Abstract: A fluid velocity sensor includes a sensor die for detecting a fluid property of a fluid flowing through a low resistance flow channel defined by a flow channel wall. One or more tap can be oriented facing into a direction of a flow stream of a fluid flowing through a flow channel defined by a channel wall, wherein the tap(s) leads to the low resistance flow channel, which directs the flow to the sensor die. At least one or more other taps can be located to face perpendicular to the direction of flow, such that the fluid after passing over the sensor die continues on a low resistance path to the other tap(s) facing perpendicular to the direction of flow in order to determine a velocity pressure based on a difference between pressures. The fluid velocity sensor can be arranged in a uni-directional or bi-directional fluid flow configuration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flow meter that obtains the individual flow rates of gas, liquid hydrocarbons, and water in a predominantly gas-containing flowing fluid mixture. The flow meter comprises a water content meter (7) that provides a signal representing a measure of the water content of said fluid. The flow meter also comprises a double differential pressure generating (3) and measuring (4) structure, denoted a DDP-unit (2), that provides two measurement signals (6A and 6B) representing two independent values of differential pressure (DP) in said fluid (1). In addition to the above, the meter also comprises a signal processing unit (8) having inputs (9A-C) for receiving the measurement signals and the water content signal, and a calculation module (10) which calculates values representing the volumetric flow rates of said gas, liquid hydrocarbons and water in said fluid.

Abstract: A method for calculating a mass flow rate of a cryogenic fluid within a flow tube includes positioning a sensor within a stream of cryogenic fluid flowing through the flow tube. The sensor is operatively coupled to a strain gauge. A difference between a dynamic pressure in the fluid stream and a static pressure in the fluid stream is measured and the mass flow rate of the cryogenic fluid within the flow tube is calculated.

Abstract: An airflow sensor for use in a conduit. The sensor comprises stacked first, second and third portions positioned, in use, in the conduit to define a hub and a plurality of tubes. The hub is centrally disposed in the conduit and has first and second interior chambers, a streamlined upstream-facing surface, a downstream-facing surface and a sidewall connecting said upstream and downstream facing surfaces, said sidewall having defined therein one or more static pressure ports through which the first chamber communicates with the conduit interior. The tubes extend radially from the hub, transverse to the flow. Each tube has a streamlined upstream-facing surface having defined therein one or more total pressure ports; a downstream-facing surface; and an interior passage communicating with the second chamber and communicating with the conduit interior through said total pressure ports. Each static pressure port is located downstream from a respective tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fluid flow straightening and measurement introduces a high beta nozzle or venturi in-line with existing conduit. A fluid velocity measuring device is positioned in the throat of the high beta nozzle and measurements of velocity at multiple points in a plane perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow are taken. The velocity data points are then averaged and produce an output signal from which fluid flow rate can be determined.

Abstract: A fluid flow probe including: first, second and third pressure sensors; a first port for communicating a first pressure to the first pressure sensor; a second port for communicating a second pressure to the second pressure sensor, the second port being substantially oppositely disposed with respect to the first port, a third pressure port suitable for communicating a static pressure to the third pressure sensor; first and second outputs electrically coupled to the first and second pressure sensors, respectively, one of the first and second outputs indicative of a total pressure and the other of the outputs indicative of a base pressure; and, a third output electrically coupled to the third pressure sensor and indicative of the static pressure.

Abstract: A sensor and carrier device are provided in combination with a pipeline for either placing a sensor element within the flow stream of the pipeline or a device to divert flow outside of the pipeline to measure a parameter of the conditions within the pipeline or of the gas flowing through the pipeline. The configuration of the probe comprising the carrier and sensor is such as to reduce the possibility of structural failure of the probe.

Abstract: Sensor structure of a flow body protruding into a current for carrying out measurements of flow states, containing a structural part (1) with at least two measuring orifices (5), to which transfer lines (7) are coupled, which guide the flow medium from the measuring orifices (5) to a pressure converter system (13) for the purpose of determining the flow states. The outer shell (3) of the structural part (1) contains two areas (21, 22), which are arranged behind each other viewed in the direction of flow, wherein the first area (21) has greater thermal conductivity than the second area (22). Within the first area (21) heating elements (31) are arranged on the structural part (1), and are connected with a temperature control circuit with the temperature on the surface of the first area (21) as a control variable.

Abstract: A tube mounting assembly for total traverse or static traverse sensing tubes is provided for use with Pitot tube devices where the tubes are allowed to expand and contract independent of the flow element shell. A female threaded pipe cap is tack welded or otherwise affixed to the inside internal surface of the flow element shell. A ½ inch NPTX tube fitting of the bore-thru fitting type is affixed to the pipe cap, and a traverse tube, sealed by high temperature packing or thread sealant between the tube and a tube nut, are then affixed to the opposite end of the bore-thru tube fitting.

Abstract: An average bidirectional flow tube, including a body having two side plates and upper and lower plates, a partition plate installed to be perpendicular to the side plates of the body so that front and rear ends of the tube are separated from each other, and two pairs of pressure impulse lines installed at front and rear positions of the partition plate. The upper and lower plates of the body each have a curvature to be in contact with an inner surface of a pipe in which the average bidirectional flow tube is installed, and each of the pressure impulse lines is installed to communicate with an interior of the pipe. Although a two-phase flow occurs in the pipe or the flow of the fluid flowing in the pipe is changed, an average flow rate of a fluid can be measured. Particularly, it is easy to measure an average flow rate of the fluid when the fluid flows at a low speed. Further, even when sudden pressure reduction occurs in the pipe, an additional cooling device is not required.

Abstract: A vane assembly includes a vane having a main axis, a first passageway within the vane substantially parallel to the main axis, and a second passageway aligned with the first passageway. The vane has a window portion between the first passageway and the second passageway. The vane assembly also includes a sensor inserted in the first passageway and having a portion held in place in the second passageway, wherein a portion of the sensor is exposed in the window portion of the vane.

Abstract: A high-performance, fast-response, multi-sensor pressure probe for velocity and pressure measurement applications in unsteady and turbulent flowfields. The invention includes both 5 and 7-sensor probes, hemispherical-tip probes and conical-tip probes of various diameters. The present invention eliminates the need for long pressure tubing in such probes by placing the sensors adjacent the flow apertures which leads to a dramatic response in probe measurement frequency response which extends the use of the invention to unsteady and turbulent flows.

Abstract: An improved manual purge system for periodically cleaning pressure sensing flow element tubing is provided that is a complete self-contained system for allowing manual determination and initiation of flow element purging. Additionally, the system can be easily upgraded to an automatic purge system without removal from the process system.

Abstract: A system to measure fluid flow characteristics in a pipeline, meter, and methods includes a pipeline having a passageway to transport flowing fluid therethrough, a process density meter including at least portions thereof positioned within the pipeline to provide flowing fluid characteristics including volumetric flow rate, fluid density, and mass flow rate of the flowing fluid, and a fluid characteristic display to display the fluid characteristics. The process density meter includes a vortex-shedding body positioned within the pipeline to form vortices and a vortex meter having a vortex frequency sensor to measure the frequency of the vortices and to determine the volumetric flow rate. The process density meter further includes a differential pressure meter positioned adjacent the vortex-shedding body to produce a differential pressure meter flow rate signal indicative of the density of fluid when flowing through the pipeline.

Abstract: A bi-directional, clean or grey medium, wide temperature range, low intrusion, low turbulence, mass flow meter extends multiple pressure sensing tubes, each containing multiple pressure sensing ports, into a bounded path a distance no more than one half the diameter of the path, or semi-traversing. These sensing tubes sense impact or static pressures to obtain a sensing pressure, and are in fluid communication with a channel located externally of the bounded path which provides a total average sensing pressure for measurement. A series of reference pressure ports are located flush to the wall surface of the bounded path to obtain a reference pressure. These reference ports are in fluid communication with another channel located externally of the bounded path which provides a total average reference pressure for measurement. The difference in total average sensing pressure and total average reference pressure can be measured and used to calculate the average velocity and volume of gas within the bounded path.

Abstract: Since, as a rule, there are several such PSTs on an aircraft, this results in a marked reduction in weight and aerodynamic drag, and savings in the required electric power in conjunction with a simultaneous increase in the accuracy of measurement of the angle of attack. All this permits a substantial increase in the competitiveness of the proposed fuselage Pitot-static tube.

Abstract: A pitot pressure sensing probe assembly is made up of individual components comprising a barrel formed with a longitudinal interior passageway and a conical end cap at its leading end. A strut that has stamped or formed sections secured together to form the strut with a compound curvature includes a neck that has a bore to receive a hub of the barrel. The end cap has a pitot port for sensing fluid pressure. The barrel includes a water trap at its leading end for trapping water and permitting it to drain through a hole in the conical end cap. The longitudinal internal passageyway carries the fluid pressure sensed by the pitot port to remote instruments. The individual components are easily formed and are secured together to make the pitot pressure sensing probe assembly.

Abstract: A system measures dynamic force of an impacting spray of air and water. A pitot-tube section is aligned to receive a longitudinal flow of impacting air/water spray in a laterally extending orifice. A first differential pressure transducer is coupled to the pitot-tube section for producing signals representative of velocity of the air/water spray at the orifice. A rain gage section adjacent to the pitot-tube section receives and collects volumes of water of the longitudinal flow of air/water spray through a laterally extending opening. A second pressure differential transducer is coupled to the rain gage section to produce signals representative of the volumes of water collected in the rain gage section. A computer-based control/readout module receives the velocity representative signals and water volume representative signals for indicating the magnitude of dynamic force attributed to impacting air/water spray in the opening.

Abstract: A flow meter of the pitot type. The meter incorporates a series of apertures along a probe body for exposure to a fluid stream. The result is a number of datum which are averaged and correlated to be representative of the flow within a conduit. Aberrations encountered in noncircular ducting or other irregularities are compensated by correction. The disclosure further sets forth the use of an apparatus to effect the measurements.

Abstract: Devices and methods for enabling measurement of a selected fluid characteristic in fluid flowing through a conduit. The device includes a body connected in the conduit having an accelerator section and a flow conditioner section within which a measuring unit such as an averaging pitot is maintained. The flow conditioner section includes a straight, substantially constant diameter conduit length selected to provide a settling distance after the accelerator section and in advance of the measuring unit sufficient to provide stabilization and linearization of the flowing fluid prior to measurement. Utilizing the device, repeatable and accurate measurement of the characteristic (flow rate for example) may be conducted over an operating range characterized by up to at least about a 25 to 1 turndown in flow with a constant flow coefficient independent of fluid flow velocity or Reynolds number.

Abstract: Devices and methods for enabling measurement of a selected fluid characteristic in fluid flowing through a conduit. The device includes a body connected in the conduit having an accelerator section and a flow conditioner section within which a measuring unit such as an averaging pitot is maintained. The flow conditioner section includes a straight, substantially constant diameter conduit length selected to provide a settling distance after the accelerator section and in advance of the measuring unit sufficient to provide stabilization and linearization of the flowing fluid prior to measurement. Utilizing the device, repeatable and accurate measurement of the characteristic (flow rate for example) may be conducted over an operating range characterized by up to at least about a 25 to 1 turndown in flow with a constant flow coefficient independent of fluid flow velocity or Reynolds number.

Abstract: A boat mounted speedometer for providing a speed signal to a boat operator. The system includes a probe that reaches a laminar flow of water below the back edge of the boat. An opening in the probe allows for water pressure, proportional to boat speed to build up in the system. Any air trapped in the water in the system is bled out through a bleed valve. A pressure transducer reads out a signal and a processor generates a digital signal proportional to pressure and speed of the boat. The signal is read out for the operator on a back lit digital speedometer display.

Abstract: An installed or temporarily inserted air flow instrument 48 measures air flow in a pneumatic subsystem of a cleaning station in a copier or printer. The air flow instrument has a pitot tube 52 and a static pressure tube 54. The pitot tube is substantially parallel to the length of in-line adapter 50, is centered within in-line adapter 50, and terminates in impact end 74. Static pressure tube 54 is substantially transverse to the length of in-line adapter 50. Static pressure tube 54 penetrates adapter wall 64 of in-line adapter 50 and is flush with adapter inner surface 66 of in-line adapter 50. The pressure difference at the ends of the pitot and static pressure tube represents a measurement of the air flow in the body of the air flow instrument.

Abstract: Since, as a rule, there are several such PSTs on an aircraft, this results in a marked reduction in weight and aerodynamic drag, and savings in the required electric power in conjunction with a simultaneous increase in the accuracy of measurement of the angle of attack. All this permits a substantial increase in the competitiveness of the proposed fuselage Pitot-static tube.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring physical parameters of a fluid, the sensor comprising an air intake fitted on a streamlined body, and a duct formed in said streamlined body to enable the fluid to flow and communicating with said air intake, the sensor being characterized in that said air intake has an inside section that is, at least in part, rounded and fitted on the streamlined body via a surface that is plane.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for measuring respiratory gas flow, which provides a high accuracy in measurement of the respiratory gas flow and reduces the manufacturing cost of the apparatus, in comparison with the conventional disposable apparatus for measuring respiratory gas. The apparatus includes a measurement module and a respiratory tube assembly. The respiratory tube assembly comprise a cylindrical tube body and a sensing rod inserted through the cylindrical tube body. The sensing rod is shaped like the number “1” and has a plurality of sampling pores and two air passages. Locations of the sampling pores are determined by equal area division method in which a circular section of the cylindrical tube body is divided into a plurality of annuluses with equal areas and the sampling pores are formed at the positions also equally dividing the annuluses to which the sampling pores belong.

Abstract: A flow rate sensor may have arms extending outwardly from a central axis or hub, with an aerodynamic upstream surface on each arm, and a blunt downstream surface that creates a reduced pressure zone adjacent to the blunt surface. At least one high-pressure fluid inlet is located in the aerodynamic upstream surface, and at least one low-pressure inlet is located in the reduced pressure zone downstream from the blunt surface. This combination of an aerodynamic upstream surfaces and a blunt face on the downstream side of the sensor generates an amplified signal that is suitable for modern controllers, and is significantly quieter than previous sensors.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring or detecting one or more parameters of a gas, such as compressed air, in a line through which the gas is flowing by a sensing portion of an elongated wand which is axially inserted through piping attached to the line and advanced into the line radially thereof. The apparatus of the present invention, and the method of its use, avoid the problem of the wand being forcibly ejected from the piping upon removal thereof by providing an element having a diameter larger than the passageway in the packing gland through which the wand is inserted. The element is attached to an elongated tubing portion of the wand after insertion of the distal end of the tubing through the packing gland. The element may be one end of the probe containing the sensing elements, a plug closing the distal end of the tubing, or an additional, larger diameter of the section of tubing.

Abstract: An electric pressure probe for an aircraft comprises: a pitot tube assembly for collecting pneumatically air pressure in the vicinity of the assembly; a strut including one end mountable to a surface of the aircraft, the pitot tube assembly being coupled to another end of the strut for being supported away from the aircraft surface; a pressure sensor integral to the strut and pneumatically coupled to the pitot tube assembly for converting the pneumatic pressure collected thereby to an electrical pressure signal; and circuitry integral to the strut and coupled to the pressure sensor for signal conditioning the electrical pressure signal, the circuitry including at least one output lead for conducting the conditioned electrical signal from the probe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuselage Pitot-static tube comprising three groups of orifices for determining the total pressure (2), static pressure (3) and angle of attack (6, 7), and an axisymmetric body (1) and strut (5) for mounting an anti-icing system having, arranged between them, airways (10) and electric heating elements (8). The orifices for determining the angle of attack are arranged on the strut, whose cross section is constructed in the form of a subsonic aerodynamic profile with a rounded-off nose or a tapered nose, and are arranged between the nose of the profile and the position of its maximum thickness.

Abstract: An air-pressure head for determining parameters of an air flow, flow of other gases or fluids, as well as parameters of flight of the aircraft wherein the air-pressure head includes a multi-edged rod, whose edges are oriented in the longitudinal direction of the rod, having groups of orifices between the edges on smooth lateral surfaces of the rod which are connected via pneumatic ducts to outlet nipples disposed off the air flow. The edges in the longitudinal direction of the rod are continuous and the number n thereof is such that n<3. Groups of orifices are spaced from the edges at the values of a ≦0.1b, where b is the distance between the edges in any cross-section of the rod. The angle between the lateral surfaces in any cross-section of the rod being &ggr;<180°. Sharp edges can be rounded or rendered obtuse by chamfering and also can be implemented in the form of protrusions. The rod lateral surfaces can be convex, cylindrical and/or tapered.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating information between a utility metering device, such as a water meter, and a remote location, such as inside a residence or a service provider.

Abstract: A method of generating, for an aircraft, a total air temperature compensated for recovery or deicing heater error includes measuring a total air temperature with a total air temperature probe. A local angle of attack for the total air temperature probe is determined. Then, a corrected total air temperature, compensated for recovery or deicing heater error, is generated as a function of the measured total air temperature and the determined local angle of attack for the total air temperature probe.

Abstract: A pneumatic pressure line cleaning assembly for clearing the pneumatic lines of a pressure gauge, specifically a speedometer for a power boat, is attached to a cut tube of the pneumatic line between the pressure gauge and the air intake opening with a second port of a three-port valve being connected in flow communication with the pressure gauge and a third port opening of the three-port valve being in flow communication with the pressure intake opening. The first port of the three-port valve is in flow communication with an air compressor. In normal operating conditions, ports two and three of the three-port valve are in flow communication so that the pressure gauge pneumatic line is in flow communication with the pressure intake opening and in a second position, the three-port valve is positioned so that the third-port is in flow communication with the first port. In the second position, the air compressor is actuated to provide pressurized bursts of air in a direction towards the air intake opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a procedure for measuring the flow of a gas or gas mixture in a flow channel (7), said device comprising a frame (10), which comprises measuring space (8), a measuring duct (6), which is mounted on the frame between the flow channel and the measuring space and which is open at both ends (2, 9) to pass the pressure wave generated by the flow from the measuring duct into the measuring space, and a measuring element (1) mounted on the frame and used to measure the pressure wave, said measuring element being disposed near the second end (9) of the measuring duct.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring physical parameters of a fluid, the sensor comprising an air intake fitted on a streamlined body, and a duct formed in said streamlined body to enable the fluid to flow and communicating with said air intake, the sensor being characterized in that said air intake has an inside section that is, at least in part, rounded and fitted on the streamlined body via a surface that is plane.

Abstract: A semi-flush air data sensing probe is formed as an elongated bubble housing directly supported on an aircraft surface having a generally longitudinally extending rounded outer edge surface with a rounded contoured leading end. The housing has top and bottom wall surfaces extending from the supporting surface to the rounded outer surface. The trailing end of the housing is smaller than the leading end and is contoured to provide for smooth airflow past the housing. A central longitudinally extending plane that bisects the housing and which is perpendicular to the supporting surface, forms a reference. A forwardly facing port is at the leading end and centered on the central plane, and a pair of angle of attack sensing ports are on the leading end and are symmetrically located on opposite sides of the longitudinally extending plane. A static pressure sensing port also is provided on the housing at a position along the rounded outer edge surface and spaced downstream from the leading end.

Abstract: An airflow measuring assembly and method for an air handling system, such as an HVAC system. The assembly is constructed and arranged to direct a measurable air stream to quantify airflow through an air handling system. The assembly includes a plate structure with at least one aperture and airflow sensors. The assembly is adapted for placement in a slot of an air handler and may simulate the flow resistance of HVAC filters. The airflow sensors may be positioned with respect to the plate structure to provide averaged total and static pressure signals. A manometer may be connected to the assembly to provide pressure differential readings and which may be converted via mathematic formulas to provide the volumetric airflow rate through the air handling system.

Abstract: A differential pressure measuring probe with an improved signal to noise ratio is provided. The probe includes an slit surface with at least one longitudinally extending impact aperture communicating with a first plenum within the body of the probe. The width of the aperture is selected to be less than the width of the interior portion of a first plenum. A non-impact surface is provided with non-impact apertures to measure a second pressure such that differential pressure between the impact surface and the non-impact surface can be measured.