Abstract: A vortex shedding flowmeter has a vortex sensor with a cantilever mounted transducer vane comprising a piezoelectric polymer film laminated together with an elastic substrate and that is encapsulated in an elastomeric integument to enable the transducer vane to withstand vortex pressure fields that span more than three orders of magnitude with sensitivities that provide high turn down ratios.

Abstract: Apparatus features a signal processor or processing module configured at least to: receive signaling containing information about acoustic emissions resulting from particles impacting a solid sensor element configured in a process pipe having a process fluid flowing therein, including a slurry; and determine particle sizes of solids in the process fluid, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processor module may also be configured to provide corresponding signaling containing information about the particle sizes of solids in the process fluid.

Abstract: A system for taking exhaust gas samples from internal combustion engines includes an exhaust gas duct comprising an outflow cross section and an exhaust gas inlet. The exhaust gas duct communicates with an exhaust gas source via the exhaust gas inlet. An air duct takes in ambient air via a filter. The outflow cross section is concentric in the air duct. A mixing zone is arranged downstream of the outflow cross section. A dilution tunnel has an exhaust gas/air mixture flow therethrough. An annular orifice is arranged downstream of the outflow cross section in the dilution tunnel. A flow deflection device is arranged upstream of the annular orifice and downstream of the outflow cross section. The flow deflection device deflects the exhaust gas/air mixture so that it departs from a center axis of the dilution tunnel immediately downstream of the flow deflection device in an axially symmetrical manner.

Abstract: Systems and related methods for simultaneous high precision synchronization and syntonization of multiple sensors or clocks utilize a precision estimator that receives clock signals and time mark signals from both sensors (a reference sensor and a clock to be measured against the reference sensor). A precision time and frequency estimator determines a time offset, frequency offset, and phase offset of the measured sensor relative to the reference sensor. Associated systems can additionally determine the propagation delay between two remote subsystems connected by a communications channel. The communications channel may be a bidirectional duplexed or multiplexed channel allowing for mutual exchange of timing information along a single non-dedicated cable between sensors. Sensors may be synchronized to within 10 ps of each other without the need for THz clocks or fiber-optic cabling.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that relate to determining the phase compositions of a multiphase fluid flow in a fluid line, including determining a flow velocity parameter which is related to the flow velocity of the fluid flow in the fluid line using a flow sensor and obtaining a vibration signal from the fluid flow using a vibration sensor comprising a target disposed in the fluid flow which vibrates in response to fluid flow in the fluid line. The signal may be analyzed to determine an energy parameter which is related to the energy of the vibration signal within a frequency band, and a phase composition parameter, such as a dryness parameter, relating to the phase compositions of the fluid flow is determined using the flow velocity parameter and the energy parameter. An apparatus for determining the phase compositions of a multiphase fluid flow in a fluid line is disclosed.

Abstract: A new accumulator for generating mixing bubbles comprises pivoting, counterbalanced buckets, the buckets receiving air directed from blowers, either directly from injectors connected to the blowers, or from diffusers used for aeration of the liquid in the tank. A bucket, weighed down by a counterbalance, receives air from injectors or diffusers below, and, as the air displaces liquid in the bucket, the buoyancy of the bucket increases until it exceeds the downward force of the counterweight, at which time the bucket pivots upward to release a large mixing bubble into the tank. An assembly for installation of the accumulator affixes the accumulator on a rigid vertical piece depending from a horizontal bridge.

Abstract: A powder feed rate sensor includes a surface or diaphragm configured to detect powder feed rate.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to a vortex flowmeter having a vortex body which projects into the flowing measurement medium in a measuring tube, a sensor for detecting the vortex frequency being connected downstream of said vortex body in the direction of flow and being provided with means for measuring the temperature of the measurement medium, and a downstream electronic evaluation unit determining the flow rate in a temperature-compensated manner, the sensor including a carrier body on which a plurality of piezoelectric elements, which are arranged at a distance from one another and are intended to measure the frequency, and a temperature-measuring element are placed.

Abstract: The present invention is an ultrasonic sensor comprising a ring-shaped ultrasonic vibrator that is disposed on an outer circumferential surface of a conduit tube in which a minute flow quantity substance flows and that is vibrated by application of high frequency signals and generates high frequency signals by receiving the vibration and a pair of damping members that are arranged so as to grasp and fix the ultrasonic vibrator, wherein an annular soft uniform matching member having a width along said conduit tube larger than that of said ultrasonic vibrator is provided between an inner circumferential surface of said ultrasonic vibrator and said outer circumferential surface of said conduit tube, and said matching member is made of a material having a sound propagation velocity substantially equal to a sound propagation velocity of the substance flowing in the conduit tube, and an ultrasonic flowmeter using it.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for measuring gas flow using a modular unit as a gas measurement module. The modular unit can be made of molded plastic, cast metal, or other material. A gas meter can include the gas measurement module. The gas measurement module includes a chamber with an inlet and an outlet. An obstacle in the chamber is configured to generate an oscillating gas jet when gas flow into the chamber is at or above a threshold flow rate. The gas measurement module includes a dual sensing assembly with one or more first sensors using a first gas flow sensing technology and one or more second sensors using a second gas flow sensing technology.

Abstract: A torsional sensor including a high-pressure sealing mechanism for sensing at least one parameter of a high-pressure fluid. The torsional sensor includes a torsional portion including a torsional rod sensor, a reference portion coupled to the torsional portion and including a transducer device and a high-pressure sealing mechanism coupled to the reference portion and the torsional portion and in sealing arrangement therewith. The high-pressure sealing mechanism is configured to provide for sealing therein the transducer device and allow for protrusion therethrough of a torsional rod sensor. At least a portion of the torsional sensor is mountable for immersion in the high-pressure fluid and operable to propagate a torsional wave that interacts with the high-pressure fluid along the at least portion of the torsional sensor so as to affect propagation of the torsional wave in a manner dependent on the at least one parameter of the high-pressure fluid.

Abstract: Systems for and methods of assessing urinary flow rate via sound analysis. Embodiments of the uroflow measurement systems include a computer and a telephone or a digital recording mechanism to capture the sound of one or more urination events, which are stored as audio files in a database. The uroflow measurement systems may include sound analysis software for analyzing the strength and duration of each urination event and may include a web-based uroflow software application for viewing the results via the Internet or other network. In one embodiment, the sound analysis software performs the steps of reading in the raw data of a selected audio file, generating a plot of the audio signal amplitude vs.

Abstract: Provided is ultrasonic flow measuring unit including: measurement path through which fluid to be measured flows; a pair of ultrasonic transducers disposed respectively upstream and downstream of measurement path and operable to transmit and receive an ultrasonic signal; and ultrasonic transducer attachment unit disposed in measurement path. Each of ultrasonic transducers includes piezoelectric element, terminal for applying a voltage to piezoelectric element, and acoustic matching layer adhered to a transmitting surface of terminal. Ultrasonic transducer is fixed to ultrasonic transducer attachment unit using an elastic coating material.

Abstract: Measurement apparatus having a cantilever and a fluid flow channel, the cantilever being positioned in the channel so that it projects in a direction parallel to the direction of fluid flow. In an associated method, the cantilever is positioned in a fluid flow channel such that the cantilever extends parallel with the direction of fluid flow in the channel. Fluid is caused to flow in the channel at a known velocity. The resonant frequency of the cantilever is measured at one or more velocities of fluid flow and calculating the spring constant of the cantilever using the measured resonant frequency or frequencies. If the spring constant of the cantilever is known, the measurement of resonant frequency of the cantilever is used to determine the velocity of the fluid flow.

Abstract: A method and pump that accurately senses air in a fluid delivery line pulses or activates and deactivates the air sensor(s) multiple times during the pumping phase of the fluid delivery cycle and can generate alarms based upon a single indication or a cumulative indication of air in the line. The pump can include multiple air sensors spaced along the delivery line so that the method can use the multiple signals therefrom to distinguish real moving air bubbles from false positives and/or air bubbles adhered to the inner wall of the line.

Abstract: A process device for coupling to an industrial process for use in monitoring or controlling the process includes a device housing configured to physically couple to the industrial process. A process variable sensor is configured to measure a process variable and measurement circuitry coupled to the process variable sensor provides an output related to the sensed process variable. A piezoelectric transducer provides an electrical output related to pressure pulsations in the industrial process. Electrical circuitry in the housing includes an input configured to receive the electrical output from the piezoelectric sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that guides a user through a sequence of steps that will allow the user to complete a predefined task using the flow meter. The steps include: selecting a predefined task, displaying a sequence of steps that directs the user through a process for using the Coriolis flow meter to complete the predefined task, and operating the Coriolis flow meter in response to the sequence of steps to complete the predefined task.

Abstract: An acoustic vector sensor mounted in a housing is provided for measuring ultra low frequency acoustic wave particle velocities in a liquid, comprising a horn for amplifying the acoustic wave particle velocities, and a neutrally buoyant object supported in a liquid contained in the horn. The neutrally buoyant object, in reacting to the amplified acoustic wave particle velocities, produces displacements that are sensitively measured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that guides a user through a sequence of steps that will allow the user to complete a predefined task using the flow meter. The steps include: selecting a predefined task, displaying a sequence of steps that directs the user through a process for using the Coriolis flow meter to complete the predefined task, and operating the Coriolis flow meter in response to the sequence of steps to complete the predefined task.

Abstract: A method for measuring water-flow noise over a hydrophone comprising: coupling the hydrophone to a distal end of a hydrodynamic-drag-reduced beam, which has a proximal end that is rotatably connected to a frame; pivoting the beam through water; and recording the water-flow noise generated by the water flowing around the hydrophone.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for measuring solid particles, e.g. sand, in a fluid flow in a pipe, comprising at least one acoustic sensor for registering acoustic signals generated from collisions between particles and a surface. The pipe comprises a constriction through which the fluid flow passes, and that at least one of said acoustic sensors are positioned in relation to said constriction, and on a surface facing toward the flow so as to receive acoustic signals resulting from collisions between particles and the surface.

Abstract: Various methods are described for measuring parameters of a stratified flow using at least one spatial array of sensors disposed at different axial locations along the pipe. Each of the sensors provides a signal indicative of unsteady pressure created by coherent structures convecting with the flow. In one aspect, a signal processor determines, from the signals, convection velocities of coherent structures having different length scales. The signal processor then compares the convection velocities to determine a level of stratification of the flow. The level of stratification may be used as part of a calibration procedure to determine the volumetric flow rate of the flow. In another aspect, the level of stratification of the flow is determined by comparing locally measured velocities at the top and bottom of the pipe. The ratio of the velocities near the top and bottom of the pipe correlates to the level of stratification of the flow. Additional sensor arrays may provide a velocity profile for the flow.

Abstract: The present invention provides an acoustic particle alarm comprising a particle sensor for indicating the concentration of particles exceeding a specified size and specified concentration, for particles entrained in a fluid flow impinging on a front face of the sensor, and a nozzle for directing the fluid flow such that the particles impact the sensor in a direction substantially normal to the front face of the sensor. Each particle impacting the front face of the sensor causes a response in an output of the sensor with amplitude that is monotonic in the momentum of the impinging particle.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a vortex flow meter with less measurement errors caused by a temperature change, a pressure change, and a mechanical vibration, and capable of performing a precise measurement regardless of conditions, in addition, to provide a vortex flow meter capable of sufficiently preventing corrosive chemicals that is a fluid to be measured from leaking from a measurement pipe line due to corrosion. A vortex generator that generates the Karman vortex and a measurement pipe line in which a holder body housing a detecting element that detects an alternating force of the Karman vortex is disposed are made of a material having a small coefficient of linear thermal expansion such as a quartz glass, and the vortex generator and the holder body are fixed to the measurement pipe line by welding in an integrating manner.

Abstract: To provide a flowmeter producing stable measurement results and coincidentally achieving miniaturization, a bent portion is provided in a flow path located between an inlet port of fluids to the flowmeter and a second flow path at which a sensor detecting a flow rate is positioned, thus forming at a sensor an almost uniform flow-velocity distribution in cross-section of the fluids and a reproducible and constant flow-velocity distribution.

Abstract: A system estimates flow parameters associated with a fluid flow encountering a bluff body. The system includes multiple sensors distributed on a surface of a bluff body. The system further includes input circuitry and a sensor processing unit. The input circuitry receives a signal from each of the multiple sensors. The sensor processing unit determines noise levels associated with each of the multiple sensors due to the fluid flow encountering the bluff body. The sensor processing unit further assigns weights to each of the multiple sensors based on the determined noise levels and estimates the fluid flow direction based on the assigned weights.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring flow. A flow sensor includes a sensor conduit and a bypass having at least one capillary tube. At least one of the length, inside diameter, and cross-sectional shape of the sensor conduit is substantially equal to the corresponding length, inside diameter, and cross-sectional shape of the at least one capillary tube.

Abstract: A flowmeter is described which has a retrievable housing conduit which is locatable within a conduit or pipe and which seals against the pipe so that fluid only flows through the housing conduit, and a flow restriction is created within the housing conduit to create a Venturi when in use. At least two spaced pressure measuring stations are provided along the housing conduit, one of the stations located at an unrestricted flow location, the other at a restricted flow location, whereby pressures measured at these stations can be used to calculate fluid flow rates. Embodiments of the invention are described.

Abstract: A system is provided for measuring gaseous constituents of a flowing gas mixture, having a gas flow control device and at least one sensor which is in contact with the flowing gas mixture. At least one mixing device is placed in the flow of the gas mixture, which mixing device homogenizes the gas mixture to mixed gas before it is detected by the sensor. The system is adapted for use in exhaust gas systems of internal-combustion engines.

Abstract: A coupling having an integral orifice plate engages upstream and downstream segments of a landfill piping system. Upstream and downstream ports are respectively formed through the walls of the coupling adjacent the orifice plate. The difference in pressure at the ports is correlated to a flow rate through the pipe. Sensor fittings are threadably engaged with the ports, and to support the threadable engagement, the wall of the coupling through which the ports are formed has a thickness of at least around one-half inch.

Abstract: A vortex flow meter has a vortex shedder that spans a diameter or other chord of a fluid-guiding pipe, and protrudes partially externally through two opposed openings in the pipe wall. The vortex shedder includes two spaced-apart mounting pads and an elongate portion spanning therebetween. At least one mounting pad includes a cavity for seating a sensor. One preferred practice of the invention inserts the shedder through the openings into the fluid-guiding pipe such that the elongate section resides within the flowing fluid and produces a stream of space-apart vortices, and the mounting pads protrude at least partially through the openings. The sensor produces electrical signals in response to the induced vortices, and an electronic module receives the electrical signals and calculates the flow velocity of the fluid based on the frequency of the electrical signals.

Abstract: A device is described for measuring at least one parameter, in particular of a volumetric flow, of a medium flowing in a line, in particular of the intake air volumetric flow of an internal combustion engine, having at least one measuring element around which the medium flows.

Abstract: A portable medical gas system tester is small, lightweight, sturdy, self-contained and portable and can be either pen-activated and/or voice-activated so that it can be operated in the field by just one person. The device can test, collect and interpret data from all medical gas components, such as outlets, valves, alarms, central sources of supply and emergency low pressure oxygen fill connections, and with all medical gases including oxygen, air, vacuum, waste anesthetic gas disposal, nitrous oxide, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and carbon dioxide/oxygen mixtures. The device has a computer, a digital display device, an analog to digital converter, a gas sensor, a pressure and vacuum transducer coupled to the gas sensor, and an oxygen transducer coupled to the gas sensor, an exhaust outlet for venting excess gases to outside of the device's case, a bi-directional flow sensor coupled to gas sensor, and a flow transducer coupled to the flow sensor.