Abstract: A flow detection device comprises a fluidic input port connected to a fluidic output port via a channel and a float located within the channel. A specific weight of the float exceeds a specific weight of a fluid injected in the flow detection device. Respective locations of the fluidic input port, of the channel and of the fluidic output port on the flow detection device cause the float to rise within the channel when a sufficient flow of the fluid is injected in the flow detection device. A sensor is provided to detect a position of the float within the channel. The flow detection device may be integrated in a cooling circuit having a cooling device for an electronic device to detect an eventual lack of a flow of a cooling fluid in the cooling circuit. A status of the flow of the cooling fluid is reported to a processor.

Abstract: A catalyst alarm system for resin/catalyst spray applications, the system having a first flow sensor that monitors whether a catalyst from a manifold is flowing for supply to a spay gun or other applicator at a specified minimum rate; a second flow sensor that detects if the catalyst is flowing out of a bypass conduit of the manifold, which indicates the catalyst is not being mixed with the resin; a third flow sensor that detects if the catalyst is flowing out of an over-pressure conduit of the manifold, which indicates that only a partial amount of the required catalyst is being mixed with the resin; and monitoring circuitry for providing alarm and/or control features based on activation combinations of the three flow sensors.

Abstract: An electric measurement method and apparatus for detecting a mass by an electric capacity (permittivity) or a material's dielectric constant, or alternatively, electric inductance (permeability). The mass may be any phase or combination of phases. The mass may be stationary or flowing. It may comprise discrete particles such as grain, or manufactured products such as ball bearings or threaded fasteners, etc. The mass may be a flow element in a rotameter or similar flow measurement device. The sensor comprises a volume which may be completely full or only partially full of the material. The material may be discrete components or a continuum. Sensor signals may be received by existing planter monitoring systems. In some embodiments the flow sensors are positioned external to the application port. In some embodiments sensors may be utilized which are responsive to the refractive index variation of specific chemicals.

Abstract: An electric measurement method and apparatus for detecting a mass by an electric capacity (permittivity) or a material's dielectric constant, or alternatively, electric inductance (permeability). The mass may be any phase or combination of phases. The mass may be stationary or flowing. It may comprise discrete particles such as grain, or manufactured products such as ball bearings or threaded fasteners, etc. The mass may be a flow element in a rotameter or similar flow measurement device. The sensor comprises a volume which may be completely full or only partially full of the material. The material may be discrete components or a continuum. Sensor signals may be received by existing planter monitoring systems. In some embodiments the flow sensors are positioned external to the application port. In some embodiments sensors may be utilized which are responsive to the refractive index variation of specific chemicals.

Abstract: A sensor-operated pull-out faucet can include a spout having a hose disposed therein, a pull-out spray head fluidly coupled to the hose and configured to dock at an end of the spout, and a sensor assembly disposed at least partially in the spout proximate the end of the spout. The sensor assembly can include a sensor and a shutter disposed adjacent the sensor. The shutter can be operable to obscure the sensor in a closed state and expose the sensor in an open state. The faucet can also include a control unit communicatively coupled to the sensor and configured to control fluid flow through the hose and the pull-out spray head based on control signals generated by the sensor.

Abstract: A flow sensor assembly including a housing configured to couple to a fluid line, wherein the housing includes an inlet for receiving a flow of a first fluid, and a sensor coupled to the housing and configured to measure a flow level of a second fluid passing through the fluid line.

Abstract: An system for monitoring alcohol in the breath of a test client confirms the identity of the test client based on spirometric data. The system includes a sample chamber receiving a breath sample, an alcohol sensor measuring the alcohol content of the breath sample, and a spirometric sensor generating spirometric data from the breath sample over the test client's entire exhalatory phase. A processor analyzes the spirometric data with stored client characterization data for a known client to confirm the identity of the test client. The client characterization data can be a probability density in a phase space in which at least two spirometric variables (e.g., flow and volume time-series data) are correlated.

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: A device and method for monitoring a fluid characteristic, such as flowrate, of a fluid within a fluid circuit having a preexisting filter head. The device is installed on the filter head in place of the existing filter element. The apparatus includes a housing having an internal surface defining an interior volume, a coupling for connecting the housing to the filter head and a flow indicator or other fluid responsive device actuated by flow of the fluid through the device. The fluid characteristic is monitored by observation of the fluid responsive component.