A flow detector for monitoring an adhesive flow in an adhesive applicator includes a sensor device arranged in the adhesive flow. The sensor device is formed as a capacitive sensor.

An apparatus for monitoring consumption of flowing substance is provided. The apparatus, connectable to the end of a pipe where fluid is flowing, includes a generator (106) configured to generate electric power from the fluid passing through the generator, sensors (112, 114) to measure the temperature of the fluid and the amount of fluid flowing in the pipe and a processing unit (116). The apparatus detects that fluid starts flowing in the pipe at a first time instant and detects that fluid stops flowing in the pipe at a second time instant and determines the temperature of the fluid and the amount of fluid that flowed through the pipe between the first and the second time instant, stores the determined values and the time elapsed between the first and the second time instants as an entry in a memory (120); and transmits the entry.

An apparatus for monitoring consumption of flowing substance is provided. The apparatus, connectable to the end of a pipe where fluid is flowing, includes a generator (106) configured to generate electric power from the fluid passing through the generator, sensors (112, 114) to measure the temperature of the fluid and the amount of fluid flowing in the pipe and a processing unit (116). The apparatus detects that fluid starts flowing in the pipe at a first time instant and detects that fluid stops flowing in the pipe at a second time instant and determines the temperature of the fluid and the amount of fluid that flowed through the pipe between the first and the second time instant, stores the determined values and the time elapsed between the first and the second time instants as an entry in a memory (120); and transmits the entry.

A fluid discharge event detection apparatus measures a change in capacitance to detect the presence of a fluid in a sensing conduit where the presence of fluid indicates a discharge event. The apparatus includes a first conduit, the sensing conduit and a control valve, coupled between the first conduit and the sensing conduit. The control valve is configured to activate and fluidly couple the first conduit and the sensing conduit to one another when the control valve detects at least one predetermined condition of a fluid within the first conduit. A sensor, configured to measure a capacitance value, is disposed about the sensing conduit. A controller, coupled to the sensor, is configured to detect a change in the sensing conduit capacitance value and assert an alarm condition upon detection of the change in the sensing conduit capacitance value.

A fluid discharge event detection apparatus measures a change in capacitance to detect the presence of a fluid in a sensing conduit where the presence of fluid indicates a discharge event. The apparatus includes a first conduit, the sensing conduit and a control valve, coupled between the first conduit and the sensing conduit. The control valve is configured to activate and fluidly couple the first conduit and the sensing conduit to one another when the control valve detects at least one predetermined condition of a fluid within the first conduit. A sensor, configured to measure a capacitance value, is disposed about the sensing conduit. A controller, coupled to the sensor, is configured to detect a change in the sensing conduit capacitance value and assert an alarm condition upon detection of the change in the sensing conduit capacitance value.

A device for monitoring evaporation capacity of a water surface evaporator in a process includes a water surface evaporator and a rain collector, the rain collector and the water surface evaporator having a same size of orifice area, height, and contour profile of a monitoring device. One side of the water surface evaporator is connected with a first measuring well through a pipeline, and another side of the water surface evaporator is connected with a first electromagnetic flowmeter, a water supplementing electromagnetic valve and an overflow electromagnetic valve through a water pipe. The water supplementing electromagnetic valve is connected with a water supplementing barrel through a water supplementing pipe. A water collecting barrel is installed below the special rain collector. A second magnetostrictive water level meter, a starting drainage switch and a stopping drainage switch are installed in the second measuring well.

A device for monitoring evaporation capacity of a water surface evaporator in a process includes a water surface evaporator and a rain collector, the rain collector and the water surface evaporator having a same size of orifice area, height, and contour profile of a monitoring device. One side of the water surface evaporator is connected with a first measuring well through a pipeline, and another side of the water surface evaporator is connected with a first electromagnetic flowmeter, a water supplementing electromagnetic valve and an overflow electromagnetic valve through a water pipe. The water supplementing electromagnetic valve is connected with a water supplementing barrel through a water supplementing pipe. A water collecting barrel is installed below the special rain collector. A second magnetostrictive water level meter, a starting drainage switch and a stopping drainage switch are installed in the second measuring well.

Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to apparatus and methods for automatic fluid flow system connectors. The system generally includes a load cell interface coupled to a console and a ring connector coupled to a fluid collection system. The ring connector can be releasably engaged with the load cell using a push-button actuated locking mechanism. Embodiments of the locking mechanism can include a latch and aperture engagement, a shelf and ledge engagement, or a track and channel engagement, or combinations thereof. The ring connector and load cell can include electrical contacts configured to engage along an axis that extends perpendicular to a surface on which the electrical contacts are disposed. This is believed to reduce wear on the electrical contacts, thereby extending the usable life of the system.

Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to apparatus and methods for automatic fluid flow system connectors. The system generally includes a load cell interface coupled to a console and a ring connector coupled to a fluid collection system. The ring connector can be releasably engaged with the load cell using a push-button actuated locking mechanism. Embodiments of the locking mechanism can include a latch and aperture engagement, a shelf and ledge engagement, or a track and channel engagement, or combinations thereof. The ring connector and load cell can include electrical contacts configured to engage along an axis that extends perpendicular to a surface on which the electrical contacts are disposed. This is believed to reduce wear on the electrical contacts, thereby extending the usable life of the system.

A sweat sensor includes a first conductor and a second conductor that are parallel with one another. The sweat sensor also includes a channel disposed between the first and second conductors. The channel is configured to receive a sample of sweat. A measure of capacitance between the first and second conductors changes based at least partially upon a volume of the sweat in the channel.