Abstract: A motorless mass flowmeter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention comprises a turbine subassembly, a drum, and an impeller. The drum is rigidly connected to the turbine subassembly such that the drum rotates in accompaniment to rotation of the turbine subassembly. The impeller is rotationally coupled to the drum by way of a spring that allows relative rotation against the bias of the spring. The turbine subassembly has jets and bypass valves. The turbine subassembly may be implemented in the form of a laminated bypass valve structure. The laminated bypass valve structure may include an entrance layer having entrance port(s), a closure layer having closure member(s), an exit layer defining exit passage(s), and an intermediary layer forming conduit(s) for guiding fluid from entrance port(s) to exit passage(s).

Abstract: A timing device includes a timer and a flow meter mounted on the timer. The timer has a water inlet port and a water outlet port. The flow meter includes a first guide pipe mounted on the water outlet port and provided with a mounting chamber, a detector mounted on the first guide pipe, a rotation ring rotatably mounted in the mounting chamber, a magnetic member mounted on the rotation ring and movable to pass the detector, and a second guide pipe mounted on the first guide pipe. Thus, the water flow rate in the flow meter is calculated according to the times of the magnetic member passing the detector so that when the flow rate of the water passing through the flow meter reaches a preset value, the timer stops operating so as to control the water flow exactly.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a meter device for measuring volume flow of gas can include bearings and the timing gears may each include a least one component comprising a ceramic material that enhances the wearability of the bearing and the timing gears. Accordingly, the gas flow meter can operate in a manner that reduces or eliminates the need for external oil lubrication of the bearings and the timing gears (e.g., the external oil lubrication conventionally provided by the oil bath compartment), and thus reduces the likelihood of failure of the gas flow meter due to leaks or failures of the oil bath compartment.

Abstract: An encoder-type register for an automatic meter reader to be interfaced with a visual read-only register of the kind found in a water meter that measures water consumption. The water meter register has a rotatable sweep hand that carries a magnet and rotates around a register plate in relation to the speed and volume of water moving through the water meter. A plurality of (e.g., three) magnetic (e.g., Hall effect) sensors are fixedly positioned one-after-another in the path of the magnet carried by the rotating sweep hand. The magnetic sensors measure the magnetic field produced by the rotating magnet and generate corresponding output signals. A microprocessor receives the output signals generated by the magnetic sensors whenever the magnet rotates therepast. The microprocessor stores information concerning the number of rotations of the magnet carried by the sweep hand depending upon the direction in which the magnet is being rotated as an indication of water consumption.

Abstract: A method for determining the resource consumption in the usage of a fluid, in particular water, withdrawn from a withdrawal site, determines the amount of fluid withdrawn from the withdrawal site during a withdrawal unit. The fluid quantity is based either on the fluid quantity of an individual withdrawal process or the fluid quantity of an overall withdrawal process combining several individual withdrawal processes. The overall withdrawal process is taken into account when the individual withdrawal processes take place in a time interval that is smaller than a predetermined time window.

Abstract: A magnetic shield may be mounted to a water meter housing to protect the magnetic operation of the water meter from a tamper magnet, including both smaller, flexible tamper magnets and larger, strong tamper magnets. The shield may include a contoured portion and a barrier portion. The barrier portion may provide a physical and spatial barrier between a larger tamper magnet and an internal magnetic sensor of the water meter. The contoured portion may conform to the housing of the water meter and may prevent smaller tamper magnets from being maneuvered close to the housing of the water meter. The shield may be made of a ferrous material suitable for attenuating a magnetic field. The shield may receive a looped sensor transmission cable within a U-shaped opening enabling the shield to be installed and/or removed from the water meter without the sensor transmission cable being detached from the water meter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flow sensor having a measuring chamber to which a fluid whose volume and/or rate of flow is to be measured is supplied and then drawn off. Inside the measuring chamber elements of a measuring mechanism are mounted so as to freely rotate. The sensor is also provided with a magnet which produces a magnetic field inside the measuring chamber and in close proximity thereto. At least one sensor device measures the magnetic field and/or changes in the magnetic field. The sensor device for measuring the magnetic field is provided with at least one giant magnetoresistance sensor.

Abstract: A flow meter may include a case body formed with a fluid space in its inside, an impeller disposed in the fluid space, a detected part integrally provided in the impeller, a detecting part provided with detecting terminals for detecting the detected part, terminal pins which is provided with terminal contact parts, which are electrically connected with the detecting terminals of the detecting part, and connector parts with which a connector for outputting an electric signal to an outside is connected, and a holder to which the terminal pins are fixed and which is detachably held by the case body through a holder holding part provided in the case body. The detecting part and the terminal contact parts are held between the case body and the holder by attaching the holder to the case body so that the terminal contact parts are contacted with the detecting terminals.

Abstract: A gas flow meter for obtaining flow volume readings in a gas conduit, including sensors mounted upstream and downstream of a flow restriction device on a rotor, the rotor further including at least one more flow restriction device that can be rotated into position relative to the conduit.

Abstract: A monitoring device including first detector means of a flow rate of operative fluid in an electric household appliance towards a tank of the electric household appliance and second detector means of the level of such a fluid in the tank; wherein the first and second detector means are operatively and reciprocally associated to issue a single signal (S) characterised by at least two different parameters, a first parameter (F) correlated to the flow rate of the fluid and a second parameter (A) correlated to the level of fluid in the tank.

Abstract: A substance detection device including a chemical substance analyzer, including, a conduit, and a membrane, wherein the membrane extends across a cross-section of the conduit, wherein the membrane is positioned to have one side and an analysis side opposite the one side, wherein the substance detection device is adapted to direct a portion of a chemical substance to the one side through the conduit, the substance detection device further including a particle separation apparatus, including a particle collection device having a collection chamber containing a first fluid and including an outlet, wherein the outlet is in fluid communication with the conduit such that particles directed through the outlet travel through the conduit and chemical substances which may be on those particles directed through the outlet are transferred to the membrane by interacting with the one side of the membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the consumption of fluid by a user, particularly fluids being drank from a container. The apparatus may be used with wide variety of container types. The fluid monitoring unit uses a pair of gears in rotational engagement with each other such that fluid passes around them and rotation of at least one gear is indicative of fluid consumption. The gears in at least one exemplary embodiment are arranged to have low frictional resistance with respect to each other and their respective axles such that the gears quickly and easily rotate and over a wide fluid flow range. This allows the apparatus to accurately and consistently monitor fluid flow from very low flow rates to high flow rates and therefore provide very reliable consumption information. The apparatus in one exemplary embodiment includes an electromagnetic drinking straw embodiment that allows a user to monitor the consumption of fluids from virtually any container type.

Abstract: One pressure difference detection connecting path (71) and another pressure difference detection connecting path (72) are formed so as to be arranged at a predetermined interval in a longitudinal direction. Further, the one pressure difference detection connecting path (71) is formed so as to be connected in front of a continuation center position (70) of a second inflow path (67) and a first inflow path (43). Further, the other pressure difference detection connecting path (72) is formed so as to be connected behind a continuation center position (69) of a second outflow path (66) and a first outflow path (44).

Abstract: A flow sensor comprises a measuring chamber, into which a medium may be introduced and then removed, the volume and/or flow speed of which is to be measured. Freely rotating measuring elements are mounted in the measuring chamber Furthermore, at least one sensor for the measurement of magnetic fields and/or changes in magnetic fields is provided and a circuit to which the output signals from the sensor(s) are supplied. The sensor(s) provide an output signal and supply the same to the circuit. The output signal varies periodically on each passage of a single tooth and a corresponding tooth gap on one of the measuring elements, between a minimum and a maximum value. Depending on the position of the tooth relative to the sensor(s) the output signal takes on a reproducible intermediate value. The circuit is embodied such as to convert the intermediate values into discrete values, representative of part volumes of the volumes pumped between two teeth.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for determining a flow rate, with at least one flow passage for a fluid, an adjustable measuring device and a throttle. The apparatus is characterized in that the throttle is arranged to be movable about at least one pivot axis and engages with a predetermined and variable flow edge section at least in a partial region of the fluid flow passage prior to the measuring device. The apparatus according to the invention further comprises a bypass, which is variable at least by means of a bypass actuating member.

Abstract: An airflow detection apparatus includes an enclosure defining a through hole therein, a conductive pole received in the through hole of the enclosure, a first conductive board electrically connected to a first end of the conductive pole and an electrode of a power source, and a second conductive board electrically connected to the other electrode of the power source. The first and second conductive boards are respectively attached to a top end and a bottom plate of the enclosure. The second conductive board defines a through hole therein to make an end of the conductive pole to pass therethrough, and a diameter of the through hole of the second conductive board is greater than that of the conductive pole. When the conductive pole is driven by an airflow, it will swing to contact with a side bounding the through hole of the second conductive board.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring distance traversed by a swimmer are provided. The apparatus comprises a casing with a flow-meter, a recording device, a transmitter and a receiving device to relay distance traversed by the swimmer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flow sensor having a measuring chamber to which a fluid whose volume and/or rate of flow is to be measured is supplied and then drawn off. Inside the measuring chamber elements of a measuring mechanism are mounted so as to freely rotate. The sensor is also provided with a magnet which produces a magnetic field inside the measuring chamber and in close proximity thereto. At least one sensor device measures the magnetic field and/or changes in the magnetic field. The sensor device for measuring the magnetic field is provided with at least one giant magnetoresistance sensor.

Abstract: A flow meter may include a case body formed with a fluid space in its inside, an impeller disposed in the fluid space, a detected part integrally provided in the impeller, a detecting part provided with detecting terminals for detecting the detected part, terminal pins which is provided with terminal contact parts, which are electrically connected with the detecting terminals of the detecting part, and connector parts with which a connector for outputting an electric signal to an outside is connected, and a holder to which the terminal pins are fixed and which is detachably held by the case body through a holder holding part provided in the case body. The detecting part and the terminal contact parts are held between the case body and the holder by attaching the holder to the case body so that the terminal contact parts are contacted with the detecting terminals.

Abstract: An encoder-type register for an automatic meter reader to be interfaced with a visual read-only register of the kind found in a water meter that measures water consumption. The water meter register has a rotatable sweep hand that carries a magnet and rotates around a register plate in relation to the speed and volume of water moving through the water meter. A plurality of (e.g., three) magnetic (e.g., Hall effect) sensors are fixedly positioned one-after-another in the path of the magnet carried by the rotating sweep hand. The magnetic sensors measure the magnetic field produced by the rotating magnet and generate corresponding output signals. A microprocessor receives the output signals generated by the magnetic sensors whenever the magnet rotates therepast. The microprocessor stores information concerning the number of rotations of the magnet carried by the sweep hand depending upon the direction in which the magnet is being rotated as an indication of water consumption.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for finding a device, whereby at least one magnetic dipole, arranged in the area of the device, rotates about a rotation axis extending at an angle of >0° to the device length axis, the three time-dependent magnetic-field components Hx(t), Hy(t) and Hz(t) are detected, and the position, the orientation of the device axis and/or the roll angle of the device is calculated from this.

Abstract: An apparatus including means for measuring and storing flow information for a fluid flowing through each of a plurality of fixtures in a single unit in a multi-unit structure, and each means for measuring and storing operates independently of all other means for measuring and storing and means for generating and storing power from the fluid flowing through each of the plurality of fixtures. The apparatus also may include means for transmitting in a wireless transmission the flow information with a unique identifier associated with each of the plurality of fixtures having sufficient stored power to transmit the flow information and means for accumulating the flow information in a storage area for each of the plurality of fixtures with insufficient stored power to transmit the flow information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and relevant electronic device (10) for determining the hydraulic flow rate in a pump driven by a synchronous electric motor (12), said motor (12) being of the type comprising a rotor (14), equipped with a permanent magnet, which is rotation-driven by the electromagnetic field generated by a stator (16) equipped with pole pieces (18) with relevant windings. The method comprises an indirect measuring of the flow rate through the following steps of: acquiring at least one pump operation variable; comparing the value of said variable with a predetermined correlation table to hydraulic flow rate values and determining a corresponding flow rate value.

Abstract: A liquid flow-rate digital measurement device, comprising a turbine inserted in the liquid conveyance duct and associated with a shaft which transmits, at a first end, an axial thrust to a corresponding support, a shaft of the turbine being made of stainless steel and being provided, at the first end, with a tip which is made of wear-resistant material, an element made of wear-resistant material being inserted in the plastic body of the measurement device in such a position as to abut against the tip of the turbine shaft.

Abstract: A shrouded body flow meter assembly includes an inner fluid-conducting conduit disposed in a spaced relation from and within an outer conduit. The shrouded flow meter assembly can be connected to other shrouded fluid-conducting apparatus and/or used to replace sections of a shrouded fluid-conducting apparatus system. The shrouded flow meter assembly maintains the integrity of the inner fluid-conducting conduits and outer conduits of the shrouded fluid-conducting apparatus.

Abstract: The system and methods of the present invention generally include retrofitting at least one shrouding device that is associated with a meter reading module drive shaft that operates within a meter reading module housing. Including at least one shrouding device about the meter reading module drive shaft substantially reduces rotational wiggle or play of the drive shaft within the housing of the meter reading module during operation by reducing the void between an outer surface of the drive shaft and an inner surface of a drive shaft channel of the housing, and/or by reducing the effects of tapered shafts or drive channels. In one embodiment, the shrouding device includes a sleeve device substantially secured around a portion of the shaft confined within the drive channel during rotational operation. In alternative embodiments, at least one bushing is secured to the shaft at one or more predefined portions of the shaft.

Abstract: A gas flow sensor receives a low-volume gas flow to be measured in a selectively sealed chamber. A flow rate signal is generated using a measuring device in response to the received gas flow. The flow rate signal is converted into a desired format for purposes of storage, control, and/or display.

Abstract: A flow sensor comprises a measuring chamber, into which a medium may be introduced and then removed, the volume and/or flow speed of which is to be measured. Freely rotating measuring elements are mounted in the measuring chamber Furthermore, at least one sensor for the measurement of magnetic fields and/or changes in magnetic fields is provided and a circuit to which the output signals from the sensor(s) are supplied. The sensor(s) provide an output signal and supply the same to the circuit. The output signal varies periodically on each passage of a single tooth and a corresponding tooth gap on one of the measuring elements, between a minimum and a maximum value. Depending on the position of the tooth relative to the sensor(s) the output signal takes on a reproducible intermediate value. The circuit is embodied such as to convert the intermediate values into discrete values, representative of part volumes of the volumes pumped between two teeth.

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: A method of obtaining at least one representation of a characteristic function of a sensor from a test fluid during calibration of the sensor according to a sensor model having a transfer function operating on flow rate, at least one sensor property and at least one fluid property and employing the at least one representation of the characteristic function to determine flow rates through the sensor during operation with an arbitrary fluid.

Abstract: Cost is reduced by simplifying piping work and reducing the number of parts. At the same time, the degree of freedom in the arrangement of piping is raised by making the mounting posture of the piping variable. A pipe assembly unit with built-in sensors is fabricated by integrating a main pipe and multiple branch pipes, which branch from the main pipe and by building, in the multiple branch pipes a flow sensor which detects the flow rate of a fluid flowing through a conduit of each of the branch pipes, and the use of a conventional seal construction using a nipple in connections between the main pipe and the branch pipes is abolished. A pipe adapter having legs is detachably attached to opening ends of the main pipe and the legs are fixed to an installation surface A by changing the orientation of the pipe adapter, whereby the mounting posture of the pipe assembly unit is made variable.

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: In a vibrational energy harvester, an external vibration causes relative motion between a permanent magnet and a magnetic field sensing element composed of a magnetostrictive material bonded to an electroactive material. The changing magnetic field causes a rotation of magnetization in the magnetostrictive material and the rotating magnetization generates a stress in the magnetostrictive material. The stress is transmitted to the electroactive material, which responds by generating electrical power.

Abstract: A high resolution pulse count interface is situated between a positive displacement (PD) meter and a flow computer. A magnetic wheel attaches to the PD meter, with the interface using Hall Effect sensors to detect the rotation of the wheel. A pulse prediction algorithm and weighting algorithms are used to improve resolution for the flow computer to enable real time flow rate calculations.

Abstract: A meter coupled in close proximity to an underground storage tank fuel pipe that delivers fuel from the underground storage tank to fuel dispensers in a service station environment. The meter measures the total amount of fuel drawn from the underground storage tank. The meter may be placed in a submersible turbine pump or in the main conduit that carries fuel to the fuel dispensers. The meter measurement is compared to the meter measurements in the individual fuel dispensers that receive the fuel drawn from the underground storage tank to determine if a discrepancy exists. A discrepancy may be indicative of meter tampering, meter calibration issues, and/or a leak in the fuel pipeline between the underground storage tank and the fuel dispensers. A leak detection test may be automatically performed if such discrepancy exists and/or an alarm condition generated and communicated.

Abstract: A meter coupled in close proximity to an underground storage tank fuel pipe that delivers fuel from the underground storage tank to fuel dispensers in a service station environment. The meter measures the total amount of fuel drawn from the underground storage tank. The meter may be placed in a submersible turbine pump or in the main conduit that carries fuel to the fuel dispensers. The meter measurement is compared to the meter measurements in the individual fuel dispensers that receive the fuel drawn from the underground storage tank to determine if a discrepancy exists. A discrepancy may be indicative of meter tampering, meter calibration issues, and/or a leak in the fuel pipeline between the underground storage tank and the fuel dispensers. A leak detection test may be automatically performed if such discrepancy exists and/or an alarm condition generated and communicated.

Abstract: A totalization meter system for a water treatment device, the device having an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, and a channel for channeling water between the inlet and outlet apertures. A flow reactive device is positioned in the channel and is exposed to the flowing water, and a signal generating member is positioned on the flow reactive device. A switch is positioned proximately to the flow reactive device, and is sensitive to the proximity of the signal generating member. The switch is able to communicate electric signals indicative of the motion of the signal generating member. A resettable processor having a performance threshold programmed therein and an output device is included. The microcontroller is in electrical communication with the switch for receiving electrical signals from the switch. The switch is capable of sensing the characteristics of the flow reactive device and communicates electrical signals representative of the characteristics to the microcontroller.

Abstract: A flow meter includes a cylindrical flow chamber having an axis and an internal cylindrical wall. Axially spaced about opposite ends of the flow chamber are an inlet and an outlet. Both the inlet and outlet are oriented generally tangential with respect to the interior cylindrical wall. Rotatively mounted about the axis of the chamber is a rotor but wherein the rotor is mounted within the chamber between the inlet and outlet. Fluid entering the chamber via the inlet tends to spiral around the axis of the chamber and generally moves axially in the process to where the fluid engages and turns the rotor but wherein the fluid continues to move axially through the chamber to where the fluid exits the outlet.

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: An electromagnetic flow meter is configured as an insert for insertion into an in-situ housing connected in a flow line. This can enable a body previously installed for use with an insert of a mechanical flow meter to be adapted for use with an insert of an electromagnetic flow meter without having to disconnect the body from a mains supply.

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: A fuel flowmeter has a flowmeter with rotating impellers with meshed lobes rotatable in partially cylindrical housings joined in a case having an inlet at one side and an outlet at an opposite side. Fuel moves in the inlet filling voids between lobes in both impellers and moves cylindrically around opposite partially cylindrical walls and turning the impellers until reaching the outlet. Flow conditioners in the inlet and outlet allows smooth flow, reducing turbulence and promoting lamellar flow into and out of the case. One of the rotors may have a magnetic marker. A transmitter with a Hall effect sensor is mounted on the case. A signal conditioning software is connected to the Hall effect sensor for adjusted transmitted information according to measured pulse rate and a standard flow.

Abstract: A flowmeter for sensing fluid flow. The flowmeter includes a housing including a first port, a second port, a chamber in fluid communication with the first port and the second port, and a fluid passageway extending from the first port to the second port. An impeller having a non-magnetized metal pole piece is located within the chamber of the housing and is rotatable about an axis in response to fluid flow through the fluid passageway. A Hall Effect sensor and a magnet are located outside of the fluid passageway. The magnetic field generated by the magnet enables the Hall Effect sensor to sense rotation of the impeller and thereby the rate of fluid flow through the fluid passageway.

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 fuel mass flowmeter 10 includes a rotatable drum 22 through which fuel to be metered may pass and an impeller 24 mounted within the drum such that it may rotate relative thereto but is biased against such rotation by a spring 26. The drum 22 may be rotated as fuel is passed therethrough, the passage of the fuel past vanes 36 on the impeller causing the impeller to rotate relative to the drum 22, the extent of rotation depending upon the mass flow rate. The rate of rotation of the drum 22 is measured and a correction factor is applied to the measured mass flow rate, the magnitude of the correction factor depending upon the rate of rotation of the drum 22.

Abstract: A conduit network system includes at least one, and typically multiple, node elements in communication with an inner area of a conduit, which is used to transfer material therein. The node element can receive, process and communicate data signals that are representative of user-desired information. A system control mechanism is in communication with the node elements and receives the data signals from these node elements. A method for communicating data in a conduit system is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device, system, and method for detecting and measuring the bi-directional flow of a fluid through a fluid meter, such as a household or business water meter. In one device embodiment the invention comprises a logical switch collar (12) disposed over an analog fluid meter (14) having a sweep-hand (18) with a magnet (16) coupled thereto. In operation, the logical switch collar (12) consists of at least two magnetic switches that are triggered to open or close in response to the rotational movement of the sweep-hand (18) as fluid flows through a fluid meter (14) in both the forward and reverse directions. These switching events are detected and recording by an electronic module (19). Advantageously, the present invention accurately monitors and records fluid consumption at predetermined intervals when the fluid flows through the meter in either direction (14).

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 moving target flow sensor has at least one vane mounted on a shaft and rotated or oscillated in a flowing fluid. Changes in the drag forces are measured to determine the flow rate of the fluid, and, in some cases, to determine the direction of fluid flow. In some arrangements a compliant coupling is connected in a shaft between a drive transducer and a moving vane so that the instantaneous shaft speed can vary. In another arrangement, several vanes are driven by transducers that are controlled to provide a selected average rate of rotation or oscillation. In all cases, because only a change in either angular setting or angular speed of the shaft is detected, the flow sensor is able to operate over a relatively wide operating range and its long term drift is relatively low.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for accurately controlling the amount of NH3 to be applied to a field by measuring the NH3 flow rate without condensing or cooling the NH3. The system includes a control station 12 on the vehicle with a tachometer 12A or a GPS system for providing a vehicle speed signal to a control panel 13. The control panel includes a toggle switch 17 for adjusting the opening or closing of a valve 52 in the flow line to regulate the flow through the system, although the control panel alternatively may automatically control the valve 52. The vehicle transports a tank 20 containing liquid NH3 and a tool bar 30 for distributing the NH3 to the soil. After flowing through the flow meter 40,60, 130, the NH3 is conducted to the soil through a series of hoses, fittings, a distributor, and tubing. The flow meter transmits a signal to the control panel, which is converted to a corrected flow rate signal in response to a fixed value vaporization correction factor.