Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a rate of liquid flow through a spray nozzle includes a container with an opening in a top thereof adapted to receive a liquid discharge from a spray nozzle. A level sensor comprises an electrical capacitor oriented substantially vertically in the container and configured such that as liquid rises in the container, a capacitance of the capacitor changes. A processor circuit is connected to the capacitor and is operative to measure the change in capacitance of the capacitor and convert the change in capacitance into a rate of liquid flow into the container, and a display is operative to display the rate of liquid flow. The apparatus is applicable to an agriculture or industrial application whereby an operator can periodically check the flow to determine wear or plugging of a spray nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic flow controller which transforms a slow reduction in pressure of fluid flow over time to a measurable fluid flow. Once a threshold pressure differential is reached, a flow passage through the flow controller opens rapidly to a relatively large opening, thereby generating a volume of fluid at high flux flowing through the passage, particularly to permit the measurement of the volume of fluid in a conventional flow meter. The device of the present invention integrates this low flux and transforms it to a measurable fluid flux, so that the fluid can be measured by the fluid meter within its optimum error range. This is accomplished while maintaining a pressure drop in the flow meter which is within the permitted standards. Thus, the invention provides relatively sharp shifts between substantially high flux flow and no flow, in a pulse-like manner.

Abstract: A piston arrangement is disclosed for metering valves, flow-rate sensors or hydraulic motors. The piston arrangement comprises a housing, at least one recess in the housing, and a first piston sealed and movable in the at least one recess of the housing. A recess is provided in the first piston, and a flow passage extends through the first piston. A second piston is movable in the recess of the first piston. A sealing surface is provided on the second piston, and a valve seat is provided on the first piston against which the sealing surface on the second piston can be pressed in such a way that the second piston can be moved in the first piston between a position which opens the flow passage through the first piston and a position which shuts off the flow passage through the first piston.

Abstract: A magnetic flowmeter comprises a pipe section, an insulating liner, a flangeless retention collar, a liner protector, a coil and an electromotive force sensor. The insulating liner lines the pipe section to form a process flow channel. The flangeless retention collar is located on an end of the pipe section for forming an end-to-end fluid connection to the process flow channel, and the liner protector is formed on the retention collar to provide an end seal for the insulating liner. The coil produces a magnetic field within the process flow channel, and the electromotive force sensor senses an electromotive force generated in fluid flow through the process flow channel.

Abstract: A measuring transducer has a sensor for recording a physical or chemical parameter and for generating a corresponding measurement signal and has an analytical device for determining a measured value dependent on the measurement signal and for outputting the measured value. A first interface for digital transmission of the measured value and a second interface are provided between the sensor and the analytical device. The analytical device is provided with a signal by the second interface, providing the measurement signal from the sensor. A synchronization of the analytical device t to the sampling time of the sensor is thus possible.

Abstract: The microfluidic system is constituted of modules that comprise one microfluidic unit and one corresponding electric control unit each and that are retained on a rear panel unit next to each other in a row. To prevent the formation of accumulation of ignitable or toxic gas mixtures a fluid conduit for a rinsing fluid extends through the rear panel unit. Branches lead from said fluid conduit to the modules, and said branches flowing into respective distributor compartments that extend vertically across the module height in the modules. Said distributor compartments are delimited in relation to the interior of the respective module by a distributor panel that is provide with openings. The interior of the respective module comprises, on its lower or rear surface, an exit opening for the rinsing fluid.

Abstract: In order to provide a circulation pump for a conveyed liquid, comprising an electric motor, which is electronically commutated and has a rotor, a stator and a motor circuit, and an impeller that is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the rotor, with advantageous properties, it is provided that the electric motor has an evaluation device, by means of which a flow rate of conveyed liquid through the circulation pump can be determined from a rotational speed of the rotor and/or a power consumption of the electric motor, and at least one signal output is provided, at which a flow rate signal and/or flow rate-dependent switching signal can be supplied by the circulation pump.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an oxygen concentrator may include lightweight injection molded housing components coupled to dual-pump diaphragm compressors. The oxygen concentrator may be coupled to a pressure transducer that detects a user's inhalation. The detected inhalation may signal the release of a bolus of oxygen. The sensitivity of the pressure transducer readings may be adjusted based on a detected environment. The user's breathing rate may also be determined to control the number of compressors used for increased efficiency. An ultrasonic sensor and gas flow rate meter may be used to determine an amount of oxygen being delivered to the user. Other components such as step valves and a solar panel may also be used to further conserve battery power. The oxygen concentrator may also incorporate an audio device such as a mobile phone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring the mass flow, in particular of a foaming liquid, comprising a measuring device with two electrodes and at least one electrical means for generation of an electrical parameter and an analytical device. The electrical means is connected to the first electrode at two remote points, such as to be wired in parallel with the first electrode. The second electrode is connected to the first electrode by means of the analytical device.

Abstract: The device for measuring the mass flow of a foaming fluid, in particular of milk during milking, comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet, and a measuring device for determining the mass flow. The housing is structured such that mixing the foam portion with the liquid portion of the fluid can be achieved. To this end, the inlet runs substantially tangentially into the housing interior.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the flow rate of a medium in a volume subjected to a magnetic field. The electrical resistance of a semiconductor arranged adjacent to the volume is measured, and the flow rate of the medium is computed from this electrical resistance.

Abstract: A device for detecting an analyte present in a fluid includes a fluorous sensing phase into which the analyte enters selectively in comparison with other components of the fluid.

Abstract: A device for use in assessing a flow condition of a fluid, or a fluid in a flow path, is provided. The device comprises at least one electrochemical cell, comprising a working electrode and at least one other electrode, sufficient for communication with the fluid, or sufficient for communication with a flow path, such that when sufficient fluid is in the flow path, the cell is in communication with the fluid. The fluid comprises a component sufficient to affect a mass-transport limited electrochemical reaction at the working electrode. The device also comprises at least one microcontroller operably connected to the at least one electrochemical cell for providing a potential or a current to the working electrode and for assessing the electrochemical reaction. A method of assessing a flow condition of a fluid, or a fluid in a flow path, is also provided. The device and the method of the present invention may be used in connection with the delivery of a fluid-borne or fluidized drug or medicament to a subject.

Abstract: An airflow detecting apparatus for a fan includes an amplifier circuit (100), a comparator circuit (200), a micro control unit (MCU) (U1), and an indicating circuit (300). The amplifier circuit has an input terminal receiving a voltage signal from a piezoelectric film (H1) disposed at an airflow path of the fan, and outputs an amplified voltage signal at an output terminal. The comparator circuit has an input terminal receiving the amplified voltage signal from the amplifier circuit and compares the amplified voltage signal with a reference voltage signal received at another input terminal of the comparator circuit, and outputs a voltage level signal at an output terminal. The MCU receives the voltage level signal from the comparator circuit and processes it to output an indicating signal. The indicating circuit receives the indicating signal from the MCU and indicates status of airflow.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser provides numerous inventive features in its refrigeration system, diluent delivery system, concentrate delivery system, mixing and dispensing system, and control system. The refrigeration system employs a plate heat exchanger to provide on demand refrigeration of an intermittent water flow. The diluent delivery system includes a flowmeter/solenoid/check-valve assembly. The concentrate delivery system employs a positive displacement pump. The mixing and dispensing system includes a mixing nozzle that has a locking feature such that an elevated blocking surface directly faces the inlet of pressurized diluent to create turbulence. The control system receives package-specific information from a scanner and diluent flow rate information from the flowmeter, and then determines the pump speed in order to set a desired mix ratio.

Abstract: The invention relates on an oval gear meter for volume flow measurement comprising a housing (1) with an oval gear chamber (2) with a fluid inlet (3) and a fluid outlet (4), a pair of oval gear wheels (5, 6) positioned in the chamber (2) and together forming an intermeshing or non-intermeshing involute toothing, and a contactless magneto-reactive sensor means (7) positioned outside of the chamber (2). At least one of the oval gear wheels (5, 6) is provided with at least one permanent magnet (9) to form a trigger wheel (6). The sensor means (7) is positioned in an appropriate position relative to the trigger wheel (6) so that the sensor means (7) is adapted to measure the rotation of the oval gear wheels (5, 6) by measuring the rotation of the trigger wheel (6).

Abstract: An open circuit gravity-assisted uroflowmeter has a urine collector having a generally open inlet in fluid communication with a sensing passage located at a lower elevation than the inlet, the sensing passage intersecting a magnetic field and having electrodes for detecting a flow-dependent voltage induced by the passage of urine through the magnetic field. Preferred embodiments of the uroflowmeter may have low pressure drop, rapid response and simple construction.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for the reliable calibration of detector units for the detection of low-molecular substances in a liquid flow.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the flow rate of a medium in a volume subjected to a magnetic field. The electrical resistance of a semiconductor arranged adjacent to the volume is measured, and the flow rate of the medium is computed from this electrical resistance.

Abstract: A device for use in assessing a flow condition of a fluid, or a fluid in a flow path, is provided. The device comprises at least one electrochemical cell, comprising a working electrode and at least one other electrode, sufficient for communication with the fluid, or sufficient for communication with a flow path, such that when sufficient fluid is in the flow path, the cell is in communication with the fluid. The fluid comprises a component sufficient to affect a mass-transport limited electrochemical reaction at the working electrode. The device also comprises at least one microcontroller operably connected to the at least one electrochemical cell for providing a potential or a current to the working electrode and for assessing the electrochemical reaction. A method of assessing a flow condition of a fluid, or a fluid in a flow path, is also provided. The device and the method of the present invention may be used in connection with the delivery of a fluid-borne or fluidized drug or medicament to a subject.

Abstract: The flow meter probe with force sensors has the body of a frustum of a regular pyramid with a force sensor disposed upon each face. The force sensors are mounted in bores defined in the probe body and include a pin that may be displaced in the bore to exert pressure on an electrical transducer. The transducer may be a ceramic, piezoelectric sensor or a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensor. The pin has an aerodynamically- or hydrodynamically-shaped head, a cylindrical body, and a frustoconical tail to concentrate force exerted upon the sensor. The head of the pin protrudes slightly above the face of the probe body so that aerodynamic and hydrodynamic forces are exerted directly against the pin, and pin displacement measures the forces directly. A plurality of probes may be placed in the path of fluid flow in a variety of configurations, as desired.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring volumes and areas using electromagnetic induction techniques. A current is generated and fed into one of two coil assemblies to induce voltage into another coil assembly to provide accurate values for volume or area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for integrating electrodes (12) characterizing the flow of a multiphase fluid in a tubing (10). The device includes a tube section (14) made out of an electrically insulating material and bearing the electrodes on its external surface. A metal compensation sheath (16) encircles the section (14), being separated from the latter by an insulating and incompressible fluid. An annular chamber (18) outside the sheath communicates with the inside of the tubing (10). The sheath (16) is fixed on seal rings (29) inserted at the ends of the section (14), by reinforcement for example.

Abstract: A sensor array includes a plurality of q sensors, a common output lead electrically connected to each sensor, a plurality of m primary input leads each primary input lead electrically connected to n of the plurality of sensors, and a plurality of n secondary input leads each secondary input lead electrically connected to m of the plurality of sensors. The number of sensors q=m·n, m is at least 2, n is at least 2, and each sensor is electrically connected to one of the plurality of primary input leads and one of the plurality of secondary input leads.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for measuring the zeta potential at the cylinder's outer surface. In the measuring cell, the cylinder is held coaxially inside a reference tube and a given solution is forced to flow through the annular flow channel between the cylinder and the reference tube. The streaming potential induced by the flow forced with a hydraulic pressure drop is measured to determine the zeta potential, ?m, of the cylinder's outer surface by using the following Equation, E _ ? ? ? P == - D ? ? ? k ? ( ? m + ? ref 2 ) ? F where D is the permittivity, ?ref is the zeta potential of the reference tube, ? is the viscosity of the solution, k is the electric conductivity of the solution, and F is a correction factor for the electrokinetic model. Moreover, this invention also discloses a system for measuring the zeta potential of the cylinder's outer surface.

Abstract: The cubic equations of state (CEOS) relate pressure, temperature and molar volume of a mixture. The deviation of the physical properties of a mixture from ideality is expressed by the compressibility factor. The compressibility factor is calculated from the CEOS. There is described a solution to the CEOS which provides a continuous solution for compressibility factors over the entire range of operating conditions. This solution avoids the non-unique roots, trivial roots and singularities that are present in the prior art solutions of the CEOS.

Abstract: A magnetoinductive flowmeter incorporates an electromagnetic circuit with at least one coil and a minimum of two detachably interconnected components of a magnetic material. One of the components features a resiliently deformable spring section that presses against the other component. The result is an easy-to-assemble magnetoinductive flowmeter that can be manufactured with substantial production tolerances.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a component of a fluid pressure measurement unit includes the step of providing a measurement element with a measurement chip arranged on a first side of the chip carrier and a plurality of socket-shaped terminal contacts for contacting contact terminals of the measurement chip, wherein the socket-shaped terminal contacts protrude from a second side of the chip carrier opposite from the first side of the chip carrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to measurement of a fluid flow, wherein a flow rate component of the fluid is measured along a selected direction. A magnetic field whose polarity varies over time is applied to the fluid, which presumed to contain electrically charged elements. First and second sensor electrodes (120, 121) are arranged to be wetted by the flowing fluid. The electrodes (120, 121) are spaced apart from one another along a line being substantially perpendicular both to the selected flow direction and a magnetic axis of the magnetic field. A DC-level drift of the sensor electrodes (120, 121) is prevented by supplying a control current (Ictrl-0; Ictrl-1) to each of the sensor electrode (120, 121), which has such sign and magnitude that a direct-current voltage level at the sensor electrodes (120, 121) relative areference potential is controled towards a predetermined voltage (DCset).

Abstract: A variable area flow meter has a magnet carried by a piston which is moved to a position representing fluid flow. An array of magnetoresistive bridge sensors adjacent the path of magnet movement senses the magnet position. The bridges are unbalanced by the magnet field. The analog unbalance signals are read and processed in digital form to develop a flow signal. The flow meter circuits are powered from a 4–20 MA current loop or a remote power supply. Each bridge sensor is powered only when the bridge unbalance signal is being read, to minimize the power requirement.

Abstract: Fuel gauges for fuel supplies for fuel cells are disclosed. Each fuel gauge has a property that is readable by an electrical circuit. These properties are related to the remaining fuel in the fuel supplies. These properties include, but are not limited to, electrical capacitance, magnetic, semi-conducting resistance, bi-metal resistance, and oscillating magnetic field. These fuel gauges are functional at any fuel supply orientation.

Abstract: A procedure for determination of flow and fraction of fluids includes the steps of: determination of Spin-Lattice relaxation times to be measured; assignment of radiofrequency pulse sequences corresponding to each of the fluids to be measured and with the fluid flow; application of a radiofrequency pulse sequence to a first coil; application of a second radiofrequency pulse sequence to the first coil; and application of a third radiofrequency pulse sequence to a second coil.

Abstract: An electrical current is passed through a thermistor to raise its temperature above the temperature of oil flowing in pulses past the thermistor. A change is measured in the temperature of the thermistor occurring with respect to one or more of the pulses. A level of oil flow is determined corresponding to the measured change in temperature. A signal is issued based on the determined flow level.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting, locating and quantifying a physical phenomena such as strain or a deformation in a structure. A plurality of laterally adjacent conductors may each include a plurality of segments. Each segment is constructed to exhibit a unit value representative of a defined energy transmission characteristic. A plurality of identity groups are defined with each identity group comprising a plurality of segments including at least one segment from each of the plurality of conductors. The segments contained within an identity group are configured and arranged such that each of their associated unit values may be represented by a concatenated digit string which is a unique number relative to the other identity groups. Additionally, the unit values of the segments within an identity group maintain unique ratios with respect to the other unit values in the identity group.

Abstract: An apparatus, systems, and methods for measuring an amount of oil in a flow of fluid are provided. A housing defines an interior passage configured to pass a flow of fluid, and the housing has a receiving end coupled with an output of a source of the flow of fluid and an output end coupled with a fluid destination. A magnetic source is disposed inside the interior passage and the magnetic source is positioned such that a magnetic field induces an electric current in a conductive portion of the flow of fluid as the flow of fluid passes through the housing. A detector is disposed inside the interior passage between the magnetic source and the output end of the housing and the detector is configured to respond to the electric current induced and generate a signal representative of the amount of oil in the flow of fluid.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring volumes and areas using electromagnetic induction techniques. A current is generated and fed into one of two coil assemblies to induce voltage into another coil assembly to provide accurate values for volume or area.

Abstract: A passive flowmeter having an inlet, sensing passage and outlet in fluid communication with one another, the sensing passage having a noncircular cross-section having a minor axis generally aligned with a permanent magnetic field and a major axis generally aligned with at least a pair of generally opposed electrodes for detecting a flow-dependent voltage induced by the passage of conductive liquid through the magnetic field. By using both permanent magnets and a noncircular cross-section sensing passage together in the same device, much greater latitude in magnet selection may be obtained. This may facilitate for example the use of lower cost permanent magnets and the construction of a lower cost device for disposable flowmeter applications.

Abstract: The measurement of blood flow in a dialysis shunt is obtained by injection of an indicator material into a venous line leading from dialysis equipment to the shunt. The blood flow in an arterial line leading from the shunt at a location downstream of the venous line to the dialysis equipment is monitored by an arterial line sensor for the presence of the indicator material. A detector connected to the sensor provides a dilution curve in response to the presence of the indicator material and the blood flow in the shunt is calculated from the area under the dilution curve. The locations of the arterial and venous lines in the shunt can be reversed to obtain a measurement of blood recirculation from the venous line into the arterial line.

Abstract: An magnetic flow meter is provided which includes a reference electrode configured to electrically couple process fluid flowing within a flowtube of the flow meter. The reference electrode is adapted to measure potential of the process fluid. A current limiter is configured to limit current flow through the reference electrode and thereby reduce corrosion of the reference electrode.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for determining a fluid parameter in a vessel by altering a property of the fluid, sensing the difference in the property after the fluid is altered, particularly as related to the property in an unaltered portion of the fluid.

Abstract: An integral trap magnetic flowmeter having an inlet in fluid communication with a sensing passage, the sensing passage intersecting a magnetic field, having electrodes for detecting a flow-dependent voltage induced by the passage of conductive liquid through the magnetic field, and having an outlet at an elevation such that the sensing passage volume normally remains filled with conductive liquid. By maintaining standing liquid in the sensing passage at a height sufficient to fill the sensing passage volume, the flowmeter's response may be made more rapid and more accurate, particularly during the early stages of a short duration liquid discharge. By providing an integral trap, installation errors may be reduced.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus (1) for determining the flow (Q) of a fluid (2). The apparatus has a hollow body (3), with an inflow (4) and an outflow (5) for the fluid (2). A magnetic sample (6) is movably arranged in the hollow body (3) and can be acted upon with a working pressure by the fluid (2). The measuring apparatus (1) further has at least one position sensor (7) to determine the position of the magnetic sample (6), an electromagnet (8) to exert a magnetic force on the magnetic sample (6), and a control device (9) for the electromagnet (8) which is connected signal-wise to the position sensor (7). The control device (9) includes regulating means (10) which control the electromagnet (8) with the aid of a signal of the position sensor (7) so that the magnetic sample (6) is held in a position (X) against the working pressure, with the magnetic sample (6) being designed and arranged such that the fluid (2) can flow through the hollow body (3) from the inflow (4) to the outflow (5).

Abstract: In a two-wire electromagnetic flowmeter, an exciting coil generates a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the flowing direction of a fluid that flows through a measurement tube. A flow measuring output circuit adjusts an output current that flows to a pair of power supply lines to which an external power is supplied, in accordance with a flow measurement value obtained on the basis of a signal electromotive force which is generated in a direction perpendicular to the flowing direction of the fluid that flows through the measurement tube and the direction of the magnetic field generated from the exciting coil. An exciting circuit is connected in series with the flow measuring output circuit between the pair of power supply lines and supplies part of the output current to the exciting coil as an exciting current. In the exciting circuit, an exciting voltage circuit generates an exciting voltage between first and second lines.

Abstract: The present invention provides oral delivery systems for functional ingredients, such as drugs, nutritional supplements, botanicals, and vitamins. The delivery systems comprise an ingestible matrix within which the functional ingredient(s) are substantially uniformly and completely dispersed and in which degradation of the functional ingredient(s) is minimised. The matrix comprises 1) one or more carbohydrate; 2) one or more sugar, sugar syrup and/or sugar alcohol; 3) one or more hydrocolloid; 4) one or more polyhydric alcohol; 5) one or more source of mono- or divalent cations, and 5) water. The combination of carbohydrate and hydrocolloid in the matrix ensures that the delivery system readily retains the solvent component and thereby prevents separation of the solvent from other components of the matrix. The invention also provides methods of preparing and using the delivery systems.

Abstract: Sensors that are capable measuring the rate of flow of a fluid that passes over the electrodes of the sensor. In these sensors, an electrode, designated the flow rate-determining electrode, is used in conjunction with the conventional electrodes, e.g., the working electrode, the reference electrode, and the counter electrode, to determine the rate of flow of the fluid. In one aspect, this invention provides a sensor for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a sample of fluid when the sample flows continuously over the electrodes of the sensor, especially when the rate of flow of the sample is relatively low. In another aspect, this invention provides a method for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a sample of fluid, wherein the rate of flow of the sample varies during the period of time that the sensor is in place. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor employs four electrodes, namely, a working electrode, a reference electrode, a counter electrode, and a flow rate-determining electrode.

Abstract: An electrical current is passed through a thermistor to raise its temperature above the temperature of oil flowing in pulses past the thermistor. A change is measured in the temperature of the thermistor occurring with respect to one or more of the pulses. A level of oil flow is determined corresponding to the measured change in temperature. A signal is issued based on the determined flow level.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor device for measuring properties of a medium to be measured when this medium surrounds and flows past the sensor. The sensor has a housing of metal, an opening in the housing transverse to the flow of said medium to be measured which is adapted to house at least one capacitive electrode, and where the electrode(s) of the sensor is/are electrically insulated from said medium to be measured by means of a glass ceramic material that is arranged to be flush with the outer surface of the sensor.

Abstract: In a sensor chip for a fluid flow sensor, a thin film portion is formed above a hollow cavity portion while leaving thin film layers formed on the surface of a substrate. A conductor is provided on the inner wall face of a through hole formed to penetrate the substrate to thereby electrically connect a detecting portion constituted by a conductor film in the thin film layers and a substrate conductor portion formed on the rear face side of the through hole. The surface of a circuit board is formed with a control circuit and a base conductor portion electrically connected to the control circuit. The sensor chip and the circuit board are layered and the substrate conductor portion and the base conductor portion are electrically connected.

Abstract: A flow detector comprises at least two housing parts with a semiconductor chip having an integrated flow sensor arranged between the housing parts. An opening is provided in one of the housing parts and at least one metal pin extends through the opening and forms an electrical lead-through. A hardened filler material is used for sealing the lead-through against the walls of the opening. This construction provides a well sealed cavity for the fluid to be measured and can be manufactured easily.

Abstract: A mass fluid flow sensor for determining the amount of fluid inducted into an internal combustion engine, for example, is disclosed. The mass fluid flow sensor includes an external intake fluid temperature element which improves the accuracy of the mass fluid reading. An external cold wire element is further provided which improves response time. The mass fluid flow sensor has an improved aerodynamic design which provides a lower system pressure drop. Moreover, the sensor is smaller and lighter and has fewer parts, thus providing better manufacturability. A molded one-piece isolated jet nozzle having a hot element disposed therein is included in the fluid sampling portion. Consequently, an improved lower internal flow passage pressure drop is achieved. Additionally, an improved signal to noise ratio, as well as a larger dynamic range is an advantageous consequence of the present invention. The present invention further provides improved electromagnetic interference performance.