Abstract: A method of determining a fluid parameter includes receiving, by a processor and from a plurality of sensors coupled to a flexible tube, fluid information. The flexible tube includes a throat arranged in a first position with respect to a fixed end. The fluid information includes a strain or pressure at a first portion of the flexible tube and a strain or pressure at a second portion of the flexible tube. The method also includes determining a first fluid parameter of the fluid and transmitting, from the processor to a controller operationally coupled to the throat, second position information including a second position of the throat different than the first position. The method also includes receiving, with the throat in the second position, second fluid information and determining, based on the second fluid information, a second fluid parameter of the fluid.

Abstract: A device for cleaning an end face of an optical fiber may apply a vacuum to a solvent tank, where the device includes a vacuum generator to apply the vacuum and the solvent tank. The device may receive, from a solvent reservoir and in response to applying the vacuum, solvent with the solvent tank. Additionally, or alternatively, a device for cleaning an end face of an optical fiber may apply a pressure to a solvent reservoir, where the device includes a pressure port to apply the pressure and a solvent tank. The device may receive, from the solvent reservoir and in response to applying the pressure, solvent with the solvent tank.

Abstract: A magnetic flow meter includes electrode sensors generating a sensor signal indicative of flow of a liquid through a conduit. A noise identification module identifies a noise level in the sensor signal and a contaminant identification module uses the noise level to determine whether there is a contaminant in the liquid in the conduit.

Abstract: A nipple-shield mounted sensor with associated electronic interface and interconnect for measurement and display of milk flow and volume during breastfeeding. The sensor is mounted in the tip of the nipple-shield in order to minimise intrusion between mother and child. The dimensions of the sensor and associated cabling are such that the device does not appear substantially different to a nipple-shield alone, thereby having minimal impact on the feeding session. Microlitre flow levels are measured directly by the sensor in order to relay accurate, real-time information on milk volume back to the feeding mother. The electronics unit amplifies the sensor input and digitally processes the data with software algorithms to determine the fluid volume.

Abstract: A monitoring device for monitoring crop yield is disclosed. The monitoring device is mounted to a housing of a grain elevator of an agricultural work machine proximate a crop conveyor assembly arranged in the housing and has at least one aperture formed therein. A material engagement member is arranged on the mounting structure and is pivotal with respect to the mounting structure about a pivot point. The material engagement member can comprise first end and a second end opposite of the first end. At least one rotational sensor is arranged in the monitoring device and is configured to detect spatial movement or position of the material engagement member. A processing device is coupled to the at least one rotational sensor and is configured to determine an aggregate crop yield based on the detected rotational magnitude of the displacement of the first end or second end.

Abstract: A sensor system for determining crop yield. The sensor system comprises a mounting structure mounted to a housing of a grain elevator of an agricultural work machine and has at least one aperture formed therein. A fulcrum assembly is arranged on the mounting structure. A rocker arm is pivotal about a pivot axis of the fulcrum assembly and extends between a first end and a second end. An engagement member is coupled to the second end of the rocker arm and extends through the at least one aperture of the mounting structure. At least one gap distance sensor is mounted to the fulcrum assembly and is configured to detect an inclination of the rocker arm relative to the fulcrum assembly. A processing device is coupled to the gap distance sensor and is configured to correlate the detected inclination of the rocker arm to an applied force.

Abstract: A flow detector for monitoring an adhesive flow in an adhesive applicator includes a sensor device arranged in the adhesive flow. The sensor device is formed as a capacitive sensor.

Abstract: A method and a system for monitoring the performance of combined sewer overflow structures is described. The inventive system includes sensors for monitoring the level of sewage in the structure and the operation of valves. A data processing unit collects data and calculates the flow of an overflow event and/or the performance of gate valves. The system may be battery operated and may adaptively change the sensor sampling time to prolong battery lifetime.

Abstract: A guide that fits over a paddle link in a paddle-type elevator in a harvester combine grain elevator. The plastic guide provides a wide, low-friction surface that rides on the intermediate wall of a grain elevator, thereby keeping the paddle links from rubbing against and causing wear to the intermediate wall. The guide also serves to inhibit the paddle from tipping back, thereby preventing the concentration of force by one corner of a paddle link against the intermediate wall. The guide al so helps maintain the correct orientation of flexible paddle against the inside of the elevator housing, thereby inhibiting the paddle from tipping back and leaking grain back into the upward path of the conveyor. The plastic guide also reduces noise caused by the metal parts of a paddle-type elevator from coming into contact.

Abstract: A cooling pipe for an internal combustion engine includes with a resin-made water outlet for forming a circulation path for circulating a coolant for cooling an engine body, and an attachment part for retaining a water temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the coolant flowing through the water outlet, the attachment part being attached to the water outlet, a portion of the attachment part being in contact with the engine body, and the attachment part formed from a material whereby heat from the engine body is transmitted.

Abstract: An exemplary method for determining a flow rate of a pump, includes measuring and storing the flow rate (QMean) when the pump is in operation, storing rotational speed (nMean) and torque (TMean) of the pump during measurement of the flow rate (QMean), determining torque (TManufacturer) corresponding to the measured flow rate (QMean), calculating a bias value of the torque (TBias) by comparing the torque determined from the characteristic curve (TManufacturer) and the stored torque (TMean) of the pump, and determining an operating point of the pump based on the bias value of the torque (TBias).

Abstract: A process analytic instrument and tube carrier are provided. The process analytic instrument includes an analytic module having a plurality of inlets and configured to analyze a process gas. The tube carrier is coupled to the analytic module and has a shell defining an interior therein. A plurality of tubes terminates in the tube carrier. At least one of the tubes has an integral flame-quenching pathway and the interior of the shell proximate the integral flame-quenching pathway is filled with a solid.

Abstract: A flow regulation vent includes a fixed portion adapted to engage a gas supply conduit and a spring force biased movable portion connected by a hinge to the fixed portion and flowingly connected to the pressurized gas supply. The fixed portion includes a gas flow orifice. The movable portion is pivotably movable between 1) a relaxed position, wherein at a specified minimum operating pressure, the movable portion is pivoted by the spring force away from the fixed portion to a position to establish a first gas washout flow area between the movable portion and the gas flow orifice; and 2) a fully pressurized position, wherein at a specified maximum operating pressure, the pressurized gas offsets the spring force to pivot the movable portion to a position adjacent the fixed portion to establish a minimum gas washout flow area between the movable portion and the gas flow orifice.

Abstract: Formulations are described that are viscous and will benefit from needle-free delivery at high driving pressures. Conventional delivery of these viscous formulations by hypodermic syringes is inconvenient as well as painful. Formulations include those which have a viscosity of about 5 cS or more at about 20° C. and which can have 0.5 ml or more administered by a needle-free injector in about 0.1 second ±0.02 seconds.

Abstract: Disclosed aspects relate to a flow meter comprising a flow target arranged to be disposed in a fluid flow path in a conduit; a beam coupled to the flow target and arranged to extend outside of the conduit; a sensor having a moveable sensor part coupled to the beam at a position which in use is outside of the conduit, and a static sensor part, wherein displacement of the moveable sensor part with respect to the static sensor part generates a signal. In use, fluid flow acting on the flow target causes displacement of the moveable sensor part, thereby generating a signal which is representative of the fluid flow rate.

Abstract: A high survivability fluid flow sensor includes a sensor housing defining an interior space. A sensor probe has a first end disposed within the interior space. The sensor probe also includes a second end opposite the first end outside the interior space. At least one load cell is disposed within the interior space and is operatively engaged with the first end of the sensor probe. The load cell is configured to detect loading on the sensor probe as a result of fluid flow impinging on the sensor probe adjacent to the second end. The sensor is operable to capture fluid flow data history through an over pressure event via the sensor probe, which exerts pressure upon the piezoelectric load cell(s), thereby enabling analysis of the wave fluid dynamics.

Abstract: Disclosed aspects relate to a flow meter comprising a flow target arranged to be disposed in a fluid flow path in a conduit; a beam coupled to the flow target and arranged to extend outside of the conduit; a sensor having a moveable sensor part coupled to the beam at a position which in use is outside of the conduit, and a static sensor part, wherein displacement of the moveable sensor part with respect to the static sensor part generates a signal. In use, fluid flow acting on the flow target causes displacement of the moveable sensor part, thereby generating a signal which is representative of the fluid flow rate.

Abstract: A method and device for determining the flow rate of a flowing medium according to the plummet principle is characterized by a simplified determination of the calibration data sets in that at least one set of calibration data is recorded with at least one reference medium under at least one reference measurement condition. Then, a position of a plummet which is dependent on the flowing medium is determined under a measurement condition which differs from the reference condition. Here, the set of calibration data is converted from the reference measurement condition to the measurement condition, and from a determined position of the plummet, a measure for the flow rate of the medium is then determined.

Abstract: The present invention involves an improvement in the measurement of sewage discharge through the measurement of mass flow rate and conversion to volumetric flow rate using a flow measuring device connected to a segment of pipe through which the sewage flows.

Abstract: A fluid flow tool includes an airfoil structure and a support arm. The airfoil structure's high-pressure side and low-pressure side are positioned in a conduit by the support arm coupled to the conduit. The high-pressure and low-pressure sides substantially face opposing walls of the conduit. At least one measurement port is formed in the airfoil structure at each of its high-pressure side and low-pressure side. A first manifold, formed in the airfoil structure and in fluid communication with each measurement port so-formed at the high-pressure side, extends through the airfoil structure and support arm to terminate and be accessible at the exterior wall of the conduit. A second manifold, formed in the airfoil structure and in fluid communication with each measurement port so-formed at the low-pressure side, extends through the airfoil structure and support arm to terminate and be accessible at the exterior wall of the conduit.

Abstract: A method and device for determining the flow rate of a flowing medium according to the plummet principle is characterized by a simplified determination of the calibration data sets in that at least one set of calibration data is recorded with at least one reference medium under at least one reference measurement condition. Then, a position of a plummet which is dependent on the flowing medium is determined under a measurement condition which differs from the reference condition. Here, the set of calibration data is converted from the reference measurement condition to the measurement condition, and from a determined position of the plummet, a measure for the flow rate of the medium is then determined.

Abstract: A high survivability fluid flow sensor includes a sensor housing defining an interior space. A sensor probe has a first end disposed within the interior space. The sensor probe also includes a second end opposite the first end outside the interior space. At least one load cell is disposed within the interior space and is operatively engaged with the first end of the sensor probe. The load cell is configured to detect loading on the sensor probe as a result of fluid flow impinging on the sensor probe adjacent to the second end. The sensor is operable to capture fluid flow data history through an over pressure event via the sensor probe, which exerts pressure upon the piezoelectric load cell(s), thereby enabling analysis of the wave fluid dynamics.

Abstract: The Application discloses an in-line, high capacity apparatus and method for measuring a flowable component, such as seed, grain or other material. The apparatus and method generally function by measuring the pressure applied to a rounded cap by the flowing material. In certain embodiments, the apparatus and method comprise a housing containing a sensing unit, with the housing further comprising a rounded cap in mechanical communication with a load cell. In certain exemplary embodiments, the apparatus and method also comprise a processor, wherein the sensing unit is in communication with the processor so as to measure the flow rate of material passed through the housing by measuring the pressure of the material on the rounded cap. In certain embodiments, the apparatus and method allow the user to regulate the flow rate.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the performance of an aerodynamic surface of an aircraft. The aircraft is operated during a non-perturbed measurement period such that the flow of air over the surface is at least partially laminar. A parameter is measured which is indicative of the drag of the surface during the non-perturbed measurement period to provide non-perturbed drag data. Air flow is perturbed temporarily over the surface in a perturbed measurement period so that it undergoes a transition from laminar flow to turbulent flow. The parameter is also measured during the perturbed measurement period to provide perturbed drag data. The degree of laminar flow during the non-perturbed measurement period can then be estimated in accordance with the difference between the perturbed drag data and the non-perturbed drag data. An ice protection system can be used to perturb the air flow.

Abstract: A fluid flow detection device includes a housing of non-magnetic metal, a flow passage through the housing and a valve seat in the flow passage. A magnetic valve element emits a magnetic field. The valve element is movable relative to the valve seat between a closed position blocking fluid flow through the flow passage and an open position allowing fluid flow through the flow passage. The magnetic valve element is biased toward the closed position. A magnetic field enhancer is movable with the magnetic valve element for enhancing the magnetic field. A magnetic field sensor on the housing is operable to signal a change in position of the valve element as it moves between its open and closed positions.

Abstract: A force sensor utilizing force sensing element to generate an output signal that is commensurate with the force applied to the sensor. The force sensor includes a support element coupled to a resilient deflectable portion and at least one pivotable arm portion extending from the resilient deflectable portion; and a force sensing element supported by the base element and operably coupled to the at least one pivotable arm portion, wherein the force sensing element outputs an output signal that is proportional to a force applied to the at least one pivotable arm portion. The force sensor may be used a mass flow meter by coupling a fluid passage to the force sensor. The structure of the force sensor makes use of mechanical amplification to greatly increase the sensitivity of the sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed aspects relate to a flow meter comprising a flow target arranged to be disposed in a fluid flow path in a conduit; a beam coupled to the flow target and arranged to extend outside of the conduit; a sensor having a moveable sensor part coupled to the beam at a position which in use is outside of the conduit, and a static sensor part, wherein displacement of the moveable sensor part with respect to the static sensor part generates a signal. In use, fluid flow acting on the flow target causes displacement of the moveable sensor part, thereby generating a signal which is representative of the fluid flow rate.

Abstract: A flow sensor with h no moving parts and which is suitable for miniaturization into a probe for fluid measurements in remote, hostile environments. It comprises an isolation torque tube to isolate a high pressure media from an instrument environment. and a highly sensitive disc torque sensor to measure the values of torque generated by flow across a static impeller. A proportionalized electric property signal is transmitted to a value reading station.

Abstract: A sensor for determining a mass flow of a fluid in a pipe includes a wall element adapted for insertion into a cutout in a wall of the pipe through which a mass flow can flow, so that at least one gap remains between the wall element and the wall of the pipe, and so that the wall element is positionable on the outside facing away from the mass flow. A sealed chamber is adapted to enclose the wall element on the outside of the pipe. At least one expandable connection is located in the sealed chamber and is clamped in between the wall element and one wall of the chamber. At least one strain gauge comprising a fiber Bragg grating sensor is located on a section of the expandable connection that is clamped in between the wall of the chamber and the wall element.

Abstract: A device for delivering fluid to a user includes a housing, a drive motor assembly in the housing, a force sensor, and an electronics module. The drive motor assembly regulates delivery of fluid by actuating a piston of a fluid reservoir, and the force sensor generates output levels in response to force imparted thereto during, for example, fluid delivery operations. The electronics module processes the output levels of the force sensor to assess the operating health of the force sensor, to check for occlusions in the fluid delivery path, and to monitor the seating status of the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring a urinary flow rate minimizes impact noise caused by urine to measure the urinary flow rate using a plurality of load cells when prostatic hypertrophy is diagnosed. The method includes measuring an amount of urine collected into a container using a plurality of load cells, extracting and averaging urinary flow rate signals from the measured results, and removing the impact noise from the urinary flow rate signals, converting the urinary flow rate signals into digital signals through an A/D converting circuit, and outputting the digital signals using a personal computer or a microprocessor analyzer which is interfaced with the A/D converting circuit.

Abstract: A fluid analysis system (10) is provided for analysis of a fluid flowing in a pipe or in a pipeline. The fluid analysis system (10) comprises a pipe portion (12) which, when the fluid analysis system is put to use, forms a part of the pipe or the pipeline through which the fluid flows. The pipe portion (12) is provided with a fluid sample outlet (35) for withdrawal of fluid samples from the fluid flowing through the pipe portion (12) and a fluid sample return outlet (36) for returning fluid samples to the pipe portion (12), where the fluid sample return outlet (36) is arranged downstream of the fluid sample outlet (35). The fluid analysis system (10) further comprises a fluid analyser (16) which is provided in fluid communication with the fluid sample outlet (35) and the fluid sample return outlet (36), and a propeller unit (22) which is provided with at least one upstream propeller (29) and at least one downstream propeller (30).

Abstract: A force sensor utilizing force sensing element to generate an output signal that is commensurate with the force applied to the sensor. The force sensor includes a support element coupled to a resilient deflectable portion and at least one pivotable arm portion extending from the resilient deflectable portion; and a force sensing element supported by the base element and operably coupled to the at least one pivotable arm portion, wherein the force sensing element outputs an output signal that is proportional to a force applied to the at least one pivotable arm portion. The force sensor may be used a mass flow meter by coupling a fluid passage to the force sensor. The structure of the force sensor makes use of mechanical amplification to greatly increase the sensitivity of the sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for proving a flow meter at low temperatures. A flow meter measuring low temperature fluids (e.g., less than about ?50° F., or less than about ?220° F.) must still be proved. Low temperature fluids can be destructive to piston or compact provers, or may require indirect proving methods. The apparatus disclosed is a low temperature prover directly coupled into the pipeline carrying the low temperature fluids. In some embodiments, a magnetic pickup coil and a magnetic member communicate between the displacer and the flow tube. The magnetic target member may be carbon-free. In some embodiments, a pair of ultrasonic transceivers coupled to the flow tube communicate a signal across the flow tube and a displacer is moveable to interrupt the signal. In some embodiments, the flow tube includes an inner surface having a microfinish for lubrication. The displacer may be a piston rotatable while being moved axially.

Abstract: The improved monitoring device includes a data acquisition device with an accelerometer inside a bendable tube. One end of the tube is connected to a pole that may be secured to the top of a sewer manhole, while the other end is submerged in a fluid flow. The tilt, oscillations, and pressure exerted upon the tube due to fluid flow are measured and recorded. An improved method includes installing several monitoring devices into sewer system manholes, recording fluid level and flow, reading the recorded data, and displaying the data in chart or map form. Data may be displayed in two or three dimensional maps that may be overlaid with information of topography, street maps, and single or multiple sewer systems. Data displayed on the maps may include fluid flow rates, fluid levels, derivatives and integrals of flow rates, and differences in fluid levels or flow between monitoring devices.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and infusion pump assembly for determining a first rate-of-change force reading that corresponds to the delivery of a first dose of an infusible fluid via an infusion pump assembly. At least a second rate-of-change force reading is determined that corresponds to the delivery of at least a second dose of the infusible fluid via the infusion pump assembly. An average rate-of-change force reading is determined based, at least in part upon the first rate-of-change force reading and the at least a second rate-of-change force reading.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an apparatus and method of managing transport of fluid commodities in a pipeline network. The method includes obtaining operational settings, which include equipment settings and measured parameters, associated with a pipeline network as a fluid commodity is transported through the pipeline network. From the operational settings, a recommendation is generated concurrently with the transport of the fluid commodity through the pipeline network to optimize at least one of the operational settings. The recommendation comprises revised equipment settings associated with equipment disposed along the pipeline network. The equipment settings in the recommendation may be based on empirical data from previous experience with the transport of fluid commodities through the pipeline network and/or based on theoretical data from modeling of the transport of the fluid commodity through the pipeline network.

Abstract: A system for screening a drag reduction agent that includes at least one pressure vessel, comprising: at least one container having an outlet; a first tube fluidly connected with the outlet of the at least one container; a second tube fluidly connected with the first tube; a timer; and a collection vessel configured to receive a fluid from the second tube is disclosed.

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 device for measuring a mass flow rate of a flow of particulate material which moves in a predetermined direction. The device includes a weighing cell, a first apparatus, a second apparatus, and a third apparatus. The weighing cell includes a tubular wall and is disposed to be passed through by a flow of particulate material. The first apparatus weighs the weighing cell and the quantity of particulate material contained in the weighing cell and produces a first signal. The second apparatus measures the speed of flow of the particulate material which flows through the weighing cell and produces a second signal. The third apparatus calculates the bulk density of the particulate material, calculates the mass flow rate of particulate material which flows through the weighing cell, and produces a third signal representing the mass flow rate of particulate material which flows through the weighing cell.

Abstract: In a fire sprinkler system, flow sensors are used having strain gauges mounted on supports which project into the sprinkler pipes. When water flow occurs, the supports bend, changing the strain gauge resistance and producing a signal which can be analyzed to indicate which sprinkler heads are open. Since there are no mechanical switches, the sensor units are much smaller and cheaper than previously, and provide more information. A strain gauge can also or alternatively be located outside the pipe to detect vibration caused by flowing water. As an alternative to strain gauges, piezo film can be used, with a vibration analyzer to analyze the signal from the film to determine whether water flow is occurring and which sprinkler heads are open. A piezo film can also be placed on the pipe exterior and the signals from the two piezo films can be applied to differential inputs of a differential amplifier, to cancel signals caused by external influences such as pipe vibration.

Abstract: A multi-parametric transducer is provided. In one aspect of the invention, the multi-parametric transducer includes an enclosure having an inner bore that defines a port, an inner chamber coaxial with the inner bore and disposed in the enclosure, and a sensing tube surrounding at least a portion of the inner chamber. The transducer further includes a temperature probe having a resistive temperature device (RTD) element disposed in a reinforced sheath at a measurement end of the transducer. The reinforced sheath is configured as a flow force sensing beam having a first end that extends through the sensing tube toward a signal end of the transducer and a second end that extends through the port outside the enclosure toward the measurement end of the transducer.

Abstract: An improved bucket wheel assembly with a center frame, having a plurality of fingers extending therefrom. In each of the fingers a slot is formed. The assembly also includes a plurality of conically shaped hollow cups. The hollow cups each have a wall that forms an apex and a circular opening. The hollow cups may also have a second slot formed by two substantially parallel protuberances on the inner surface of each hollow cup. The hollow cups are attached to the center frame by matching the slots and sliding one into the other, so that a portion of the finger is between the protuberances, from the opening of each hollow cup. The hollow cup is slid into the slot until it reaches the bottom of the slot on the finger.

Abstract: A metering module, or a system employing such, for monitoring fluid flow with a laser light source, a light detector and a processor, wherein the fluid may be a gas or liquid. A valve section and a grating section including a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) are provided. The valve section applies strain on the FBG that is representative of the flow of the fluid. An optical fiber couples a probing laser signal to the FBG and the FBG reflects a portion back as a return laser signal that the optical fiber couples to the light detector for detection and processing.

Abstract: A circuit board, which includes one or more sensors, is integrated in a fluid control device, such as a valve manifold and a base plate. The fluid control device selectively directs a fluid used to control pneumatic or hydraulic equipment. The sensors are used to measure physical characteristics of the fluid, such as flow rate, pressure, and temperature. A flow sensor includes a paddle and a support member. The paddle is disposed at least partially in an orifice and is displaced in response to fluid flow. The support member positions the paddle in the orifice and includes a plurality of strain gauges. The strain gauges are disposed on only one side of the support member and are mechanically stressed in response to the paddle being displaced by the fluid flow.

Abstract: A target-type flow meter uses a target in a flowing fluid and selectively changes the orientation of the target with respect to the direction of flow of the fluid between two or mote orientations, where the target provides a different flow impedance in each of the orientations. This change in flow impedance gives rise to a corresponding difference in drag forces exerted on the target by the flowing fluid. Those forces, or displacements associated with them, are measured to determine the rate of fluid flow. In some cases the target may be a vane attached to a shaft rotated by a motor. In others, the target may be a vane structure attached to a post in a flexible fashion so that it can be oscillated transverse to the flow direction by fixed electromagnets acting on a permanent magnet portion of the vane structure.

Abstract: Sensing of microfluidic flow is carried out by confining and directing a fluid along a surface in a primary direction of flow past a cantilever beam which is mounted at one end of the beam to the surface. The cantilever beam has opposite beam surfaces that are oriented at an angle off parallel to the primary direction of flow of the fluid. As the fluid is directed past the beam at a rate such that the drag forces imposed by the fluid on the opposite surfaces of the beam are greater than the inertial forces of the fluid on the beam, a differential force is applied to the beam that tends to pivot the beam about its mount to the surface or bend the beam or both. The deflection of the beam in response to the differential drag forces may be detected to determine the rate of flow of the fluid.

Abstract: A method and system for determining fluid flow rates through a motor driven pump controlled by a variable speed drive is disclosed. The variable speed motor drive is used to characterize a pump fluid flow for a plurality of motor torque values at a plurality of known pump speeds. These characterized pump flow rate/torque values/speed are stored and used to determine a pump fluid flow at a measured pump speed and motor torque by interpolating between the known characterized fluid flow/torque/speed values. In another aspect of the invention, the pump flow rate at a measured torque, at a specified characterizing speed value is determined by interpolating between known characterizing pump flow rates. The determined pump flow rates can then be used to determine pump flow rates at a measured speed by interpolating between corresponding speed values which bound the measured speed.

Abstract: An assembly for measuring fluid flow is provided having a base plate with an upstanding wall and a cut-out opening. A pivot shaft extends from the wall and a swinging arm is attached to the pivot shaft. At the lower end of the arm is a barrel shaft which supports a rotatable barrel. The base plate may be supported by legs and the assembly can then be positioned over an open stream of fluid. The arm is then swung down until the barrel enters the fluid. Alternatively, the assembly may be located above a top opening in a pipe containing a flowing stream of fluid. In this case, the arm and barrel will swing down through both the base plate cut-out opening and the pipe top opening. The moving fluid causes rotation of the barrel which is detected by a barrel rotation sensor. The sensor sends electronic signals to a signal processor which produces fluid velocity data. The arm may have an angular position sensor which will also deliver electronic signals to the signal processor.

Abstract: Sensing of microfluidic flow is carried out by confining and directing a fluid along a surface in a primary direction of flow past a cantilever beam which is mounted at one end of the beam to the surface. The cantilever beam has opposite beam surfaces that are oriented at an angle off parallel to the primary direction of flow of the fluid. As the fluid is directed past the beam at a rate such that the drag forces imposed by the fluid on the opposite surfaces of the beam are greater than the inertial forces of the fluid on the beam, a differential force is applied to the beam that tends to pivot the beam about its mount to the surface or bend the beam or both. The deflection of the beam in response to the differential drag forces may be detected to determine the rate of flow of the fluid.