Abstract: Systems and methods for use in determining a device's speed. The system uses a plate having a front side that is perpendicular to the device's direction of travel. The airflow caused by the device's motion causes the plate to deflect from a resting position and the amount of deflection of the plate is proportional to the speed of the device. The amount of deflection is measured by a rotary encoder coupled to the plate. By properly calibrating the system, the system can determine the device's velocity simply from the airflow caused by the device's motion.

Abstract: A medical drain sensor is provided located in a region of a drain tube which has turbulent or re-circulatory exudate flow. Means are provided in some embodiments to promote or enhance such flow.

Abstract: A battery pack including at least one battery cell; a pack case configured to accommodate the battery cell and having a cooling hole formed therethrough; a flow meter provided at an outer side of the pack case and disposed adjacent to the cooling hole; and an opening and closing unit configured to open or close the cooling hole according to a temperature change inside the pack case.

Abstract: Devices and methods for monitoring blood pressure with a wearable device, which includes a contact member that concentrates radially directed tissue movement produced by arterial motion into a relatively small spot to compress the strain device. This concentration significantly increases the sensitivity of the force detecting device and allows further miniaturization of the device.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining fluid momentum through one or more conduits. The method comprises the step of receiving an elongation signal from an elongation sensor indicating an elongation of the one or more conduits due to the flowing fluid. A momentum term is then calculated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flow-rate measuring system for drilling muds and for multiphase mixtures (water/oil/gas) also with transport of solids or sand and in the presence of heavy oil. The system includes a flow-rate measuring system for drilling muds and/or for multiphase mixtures, wherein the measuring ports are equipped with an appropriate pre-chamber that enables elimination of the risk of failure of the measuring membranes in the case of particularly erosive mixtures and in the case of presence of solid by accumulation or transport. Furthermore, the particular vertical installation enables a compactness of the system in terms of horizontal encumbrance, enables installation where there is little horizontal space, and makes possible an undisturbed flow necessary for obtaining a higher measuring accuracy. The vertical installation enables installation, on the descending stretch, of a sensor for measuring the density that renders the measuring system autonomous (normally, the density is entered as external input).

Abstract: A device, system and method for dispensing fluid from a device usable for personal hydration in one embodiment. The system relates generally to a hand-held fluid dispensing module, a control module coupled to the hand-held fluid dispensing module, a fluid container located in close proximity to the hand-held fluid dispensing module and the control module, and a cooling module coupled to the control module. The hand-held device being configured to control and determine the amount of fluid dispensed from the device. The method relates to using the system and dispensing fluid from the hand-held fluid dispensing module by either applying pressure to an exterior portion of the hand-held dispensing module or providing a vacuum to the hand-held fluid dispensing module. In various embodiments, the hydration system is configured to control the amount of fluid dispense to a user and preventing leakage from the device after a drinking event.

Abstract: The inventive rotational direction indicator for an electric motor having a cooling fan has a baffle element movable between two positions and which can be arranged on an electric motor with a cooling fan in such a way that the baffle element is positioned in an airstream of the cooling fan whose direction depends on the rotational direction of the electric motor. The baffle element is respectively moved into one of its two positions by the electric motor as a function of the direction of the airstream. The rotational direction indicator has a display unit designed to visually indicate the position of the baffle element and can be arranged on an outer side of the electric motor. The rotational direction indicator has a display actuating unit which connects the display unit and baffle element to one another, and transmits the position of the baffle element to the display unit.

Abstract: There is provided a fuel cell system capable of improving the performance and operational stability of the fuel cell system by measuring the exact amount of flow of an oxidizer that is supplied to the fuel cell system. The fuel cell system includes a stack for generating electricity by an electrochemical reaction of a fuel and an oxidizer, an oxidizer supply device for supplying an oxidizer to the stack. A volume flow meter coupled to the oxidizer supply device. The volume flow meter measures a volume flow the oxidizer.

Abstract: A fluid visual inspection device includes a fluid visual inspection portion and one set of fastening caps. The fluid visual inspection portion includes a vane holder which has a first flange and second flange, and is coupled with a transparent duct to allow users to see vane conditions and judge whether fluid is flowing. The vane holder further has a third flange and fourth flange that have respectively an external threaded portion formed thereon screwing with the fastening caps. One end of the vane holder holds a partition to form a passage opening. Each fastening cap has one end fastened to the third or fourth flange and another end screwed with a fluid pipe. The fastening caps and the duct are not integrally formed, hence fabrication is simpler and the cost is lower and production time is shorter, and coupling of the device and fluid pipe also is easier.

Abstract: A mudline riser annulus flow meter includes a liner configured to be attached to a riser to cover a hole; a cover configured to be attached to the riser to cover the liner such that a cavity is formed by the liner and the cover; a sensor rod configured to be attached to the liner and to extend inside the cavity, the sensor rod having a bore; a magnet assembly configured to be fixedly attached to the sensor rod; and a waveguide tube attached to the cover. The bore of the sensor rod is configured to receive the waveguide tube.

Abstract: A fluid flow meter is responsive to measured torque force imposed by fluid flow over a static impeller. Exponential torque relationships imposed upon a static torque shaft by fluid flow over a static impeller are linearized by a resilient torque shaft restraint and translated to flow rate values by torque measuring means.

Abstract: A rotary positive displacement flowmeter of the type utilizing two displacement rotors and a blocking rotor with the blocking rotor having a single recess and the displacement rotor cylinders being of substantially similar size as the blocking rotor, resulting in a uniform flowpath through the flowmeter with alignment of the rotor axes in a 180 degree plane.

Abstract: A metering system for measuring a flow of petroleum and LPG. In embodiments of the invention, a magnetic drive is used to couple a measuring chamber, such as a known oscillating piston system, to a register or indicator, avoiding leakage and excessive wear due to passing a shaft through the wall of the chamber.

Abstract: A fluid flow meter is responsive to measured torque force imposed by fluid flow over a static impeller. Exponential torque relationships imposed upon a static torque shaft by fluid flow over a static impeller are linearized by a resilient torque shaft restraint and translated to flow rate values by torque measuring means.

Abstract: A fluid visual inspection device includes a fluid visual inspection portion and one set of fastening caps. The fluid visual inspection portion includes a vane holder which has a first flange and second flange, and is coupled with a transparent duct to allow users to see vane conditions and judge whether fluid is flowing. The vane holder further has a third flange and fourth flange that have respectively an external threaded portion formed thereon screwing with the fastening caps. One end of the vane holder holds a partition to form a passage opening. Each fastening cap has one end fastened to the third or fourth flange and another end screwed with a fluid pipe. The fastening caps and the duct are not integrally formed, hence fabrication is simpler and the cost is lower and production time is shorter, and coupling of the device and fluid pipe also is easier.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) operative for purposes of detecting the presence of a coal rope within a coal delivery pipe (200) is provided. The apparatus (100) includes a rod (105) that is operative to flex when struck by a coal rope that is present inside the coal delivery pipe (200), a strain gauge (115) that is operative to produce an electrical signal based upon the amount of flexing that the rod (105) is subjected to when struck by a coal rope that is present in the coal delivery pipe (200), and a processor that is operative to determine based upon the electrical signal that is received thereby from the strain gauge (115) at least one of either the location of the coal rope within the coal delivery pipe (200) or the density of the coal rope within the coal delivery pipe (200).

Abstract: According to the invention, a system for determining at least one property of a fluid flow through a conduit is disclosed. The system may include a bearing, at least one blade member, and a monitoring device. The bearing may be coupled with an interior of the conduit, and may include an inner race, where the inner race may rotate. The blade members may be coupled with the inner race, and may extend from the inner race toward the interior of the conduit. The blade members may rotate when a fluid flows through the interior of the conduit, and the inner race of the bearing may rotate when the blade members rotate. The monitoring device may be configured to determine a rate of rotation of the blade members. At least one property of the fluid flow may be determined based at least in part on the rate of rotation.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for controlling a variable displacement piston pump that supplies fluid to one or more loads. If fluid is being supplied through a metering valve to a load, then the variable displacement piston pump is controlled to operate in accordance with a variable flow/variable discharge pressure scheme. However, if fluid is not being supplied through the metering valve to the load, then the variable displacement piston pump is controlled to operate in accordance with a variable flow/constant discharge pressure scheme.

Abstract: A machine for allowing different fluid or gas flow rates in different directions through a conduit with a freely pivotable valve element, and a valve element stop so as can provide for limited flow of a fluid or gas in one direction and full flow in the reverse direction, also allowing a feed pump to pump against its own head pressure. This permits a smaller reservoir to be used in cistern systems while not reducing pump run times below the minimum required but still allowing full flow in the opposite direction out of the tank to the end user.

Abstract: An oscillating vane actuator for active control of fluid flow over a surface includes a pivoted vane surrounded by a wedge-shaped chamber, and first and second conduits with openings adjacent the surface. The actuator also includes a rotating shaft with a connecting rod to actuate the vane in a oscillatory manner. As the vane travels in one direction, fluid is forced out from the chamber through the first conduit and opening into the fluid stream adjacent the surface, while fluid is simultaneously drawn in through the second opening and conduit into the opposite side of the chamber. Similarly, when the vane travels in the opposite direction, fluid is forced out through the second conduit and opening into the fluid stream adjacent the surface, while fluid is simultaneously drawn in through the first opening and conduit.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate in part to water flow sensors, and also to such water flow sensors in combination with a system used to selectively shut off the flow of water through a water supply pipe to a building, such as in the event of a broken water pipe. Such systems included in the combination can also optionally discontinue electrical power to a water heater to minimize the risk of water heater elements burning out in the event a water heater is at the risk of being drained of water, such as due to a broken water pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for monitoring an air supply flow or a volumetric air flow, in particular for ventilators which can also be applied for extremely low flow speeds and/or throughput rates. The aim of the invention is to produce a device cheaply and simply with essentially wear-free components which reacts to changes in the flow speed and/or the throughput rate without a time delay. Said aim is achieved, whereby the device comprises an approach flow device, the position of which may be altered relative to a mounting, against a retaining force FM and which may be impinged by the air flow for monitoring to generate a change in the position thereof. Furthermore, magnetic devices for the generation of a magnetic field dependent on the position of the approach flow device, detection means for recording the magnetic field and measuring means for generation of a measured signal dependent on the magnetic field are provided. The magnetic field forms at least a part of the retaining force FM.

Abstract: An apparatus, systems, and methods for measuring an amount of oil in a flow of fluid are provided. A housing defines an interior passage configured to pass a flow of fluid. A capacitance sensor, which suitably is a pair of insulated electrodes, is configured to respond to a capacitance of the flow of fluid is disposed within the interior passage of the housing. The capacitance sensor is coupled to conductors through which a first analog signal is generated. These conductors can be engaged to measure the capacitance of the flow of fluid. A conductance sensor configured to measure conductance of the flow of fluid also is disposed on the interior passage of the housing and generates a conductance signal as a second analog signal. The first and second analog signals can be used to assess the relative percentages of oil and water in the flow of fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring fluid flow in a break between closely spaced confronting ends of a fluid line including first and second angularly extending conduit sections forming a U-shaped assembly housing straightening vanes and a metering device.

Abstract: A target flow meter has a target with a broad face attached to the free end of a rigid stalk. A fixed end of the stalk is attached to a rigid support secured in the system to be measured with the broad face of the target disposed transverse to the fluid flow. The support and the stalk may be made in one piece. Recesses in the support at the junction with the stalk, one upstream, and one downstream of the flow may reduce the thickness of the support so that bending of the support in response to flow forces is concentrated at the recesses. Strain gauges are attached to the support at the recess areas to measure target movement. The support is sealed to the fluid chamber with the gauges outside the fluid chamber. The recesses in the support may be on the fluid side or the outside of the support.

Abstract: The valve includes an intake duct (13) for conveying water into the valve, an externally projecting tubular body (20) of a transparent with an internal cavity (21) and a flow indicator rod (40), slidable inside the valve, with a lower portion in the intake duct (13) and an upper indicator portion in the internal cavity (21) of the transparent body (20). The upper, indicator portion has a first upper area (46) able to indicate no water is flowing and a second, lower area (47) able to indicate that water is flowing through the intake duct (13).

Abstract: An oscillating vane actuator for active control of fluid flow over a surface includes a pivoted vane surrounded by a wedge-shaped chamber, and first and second conduits with openings adjacent the surface. The actuator also includes a rotating shaft with a connecting rod to actuate the vane in a oscillatory manner. As the vane travels in one direction, fluid is forced out from the chamber through the first conduit and opening into the fluid stream adjacent the surface, while fluid is simultaneously drawn in through the second opening and conduit into the opposite side of the chamber. Similarly, when the vane travels in the opposite direction, fluid is forced out through the second conduit and opening into the fluid stream adjacent the surface, while fluid is simultaneously drawn in through the first opening and conduit.

Abstract: A method to linearly measure the flow of a gas in ducts, and a gas flow sensor using such a method are disclosed. In order to obtain a linear ratio between the differential pressure and the volumetric flow of a gas, a rectangular section elbow and a rectangular flexible plate located inside the elbow are used. When the flow goes through the duct linearization is obtained by combining the resistance of the duct and a variable-area obstruction caused by the plate. With linearization, it is possible to expand the measurement range of the gas flow in one duct. The sensor developed is used especially for the measurement of respiratory flow in medical applications.

Abstract: A flow sensing apparatus for detecting fluid flow rate and direction is described. The flow sensing apparatus includes a flow-responsive element projecting into the fluid flow path, and a position sensor which detects the degree and direction of any change in position of the flow responsive element in response to the fluid flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a throttle valve, particularly for controlling a liquid flow in a central heating or an air conditioning system, with a flow control unit having a first and a second element (18, 30), which are movably mounted relative to each other for setting a desired flow, characterised in that the first element (18) is designed as a first disc, and the second element (30) is designed as a second disc, and that the first and the second disc (18, 30) are mounted tight on each other in such a way that the first disc (18) may be rotated relative to the second disc (30), the first disc (18) exhibiting at least one first flow aperture (36) and the second disc (30) exhibiting at least one second flow aperture (38), the desired flow being adjustable through the degree of overlapping of the at least one first flow aperture (36) and the at least one second flow aperture (38), the at least one first and the at least one second flow aperture (36, 38) being designed such that, by rotating the first di

Abstract: An impact flow scale includes a first tube, disposed substantially vertically a second tube, disposed with a downward inclination and having an inlet at an upper end thereof and a lower end of the second tube connected to the first tube, where the first and second tubes permit material communication therebetween. The impact flow scale also includes an impact plate that is hingedly suspended at or near an upper end of the first tube. A material flow path is defined from the second tube through the first tube. The impact plate is adjustably positioned in the material flow path such that materials moving along the material flow path are capable of contacting the impact plate. A sensor disposed outside the first tube is operably connected to the impact plate, thus permitting detection of a horizontal force component generated as materials move along the material flow path.

Abstract: A fitting for measuring the flow rate of a hydraulic medium through a pipeline having a cylindrical fitting housing with a main flow channel includes a flow meter device with a measuring element and an indicator element. A side chamber is formed in a side connecting piece of the fitting housing. The flow meter device is arranged in the opening of the side connecting piece closing it off to the outside. In a measuring bore that forms the forward flow to the side chamber, a rebounding plate of the measuring element is arranged, which is connected by an indicator rod with an indicator of the indicator element. The main flow channel between intake bore and the outlet bore of the fitting is formed by the measuring bore that leads into the side chamber, the side chamber itself, as well as a transverse bore that adjoins the side chamber. As a result, the entire flow of the main channel runs through the side connecting piece with the measuring bore and the side chamber.

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 device and method for measuring an area such as a throat area in a vane ring for gas turbine engines. Measurement inaccuracy introduced by image size changes as a result of the position deviation of the selected throat relative to a desired datum is reduced as a result of the improved system disclosed.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring a flow speed of a fluid medium includes a housing with a carrier membrane disposed in the housing and being essentially in a form of a vane having a circumference and at least one edge region. Holding elements are arranged over a portion of the circumference connecting the vane to the housing so that only the at least one edge region of the carrier membrane is subjected to mechanical stress caused by the housing. An electrically conductive track with feed lines is installed on the carrier membrane in a region of a neutral fiber for the carrier membrane which does not experience a mechanical strain when the carrier membrane is bent. The electrically conductive track is adapted for being heated relative to the environment by an electrical current flowing through the electrically conductive track.

Abstract: A peak flow meter for measuring a peak flow or air exhaled by a patient. The preferred peak flow meter includes a substantially hollow housing having a top portion, a bottom portion, an air inlet and at two air outlets. A flow restriction is disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the air inlet. A vane assembly is disposed within the housing and includes a vane, a post to which the vane is fixedly attached, and a hub attached to the bottom portion of the housing. A torsion spring is engaged at one end to the hub and at the other to the post A visual indictor is movably disposed within the slot for indicating a peak flow rate of air based upon a movement of the vane and a scale is disposed proximate to the slot such that the location of the visual indicator may be related to a corresponding flow rate.

Abstract: A method to linearly measure the flow of a gas in ducts, and a gas flow sensor using such a method are disclosed. In order to obtain a linear ratio between the differential pressure and the volumetric flow of a gas, a rectangular section elbow and a rectangular flexible plate located inside the elbow are used. When the flow goes through the duct linearization is obtained by combining the resistance of the duct and a variable-area obstruction caused by the plate. With linearization, it is possible to expand the measurement range of the gas flow in one duct. The sensor developed is used especially for the measurement of respiratory flow in medical applications.

Abstract: An input unit for receiving a signal from an oscillator corresponds to an ultrasonic wave received by the oscillator has an input impedance significantly smaller than an impedance of an inter-electrode capacitance in the oscillator. This arrangement allows the delay of timing of the received wave to be influenced by a change in the input impedance of the input unit than by a change in the impedance of the oscillator. Since the influence of the change in the impedance of the oscillator against the delay of timing of the received wave is reduced, a flow meter can measure a propagation duration of the ultrasonic wave accurately. More specifically, the flow meter can measure the propagation duration accurately regardless of a change of the inter-electrode capacitance of the oscillator by temperature, thus measuring a flow rate of fluid correctly.

Abstract: A sealing member is inserted into a frame, with an inclined support surface being fitted to an inclined holding surface. A gas turbine moving blade is pressed toward the frame to fit the inclined support surface to the inclined holding surface, while generating a surface contact pressure therebetween, thereby tightly holding the gas turbine moving blade against the frame. Thus, the gas turbine moving blade is mounted on a flow rate measuring apparatus, with flow of air into a cooling medium inflow port being uninterrupted and without escape of air to the outside.

Abstract: A flow sensor includes a mounting plate, bending plate, and a sensing assembly. The mounting plate is mounted to an internal surface of an air hose. The mounting plate is flexibly coupled to the bending plate, which is displaced in response to the flow of gas. The sensing assembly is positioned on the bending plate and includes a temperature sensor for sensing relatively lower flow rates during a thermal mode, and one or more displacement sensors for sensing relatively higher flow rates during a displacement mode. The temperature sensor outputs a thermal mode signal and the displacement sensors output a displacement mode signal. A flow sensing system includes the flow sensor, processor, memory, and a computer. The processor is responsive to the thermal and displacement mode signals. The computer is coupled to the processor and controls calibration of the flow sensor.

Abstract: An arrangement for measuring material flow, particularly concentrate flow, in connection with a flotation cell. The arrangement comprises an elongate sensor element extending essentially over the whole transversal area of the material flow to be measured, and a measuring device for detecting the position of the sensor element.

Abstract: Devices for the measurement of volumetric flow rate of a gas in a conduit are described. A vane arrangement is subjected to airflow and is displaced I response thereto. The vane arrangement forms a light guide, and one end of the vane arrangement receives an encoded light source, the encoding being over the range of displacement of the vane. In one form, the encoding can be achieved by a light source and a mask, the mask being shaped to provide for variance of the light transmitted therethrough as a function of the vane displacement range. One form of mask can be a tapered arrowhead. Embodiments of the flow rate measurement device offer good dynamic response. The measuring device can be incorporated in CPAP or ventilatory assist devices for the control thereof.

Abstract: Fluid flow rate can be measured by determining the torque on a shaft used to oscillate or rotate a vane in the fluid. An intermediate gear, which links a drive gear to a gear on the vane shaft, is mounted in a yoke so that the shaft torque tends to move the intermediate gear out of position. An actuator controlled by a feedback control system is used to maintain the intermediate gear in nominal alignment. The forces required for this null-balancing operation are representative of the torque, and thus of the fluid flow rate.

Abstract: A flow meter for determining the flow rate or mass of a moving stream of fine particles comprises a guide means for guiding the material to be measured along a predetermined path having an entry end and an exit end. A transducer is operatively associated with one end of the guide means and includes a mechanical column connected between a load cell and the exit end of the guide means. The load cell produces an electrical output signal proportional to the flow rate of the material on the guide means. A means for vibrating the guide means is provided and serves to keep the flow stream moving and wherein the plane of vibration is perpendicular to the plane of measurement, thus eliminating measurement error due to the vibrational forces.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for airflow testing, especially for air testing of gas turbine components on an airflow test bench. Various embodiments of the present invention include the use of a measurement section downstream of the component being tested. The measurement section, in one embodiment, includes apparatus for measurement of gas properties at a plurality of spaced-apart radial locations and/or a plurality of spaced-apart circumferential locations. In another embodiment, the invention includes a method for testing a component including a comparison of gas properties measured in both forward and reverse flow directions.

Abstract: The present invention includes a flow conditioning apparatus for conditioning flow for accurate flow measurements. The flow conditioning apparatus is installed in a fluid stream to provide a flow pattern which is capable of flow measurement. In one embodiment, the flow pattern resembles plug flow or flat flow in a pipe. The apparatus for conditioning flow in a pipe, in accordance with the present invention, includes a centrally disposed hub with a plurality of angled members attached to the hub on at a first end portion of the angled members. The angled members include a second end portion extending radially outward from the hub. The second end portion of the angled members is attached to a ring such that the plurality of angled members cause a fluid to swirl within the pipe to condition a flow in the pipe.

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.

Abstract: An angle of attack sensor has a vane mounted on a rotating shaft that rotates in response to angle of attack. The shaft has a rotor at one end which is in a chamber in a housing supporting the shaft. The chamber includes a space around the rotor filled with either an electrorheological or magnetorheological fluid. A controller is used to provide an electrical signal, such as a signal controlling an electromagnet, to change the magnetic field affecting the fluid in response to various aircraft parameters to thereby control the viscosity of the electrorheological or magnetorheological fluid in the chamber and control the amount of damping of the rotating vane.

Abstract: A flow measuring device for use with a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system includes a vane being positionable in an airstream, the vane being rotatably positionable between a first minimum air mass flow disposition and a second maximum air mass flow disposition, the vane being biased in the first minimum air mass flow disposition, the disposition of the vane being responsive in part to an impingement of an air mass flow on the vane. A measuring device is operably coupled to the vane for measuring the disposition of the vane and for providing an output communication of the vane disposition, the vane disposition having a known relationship to the air mass flow. A method of use of the flow measuring device and calibration of the flow measuring device are included.