Abstract: An entirely disposable combined antimicrobial filter and flowmeter device for spirometry applications comprises a tubular body, with an inlet end portion, an outlet end portion, and an intermediate portion of enlarged diameter in the form of a discoidal shell. In the discoidal shell both an antimicrobial filtering membrane and a discoidal net of plastic material generating a pressure differential are arranged, it has an outer peripheral edge fixed to an inner annular lip of one of said bell-shaped portions of the discoidal shell, said annular lip being coaxial to said cylindrical wall. One of the filtering membrane and the pressure differential generating network has an outer peripheral edge fixed to the cylindrical wall of the discoidal shell, while the other of the filtering membrane and the pressure differential generating network has an outer peripheral edge fixed to an inner annular lip of one of the bell-shaped portions defining the discoidal shell.

Abstract: An airway adaptor includes a tubular member to which a measuring section configured to measure a flow rate of a respiratory gas of a subject is to be attached. The tubular member includes: a gas passage through which the respiratory gas to pass; and a resistance portion which is configured to generate a differential pressure in the respiratory gas passing through the gas passage, the resistance portion includes at least two partition members which are disposed in the gas passage along an axial direction of the tubular member and which are separated from one another, and side surfaces of the partition members are separated from an inner wall surface of the gas passage.

Abstract: A flow sensor system for ventilation treatment comprises a flow conduit configured to allow gas flow between a first region and a second region, the flow conduit defining a lumen for the gas flow; a flow restrictor disposed within the lumen of the flow conduit between the first region and the second region; a first absolute pressure sensor disposed adjacent to the first region of the flow conduit and configured to measure a pressure of the gas flow at the first region of the flow conduit; and a second absolute pressure sensor disposed adjacent to the second region of the flow conduit and configured to measure pressure of the gas flow at the second region of the flow conduit.

Abstract: A respiratory device may include an inlet port and an outlet port. A fluid pathway may extend between the inlet port and the outlet port. A filter housing may be positioned between the inlet port and the outlet port. A filter may be positioned within the filter housing. A first pressure port may be positioned on an inlet side of the filter housing. A second pressure port may be positioned on an outlet side of the filter housing. The first pressure port and the second pressure port may extend parallel to the fluid pathway. A pressure transducer may be coupled to the first pressure port and the second pressure port and configured to measure a pressure drop between the first pressure port and the second pressure port.

Abstract: A portable air flow meter fabricated using a 3D printer. A nozzle cover, a fixing cover, and a handle are formed integrally with a cylindrical housing in which a multi-nozzle for measuring an air flow is installed. The cylindrical housing is fabricated using a 3D printer. Fabrication costs are reduced, and a fabrication period is reduced. The portable air flow meter has superior portability due to light weight, and is effective in terms of usability.

Abstract: A delivery server includes: an update unit configured to update a remaining gas amount on a basis of a gas usage obtained based on comparison between a plurality of sets of meter indication data when receiving a set of meter indication data, included in the plurality of sets of meter indication data, of a gas meter configured to detect the gas usage in a gas cylinder; a prediction unit configured to predict a prospective remaining gas amount on a basis of a change in a past gas usage obtained based on comparison between the past gas usages consumed in the gas cylinder; and a determination unit configured to determine a date on which the predicted remaining gas amount reaches a predetermined value as a delivery date of the gas cylinder.

Abstract: A plant for synthesis of urea with a CO2-stripping process, comprising a natural-circulation synthesis loop, said loop including at least a urea reactor (1), a carbon dioxide stripper (2) and a condenser (3), said reactor, stripper and condenser operating substantially at the same elevated pressure, said loop comprising also a reactor effluent flow line (5), connecting said urea reactor to said stripper, which comprises means (15) for directly or indirectly detecting the flow rate and/or the direction of the flow through said reactor effluent flow line (5).

Abstract: A variable orifice fluid flow sensor is provided that includes a biasing member and a bending member positioned proximate the biasing member. The biasing member includes at least one biasing element extending from the biasing member into contact with a non-flapper portion of the bending member to exert a contact force on the bending member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to metrological rotary devices, such as anemometers and the like. Specifically, the present invention relates to a mechanical coupling for the same, whereby an anemometer cup-rotor or like device, can be replaced without the use of a tool. The present invention seeks to provide a coupling device which makes a mechanical coupling between a first and a second member such that the locking together and release action is positive, without likelihood of failure, and can be conducted simply and quickly without the use of a tool. Further objects of the invention are to provide couplings in which a positive axial and rotational location of shaft as first member and mating bore in a second member are obtained which do not cause damage to either of the sliding surfaces when excessive force is applied, and which are capable of transmitting a torque, such couplings being suitable for attaching a rotor to an anemometer.

Abstract: A variable orifice fluid flow sensor is provided that includes a fluid flow passage therethrough formed with a first port portion adjacent to one end of said passage and a second port portion adjacent to the other end of said passage. A bending member is mounted in the fluid flow passage between the first and second port portions and having a fluid flow limiting flapper extending across the fluid flow passage for creating a fluid flow opening in the passage, the size of the opening being variable responsive to fluid flow in said fluid flow passage. A biasing member is also mounted between the first and second port portions and includes at least one biasing element extending away from the biasing member into contact with the bending member to exert a contact force on the bending member.

Abstract: A differential pressure flow sensor that includes a plurality of channels divided into multiple sets of channels having different characteristics. Primary channels establish fluid communication between an inlet and an outlet of the flow sensor. Secondary channels establish fluid communication between the inlet and a first pressure port, but not the outlet. Tertiary channels establish fluid communication between the outlet and a second pressure port, but not the inlet. Signals generated at the first and second pressure port are used to determine a rate of flow through of gas through the sensor. Due to the structural features of the device, the phase delay of individual oscillatory flow components compared to corresponding oscillatory pressure components remains substantially constant across a wide range of flow rates.

Abstract: A Device for determining the flow of a flowing medium according to the float principle with at least one floating body and at least one measuring tube with medium flowing through it, wherein the floating body is movable in the measuring tube along an axis (4). To provide a device for measuring the flow rate according to the float principle that, in certain areas, shows insensitivity to changes in properties of the medium or changes of process variables affecting the properties of the medium, an actuating element is provided that acts upon the floating body depending on at least one property of the medium and/or depending on at least one process variable acting on a property of the medium.

Abstract: Method for monitoring a body inserted in pipe conducting a fluid flow, the body being positioned in a distance from the pipe wall providing a gap between the body and the pipe wall, the gap constituting an electromagnetic, e.g. microwave, resonator, at least one coupling probe being positioned close to said gap, the method comprising the steps of applying an electromagnetic signal, monitoring the frequency response of the resonator through the probe, and analyzing the frequency response to provide a measure of movements, e.g. vibrations induced by a turbulent flow, of the body. The invention also relates to an insert with support structure especially shaped to avoid influence on the resonance measurement.

Abstract: A liquid flow monitoring device for monitoring the supply of liquid to a spray nozzle including a deflectable check valve in a liquid supply passage to the spray nozzle, a light sensing device having a light emitter and a light receiver disposed on opposite sides of the check valve, the check valve being deflectable into at least partially obstructing relation to a light beam directed from the light emitter to the light receiver as an incident to liquid flow through the monitoring device to the spray nozzle, and a control system for receiving signals from the sensing device.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a quantity of milk yielded by an animal during a milking process comprises a container, a supply unit, a discharge unit, a filling level measuring device, a control unit and an evaluation unit. The supply unit is configured to feed milk into the container and can be connected to the milking unit of a milking machine. The discharge unit is configured to discharge milk from the container and can be connected to the milking line of the milking machine, which is adapted to have applied thereto a milking vacuum. The discharge unit comprises the means for changing the size of a discharge opening through which the milk flows when it is being discharged from the container. The discharge opening allowing milk to flow through the discharge opening can be adjusted to at least two sizes. The filling level measuring device is configured to measure a filling level of the milk in the container.

Abstract: A flow sensor for a medical ventilator system is disclosed herein. The flow sensor includes a valve assembly having a valve seat, and a valve flap attached to the valve seat. The valve flap is composed of an elastomeric material configured to generate a pre-load that biases the valve flap into engagement with the valve seat such that the valve assembly remains closed in the absence of an externally applied force. The flow sensor also includes a pressure transducer configure to measure a first pressure level at an upstream position relative to the valve assembly, and a second pressure level at a downstream position relative the valve assembly. The flow sensor also includes a processor configured to estimate the flow rate of a fluid passing through a medical ventilator system based on the first and second pressure levels.

Abstract: A non-intrusive flow detector consists of an easily adjustable visible light optical sensor assembly, producing a spot of light, which attaches non-obstructively and non-invasively to a fluid flow meter. The spot of visible focused light requires less than one milli-amp. The sensor monitors dial movement of a least flow dial or wheel and generates an electrical signal representative of a flow through the meter. The signal is then transformed by a 10-bit A/D converter and further processed. The flow rate and consumption is displayed in suitable units on a LCD. The microprocessor can be programmed to detect extremely small flow rates. With an appropriate sample time programmed, a flow of a few drops per minute would be detected. This embodiment aims to provide an improved method and means for enabling a consumer to monitor consumption of a metered source. This embodiment can be utilized as a sprinkler alarm.

Abstract: A measurement device and method for diagnosing noise in fluidic systems. A microphone, which is arranged at least partially in the area of the flow medium, compensates for pressure surges in the flow medium. The microphone receives the noise via a membrane and converts it to an electrical signal for evaluation of the noise source by an electronic diagnosis unit. To compensate for pressure surges in the flow medium, the membrane of the microphone is arranged in a housing, which is open on both sides of the membrane and whose two openings have pressure applied to them by the flow medium as a sound source, with at least one of the two openings being provided, in order to detect noise, with filter means for attenuation and/or time delay of frequencies which are in an expected noise spectrum, while the filter means allows lower frequencies produced by the pressure fluctuations in the flow medium to pass through.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a quantity of milk yielded by an animal during a milking process comprises a container, a supply unit, a discharge unit, a filling level measuring device, a control unit and an evaluation unit. The supply unit is configured to feed milk into the container and can be connected to the milking unit of a milking machine. The discharge unit is configured to discharge milk from the container and can be connected to the milking line of the milking machine, which is adapted to have applied thereto a milking vacuum. The discharge unit comprises the means for changing the size of a discharge opening through which the milk flows when it is being discharged from the container. The discharge opening allowing milk to flow through the discharge opening can be adjusted to at least two sizes. The filling level measuring device is configured to measure a filling level of the milk in the container.

Abstract: A device for indicating and regulating the flow volume in a fluid circuit of a heating or cooling system is provided. The device includes a housing having a lower valve part, a conical bore, and a sealing seat. The device further includes an indicating element having a hollow-cylindrical inspection glass with a closed end, an open end, an indicator plunger axially movable therein and stressed by means of a spring. A regulating cone is attached to the open end of the inspection glass, whereby the free end of the indicator plunger is guided through the regulating cone and bears a flow body immersed in the conical bore. Also, the regulating cone has slots distributed at the periphery and extending to the indicator plunger.

Abstract: A flow blender device that includes a plurality of input flow conduits and a single output flow conduit. A variable sized orifice is positioned along at least one of the conduits for metering and controlling fluid flowing through the flow blender device. The variable sized orifice can be positioned along any of the input or output flow conduits. The flow blender device can use differential pressure measurements across the variable sized orifices to determine fluid flow rates in the flow blender device.

Abstract: A flow metering device includes at least two stackable modular bodies including at least one set of adjacent modular bodies, each modular body having an orifice for modulating fluid flow therethrough. The modular bodies arranged such that the orifices between adjacent modular bodies are offset from each other. Adjacent stacked modular bodies define a chamber for trapping particulates entrained in fluid flow without obstructing fluid flow through the orifices.

Abstract: A floating body flowmeter having a measuring tube (1) which is positioned vertically and through which a substance (2) to be measured flows, in which tube a floating body (3) is arranged in order to determine the flow rate, the rise height (h) of said body relative to the measuring tube (1) being in a defined relationship with the flow rate, it being possible for the measuring range to be adjusted at least via the density of the floating body (3), and the floating body (3) being heterogeneous in such a way that the latter consists of an industrial mass-produced material in the core (4), the material selection being coordinated with the fact that the measuring range can be adjusted substantially via the density of the core (4), and the core (4) is provided with an external coating (5), its material being coordinated with the fact that this is chemically and/or mechanically resistant to the substance to be measured, and furthermore that all the other parts in contact with the substance to be measured are coated

Abstract: A device for metering and controlling fluid flow includes a variable orifice and is configured to use a pressure sensor. The device includes a fluid flow conduit having at least one planar inner wall that extends along a portion of the fluid flow conduit length, and an element having a linear edge configured to mate with the at least one planar inner wall of the fluid flow conduit. The element is movable in a direction transverse to an axis of the conduit between an open position wherein fluid flows through the conduit and a closed position wherein the element substantially shuts off fluid flow in the conduit.

Abstract: A non-intrusive flow detector consists of an optical sensor assembly that attaches non-obstructively and non-invasively to a fluid flow meter. The sensor monitors dial movement of a least flow dial or wheel and generates an electrical signal representative of a flow through the meter. Electrical circuitry having an adjustable timing circuit is used to selectively detect either excessive flow during a predetermined time period or the absence of flow after a predetermined time period. The electrical circuitry is adapted to connect to an existing alarm system and may be housed either near the meter in a separate enclosure or placed in an existing alarm panel.

Abstract: This DigiFlux™ digital gas flow sensor (DigiFlux™) can measure the gas flow by its Hall effect gas sensor. DigiFlux™ [FIG. 1] is based on the Hall effect. In DigiFlux™, an air-float with a small magnetic-iron attached to its bottom, is upright on a Hall effect sensor made by a conductor with I/O connector. When the air-float moves up or down caused by the gas influx pressure, the magnetic-iron in the bottom of air-float will cause electromagnetic sense, and will generate Hall voltage (Vh) signal on Hall effect sensor. The Vh signal will be sent to amplifier then to the MCU/DSP for analog-to-digital conversion, then the gas influx flow will be sensed as digital signal and can be processed by MCU/DSP. Based on functional program one can set different modes to measure gas flow. DigiFlux™ can measure gas flow with high-precision even with a small influx of gas.

Abstract: A method of improving the accuracy of a variable orifice flow meter that includes characterizing the flow coefficient of the flow meter orifice for different orifice openings and for different differential pressures. The method may be particularly useful with a flow metering and controlling device that includes a fluid flow conduit having at least one planar inner wall and an element having a linear edge configured to mate with the at least one planar inner wall of the fluid flow conduit. The element is movable relative to the conduit to define a flow orifice and vary a cross-sectional area of the orifice. The device also includes a processor configured to calculate the fluid flow based on the cross-sectional area of the orifice, the differential pressure, and the flow coefficient.

Abstract: An offset variable orifice gas flow sensor is provided. The variable orifice gas flow sensor comprises two port portions. The central axes of these port portions are offset such that an interior surface of the port portions slope away from a flapper that separates the port portions. The slope ensures that any moisture present in a gas that flows through the variable orifice gas flow sensor drains away from the flapper.

Abstract: A device for metering and controlling fluid flow includes a variable orifice and is configured to use a pressure sensor. The device includes a fluid flow conduit having at least one planar inner wall that extends along a portion of the fluid flow conduit length, and an element having a linear edge configured to mate with the at least one planar inner wall of the fluid flow conduit. The element is movable in a direction transverse to an axis of the conduit between an open position wherein fluid flows through the conduit and a closed position wherein the element substantially shuts off fluid flow in the conduit.

Abstract: A method of improving the accuracy of a variable orifice flow meter that includes characterizing the flow coefficient of the flow meter orifice for different orifice openings and for different differential pressures. The method may be particularly useful with a flow metering and controlling device that includes a fluid flow conduit having at least one planar inner wall and an element having a linear edge configured to mate with the at least one planar inner wall of the fluid flow conduit. The element is movable relative to the conduit to define a flow orifice and vary a cross-sectional area of the orifice. The device also includes a processor configured to calculate the fluid flow based on the cross-sectional area of the orifice, the differential pressure, and the flow coefficient.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for obtaining flow rate measurements including a sensor assembly and a housing. The sensor assembly includes a body defining a first fluid flow passage having an inlet, an outlet, a flow restricting element in the first fluid flow passage between the inlet and the outlet, an upstream fluid pressure sensor, a downstream fluid pressure sensor, an upstream signal contact connected to the upstream fluid pressure sensor, and a downstream signal contact connected to the downstream fluid pressure sensor. The housing has an upstream portion defining an upstream port, a downstream portion defining a downstream port, and a probe access port configured to provide access of a probe to at least one of the upstream signal contact and downstream signal contact. The housing can also define a second fluid flow passage in parallel with the first fluid flow passage. The device can be disposable.

Abstract: A method of improving the accuracy of a variable orifice flow meter that includes characterizing the discharge coefficient of the flow meter orifice for different orifice openings and for different differential pressures. The method may be particularly useful with a flow metering and controlling device that includes a fluid flow conduit having at least one planar inner wall and an element having a linear edge configured to mate with the at least one planar inner wall of the fluid flow conduit. The element is movable relative to the conduit to define a flow orifice and vary a cross-sectional area of the orifice. The device also includes a processor configured to calculate the fluid flow based on the cross-sectional area of the orifice, the differential pressure, and the discharge coefficient.

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: A method of determining an inlet flow rate (Finlet) of a flowable material including passing an inlet stream of flowable material through a chamber (20) having an outlet aperture (100); measuring a first rate of change of quantity of material in the chamber (20) when the material is entering at said inlet flow rate; measuring a second rate of change of quantity if material in the chamber (20) when no material is entering the chamber (20); and calculating the inlet flow rate (Finlet) from said first and second rates, wherein both rate measurements are made while the whole of the outlet aperture (100) of the chamber (100) of the chamber (20) is occupied by the flowable material.

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 differential-pressure flow sensor for airflow measurement in the presence of water condensation, for use with mechanical ventilators. The pressure-sensing ports at either end of the interfering body are displaced from the inner surface of the surrounding tubing, so as to prevent obstruction of the pressure-sensing ports by free flowing condensed water. The leading edge of the interfering body is angulated so as to deflect airflow towards the pressure-sensing port on the trailing edge of the interfering body, thereby flushing water droplets away from the port. The sides of the interfering body are sloped so as to generate turbulent boundary layer airflow at areas distant from the pressure-sensing ports, thereby encouraging water condensation away from the ports.

Abstract: An in-line gas flow rate sensor includes a movable flow orifice and a fixed flow restrictor adjacent the flow orifice for changing the gas flow through the flow orifice. The flow orifice and the flow restrictor are formed so that each uniform increment of flow orifice movement provides a constant percent of flow change through the flow orifice. A magnet fixed to the movable flow orifice provides changing magnetic flux corresponding to each uniform increment of flow restrictor movement. A magnetic flux sensor responds to the changing magnetic flux and provides an output corresponding to a constant percent of flow rate changes.

Abstract: A flow adapter for measuring the rate at which air flows into the brake pipe. The adapter includes a housing, a flow valve and a transducer. The primary passage of the housing contains a primary orifice and a secondary passage contains a secondary orifice. The flow valve is disposed within a supplemental passage. When the rate of air flowing from the input passage into the input chamber is less than or equal to a predetermined amount, the flow valve closes the supplemental passage. When the flow rate into the input chamber is greater than the predetermined amount, the flow valve opens the passage to an extent determined by the magnitude of the flow rate. This allows air to flow through the supplemental passage, in addition to that flowing through the primary passage. The transducer generates a signal proportional to the difference in pressure between input and output chambers.

Abstract: A flow meter for measuring a flow rate of a fluid passing through a fluid passage is provided with a throttle structure disposed at the inside, and it is connected to the fluid passage. The fluid passes through a groove via expanded grooves formed on a surface of a substrate which constitutes the throttle structure. The flow rate of the fluid passing through the fluid passage can be measured by detecting pressures and temperatures of said fluid on an inflow side and an outflow side concerning the throttle structure.

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 control valve is located in a variable displacement compressor incorporated in a refrigerant circuit. The control valve controls the displacement of the compressor in accordance with a pressure difference between a first pressure monitoring point and a second pressure monitoring point, which are located in the refrigerant circuit, such that the pressure difference seeks a predetermined target value. An adjusting valve, which is a variable throttle valve, is located in a section of the refrigerant circuit between the first and second pressure monitoring points. The adjusting valve adjusts the restriction amount of the refrigerant in relation to the refrigerant flow in the refrigerant circuit. The compressor displacement is thus optimally controlled.

Abstract: An in-line gas flow rate sensor includes a movable flow orifice and a fixed flow restrictor adjacent the flow orifice for changing the gas flow through the flow orifice. The flow orifice and the flow restrictor are formed so that each uniform increment of flow orifice movement provides a constant percent of flow change through the flow orifice. A magnet fixed to the movable flow orifice provides changing magnetic flux corresponding to each uniform increment of flow restrictor movement. A magnetic flux sensor responds to the changing magnetic flux and provides an output corresponding to a constant percent of flow rate changes.

Abstract: A flow rate detector mechanism using variable Venturi therein, comprising: a variable flow rate generator, comprising: a core 11; and a variable Venturi 12; wherein a throat (flow passage) cross-sectional area defined between the core and the venturi is able to be changed by shifting relative positions of the core and the venturi in a direction of axes thereof, and further comprising a flow rate calculation processing portion 30 for calculating a flow rate based on the relative positions in the direction of the axes thereof and for outputting the calculated flow rate, thereby continuously changing the constant flow rate, without occurrence of any disturbance therein.

Abstract: An improved fluid flow measuring device having more nearly linear response characteristics over a wide range of fluid flow rates measures the force exerted on a fluid flow sensing element (21, 37, 41, 47, 55, 61) located in the fluid flow. The effective area of the sensing element subjected to the fluid force decreases as the flow rate increases and increases as the flow rate decreases thereby compensating for the nonlinear relationship between fluid flow rate and the force exerted thereby. The sensing element may retract somewhat into a calm or minimal flow region (27, 35) in response to increased flow rate. The sensing element may include resilient vanes (45, 51, 52, 53, 57, 59) which bend thereby reducing their effective area in response to increased flow. The sensing element may include one or more flow passing apertures (43, 49) the size of which varies with flow rate.