A fluid flow rate sensor, which may also be the basis of a valve for a fire suppression system, uses a sensing arm to convey motion of an obturation body or a valve closing member to a sensor system which evaluates the motion and generates a calibrated measure of the flow rate and/or an alarm signal in response if warranted. The obturation body and the valve closing member are capable of both rotation and translational motion, both of which are sensed using the sensing arm. The sensor system is isolated from the fluid within the valve.

A leak detection system for plumbing fixtures may include a dual channel system (700) having two channels of water flow to measure fluid flow that is both intentional and accidental. A disclosed embodiment may include a body (710) that is sometimes fastened to a top plate (715) sometimes fastened with socket head cap screws (717). The dual fluid channels may comprise a lower default or first flow path (790). Water flowing though the lower or default path may pass through a paddle wheel assembly (760) and paddle wheel (762) wherein flow rate may be measured by a myriad of systems including magnets or other sensors deposed on the distal ends of the paddle wheel spokes. A leak detection system may also include a single channel system (800) with a flap system. Disclosed systems may include other types of leak measuring devices.

The invention relates to a fire-extinguishing facility comprising an extinguishing fluid line for transporting an extinguishing fluid, a plurality of sprinklers connected to the extinguishing fluid line in a fluid-guiding manner which are closed in a standby state and open in an extinguishing state in order to supply the extinguishing fluid, and a flow-measuring device associated with the extinguishing fluid line. According to the invention, the flow-measuring device is designed to approximately detect a volume flow of the extinguishing fluid transported in the extinguishing fluid line, and an evaluation unit is provided and designed to assign a number of open sprinklers to the approximately detected volume flow.

The invention relates to a fire-extinguishing facility comprising an extinguishing fluid line for transporting an extinguishing fluid, a plurality of sprinklers connected to the extinguishing fluid line in a fluid-guiding manner which are closed in a standby state and open in an extinguishing state in order to supply the extinguishing fluid, and a flow-measuring device associated with the extinguishing fluid line. According to the invention, the flow-measuring device is designed to approximately detect a volume flow of the extinguishing fluid transported in the extinguishing fluid line, and an evaluation unit is provided and designed to assign a number of open sprinklers to the approximately detected volume flow.

A force sensor including a support, a test body, two strain gauges, mechanical transmission means between the test body and the strain gauges so that a movement of the test body applies a strain onto the strain gauges in a first direction of the plane of the sensor, the transmission means being hinged relative to the support about a second direction in the plane of the sensor, the test body being accommodated within a first volume, the strain gauges being accommodated within a second volume, insulated by sealed insulation means. The sensor includes a sacrificial layer, a nanometric layer, a protective layer and a micrometric layer. The test body and at least one portion of the support are formed in the substrate, the sealed insulation means are partially formed by the nanometric layer and by the sacrificial layer, and the strain gauges are formed in the nanometric layer.

A force sensor including a support, a test body, two strain gauges, mechanical transmission means between the test body and the strain gauges so that a movement of the test body applies a strain onto the strain gauges in a first direction of the plane of the sensor, the transmission means being hinged relative to the support about a second direction in the plane of the sensor, the test body being accommodated within a first volume, the strain gauges being accommodated within a second volume, insulated by sealed insulation means. The sensor includes a sacrificial layer, a nanometric layer, a protective layer and a micrometric layer. The test body and at least one portion of the support are formed in the substrate, the sealed insulation means are partially formed by the nanometric layer and by the sacrificial layer, and the strain gauges are formed in the nanometric layer.

A bead flow sensor module includes a housing, a beam, and a sensor. The beam extends into a flow channel of the housing through which a flow of beads and compressed air flows. The sensor outputs a signal indicative of bead impacts on the beam. A system incorporating the bead flow sensor module includes a compressed air source, a bead hopper, and a bead dispenser. The compressed air source delivers a flow of compressed air to the bead hopper. A flow of beads carried by the compressed air discharges from the bead hopper along a flow pathway connecting the bead hopper to the bead dispenser. The bead flow sensor module positioned along the flow pathway outputs the signal from which a bead flow volume through the bead dispenser is determined.

An x-ray mass flow rate sensor uses a low density polymer pipe, an x-ray source, and an x-ray detector. The polymer pipe has a low density (less than 2.8 SG) and a high pressure rating (greater than 5 ksi). By using a low density polymer pipe, the sensor is able to use an x-ray source that does not require a linear accelerator and is less than or equal to 450 kV. The x-ray source and the x-ray detector are mounted on opposite sides of the polymer pipe to form a detection area that passes through the polymer pipe. A real-time calibration of the sensor is performed by detecting gray level values in a calibration region of the detection area for two reference materials placed in the detection area. The sensor may additionally include a mechanical flow rate sensor with a plurality of pistons with springs of varying spring constants.

A method and device for accurately monitoring, displaying, and remote reporting of turbulent material flow streams in confined channels and pipes is provided. The device can have multiple cams coupled to an obstruction, and a spring. The multiple cams can have a cam profile, and the cam profile and the spring may be selected to linearize a rotation of the obstruction over a range of fluid flow velocities. The obstruction can include have multiple obstructions each in a different area of a cross-section of a pipe, improving the accuracy of the device.

Flow sensors are provided that can monitor flow conditions. The flow sensor includes a gauge that provides a first level of information about flow through the sensor, and an indicator associated with the gauge that can provided a second level of information about flow through the sensor. The indicator might be in the form of a dial that can rotate about the gauge and might include a locked position for monitoring flow and an unlocked position to rotate the dial about the gauge to reposition the dial. A twisted shaft with varying twist rate is provided to convert linear motion to rotational motion for the gauge.