Apparatus and method for quantity meter testing
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for testing quantity meter devices, the apparatus comprising:
- clamp device for securing a quantity meter;
a variable positive displacement water chamber device in fluid communication with the quantity meter for passing fluid through the quantity meter, wherein the water chamber device has a known volume;
a motor control device operatively coupled to the variable positive displacement water chamber device such that the motor control device controls the displacement of the fluid from the water chamber device through the quantity meter, the motor control device including a register device operable to selectively determine the amount of fluid dispensed from the water chamber;
an electronic sensor device for measuring an output signal from the quantity meter, where each of the output signals from the quantity meter represent a measurement of the quantity meter; and
a calculation device coupled to both the register device and the electronic sensor device, wherein the calculation device is operable to determine a test volume based on the register device and a measured volume based on the output signals from the electronic sensor device.
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Abstract
An apparatus and method that employ a motor control system coupled to a variable positive displacement water chamber system for testing a quantity meter. Using this apparatus and method, the flow rate of water passing through the meter can be positively controlled. The water meter generates an output signal that is monitored by an electronic sensor. The information from the motor controller is compared with the meter output signal to provide a measure of the meter'"'"'s accuracy.
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Citations
30 Claims
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1. An apparatus for testing quantity meter devices, the apparatus comprising:
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clamp device for securing a quantity meter;
a variable positive displacement water chamber device in fluid communication with the quantity meter for passing fluid through the quantity meter, wherein the water chamber device has a known volume;
a motor control device operatively coupled to the variable positive displacement water chamber device such that the motor control device controls the displacement of the fluid from the water chamber device through the quantity meter, the motor control device including a register device operable to selectively determine the amount of fluid dispensed from the water chamber;
an electronic sensor device for measuring an output signal from the quantity meter, where each of the output signals from the quantity meter represent a measurement of the quantity meter; and
a calculation device coupled to both the register device and the electronic sensor device, wherein the calculation device is operable to determine a test volume based on the register device and a measured volume based on the output signals from the electronic sensor device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An apparatus for testing quantity meter devices, the apparatus comprising:
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a clamp device for securing a quantity meter;
a variable positive displacement water chamber device in communication with the quantity meter being tested, the water chamber device being operable to pass fluid through the quantity meter, wherein the variable positive displacement water chamber device includes a piston movable within a cylinder, the cylinder having a known volume;
a motor control device operable to move the piston within the cylinder, the motor control device being operatively coupled to the piston such that when force is applied to the piston, the piston moves within the cylinder to displace fluid from the cylinder and through the quantity meter, when the motor control device includes a register operable to determine the position of the piston within the cylinder;
an electronic sensor for measuring an output signal from the quantity meter, the electronic sensor being operatively coupled to the motor control device to transmit signals to the motor control device, wherein each signal represents a measurement of the quantity meter; and
a calculation device for determining a test volume from the register device and a measured volume based on the signal from the electronic sensor device. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method for testing quantity meters, the method comprising steps of:
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securing a quantity meter to a clamp device;
moving the quantity meter into fluid communication with a variable positive displacement water chamber device, wherein the variable positive displacement water chamber device includes a piston movable within a cylinder, the cylinder having a known volume;
filling the cylinder with the known volume of fluid;
advancing the piston by activating a motor control device coupled to the piston, wherein when force is applied to the piston, the piston displaces fluid from the cylinder through the quantity meter;
monitoring the position of the piston within the cylinder such that a test volume can be determined;
positioning an electronic sensor to measure an output signal of the quantity meter as fluid is passed through the quantity meter, wherein the electronic sensor is coupled to the motor control device and transmits signals to the motor control device;
determining a measured volume of fluid that has passed through the quantity meter based upon the signals from the electronic sensor; and
comparing the determined measured volume to the determined test volume. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification