Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for indicating the presence of a directional differential pressure between separated adjacent spaces are provided. A differential pressure set point indicator may be configured to correlate multiple potential angles of inclination of an elongated conduit to respective threshold differential pressures between two spaces which generate net flow of fluid sufficient to cause a lightweight ball to move from one region of the conduit to an opposing region. The elongated conduit may be adjustable in length so as to accommodate installation of the device into walls of varying thickness. The device may include a sound attenuator that reduces noise upon impact of the ball with either end of the conduit. The device may also include a sealing material that is flexible yet firm enough to provide both a seal with the exterior surface of the conduit and support for the conduit when oriented in a tilted configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and methods for measuring environmental parameters are disclosed. The apparatus, system and methods can be used for a variety of applications, including HVAC air balancing and building commissioning. The system includes a variety of wireless sensing modules and wearable modules for control. display, and storage. Parameters measured include air and water temperature, pressure. velocity, and flow. Also included are sensors for light intensity, CO concentrations, and CO2 concentrations.

Abstract: A radiator bracket connects a radiator to a support surface, such as a wall, and includes at least one vertically extending channel having a width that decreases from an open end to a narrow end with the narrow end being located closer to either the radiator or the support surface. The vertically extending channel can be a single channel or two channels. Where the bracket has a single channel, two brackets can be used with one of the brackets having its narrow end closest to the radiator and the other having its narrow end closest to the wall.

Abstract: A distribution valve with an integrated flowmeter unit, which exhibits a main flow channel, through which a medium can flow in a main flow direction, and a secondary flow channel branching from the latter. The distribution valve includes a distribution valve housing containing a main pipe, a first conduit pipe connection, a second conduit pipe connection and at least one branch lying in between. The main flow channel in the main pipe runs from the first conduit pipe connection to the second conduit pipe connection. The branch empties into a first housing part, which includes an outlet. The outlet of the first housing part empties into a second housing part, which accommodates a flowmeter body and includes an outlet that forms a third conduit pipe connection. The secondary flow channel runs from the at least one branch of the main pipe to the outlet of the second housing part.

Abstract: Appurtenances added to a pipe mitigate the effects of upstream valves, sluice gates or pipe elbows to condition the pipe flow for accurate flow rate detection by a reverse propeller meter. Further appurtenances allow the reverse propeller meter to be used in extreme debris situations such as weeds, vines and moss present in many canal systems. The system provides an electronic signal that indicates flow rate and accumulated flow volume, or the signal can be transmit to a central headquarters for remote gate control or canal automation.

Abstract: A temperature displaying device for faucets or showerheads includes a pipe, a control unit, a temperature sensing unit coupled to the pipe, a display unit, a sound alert unit, and a power supply module. The pipe is connected to a water outlet end of a faucet or showerhead or disposed inside a tube of the faucet. The temperature sensing unit senses temperature of water running through the pipe and feeds back a sensing signal to the control unit, allowing the control unit to drive the display unit to display water temperature and drive the sound alert unit to give a sound alert. Accordingly, the temperature displaying device for faucets or showerheads displays water temperature and gives an alert in response to high water temperature.

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 system comprises a plurality of fans, wherein each of the fans is configurable to run at a unique fan speed that is different from fan speeds of other fans from the plurality of fans. A plurality of variable-positioned devices, capable of being positioned at various locations within the system, are physically positioned such that airflow from one of the plurality of fans strikes a particular variable-positioned device. A plurality of anemometers, each of which is connected to a particular variable-positioned device, measure airflow across the variable-positioned devices. A system controller, which contains location information that identifies a physical position within the system of each of the plurality of fans, utilizes airflow readings from each of the anemometers to identify a physical location of each of the plurality of variable-positioned devices by matching physical locations of the fans to measured airflow across the variable-positioned devices.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling flow includes a flow control element, an actuator, a linkage assembly, and a sensor module. The linkage assembly is coupled between the flow control element and the actuator, and includes a rotatable linkage element coupled to impart force to the flow control element. The sensor module is affixed to the rotatable linkage element. The sensor module includes a MEMs-based strain gauge affixed to a substrate and operably coupled to measure torque on the linkage element, and a processing circuit disposed on the substrate. The processing circuit is operably coupled to receive torque measurement information representative of the measured torque. The processing circuit generates a fluid flow measurement value based on the torque measurement information and position information representative of a position of a flow control device of the flow control element. The flow control device is mechanically coupled to the rotatable linkage element.

Abstract: Flowmeters and methods of measuring a fluid flow or manufacturing flowmeters are presented. A flowmeter has a tool body and one or more spinner arms configured to extend with a first end away from the tool body and a second end joined to the tool body, when deployed to measure a fluid flow. Each spinner arm includes a helical blade configured to rotate due to a fluid flowing substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tool body, around a rotation axis between the first end and the second end.

Abstract: A wireless multi-range, mass velocity sensor assembly for remote monitoring with direct on-site visual validation of mass velocity is provided. In certain implementations, the sensor assembly comprises a channel body fixture, an obstruction mounted within an aperture formed in the inlet or outlet of the channel body fixture, and an arcuate indicator that protrudes above the fluid flow path and provides clear visual readout of the flow velocity. In some implementations, the sensor assembly can be easily adapted for existing back check valve and other back flow prevention devices.

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: An air pressure differential sensing system includes a conduit defining an air passage through which air flows upon application of an air pressure differential across different regions of the air passage, a flap pivotally connected to the conduit, and a sensing device mounted proximate to the air passage and separate from the flap. The flap is configured to move about a pivotal axis in response to the air flowing through the air passage. The sensing device is configured to sense an angular position of the flap about the pivotal axis, the angular position of the flap being a function of the air pressure differential.

Abstract: A liquid-level detection device detects the liquid level in the developer storing container for storing liquid developer, and includes a first water wheel, a first rotation detection mechanism, and first liquid-level detection device. The first water wheel is disposed in the interior of the developer storing container, and is configured to be rotated by liquid developer to be supplied to the developer storing container. The first rotation detection mechanism is configured to detect a rotation state of the first water wheel. The first liquid-level detection device detects the liquid level of liquid developer based on a result detected by the rotation detection mechanism.

Abstract: An air pressure differential sensing system includes a conduit defining an air passage through which air flows upon application of an air pressure differential across different regions of the air passage, a flap pivotally connected to the conduit, and a sensing device mounted proximate to the air passage and separate from the flap. The flap is configured to move about a pivotal axis in response to the air flowing through the air passage. The sensing device is configured to sense an angular position of the flap about the pivotal axis, the angular position of the flap being a function of the air pressure differential.

Abstract: A flow meter for measuring the velocity of surrounding fluid, comprising a rotatable member rotatably coupled to a shaft member, wherein the shaft member comprises a measuring electrical circuit comprising an AC power supply and a primary coil, the rotatable member comprising a passive non-permanent magnet marker responsive to a magnetic field, the arrangement being such that when the circuit is powered by the AC supply the coil generates a magnetic field and the marker is positioned on the rotatable member such that rotation of the rotatable member in response to fluid drag on the member causes the distance between the marker and the coil to oscillate, the marker interacting with the magnetic field at its closest approach to the coil, thereby to cause a measurable electrical response in the circuit.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating a fluid condition may include stroking a valve member and measuring a force acting on the valve member during the stroke. Methods of evaluating a fluid condition may include measuring a force acting on a valve member in the presence of fluid flow over a period of time and evaluating at least one of the frequency of changes in the measured force over the period of time and the magnitude of the changes in the measured force over the period of time to identify the presence of an anomaly in a fluid flow and, optionally, its estimated location. Methods of evaluating a valve condition may include directing a fluid flow through a valve while stroking a valve member, measuring a force acting on the valve member during the stroke, and comparing the measured force to a reference force. Valve assemblies and related systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: An air pressure differential sensing system includes a conduit defining an air passage through which air flows upon application of an air pressure differential across different regions of the air passage, a flap pivotally connected to the conduit, and a sensing device mounted proximate to the air passage and separate from the flap. The flap is configured to move about a pivotal axis in response to the air flowing through the air passage. The sensing device is configured to sense an angular position of the flap about the pivotal axis, the angular position of the flap being a function of the air pressure differential.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating a fluid condition may include stroking a valve member and measuring a force acting on the valve member during the stroke. Methods of evaluating a fluid condition may include measuring a force acting on a valve member in the presence of fluid flow over a period of time and evaluating at least one of the frequency of changes in the measured force over the period of time and the magnitude of the changes in the measured force over the period of time to identify the presence of an anomaly in a fluid flow and, optionally, its estimated location. Methods of evaluating a valve condition may include directing a fluid flow through a valve while stroking a valve member, measuring a force acting on the valve member during the stroke, and comparing the measured force to a reference force. Valve assemblies and related systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: An axial flow meter includes a housing including a generally elongated body with a continuous internal bore. Two spindles are mounted parallel to one another in the housing. Each spindle has a blade on the exterior surface of the spindle. Blades on each of the two spindles engage with each other. Bearings at each end of both spindles engage the spindles. At least one of the bearings engaging each one of the spindles is fixed in a position relative to the elongated body thereby preventing axial movement of the two spindles while allowing rotational movement of the two spindles.

Abstract: The present invention is a side-mounted position indicator for use with a flapper check valve. The indicator is located outside the valve body and attaches to an internal, cylindrically-shaped roller that allows limited rotation about one axis. This roller has a tripper rod that extends from one side of the roller and has a round, non-marring plastic ball on its opposite end. The ball is held in contact with the valve flapper using a mechanical spring. A separate flush port is provided to allow for periodic internal cleaning without substantial disassembly.

Abstract: A sensor module includes a MEMs sensor device and a processing circuit. The MEMs sensor device is operable to determine a fluid flow induced mechanical force on a first flow control device connective element. The processing circuit is operably coupled to receive fluid flow induced mechanical force information based on the determined fluid flow induced mechanical force. The processing circuit is configured to generate a fluid flow measurement value based on the fluid flow induced mechanical force information and position information representative of a position of a flow control device coupled to the first flow control connective element.

Abstract: An air velocity sensing system not requiring external power supply is applied to an air duct system, comprising: (1) a sensor module disposed in the air duct for measuring the air velocity therein and for saving the measured air velocity value; and (2) a control module for wirelessly transmitting a signal to the sensor module, which sends the measured air velocity value back to the control module after receiving the signal from the control module, so as to have the air velocity value displayed on control module. The present invention also provides an air velocity sensing method not requiring external power supply.

Abstract: The present inventions relate to a method and apparatus for adding Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) capabilities to utility meters that generate a magnetic field comprising magnetic flux that varies proportionally with the rate of resource consumption. The apparatus comprises a dual magnetic field sensor unit for detecting variations in the magnetic flux density for the magnetic field. The sensor unit may be compact in size so that it can be positioned within a utility meter. The sensor unit may be operatively connected to a data-unit located outside the utility meter. The data unit may be further configured for storing processed or unprocessed sensor signals and is connected to a transmitter. To minimize power consumption, the magnetic field sensors may be configured to have sensor on times and sensor off times. The on/off state of the magnetic field sensors may be controlled by either a dedicated sensor controller or the data unit.

Abstract: A flow switch used in conjunction with a fuel meter in a fuel dispenser to determine when fuel is flowing. A flow switch can only be activated if fuel is flowing through the flow path of the flow switch. If fuel is flowing as indicated by the fuel flow switch, but the meter is not registering fuel flow, there is a meter error, which may be an error internally with components of the meter and/or a pulser that generates pulse signals indicative of fuel flow. If the meter pulser is registering fuel flow, but the flow switch is not registering fuel flow, then an error exists with the flow switch. If fuel is flowing and there are no errors, both the meter and the flow switch should indicate fuel flow.

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 siphon to be used when removing water from a personal aquarium for cleaning purposes. The water passes through propellers or flaps of a present friction, which monitor the volume flowing out of the aquarium. The amount of water is displayed on an exterior gauge so the user may achieve accuracy. Appropriate filtering media is provided to insure that small particles such as rocks and gravel do not injure the internal parts of the device.

Abstract: A fluid measuring device that displays fluid volume usage against fluid volume limits and a fluid control device that stops fluid delivery when the fluid volume limit is reached.

Abstract: A flow switch used on conjunction with a fuel flow meter in a fuel dispenser to determine when fuel flow rate signals form a fuel flow meter should be ignored in the calculation of flow rate and/or volume of fuel dispensed. An inferential fuel flow meter may be used as the fuel flow meter. The inferential fuel flow meter may be a turbine flow meter that comprises one or more turbine rotors that rotate in response to fuel flow flowing through the turbine flow meter. The turbine rotors may continue to generate pulses even when fuel is no longer flowing. A flow switch determines when fuel is actually flowing and fuel is not actually flowing. The flow switch is described as either a single poppet or dual poppet flow switch in examples described herein.

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: The mass flow of hydrogen fuel in the anode loop of a hydrogen fuel cell is measured using a rotating flow meter. The flow meter includes a bladed rotor mounted for rotation within a tube disposed in the stream of hydrogen fuel flowing through the anode loop. A magnetic sensor senses changing magnetic field caused by the rotation of the rotor and produces an alternating signal having a frequency related to the rotational rate of the rotor, and thus of the mass flow rate of the hydrogen fuel. A fuel purity sensor increases the accuracy of the mass flow measurement by determining the concentration of foreign substances contained in the fuel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for measuring both the magnitude of rotation of a rotating magnetic field as well as the direction of rotation of a rotating magnetic field. The present invention may be used to measure the magnitude and direction of fluid flow by converting the kinetic energy of a moving fluid into a rotating magnetic field. At least two stationary sensors are placed in the magnetic field to detect the resulting changes in magnetic flux polarity occurring and provide therefrom a determination of the magnitude and direction of fluid flow.

Abstract: In a method and device for measuring at least one parameter of a metal bed, measuring is obtained by a magnetic field being generated from one side of the metal bed so that eddy currents are generated in the metal bed as the metal bed moves relative to the magnetic field. The metal bed and the magnetic field are made to move relative to one another. A force related to the eddy currents affects a body and the action of the force on the body is detected by a detecting device, the detected force being a function of a desired parameter of the metal bed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing a controller to monitor a flow volume in a fluid transportation system is disclosed. The controller being operably connected to a module. The module being operably connected to a flow meter. The module senses a series of pulses that represent a known fluid volume in a proving loop. The module also measures the fluid density of the fluid in the proving loop. The controller utilizes a dynamic density of the fluid and the sensed pulses to determine a correction factor to more accurately calculate the flow volume through the measuring flow meter. The controller ensures the accuracy of the flow meter by utilizing the partial pulses sensed during a meter proving period by using an interpolation method.

Abstract: A system, method and program for calculating a fluid flow volume within a conduit having an operably connected flow meter is disclosed. The system includes a controller having a backplane. A flow meter module is operably connected to the backplane of the controller and to the flow meter. A program embedded within the controller is also operably connected to the flow meter. The program includes a plurality of segments for sensing a characteristic of the fluid for determining the flow volume of the fluid. The controller, in cooperation with the flow meter module, monitors the dynamic fluid density of the fluid in the conduit. The controller utilizes the dynamic density to determine a correction factor to more accurately calculate the fluid flow volume through the conduit.

Abstract: A process mass flow apparatus for measuring the mass flow rate of a powdered, granulated or otherwise substantially divided process solid, seeds, grains, or similar particulate materials includes a process material inlet, a process material outlet, a measuring chamber connecting the process material inlet and the process material outlet, comprising a movable element with a fixed axis of rotation located in the flow path of the process material and having attached to the axis of rotation a material flow sensor which provides a raw output signal corresponding to an unknown mass flow rate and a processor which contains an empirically derived calibration function for converting the raw output signal to an adjusted signal indicating the mass flow rate of the process fluid.