A sensor unit that is configured to improve the non-contact, magnetic interface on a gas meter. The configurations may include a pair of magnets that co-rotate in response to a magnet internal to the gas meter. At least one of the magnets may also move longitudinally in proximity to the internal magnet. This feature aligns the magnets with one another to ensure proper magnetic coupling with the internal magnet.

A flow meter includes a rotating structure, a sensing element and a processing circuit. The rotating structure has a shaft, a rotating element, and a magnetic element. The rotating element can be driven by a fluid in a pipeline to rotate around the shaft. The magnetic element is arranged on the rotating element with two magnetic poles parallel to a tangent line of rotating circle of the rotating element. The sensing element is separated from the rotating structure by a distance, and includes a first sensing unit and a second sensing unit, respectively sensing a magnetic field of the magnetic element in different directions to generate a first component signal and a second magnetic field component signal. The processing circuit is connected to the sensing element, and generates an angle of the rotating structure according to the first magnetic field component signal and the second magnetic field component signal.

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.

There is described a system for measuring fluid flow within a conduit. The system comprises a conduit for conveying a fluid, a mount attached to the conduit which may define a high-pressure zone in an interior of the conduit and a low-pressure zone in an exterior of the conduit, and a flow sensing device attached to the mount and configured to move relative to the mount in response to flow of the fluid within the conduit. The flow sensing device is attached to the mount via a coupling which may be located within the high-pressure zone. The system further includes a sensor configured to measure movement of the flow sensing device. The flow sensing device may comprise a paddle and a straight arm extending from the paddle to the coupling.

A sensor unit that is configured to improve the non-contact, magnetic interface on a gas meter. The configurations may include a pair of magnets that co-rotate in response to a magnet internal to the gas meter. At least one of the magnets may also move longitudinally in proximity to the internal magnet. This feature aligns the magnets with one another to ensure proper magnetic coupling with the internal magnet.

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.

There is described a system for measuring fluid flow within a conduit. The system comprises a conduit for conveying a fluid, a mount attached to the conduit which may define a high-pressure zone in an interior of the conduit and a low-pressure zone in an exterior of the conduit, and a flow sensing device attached to the mount and configured to move relative to the mount in response to flow of the fluid within the conduit. The flow sensing device is attached to the mount via a coupling which may be located within the high-pressure zone. The system further includes a sensor configured to measure movement of the flow sensing device. The flow sensing device may comprise a paddle and a straight arm extending from the paddle to the coupling

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 for tracking liquid consumption includes determining, using a portable apparatus for monitoring liquid consumption, data indicative of an amount of liquid consumed by a user from a liquid container. The method also includes transmitting the determined data to an activity tracking device operably connected with the portable apparatus, for determination of: an amount of liquid remaining in the liquid container; and a liquid consumption plan based on the amount of liquid remaining, activity data, and user activity data arranged in the activity tracking device.

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