Abstract: A wireless flow rate apparatus measures flow rate in a fluid-conductive conduit and includes: the fluid conductive conduit comprising a non-rigid wall; a wireless sensor network including a flow sensor that detects vibrations of the fluid-conductive conduit, produces a sensor signal; and a wireless node that receives the sensor signal and wirelessly communicates the sensor signal; a base station that wirelessly receives the sensor signal; and a flow rate analyzer that receives the sensor signal from the base station and determines the flow rate of fluid in the fluid-conductive conduit from the sensor signal.

Abstract: A flow rate sensor system for an agricultural sprayer includes a drum housing and a central passage housing defining a flow path, a Hall-effect sensor, a Hall-effect sensor window in a display housing, a magnetic carrier within the drum housing, and a magnet positioned in the magnetic carrier. The flow path has a first portion generally parallel to an axis, and a second vortex portion around the axis. The Hall-effect sensor faces the axis. The Hall-effect sensor window is between the Hall-effect sensor and the axis. The magnetic carrier is configured to rotate about the axis. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid metering device including a housing, an isolated fluid conduit, a metering assembly, an electronics assembly, and a power assembly. An electronic device can be wirelessly connected to the metering device so as to quantify the fluid that is passing through the isolated fluid conduit. Alternatively, this can be performed by the electronics assembly and then transmitted to the electronic device. Portable spraying apparatuses are also disclosed and can include the fluid metering device. In example embodiments, other data can be captured and/or calculated such as sprayer locations, sprayed locations, type of fluid sprayed, images of the intended-to-be-sprayed subject, and/or other information pertinent as desired. In some example embodiments, the electronic device in combination with the fluid metering device can predict the chances of volatilization of the fluid based on specific environmental conditions and the fluid temperature. Finally, the sprayer and sprayed locations can be overlayed onto a map.

Abstract: A matching control method for mechanical impedance of a magnetostrictive precision transducer includes developing a three-layer neural network model corresponding to a Young's modulus of a Terfenol-D material; acquiring sample data to form a training sample set and a testing sample set; training the model using a Bayesian regularization training algorithm, and optimizing connection weights and thresholds among layers of the tested model, so as to obtain a final three-layer neural network model; based on the final model, building an inverse model of mechanical impedance of the magnetostrictive precision transducer; using a current level of impedance of a load as an input of the inverse model to obtain a bias magnetic field, and changing a level of the bias magnetic field by changing a bias current in an excitation coil of the transducer, thereby achieving adaptive matching between the mechanical impedance of the transducer and the impedance of the load.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a paddlewheel for a flow meter is provided. The method can include providing an inner part of the paddlewheel. The method can also include inserting a plurality of magnets in the inner part of the paddlewheel. The method can also include overmolding an outer part of the paddlewheel over the inner part of the paddlewheel.

Abstract: A personal flow meter for measuring water consumption of an individual has a housing, inductors attached to the exterior of the housing and a rotatable member disposed within the housing. A front cover and rear cover are attached to the housing. The front cover includes a fluid inlet having an angulated internal fluid channel that causes water to enter the housing at an angle. The rear cover has a fluid outlet to allow egress of water within the housing. The rotatable member includes angulated fins. Water entering the housing via the internal fluid channel perpendicularly strikes the fins to initiate rotation of the rotatable member. Magnets are attached to the rotatable member in an alternating magnetic pole arrangement. Rotation of the rotatable member causes the inductors to generate voltage signals. Electronic circuitry processes the voltage signals and generates signals that represents the individual's water consumption over a period of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flow rate measurement device and, more specifically, to a flow rate measurement device and a flow rate measurement method, wherein a flow rate is measured by sensing a rotation caused by a flow of a fluid.

Abstract: A powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) with an active heating system. The PAPR includes a powered air component designed to be carried by a user of the PAPR, the powered air component including a fan and a filter, wherein the fan draws air from a user's environment through the filter. The PAPR further includes an electronically controlled active heating element and a control system. The control system varies the power provided to the heating element and further disables the heating element when potential overheating of the heating element is detected. The present invention further includes a heating module for use with a PAPR. The heating module includes an electronically controlled active heating element. The heating element is disabled when the fan in the PAPR is not rotating.

Abstract: A powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) with an active heating system. The PAPR includes a powered air component designed to be carried by a user of the PAPR, the powered air component including a fan and a filter, wherein the fan draws air from a user's environment through the filter. The PAPR further includes an electronically controlled active heating element and a control system. The control system varies the power provided to the heating element and further disables the heating element when potential overheating of the heating element is detected. The present invention further includes a heating module for use with a PAPR. The heating module includes an electronically controlled active heating element. The heating element is disabled when the fan in the PAPR is not rotating.

Abstract: A spirometer includes a housing, a mouthpiece coupled to the housing, and a measurement unit. The measurement unit is configured to receive air expelled by a user, and generate an electrical quantity corresponding to a peak expiratory flow or a forced expiratory volume based on the expelled air. The spirometer also includes a processing module supported by the housing, and configured to receive the electrical quantity from the measurement unit, a display coupled to the measurement unit to display an indication of the peak expiratory flow or the forced expiratory volume, and an energy harvester. The energy harvester is coupled to the measurement unit and the processing module, and is configured to receive energy from one of a group consisting of the measurement unit and an energy sensor, store the received energy in an energy storage device, and transfer the energy to the processing module.

Abstract: A water consumption meter for animals allowing a precise measurement of fluids entering an attached water vessel. The materials and design of the meter allow the meter to endure freezing events and function properly after such freezing events. The meter has internal vanes set at a particular angle that contribute to a more accurate measurement of the liquid being consumed by the animal. The water consumption meter can include a rotational member with angled vanes that assist in a more accurate measurement of the water entering and exiting the meter.

Abstract: A smart water management system fixture device is positioned on a water line. The device includes a measuring unit, an electronics unit, and an energy unit associated with a housing. The measurement unit includes an impeller of a turbine disposed in a water chamber and rotatable therein. The water chamber is positioned between an inlet and an outlet to define a fluid flow path. The measurement unit is in communication with the electronics unit. The electronics unit received information from one or more sensors and harvests electricity using the motion of the turbine and is in communication with an energy unit for story electricity.

Abstract: A summing circuit, including a capacitor, a switching circuit capable of connecting the capacitor between a first node (ana) and a second node (ref), between a third node and the second node in a first connection direction or between the third node and the second node in a second connection direction, an integrator coupled to the third node, a hysteresis comparator coupled to the output of the integrator, and a counter coupled to the output of the hysteresis comparator.

Abstract: A cryopump system includes a cryopump, a compressor of a working gas for the cryopump, a control device configured to control an operation frequency of the compressor, a gas line connecting the cryopump and the compressor, and a gas quantity adjustment unit configured to switch a working gas quantity of the gas line between at least a first gas quantity and a second gas quantity. When the gas line has the first gas quantity, a controllable range of the operation frequency provides a first flow rate range of the working gas. When the gas line has the second gas quantity, the controllable range provides a second flow rate range of the working gas. The second flow rate range has a non-overlapping portion with the first flow rate range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metering device (5) for a fluid, in particular hot melt adhesive, adapted for use with a dispensing apparatus (1) for said fluid or a remote metering apparatus (16) for transporting said fluid, comprising a housing (28), said housing comprising a fluid inlet and one or more fluid outlets, a gear (34) which is rotatably supported in said housing (28) and inserted in a gear chamber (31) in the housing (28) such that a cavity for fluid transport is formed in between two adjacent teeth and said housing (28), one or more chamber inlets in fluid communication with said fluid inlet and said gear chamber (31) such that fluid may flow into said gear chamber (31).

Abstract: A smart water management system fixture device is positioned on a water line. The device includes a measuring unit, an electronics unit, and an energy unit associated with a housing. The measurement unit includes an impeller of a turbine disposed in a water chamber and rotatable therein. The water chamber is positioned between an inlet and an outlet to define a fluid flow path. The measurement unit is in communication with the electronics unit. The electronics unit received information from one or more sensors and harvests electricity using the motion of the turbine and is in communication with an energy unit for story electricity.

Abstract: A pit assembly can include a pit liner defining an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defining an interior of the pit liner, the inner surface and the outer surface further defining a pit opening proximate to an upper portion of the pit liner; a pit connector positioned in the interior of the pit liner; a removable cartridge positionable within the interior of the pit liner, the removable cartridge comprising a chassis, a cartridge connector mounted to the chassis and configured to operatively couple in fluid communication to the pit connector, and a piping system in fluid communication with the cartridge connector and mounted to the chassis; and a locking mechanism selectively movable about and between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: Integrated pipe pressure and temperature sensors and related methods are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a housing including an opening to provide a fluid flow path. The fluid flow path is to be coaxially aligned with a fluid flow path of a pipe when the housing is coupled to the pipe. The example apparatus includes a sensor disposed in the housing. The sensor includes an electrically conductive deformable material.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification flow rate detection system and method for directly measuring the rate of fluid flowing into and out of the eye during a cataract operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for charging an electronic device include rotating a magnetically attractable element, or element, within the electronic device. Rotating a magnet external to the electronic device simultaneously rotates the element. Rotating the element causes an electrically generating device, such as a generator, to create an electric charge in the electronic device. The electric charge may be used to power the electrically generating device, or the electric charge may be transmitted to an internal power supply in order to charge another component or components. In another embodiment, the external magnet may wind a spring inside a device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flow measuring device for measuring a parameter of a flow formed from a fluid which flows in a main direction of flow in a line, comprising a first line section for conducting the fluid out of the main direction of flow; a second line section for conducting the fluid back into the main direction of flow; a line connection section for connecting the first line section to the second line section; at least one ultrasound device for transmitting and/or receiving ultrasound waves; and an evaluation unit for carrying out a transit-time difference measurement and for determining the parameter, wherein at least one swirl generating unit for generating a swirl is provided which is arranged downstream of the first line section such that the generated swirl is directed in a direction which is opposite to a direction of a swirl present downstream of the first line section and upstream of the swirl generation unit.

Abstract: A system and method of measuring volumetric flow through a meter. One step of the method involves providing a flow meter connected to a duct having fluid flowing therethrough. A memory having at least two Roshko/Strouhal curves stored therein is also provided. A viscosity of the fluid is measured. One of the Roshko/Strouhal is selected curves based on the method viscosity. A volumetric flow through the meter is determined utilizing the selected Roshko/Strouhal curve.

Abstract: A lubrication device including a tank of fluid lubricant to be dispensed to a user position, a component for raising the pressure of the lubricant, a device for regulating the flow rate of the lubricant under pressure, and a distributor for enabling the lubricant flow to be conveyed to the user position with regulated flow rate, the lubricant flow rate regulator device being provided with a lubricant flowmeter which reads the flow rate regulated by the regulator device.

Abstract: A method of conducting a fueling transaction at a fuel dispenser. The fuel dispenser includes a flow meter operatively connected to internal fuel flow piping. The method comprises the step of providing a displacement sensor for generating information representative of an amount of fuel delivered through the flow meter. The displacement sensor comprises at least one transponder operatively connected to the flow meter. The method also comprises providing at least one interrogator electronics configured for remote electronic communication with the at least one transponder and authorizing the fueling transaction. Finally, the method comprises communicating with the at least one transponder using the at least one interrogator electronics during the fueling transaction. Fuel dispensers and flow meter assemblies comprising displacement sensors having transponders and/or capacitive sensing elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: A turbine rotor assembly for extracting energy from an oscillating working fluid. The turbine rotor assembly includes a hub rotatable about a central axis. A plurality of blades is mounted to the hub about the central axis. Each blade has a leading edge and a trailing edge which are configured to be complementary in profile to each other such that the blades can be mounted in close fitting edge-to-edge proximity to each other.

Abstract: An indicator dilution system includes a catheter configured to deliver an indicator to a patient, an injection device configured to deliver the indicator to the catheter, and a connector coupling the injection device to the catheter. The system also includes one or more sensors configured to acquire measurements from components of the system, which may be used to determine the start and end time of the injection of the indicator to the patient. For example, the one or more sensors may be configured to acquire signals relating to a state of the connector, which may be used to determine whether the connector is in an open state to enable flow of the indicator or in a closed state to reduce flow of the indicator.

Abstract: A flowmeter for liquids has a measuring housing, which encloses and rotatably mounts an impeller, said measuring housing comprising a one-piece supply pipe and discharge pipe, wherein the impeller is eccentrically arranged in the discharge pipe after a nozzle-forming constriction. A sensor encoder is associated with the impeller and a sensor which responds to the sensor encoder is provided on the measuring housing for determining the amount of liquid flowing through the measuring housing on the basis of the revolutions of the impeller. The outer diameter corresponding to the impeller is smaller than the nominal inner diameter of the discharge pipe, enabling it to be pushed into the one-piece pipe.

Abstract: Information in a data store may be efficiently accessed to perform boundary reading processing. In one example, register readings of one or more register channels that are linked to one or more interval channels may be retrieved from the data store to determine whether or not a boundary reading of a time span is missing. If a boundary reading is missing, but a proximate register reading exists, the boundary reading may be estimated from the proximate register reading and at least one interval reading.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a flow rate or volume of fluid. The system includes a positive displacement meter including a plurality of non-contact sensors and gears configured to rotate in response to fluid flow through the meter. The gears may include detectable areas that may be sensed by the plurality of non-contact sensors to determine a rotational direction of the gears. The plurality of non-contact sensors may also be configured to generate respective detection signals indicative of a rotation state of the gears. The controller may be configured to receive the detection signals, determine a current rotation state, and increment a rotational count based on the changes in the current rotation state. The controller may use the rotational count to determine a flow rate or volume of fluid.

Abstract: A flow meter includes a magnet actuated switch, and an impeller configured to be insertable into a standard NPT ¼? pipe fitting. Rotation of the impeller in response to a fluid flow actuates the magnet actuated switch with a frequency that is proportional to a flow rate of the fluid flow. The impeller has a cylindrical shaft and a plurality of extensions that extend from the cylindrical shaft that form a spiral shaped cross section. Each extension has an inner curved surface and an outer curved surface, and the inner curved surface is concave shaped to catch the flow of the fluid, and the outer curved surface is convex shaped to provide reduced counter resistance to the rotation of the impeller. A pipe section assembly includes a pipe section including a standard NPT ¼? pipe fitting and the flow meter vertically inserted into the pipe fitting.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for measuring and processing fuel meter measurements, such as rotary gas meter volume measurements, are generally disclosed herein. At least some aspects of the systems, devices, and methods can allow a fuel meter body to perform all processing regarding an amount of fuel dispensed from the fuel meter body and can allow the fuel meter body to provide results of the processing to an accessory configured to display data to a user. At least some aspects of the systems, devices, and methods can allow processing at the fuel meter body to be provided using one or more modules each configured to be removably and replaceably coupled to the fuel meter body.

Abstract: A multifunction electronic device generally involving a processor, a power source in electronic communication with the processor; and wireless communicator, the wireless communicator in electronic communication with the processor and the power source. The processor controls the wireless communicator in a manner that minimizes power consumption by the multifunction electronic device, whereby the power source is conserved. The multifunction electronic device serves at least one function, such as a register device or a remote device. The multifunction electronic device wirelessly communicates with a remote server, such as a cloud-based server, and performs metering measurements by way of a magnetic field sensor for enhancing accuracy of such measurements.

Abstract: There is offered a water meter that requires no coil so that its cost is reduced. The water meter is formed to include an impeller, a rotation reduction unit, a first circular plate, a second circular plate, a rotation detection unit and an arithmetic unit. The rotation detection unit forms first, second and third combination capacitors with a switching circuit. The rotation detection unit detects changes in capacitances of the first, second and third combination capacitors associated with a rotation of the first circular plate. The arithmetic unit is configured so as to electrically detect the rotation angle ? of the first circular plate based on the changes in the capacitances.

Abstract: A method of conducting a fueling transaction at a fuel dispenser. The fuel dispenser includes a flow meter operatively connected to internal fuel flow piping. The method comprises the step of providing a displacement sensor for generating information representative of an amount of fuel delivered through the flow meter. The displacement sensor comprises at least one transponder operatively connected to the flow meter. The method also comprises providing at least one interrogator electronics configured for remote electronic communication with the at least one transponder and authorizing the fueling transaction. Finally, the method comprises communicating with the at least one transponder using the at least one interrogator electronics during the fueling transaction. Fuel dispensers and flow meter assemblies comprising displacement sensors having transponders and/or capacitive sensing elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for measuring the air flow in an appliance. An air flow measuring device, such as a vane (aka turbine) anemometer, is placed directly into an air flow passageway and provides a signal indicative of the amount of air flow. This signal can be used e.g., to undertake a remedial response in the event the amount of air flow is not sufficient to provide proper cooling or ventilation of the appliance.

Abstract: The methods and systems described herein can be used for remote measuring of flow rate from a multitude of different flow meters without requiring each flow meter to be capable of onboard processing and displaying of flow rate information. A single electronic device can be used to remotely measure the flow rate of a multitude of different flow meters.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a flow rate or volume of fluid. The system includes a positive displacement meter including a plurality of non-contact sensors and gears configured to rotate in response to fluid flow through the meter. The gears may include detectable areas that may be sensed by the plurality of non-contact sensors to determine a rotational direction of the gears. The plurality of non-contact sensors may also be configured to generate respective detection signals indicative of a rotation state of the gears. The controller may be configured to receive the detection signals, determine a current rotation state, and increment a rotational count based on the changes in the current rotation state. The controller may use the rotational count to determine a flow rate or volume of fluid.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting fraud caused by tampering with a fuel flow meter. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a fuel flow meter for measuring the flow of liquid fuel. The flow meter has at least one shaft supporting a rotor. The method further comprises providing the flow meter with a rotary displacement sensor. Also, the method comprises measuring a first angular position of the shaft upon termination of a first fueling transaction and measuring a second angular position of the shaft upon initiation of a second fueling transaction. Finally, the method comprises comparing data indicative of the first and second shaft angular positions to determine whether fraud has occurred.

Abstract: A fuel flow meter assembly for detecting fraud caused by tampering. The fuel flow meter assembly includes a fuel flow meter comprising a shaft and a displacement sensor operatively connected to the fuel flow meter shaft for generating information representative of an amount of fuel delivered through the fuel flow meter. At least one transponder is coupled with one of the fuel flow meter shaft and the displacement sensor. At least one interrogator electronics is coupled with the other of the fuel flow meter shaft and the displacement sensor. The at least one interrogator electronics is configured for remote electronic communication with the at least one transponder.

Abstract: A sea-floor tethered float instrument containing an accelerometer for measuring wave induced water velocity, ocean currents, relative swell kinetics and the like.

Abstract: A contact is provided for a fluid level detection apparatus. The contact includes a contact support spring for rotating in response to a change in fluid level. The contact support spring includes a cantilevered spring arm having a proximal end to be fixed to a holder and a free end, and a contact support which is provided at the free end. First and second contacts are attached to the contact support in first and second positions, respectively, the first position being set at one end opposite to an end at which the second position is set. The joining position of the contact support and cantilevered spring arm is set so that a pressing load applied to the first and second contacts on the contact support by the flexure displacement of the contact support spring falls within a predetermined range.

Abstract: There is a positive displacement flowmeter, which includes at least two primary measuring elements rotatable on respective spaced apart axes within a housing between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The elements are linked to rotate in accordance with volumetric flow through the flowmeter from said inlet to said outlet. There are at least two opposed pole magnets disposed at separated positions on one of the elements and a pole sensitive sensor located in a rotational path of said magnets whereby said sensor is adapted to emit an output signal upon activation by said at least two of said opposed pole magnets.

Abstract: Components of a gaming machine are cooled by generating an air flow through the gaming machine. The air flow cools the gaming machine components and is filtered by a filter. A speed of the air flow through the gaming machine is measured using an anemometer and a signal indicative of the speed of the air flow is generated. The signal may indicate, for example, that the filter or a fan that generates the air flow are in need of maintenance, or that an obstruction exists in the air flow path through the gaming machine.

Abstract: There is offered a water meter that requires no coil so that its cost is reduced. The water meter is formed to include an impeller, a rotation reduction unit, a first circular plate, a second circular plate, a rotation detection unit and an arithmetic unit. The rotation detection unit forms first, second and third combination capacitors with a switching circuit. The rotation detection unit detects changes in capacitances of the first, second and third combination capacitors associated with a rotation of the first circular plate. The arithmetic unit is configured so as to electrically detect the rotation angle ? of the first circular plate based on the changes in the capacitances.

Abstract: A metering device can be activated by a suction airflow of a user for inhaling a powdery substance, in particular of medicinal type, which is arranged in a supply chamber and can be brought out of there into an apparent discharge standby position by removing a mouthpiece sealing cap by a metering chamber of a metering rod. The metering device provides piston-extensible tabs for sealing off the metering chamber, particularly for the facilitated opening of the metering chamber.

Abstract: A technique facilitates flow monitoring in a well. A well component is designed for engagement with a well string deployed downhole into a wellbore. The well component has an internal flow passage through which well fluid is flowed. A sensor structure is mounted in the well component along the internal flow passage and comprises at least one sensor designed to sense a parameter related to fluid flow. The sensor structure is movable between a non-intrusive flow position with respect to the internal flow passage and a measurement position within the internal flow passage for measurement of the desired parameter.

Abstract: A paddlewheel flow sensor has two independently rotating paddlewheels in a flow passage. The spacing between the wheels can be selected to respond to most of the flow while simultaneously tolerating trash carried by the flowing fluid. Each wheel has its own rotation sensor, and an average of the two rotation sensor outputs can be used to determine flow rate.

Abstract: There is a positive displacement flowmeter, which includes at least two primary measuring elements rotatable on respective spaced apart axes within a housing between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The elements are linked to rotate in accordance with volumetric flow through the flowmeter from said inlet to said outlet. There are at least two opposed pole magnets disposed at separated positions on one of the elements and a pole sensitive sensor located in a rotational path of said magnets whereby said sensor is adapted to emit an output signal upon activation by said at least two of said opposed pole magnets.

Abstract: A mass flow meter comprising a housing including a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The housing defines a chamber and a rotatable member is arranged in the chamber so as to be rotatable about an axis. A momentum device is also arranged in the chamber and connected to the rotatable member via a biasing element so as to be rotatable about the axis and rotatable relative to the rotatable member. A fluid path in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet is provided. The fluid path passes through both the rotatable member and the momentum device. The fluid path enters the momentum device at a radial distance r1 from the axis and exits the momentum device at a different radial distance r2 from the axis. A torque provider may be coupled to the rotatable member via a shaft or gear member.

Abstract: A Flow Meter that can be installed on an existing pair of wires that connect an existing electric valve and its controller without the need to lay out additional electrical wiring, which comprises a hollow main body designed to house the internal components of the Flow Meter; one or more pipe clamps used to attach the main body to the existing pipe; an impeller that revolves when water flows through the pipe; an electric circuit; a circuit housing; a sensor; a sensor housing; and a cover.