrel is also minimized by elimination of piston prerun.

Abstract: Flow control of a shear-sensitive, i.e. pressure gradient degradable, liquid from a high pressure source to a lower pressure discharge is achieved by controlling the liquid's exposure to a degradation pressure gradient. Two displacement chambers are provided and connected by a control conduit. First and second movable barriers in the first and second chambers respectively contain a separate controlling liquid. A pressure and flow control valve is included in the control conduit. Incoming pressurized controlled shear-sensitive liquid flows into the first displacement chamber to displace the first barrier which displaces controlling liquid through the flow control valve. Shear-sensitive liquid is dispensed at relatively lower pressure from the second chamber in response to movement of the second barrier driven by the controlling fluid coming from the control conduit into the second chamber.

Abstract: A liquid measuring device for dispensing measured volumes of liquid from a source of liquid under pressure is disclosed and includes a cylinder, a free piston for reciprocal traveling in the cylinder. In accordance with the present invention, the piston has a specific gravity that is adjusted to approximately match the specific gravity of the liquid thus improving the precision and accuracy of the dispensing device.

Abstract: For use in a crude oil sampling system which delivers samples in pumped pulse fashion, a volumetric analyzer accumulating the sample is disclosed. In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, the device incorporates a valve which is selectively closed to direct the pumped pulsed sample into the apparatus. It includes a cylinder head attached to a cylinder. In the cylinder, there is a reducer sleeve. The reducer sleeve encloses a piston of selected size. The piston is forced upwardly by sample introduced beneath it. The piston connects with a push rod which in turn extends from the apparatus and which supports a piston follower having a marker cooperative with a scale to indicate the volumetric accumulation below the piston. The piston and reducer sleeve calibrate the apparatus to selected maximum capacities.

Abstract: A fluid flow sensor, according to the present invention, comprises a straight fluid passage having ports on both ends thereon. A ball member is disposed with in the straight fluid passage to move therealong. Detectors are provided in the fluid passage adjacent both ends thereof for detecting ball member reaching at the detector. A switching device for switching flow direction of the fluid in the straight fluid passage is responsive to detection of the ball member position of the detectors. A counter counts up the occurrence of switching of fluid flow directions.

Abstract: A flowmeter comprising a piston and cylinder arrangement and measuring means arranged to measure the distance through which the piston moves as fluid flows into the arrangement, in which measurement commences with a flying start with fluid already flowing into the piston and cylinder arrangement and the piston is returned to a starting end of its travel before each succeeding measurement.

Abstract: Measuring apparatus for measuring the quantity of calibration fluid delivered by engine-fuel injection apparatus, in which calibration fluid is passed into a hollow cylinder on one side of a piston to displace the latter in one direction along the cylinder and pressurized gas is passed into the cylinder on the other side of the piston to displace it in the other direction and so drain calibration fluid from the cylinder.

Abstract: A spirometer includes an expansible chamber of the piston type fitted with an indicia strip. The indicia comprise two columns of alternating light and dark bars. The columns are offset from one another by one-half the thickness of a bar and are respectively viewed by two photodetectors which generate signals which are shifted 90.degree. from one another as the columns pass through their respective fields of view. The signals are continuously sampled as digital words and consecutive words are compared to determine whether a counter should be incremented or decremented by one or two counts.

Abstract: A flow meter is provided for measuring the flow rate of fluid through a conduit having an inlet and an outlet, which includes a measuring chamber having a float disposed therein for movement in response to fluid flow, and a detector for detecting the movement of the float in the measuring chamber. Various devices are provided for controlling the path of fluid flow from the conduit outlet to the conduit inlet, which includes apparatus for allowing fluid to flow from the outlet through the measuring chamber in a first direction so as to move the float in the first direction past the detector, and for also allowing fluid to flow from the outlet through the measuring chamber in a second direction so as to move the float in the second direction past the detector. Apparatus is connected to the detector for measuring the rate of fluid flow in response to the movement of the float in the first and second directions.

Abstract: A respiratory exerciser which includes a hollow tubular body having at least two openings at one end and an opening at the other end. A piston is reciprocally slidable in the tubular body. A mouthpiece assembly is removably connectable to one opening at the one end of the body so that when the patient inhales and exhales the piston will reciprocate accordingly. Adjustment structure is on the one end to regulate the size of at least another of the openings therein to control the size of the access opening to atmosphere at the one end as the patient breathes through the mouthpiece assembly. An indicator is associated with the adjustment structure to designate the relative size of the access opening to atmosphere at the one end. The structure permits use of the device as an exerciser for inhaling or exhaling and provides adjustment for accommodating changes in strength required by the patient in the exhaling and inhaling exercises.

Abstract: There is disclosed an incentive spirometer for measuring, as desired, the inspiratory breathing capacity and/or the expiratory breathing capacity including a freely floating piston positioned within a chamber. The piston is responsive to an inspired breath inhaled from one end of the chamber and also responsive to an exhaled breath introduced into the other end of the chamber. A novel rolling seal is provided which causes extremely minute friction losses during movement and which effectively seals the area between the external perimeter of the piston and the internal surface of the chamber.

Abstract: A fluid flow measuring apparatus characterized by a low friction piston and seal construction which is operable at low differential pressures. The piston and seal construction is further characterized by a bi-directional pressure relief feature that eliminates the possibility of flow blockage in the fluid system in which the apparatus is operating.

Abstract: Means for measuring the flow of a stream of fluid and the resistance to said flow. The means can be powered by the fluid whose flow is being measured. First axis motor means moves a chart in response to total flow, and second axis motor means moves marker means on said chart in response to variations in backpressure caused by resistance to flow out of the means. Examples are measuring the muscular response of the urethra and of the bladder.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the patient's ability to exhale has a piston slidable within a body part by air exhaled through a mouthpiece against a spring. A vent allows part of the air to discharge between the mouthpiece and the piston. By providing one or more discharge openings having removable seals, the amount of air discharged can be set to suit particular circumstances. Advantageously there is provided an indicator movable by, but not returnable with, the piston, to show the maximum position on a scale. The surface of the body part adjacent the scale may be so surfaced as to receive written matter.

Abstract: A human ventilatory capacity measurement instrument, of the kind which measures the peak flow rate of a single forced expiration, comprises a hollow cylindrical body housing a coaxial rod on which is carried a piston spring-biased in one longitudinal sense. The body is longitudinally slotted and has an indicator engaged in the slot for movement therealong by the piston when blown against its spring bias, but the indicator is returned to its starting position in the slot by independent movement. A scale is provided alongside the slot to give a measure of peak flow rate by the final rest position of the indicator when pushed by the piston.