An encoder device that is configured for use on a gas utility meter. These configurations may generate power and data concomitantly with movement of mechanics in response to flow of material through the meter. In one implementation, the meter may include a meter body with flanged ends, the meter body forming an interior cavity. Impellers may reside in the interior cavity to meter precise volume of fuel gas through the device. The encoder device may couple with the impellers, for example, using non-contact modalities, like magnetics. The encoder device may include a processor and memory, a sensor unit, and a power unit, where the sensor unit and the power unit are responsive to rotation of the impellers to generate a data signal and a power signal, respectively, without contact with the impellers.

A flow measuring device for measuring flow of a fluid. A housing has a passage which extends between an inlet and an outlet. A shaft is disposed within the housing and is rotatable about a central axis. A flow detector is mounted on the shaft and disposed at least partially within the passage. The flow detector includes a rotatable, generally cylindrical body that rotates about a central axis as the fluid flows. A magnet is disposed within the housing such that the central axis extends through it, and is configured to rotate simultaneously with the body about the central axis. A magnetic encoder is disposed within the housing and configured to sense rotation of the magnet as the flow detector angularly displaces about the central axis so as to detect angular displacement of the flow detector.

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.

The delivery of fuel oil through a fuel oil delivery pipe is monitored to measure the flow rate, temperature, viscosity, density and dielectric constant of the fuel oil as it moves through the delivery pipe. The digital data signals from the sensors which are a function of the measured parameters are recorded in a memory. An IR sensor detects the presence of air in the pipe and prevents the data signals from being recorded. The actual total quantity of fuel oil delivered through the pipe is calculated based upon the recorded data signals, which may be adjusted to take into account the temperature of the fuel oil being delivered. A clock circuit generates a timing signal reflecting the date and time the measurements were taken. Information as to the quantity delivered and the time of delivery may be sent to a remote location.

A flow measuring device for measuring flow of a fluid. A housing has a passage which extends between an inlet and an outlet. A shaft is disposed within the housing and is rotatable about a central axis. A flow detector is mounted on the shaft and disposed at least partially within the passage. The flow detector includes a rotatable, generally cylindrical body that rotates about a central axis as the fluid flows. A magnet is disposed within the housing such that the central axis extends through it, and is configured to rotate simultaneously with the body about the central axis. A magnetic encoder is disposed within the housing and configured to sense rotation of the magnet as the flow detector angularly displaces about the central axis so as to detect angular displacement of the flow detector.

The invention provides a uniquely designed flowmeter device to be coupled to a plumbing fixture (i.e., a faucet, showerhead, toilet, etc.) and provide improved and automated monitoring of water flow characteristics through such plumbing fixture. The flowmeter device allows for monitoring of overall water usage, wherein such water usage information is useful in determining and associating appropriate billing of water usage to a corresponding user, as well as identifying abnormal water usage indicative of potential leaks or damage to the plumbing fixture or supply line(s).

A flow measuring device for measuring flow of a fluid. A housing has a passage which extends between an inlet and an outlet. A shaft is disposed within the housing and is rotatable about a central axis. A flow detector is mounted on the shaft and disposed at least partially within the passage. The flow detector includes a rotatable, generally cylindrical body that rotates about a central axis as the fluid flows. A magnet is mounted on the rotatable body or on the shaft, and is configured to rotate simultaneously with the body about the central axis. A sensor is disposed within the housing and configured to sense rotation of the magnet as the flow detector angularly displaces about the central axis so as to detect angular displacement of the flow detector.

A lightweight impeller is provided for use in a pressurised gas source for a CPAP or other breathing assistance apparatus. The impeller can be shroudless or otherwise lightweight.

A lightweight impeller is provided for use in a pressurised gas source for a CPAP or other breathing assistance apparatus. The impeller can be shroudless or otherwise lightweight.

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.