阅读说明：本技术 用于旋转气体流量计的磁传感器组件 (Magnetic sensor assembly for rotary gas meter ) 是由 王新民 林乐忠 安德鲁·史密克 于 2019-12-17 设计创作，主要内容包括：用于旋转气体流量计的磁传感器组件包括计数器模块电子体积修正器(“EVC”)。在一个方面,该组件包括磁传感器探针,磁传感器探针被配置为可释放地固定在第一气体流量计主体的孔内。作为另外一种选择,传感器探针可以定位在适配器套管内。适配器套管被配置为可释放地固定在第二气体流量计主体的孔内。在另一个方面,计数器模块EVC包括基座耦合件,并且该组件包括第一和第二磁传感器探针,探针被配置为分别可释放地固定在第一和第二气体流量计主体的孔内。每个探针具有与基座耦合件可释放地接合的探针耦合件。(A magnetic sensor assembly for a rotary gas meter includes a counter module electronic volume corrector ("EVC"). In one aspect, the assembly includes a magnetic sensor probe configured to be releasably secured within a bore of a first gas flow meter body. Alternatively, the sensor probe may be positioned within the adapter sleeve. The adapter sleeve is configured to be releasably secured within the bore of the second gas meter body. In another aspect, the counter module EVC includes a base coupling and the assembly includes first and second magnetic sensor probes configured to be releasably secured within the bores of the first and second gas meter bodies, respectively. Each probe has a probe coupling releasably engageable with the base coupling.)

1. A magnetic sensor assembly for a rotary gas meter, the assembly comprising:

a counter module electronic volume modifier ("EVC");

a magnetic sensor probe operably coupled to the counter module EVC and configured to be releasably secured within a bore of a first gas flow meter body,

the sensor probe having a first end, a second end, a generally cylindrical outer surface extending between the first end and the second end, an outer diameter at the second end, and a longitudinal axis; and

the adapter sleeve is provided with a plurality of adapter sleeves,

the adapter sleeve having a first end, a second end, an outer surface extending between the first end and the second end of the adapter sleeve, an outer diameter at the second end of the adapter sleeve, a longitudinal axis, and a sensor probe bore extending from the first end of the adapter sleeve toward the second end of the adapter sleeve,

the sensor probe well configured to receive the sensor probe within the adapter sleeve,

the adapter sleeve is configured to be releasably secured within a bore of a second gas meter body, the bore of the second gas meter body having a diameter greater than a diameter of the bore of the first gas meter body,

wherein, in a first configuration, the counter module EVC is coupleable to the first gas flow meter body with the sensor probe positioned within the bore of the first gas flow meter body for sensing rotation of a counter drive shaft of the first gas flow meter body, and

wherein, in a second configuration, the counter module EVC is coupleable to the second gas meter body with the sensor probe positioned within the adapter sleeve and the adapter sleeve positioned within the bore of the second gas meter body for sensing rotation of a counter drive shaft of the second gas meter body.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the sensor probe is coupled to the counter module EVC using a length of flexible cable.

3. The assembly of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first gas meter body comprises a gas meter body having a first size, and wherein the second gas meter body comprises a gas meter body having a second size.

4. The assembly of any of claims 1-3, wherein the first gas meter body comprises a gas meter body having a first family of model numbers, and wherein the second gas meter body comprises a gas meter body having a second family of model numbers.

5. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sensor probe aperture of the adapter sleeve has a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the adapter sleeve.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the longitudinal axis of the sensor probe bore is offset from the longitudinal axis of the adapter sleeve.

7. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the outer surface of the sensor probe includes one or more engagement projections, wherein the engagement projections prevent the adapter sleeve from rotating relative to the sensor probe when the sensor probe is positioned within the adapter sleeve.

8. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the outer surface of the sensor probe comprises one or more alignment protrusions and the sensor probe bore of the adapter sleeve comprises one or more alignment grooves, and wherein the alignment grooves are configured to receive the one or more alignment protrusions, thereby preventing insertion of the sensor probe bore into the adapter sleeve unless the alignment protrusions are aligned with the alignment grooves.

9. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein an outer diameter of the adapter sleeve at the first end of the adapter sleeve is greater than an outer diameter of the adapter sleeve at the second end of the adapter sleeve.

10. A magnetic sensor assembly for a rotary gas meter, the assembly comprising:

a counter module EVC;

a base coupling operably coupled to the counter module EVC;

a first magnetic sensor probe configured to be releasably secured within the bore of the first gas flow meter body,

the first magnetic sensor probe having a first end, a second end, and a probe coupling extending from the first end of the first sensor probe, the probe coupling of the first sensor probe being releasably engaged with the base coupling; and

a second magnetic sensor probe configured to be releasably secured within the bore of the second gas meter body,

the second sensor probe having a first end, a second end, and a probe coupling extending from the first end of the second sensor probe, the probe coupling of the second sensor probe being releasably engaged with the base coupling;

wherein, in a first configuration, the probe coupling of the first sensor probe engages with the base coupling to operably couple the first sensor probe and the counter module EVC, and the counter module EVC is coupleable to the first gas flow meter body, wherein the sensor probe is positioned within the bore of the first gas flow meter body for sensing rotation of a counter drive shaft of the first gas flow meter body, and

wherein, in a second configuration, the probe coupling of the second sensor probe engages with the base coupling to operably couple the second sensor probe and the counter module EVC, and the counter module EVC is coupleable to the second gas meter body with the sensor probe positioned within the bore of the second gas meter body for sensing rotation of a counter drive shaft of the second gas meter body.

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the base coupling is coupled to the counter module EVC using a length of flexible cable.

12. The assembly of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein a probe coupling of at least one of the first and second sensor probes is coupled to the first end of the sensor probe using a length of flexible cable.

13. The assembly of any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the first gas meter body comprises a gas meter body having a first size, and wherein the second gas meter body comprises a gas meter body having a second size.

14. The assembly of any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the first gas meter body comprises a gas meter body having a first family of model numbers, and wherein the second gas meter body comprises a gas meter body having a second family of model numbers.

15. The assembly of any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the first sensor probe has a generally cylindrical outer surface extending between the first and second ends of the first sensor probe, and an outer diameter at the second end, the second sensor probe has an outer surface extending between the first and second ends of the second sensor probe, and an outer diameter at the second end that is greater than the outer diameter at the second end of the first sensor probe.

16. The assembly of any of claims 10 to 15, wherein the diameter of the bore of the second gas meter body is greater than the diameter of the bore of the first gas meter body.

17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein an outer diameter of the second sensor probe at the first end of the second sensor probe is greater than an outer diameter of the second sensor probe at the second end of the second sensor probe.

18. The assembly of any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the base coupling comprises a female joint, and wherein the probe couplings of the first and second sensor probes each comprise a male joint.

19. A rotary gas meter comprising the magnetic sensing assembly of any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the assembly is coupled to the rotary gas meter.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to gas flow meter devices and more particularly to magnetic sensor assemblies for use with rotary gas flow meters.

Background

Gas flow meters can be used to measure the volume of gas delivered and/or used for heating or cooling purposes. For large scale and/or industrial use, most gases are typically sold at a price per unit volume. Therefore, it is generally desirable to measure the gas delivered and/or used with relatively high accuracy. For example, natural gas may be referred to as a relatively expensive commodity, and it is important to accurately measure the amount of gas delivered and/or consumed, particularly at high volumetric rates. Accurate measurements may prevent the consumer from being charged too much by the supplier, and it may also ensure that the consumer pays for the entire volume of gas provided.

A conventional method of providing an accurate measurement of the consumed gas is the use of one or more positive displacement rotary gas flow meters. As gas flows through such a rotating gas flowmeter, a fixed gas volume is displaced by, for example, two figure-8 impellers rotating in opposite directions within a cylinder of known volume. The impeller of the gas flow meter rotates because the partial pressure at the outlet of the flow meter is less than the partial pressure present at the inlet. As they rotate, a fixed volume of gas or other fluid is trapped and then moves toward the outlet. Thus, with each complete rotation of the impeller, a known volume of gas or other fluid is displaced through the outlet.

By measuring the number of impeller revolutions, the volume of gas or other fluid displaced over a period of time can be determined. In addition, since the lobed 8-shaped impellers are held in a fixed relative position, it is only necessary to measure the rotational displacement of one of the impellers. To accomplish this, in the case of an electronically compensated positive displacement rotary gas flow meter, the impeller may be magnetically coupled to an electronic recording device.

Typically, magnetic coupling devices sense the movement of the impeller by sensing the passage of a magnet fixed to the rotating impeller. This can be done by a Wiegand sensor mounted outside the pressure body of the gas meter. The sensor then transmits the signal to an electronic recording device. Such electronics compensate for density variations due to fluctuations in temperature, pressure and/or composition of the metered gas, resulting in an extremely accurate measurement of the consumed gas.

Disclosure of Invention

The following summary is provided to introduce the reader to the more detailed discussion that follows. This summary is not intended to limit or restrict any claimed or as yet unclaimed invention. One or more inventions may reside in any combination or subcombination of elements or method steps disclosed in this document, including any portion thereof in the claims and drawings.

A manufacturer of a gas meter body may provide a mounting surface for a counter module (or counter module EVC) having an electronic volume corrector ("EVC") that is generic to some models and/or sizes of gas meter bodies to which the counter module EVC may be coupled. Typically, a hole is provided adjacent to the counter module EVC mounting surface for providing access to the counter drive shaft of the gas meter. A magnetic sensor of the counter module EVC may be positioned within the bore for sensing rotation of the counter drive shaft.

However, the position of the impeller (and/or a counter drive shaft operably coupled to the impeller) relative to the mounting surface may be different for different models and/or sizes of gas meter bodies based on the relative position of the impeller within the gas meter body.

Additionally, the size and/or internal profile of the sensor bores can be different for different models and/or sizes of gas meter bodies. For example, a model line of gas meter bodies produced by a first vendor may have a universal sensor aperture size that is different from sensor aperture sizes of other models of gas meter bodies produced by the first vendor and/or different from sensor aperture sizes provided in gas meter bodies produced by other vendors.

While a typical counter module EVC may be used with a gas meter body having a different relative position of its universal mounting surface and counter drive shaft (as a magnetic sensor, permanently connected to the counter module EVC, typically by flexible wiring, that can be easily repositioned relative to the mounting surface), a different size and/or internal profile of the sensor bore providing access to the counter drive shaft may require a different counter module EVC (with an appropriately sized magnetic sensor probe) to be used with a different model and/or size of gas meter body.

Alternatively, the apparatus disclosed herein may be used with gas meter bodies having magnetic sensor bores of different sizes and/or internal profiles. The ability to use such "universal" devices with a variety of gas meter bodies may provide several advantages. For example, when installing and/or servicing a counter module EVC, the number of different counter module EVCs that need to be employed by a customer facility may be reduced, as the same components may be used for a wide range of gas flow meters.

According to a first broad aspect, there is provided a magnetic sensor assembly for a rotary gas meter, the assembly comprising: a counter module EVC; a magnetic sensor probe operatively coupled to the counter module EVC and configured to be releasably secured within the bore of the first gas meter body, the sensor probe having a first end, a second end, a generally cylindrical outer surface extending between the first end and the second end, an outer diameter at the second end, and a longitudinal axis; and an adapter sleeve having a first end, a second end, an outer surface extending between the first end and the second end of the adapter sleeve, an outer diameter at the second end of the adapter sleeve, a longitudinal axis, and an inductor bore extending from the first end of the adapter sleeve toward the second end of the adapter sleeve, the sensor probe bore configured to receive a sensor probe within the adapter sleeve, the adapter sleeve configured to be releasably secured within the bore of the second gas meter body, the bore of the second gas meter body having a diameter greater than a diameter of the bore of the first gas meter body, wherein, in a first configuration, the counter module EVC can be coupled to the first gas meter body with the sensor probe positioned within the bore of the first gas meter body for sensing rotation of a counter drive shaft of the first gas meter body, and wherein, in a second configuration, the counter module EVC can be coupled to a second gas meter body with the sensor probe positioned within the adapter sleeve and the adapter sleeve positioned within the bore of the second gas meter body for sensing rotation of the counter drive shaft of the second gas meter body.

In some embodiments, a length of flexible cable is used to couple the sensor probe to the counter module EVC.

In some embodiments, the first gas meter body comprises a gas meter body having a first size, and wherein the second gas meter body comprises a gas meter body having a second size.

In some embodiments, the first gas meter body comprises a gas meter body having a first family of model numbers, and wherein the second gas meter body comprises a gas meter body having a second family of model numbers.

In some embodiments, the sensor probe bore of the adapter sleeve has a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the adapter sleeve.

In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis of the sensor probe well is offset from the longitudinal axis of the adapter sleeve.

In some embodiments, the outer surface of the sensor probe includes one or more engagement protrusions, wherein the engagement protrusions prevent the adapter sleeve from rotating relative to the sensor probe when the sensor probe is positioned within the adapter sleeve.

In some embodiments, the outer surface of the sensor probe includes one or more alignment protrusions, the sensor probe bore of the adapter sleeve includes one or more alignment recesses, and wherein the alignment recesses are configured to receive the one or more alignment protrusions, thereby preventing insertion of the sensor probe bore into the adapter sleeve unless the alignment protrusions and alignment recesses are aligned.

In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the adapter sleeve at the first end of the adapter sleeve is greater than the outer diameter of the adapter sleeve at the second end of the adapter sleeve.

According to another broad aspect, there is provided a magnetic sensor assembly for a rotary gas meter, the assembly comprising: a counter module EVC; a base coupling operably coupled to the counter module EVC; a first magnetic sensor probe configured to be releasably secured within the bore of the first gas flow meter body, the first sensor probe having a first end, a second end, and a probe coupling extending from the first end of the first sensor probe, the probe coupling of the first sensor probe being releasably engaged with the base coupling; and a second magnetic sensor probe configured to be releasably secured within the bore of the second gas meter body, the second sensor probe having a first end, a second end, and a probe coupling extending from the first end of the second sensor probe, the probe coupling of the second sensor probe being releasably engaged with the base coupling; wherein in a first configuration, the probe coupling of the first sensor probe engages the base coupling to operably couple the first sensor probe and the counter module EVC, and the counter module EVC can be coupled to the first gas flow meter body, wherein the sensor probe is positioned within the bore of the first gas flow meter body for sensing rotation of the counter drive shaft of the first gas flow meter body, and wherein in a second configuration, the probe coupling of the second sensor probe engages the base coupling to operably couple the second sensor probe and the counter module EVC, and the counter module EVC can be coupled to the second gas flow meter body, wherein the sensor probe is positioned within the bore of the second gas flow meter body for sensing rotation of the counter drive shaft of the second gas flow meter body.

In some embodiments, the base coupling is coupled to the counter module EVC using a length of flexible cable.

In some embodiments, the probe coupling of at least one of the first and second sensor probes is coupled to the first end of the sensor probe using a length of flexible cable.

In some embodiments, the first gas meter body comprises a gas meter body having a first size, and wherein the second gas meter body comprises a gas meter body having a second size.

In some embodiments, the first gas meter body comprises a gas meter body having a first family of model numbers, and wherein the second gas meter body comprises a gas meter body having a second family of model numbers.

In some embodiments, the first sensor probe has a generally cylindrical outer surface extending between the first end and the second end of the first sensor probe and an outer diameter at the second end, and the second sensor probe has an outer surface extending between the first end and the second end of the second sensor probe and an outer diameter at the second end that is greater than the outer diameter at the second end of the first sensor probe.

In some embodiments, the diameter of the bore of the second gas meter body is greater than the diameter of the bore of the first gas meter body.

In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the second sensor probe at the first end of the second sensor probe is greater than the outer diameter of the second sensor probe at the second end of the second sensor probe.

In some embodiments, the base coupling comprises a female joint, and wherein the probe couplings of the first and second sensor probes each comprise a male joint.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that the methods or apparatus disclosed herein may embody any one or more of the features included herein and may use the features in any specific combination or sub-combination.

These and other aspects and features of various embodiments are described in more detail below. For example, a rotary gas meter may be provided that includes a magnetic sensor assembly coupled thereto.

Drawings

For a better understanding of the described embodiments and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1A and 1B are perspective views of a first gas flow meter body and a second gas flow meter body;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the counter module EVC and the first gas flow meter body of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the counter module EVC and adapter sleeve of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the counter module EVC and adapter sleeve of FIG. 3 with a magnetic sensor probe of the counter module EVC positioned within the adapter sleeve;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the counter module EVC and adapter sleeve of FIG. 4 and the second gas meter body of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a magnetic sensor probe housing, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an end view of the magnetic sensor probe housing of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the magnetic sensor probe housing of FIG. 6 taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a magnetic sensor probe housing, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an end view of the magnetic sensor probe housing of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the magnetic sensor probe housing of FIG. 9 taken along line 11-11 in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an adapter sleeve according to one embodiment;

FIG. 13 is an end view of the adapter sleeve of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the adapter sleeve of FIG. 12 taken along line 14-14 in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a counter module EVC according to another embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the counter module EVC and adapter sleeve of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the counter module EVC and adapter sleeve of FIG. 16 with a magnetic sensor probe of the counter module EVC positioned within the adapter sleeve;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a counter module EVC, a first magnetic sensor probe, and a second magnetic sensor probe according to another embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the counter module EVC and the first magnetic sensor probe of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the counter module EVC and sensor probe of FIG. 19, with the magnetic sensor probe coupled to the counter module EVC;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the counter module EVC and second magnetic sensor probe of FIG. 18;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the counter module EVC and sensor probe of FIG. 21, with the magnetic sensor probe coupled to the counter module EVC;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the first magnetic sensor probe of FIG. 18;

FIG. 24 is an end view of the sensor probe of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a side view of the sensor probe of FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the second magnetic sensor probe of FIG. 18;

FIG. 27 is an end view of the sensor probe of FIG. 26; and

FIG. 28 is a side view of the sensor probe of FIG. 26;

the accompanying drawings, which are included herewith, illustrate various examples of articles, methods, and apparatus of the teachings of this specification and are not intended to limit the scope of the teachings in any way.

Detailed Description

Various apparatuses, methods, and compositions are described below to provide examples of embodiments of each claimed invention. The embodiments described below do not limit any of the claimed inventions, and any of the claimed inventions may cover apparatuses and methods other than those described below. The claimed invention is not limited to devices, methods, and compositions having all of the features of any one device, method, or composition described below, or to features common to many or all of the devices, methods, or compositions described below. It is possible that: the apparatus, methods, or compositions described below are not embodiments of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus, method or composition described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject of another protected device, e.g., a continuation of the patent application, and the applicant, inventor and/or owner of this patent does not intend to disclaim, disclaim or dedicate any such invention to the public by its disclosure in this document.

While the apparatus and method disclosed herein are specifically described with respect to a conventional volumetric rotary gas meter, it will be understood that the apparatus and method may alternatively be used with other types of gas meters.

Fig. 1A and 1B show two examples of positive displacement rotary gas meter bodies. The gas meter body 10A has a bore 16A that provides access to the counter drive shaft of the gas meter, and a bore 14A for housing a temperature sensor. As used herein, a counter drive shaft is any shaft of a gas meter body that rotates in proportion to the rotation of an impeller (e.g., a lobed figure-8 impeller or other rotor) and may be used to drive a counter module EVC. For example, the rotor shaft may be used as a counter drive shaft. The gas meter body 10A also has a mounting surface 12A to which the counter module EVC can be secured.

Fig. 2 shows the counter module EVC20 and the gas meter body 10A. The counter module EVC20 has a magnetic sensor probe 30 positioned within the bore 16A of the gas meter body 10A for sensing rotation of the counter drive shaft. For example, a Wiegand magnet and corresponding magnet sensor may be used, although alternatively any suitable tracking system may be used.

A display 24 may be provided on the counter module EVC20 for outputting the measured amount of gas passing through the gas flow meter. The counter module EVC20 may also have a temperature sensor (not shown) for insertion into the bore 14A, allowing the counter module EVC20 to provide a temperature-corrected measurement of the volume of gas flowing through the gas meter, as is generally known.

For example, the counter module EVC20 may be AdEM from Romet Limited^TMA series counter module EVC.

As shown in fig. 2, a length of flexible cable 23 is used to couple the magnetic sensor probe 30 to the body 21 of the counter module EVC 20. It should be understood that the body 21 houses and supports an EVC assembly (not shown) within the body 21, and the cable 23 couples the magnetic sensor probe 30 thereto. This arrangement allows the sensor probe 30 to be easily moved (limited by the length of the cable 23) relative to the mounting surface 22 of the counter module EVC 20. An advantage of this arrangement is that the counter module EVC20 can be used with gas meter bodies having different relative positions of their universal mounting surfaces and the counter drive shaft (since the magnetic sensor probe 30 can be easily repositioned relative to the mounting surface 22). For example, after positioning the sensor probe 30 within the bore 16A of the gas meter body 10A, the counter module EVC20 can be coupled directly to the gas meter body 10A (e.g., by securing the mounting surface 22 of the counter module EVC20 to the mounting surface 12A).

Although the counter module EVC20 may be used with gas meter bodies having different relative positions of its universal mounting surface and the counter drive shaft, the magnetic sensor probe 30 may not be compatible with all gas meter bodies. For example, different gas meter bodies (e.g., different rate size gas meter bodies, and/or different model families produced by the gas meter body manufacturers) may have different bore 16 sizes for receiving magnetic sensor probes. Additionally or alternatively, different gas meter bodies may have bores 16, the bores 16 having different internal profiles.

Typically, the magnetic sensor probe of the counter module EVC is "hardwired" to the counter module EVC, and it may be difficult and/or undesirable to change and/or replace the sensor probe. For example, disconnecting and re-routing a new sensor probe to the counter module EVC may cause a warranty failure provided by the counter module EVC manufacturer. Additionally or alternatively, improper rewiring of the new sensor probe with the counter module EVC may affect the metering effectiveness of the counter module EVC.

Fig. 3 and 4 illustrate a magnetic sensor assembly, generally designated 100, that is compatible with a variety of different gas meter bodies. As shown in fig. 3, the assembly 100 includes a counter module EVC20, a magnetic sensor probe 30, and at least one adapter sleeve 40.

Each adapter sleeve 40 includes a sensor probe aperture 44 configured to receive a sensor probe 30 within the adapter sleeve. When the sensor probe 30 is positioned within the adapter sleeve 40 (as shown, for example, in FIG. 4), the outer surface of the adapter sleeve 40 becomes the effective outer surface of the sensor probe 30.

As shown in fig. 5, by positioning the sensor probe 30 within the adapter sleeve 40, the adapter sleeve 40 can be positioned within the bore 16B of the second gas meter body 10B, and the counter module EVC20 can be coupled with the second gas meter body 10B (e.g., by securing the mounting surface 22 of the counter module EVC20 to the mounting surface 12B).

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 2, the counter module EVC20 can be coupled to the first gas meter body 10A (e.g., by securing the mounting surface 22 of the counter module EVC20 to the mounting surface 12A) with the sensor probe 30 positioned within the bore 16A of the first gas meter body 10A (i.e., without the adapter sleeve 40).

Optionally, the sensor probe bore 44 may be configured to provide a "friction" fit, thereby manually releasably securing the sensor probe 30 within the sensor probe bore 44, and preferably without the use of tools.

The ability to use the same magnetic sensor assembly with gas meter bodies 10 having different magnetic sensor bore 16 sizes, locations, and/or internal profiles may have one or more advantages.

For example, the ability to use a "universal" magnetic sensor assembly 100 with a variety of gas meter bodies can reduce the number of different counter module EVCs that need to be employed by a customer facility when installing and/or servicing the counter module EVCs, as the same components can be used for a wide range of gas meters.

For example, a mechanism may have some gas meter bodies that are part of a first model series of meter bodies produced by a first manufacturer, and the same mechanism may also have gas meter bodies produced by a second manufacturer. A service technician dispatched to the facility may not have an accurate count of the number of different types of gas meter bodies present at the facility, and/or may not know how many of each type of gas meter body needs to be serviced and/or repaired. Thus, a technician may be required to carry some different counter module EVCs, and/or may be required to travel to the facility multiple times (e.g., count the number of different meter bodies and/or types of meter bodies at a time, and carry the correct number of compatible counter modules EVCs a second time).

Fig. 6-8 show examples of the housing of the magnetic sensor probe 30. The housing 39A has a first end 31, a second end 32, a generally cylindrical outer surface 33 extending between the first and second ends 31, 32 of the housing, and a longitudinal axis 35. One or more magnetic sensing devices (not shown) are provided within the bore 34 of the housing 39A.

Optionally, as shown in fig. 6, the outer surface 33 of the housing 39A (and thus, the outer surface of the magnetic sensor probe 30) may have one or more engagement projections 36. Preferably, the engagement protrusion 36 is configured to assist in securing the magnetic sensor probe 30 within the sensor probe bore 44 of the adapter sleeve 40 and/or within the bore 16 of the gas meter body 10. Additionally or alternatively, the outer surface 33 of the housing 39A (and thus, the outer surface of the magnetic sensor probe 30) may have one or more alignment protrusions. Preferably, the alignment protrusion is configured to assist in aligning the magnetic sensor probe 30 within the sensor probe bore 44 of the adapter sleeve 40 and/or within the bore 16 of the gas meter body 10. In some embodiments, the engagement protrusions 36 may also function as alignment protrusions.

The magnetic sensor probe 30 and its housing 39A may have any suitable dimensions. For example, the outer surface 33 of the housing 39A may have a diameter d of about 0.50 inches or about 1.27 centimeters₁And about 1.4 inchesInches or about 3.56 centimeters in length between the first and second ends 31, 32.

For example, the magnetic sensor probe 30 may be configured to be inserted into a hole provided on the body of a B3 series Gas flow meter from Dresser GE Oil & Gas.

Fig. 9-11 show another example of a housing for the magnetic sensor probe 30. The housing 39B has a first end 31, a second end 32, an outer surface 33 extending between the first and second ends 31, 32 of the housing, and a longitudinal axis 35. One or more magnetic sensing devices (not shown) are provided within the bore 34 of the housing 39A.

As shown in FIG. 11, the first end 31 of the housing 39B may have a diameter d that is greater than the second end 32 of the housing 39B₂Diameter d of₁. Thus, the housing 39B may secure the magnetic sensor probe 30 (positioned within the adapter sleeve 40) within the bore 16 (of the gas meter body 10) having a tapered profile.

The magnetic sensor probe 30 and its housing 39B may have any suitable dimensions. For example, the diameter d of the first end 31₁May be about 1.00 inch or about 2.54 centimeters and the length between the first and second ends 31, 32 is about 1.5 inches or about 3.81 centimeters.

Fig. 12-14 show an example of an adapter sleeve 40. In the example shown, the adapter sleeve 40 has a first end 41, a second end 42, and an outer surface 43 extending between the first and second ends 41, 42 of the adapter sleeve. The adapter sleeve 40 also has a sensor probe bore 44 configured to releasably receive the sensor probe 30 within the adapter sleeve. In the example shown, the sensor probe hole 44 extends from the first end 41 toward the second end 42 of the adapter sleeve 40.

In the illustrated example, the adapter sleeve 40 has a longitudinal axis 45, and the sensor probe hole 44 has a longitudinal axis 47 that is offset from the longitudinal axis 45 of the adapter sleeve 40. This arrangement allows for non-centered positioning of the magnetic sensor probe 30 (and its magnetic sensing device) within the adapter sleeve 40 and ultimately non-centered securement of the sensor probe within the bore 16 of the gas meter body 10.

In one or more alternative embodiments (not shown), the longitudinal axis 47 of the sensor probe bore 44 may be at an angle to the longitudinal axis 45 of the adapter sleeve 40.

In one or more alternative embodiments (not shown), the inner surface of the sensor probe bore 44 may be provided with one or more alignment notches (not shown) for receiving one or more alignment protrusions disposed on the outer surface of the magnetic sensor probe 30 when the magnetic sensor probe 30 is inserted into the sensor probe bore 44. In this arrangement, the alignment protrusion and the alignment notch may cooperate to prevent rotation of the adapter sleeve 40 relative to the sensor probe 30 when the sensor probe is positioned within the adapter sleeve. Additionally or alternatively, the alignment protrusion and the alignment recess may cooperate to prevent insertion of the sensor probe into the adapter sleeve unless the alignment protrusion and the alignment groove are aligned.

As shown in FIG. 14, the first end 41 of the adapter sleeve 40 may have a diameter d that is greater than the second end 42 of the adapter sleeve 40₂Diameter d of₁. Thus, a magnetic sensor probe 30 (positioned within adapter sleeve 40) having a generally cylindrical profile can be secured within bore 16 (of gas meter body 10) having a tapered profile using adapter sleeve 40.

The adapter sleeve 40 may have any suitable dimensions. For example, the outer surface 43 may have a diameter d of about 1.00 inch or about 2.54 centimeters₁And a length between the first and second ends 41, 42 of about 1.5 inches or about 3.81 centimeters.

For example, the adapter sleeve 40 may be configured to be inserted into a bore provided on an RM series and/or RMT series gas meter body available from Romet Limited. It will be appreciated that an adapter sleeve configured for one type of gas meter body may also be compatible with another type of gas meter body. For example, an adapter sleeve 40 configured to be inserted into a bore provided on an RM and/or RMT Gas meter body available from Romet Limited may also be capable of being inserted into a bore provided on an LMMA series Gas meter body available from Dresser GE Oil & Gas.

The adapter sleeve 40 and the magnetic sensor housings 39A, 39B may be made of any suitable material. For example, they may be made of plastics, such as Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE). In some embodiments, the adapter sleeve 40 may be made of the same material as the housing 39.

In the example shown in fig. 2-5, a length of flexible cable is used to couple the magnetic sensor probe to the counter module EVC. Alternatively, the magnetic sensor probe may be rigidly coupled to the counter module EVC. Fig. 15 shows an example of a counter module EVC20 in which a magnetic sensor probe 30 is rigidly coupled to the body 21 of the counter module EVC 20. In this arrangement, the sensor probe 30 is in a fixed position relative to the mounting surface 22 of the counter module EVC 20. As shown in fig. 16 and 17, when the sensor probe 30 is positioned within the adapter sleeve 40 (e.g., as shown in fig. 17), the outer surface of the adapter sleeve 40 becomes the effective outer surface of the sensor probe 30.

Fig. 18 shows another embodiment of a magnetic sensor assembly, generally designated 200, which may also be compatible with a variety of different gas meter bodies. As shown in fig. 18, the assembly 200 includes the counter module EVC20, the base coupling 50, the first magnetic sensor probe 60A, and the second magnetic sensor probe 60B.

In the example shown, the base coupling 50 is attached to the counter module EVC20 using a length of flexible cable 53. In an alternative embodiment, the coupling 50 may be rigidly coupled to the counter module EVC 20.

Each sensor probe 60A, 60B includes a probe coupling 55 that releasably engages with the base coupling 50 of the counter module EVC 20. Preferably, the base coupling 50 and the probe coupling 55 are configured to secure the coupling 50 to the coupling 55 without the use of tools.

Preferably, when coupling 50 and coupling 55 are fixed to each other, the resulting connection prevents or prevents dust and/or water from interfering with the electrical connection between the counter module EVC and the magnetic sensor probe. For example, a matching coupling may have an Ingress Protection rating of at least IP65, as defined in International Standard EN 60529 (British BS EN 60529:1992, European IEC 60509: 1989).

In the example shown, coupling 50 is a female joint and coupling 55 is a male joint. In an alternative embodiment, it will be appreciated that coupling 50 may be a male joint and coupling 55 may be a female joint.

As shown in fig. 19 and 20, in a first configuration, the base coupling 50 can engage with the first magnetic sensor probe 60A to operatively couple the first sensor probe and the counter module EVC. In such a configuration, the first magnetic sensor probe 60A can be positioned within the bore 16A of the first gas meter body 10A, and the counter module EVC20 can be coupled with the first gas meter body 10A (e.g., by securing the mounting surface 22 of the counter module EVC20 to the mounting surface 12A).

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 21 and 22, in another configuration, the base coupling 50 can engage with a second magnetic sensor probe 60B to operatively couple the second sensor probe and the counter module EVC. In such a configuration, the second magnetic sensor probe 60B can be positioned within the bore 16B of the second gas meter body 10B, and the counter module EVC20 can be coupled with the second gas meter body 10B (e.g., by securing the mounting surface 22 of the counter module EVC20 to the mounting surface 12B).

As discussed above, the ability to use the same magnetic sensor assembly 200 with gas meter bodies 10 having different magnetic sensor bore 16 sizes, locations, and/or internal profiles may have one or more advantages relative to the magnetic sensor assembly 100.

Fig. 23-25 show an example of a magnetic sensor probe 60A. In the example shown, the sensor probe 60A has a first end 61, a second end 62, and an outer surface 63 extending between the first and second ends 61, 62 of the sensor probe. The sensor probe 60A also includes a probe coupling 55 extending from a first end 61 of the first sensor probe.

In the example shown, a length of flexible cable 57 is used to attach the coupling 55 to the sensor probe 60A. In an alternative embodiment, coupling 55 may be rigidly coupled to sensor probe 60A.

Optionally, as shown in fig. 23 and 25, the outer surface 63 of the sensor probe 60A may have one or more engagement protrusions 66. Preferably, the engagement projection 66 is configured to assist in securing the sensor probe 60A within the bore 16A of the gas meter body 10A.

26-28 show an example of a second magnetic sensor probe 60B. In the example shown, the sensor probe 60B has a first end 61, a second end 62, and an outer surface 63 extending between the first and second ends 61, 62 of the sensor probe. The sensor probe 60B also includes a probe coupling 55 extending from the first end 61 of the second sensor probe.

In the example shown, a length of flexible cable 57 is used to attach the coupling 55 to the sensor probe 60B. In an alternative embodiment, coupling 55 may be rigidly coupled to sensor probe 60B.

Optionally, as shown in fig. 26 and 28, the outer surface 63 of the sensor probe 60B may have one or more engagement protrusions 66. Preferably, the engagement projection 66 is configured to assist in securing the sensor probe 60B within the bore 16B of the gas meter body 10B.

As shown in FIG. 28, the first end 61 of the sensor probe 60B may have a diameter d that is greater than the diameter d of the second end 62 of the sensor probe 60B₂Diameter d of₁. Thus, the use of the sensor probe 60B enables the counter module EVC20 to be used with a gas meter body 10 having a bore 16 with a tapered profile.

The outer surface of the sensor probes 60A, 60B may be made of any suitable material. For example, they may be made of plastics, such as Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE).

With respect to assemblies 100 and 200, it will be appreciated that the counter module EVC20 may need to be programmed (or reprogrammed) based on the gas meter body to which it is coupled. For example, the counter module EVC may include two or more sets of sensor configuration data stored in, for example, firmware, and an appropriate set of configuration data may be selected based on the gas meter body in which the magnetic sensor probe (e.g., probes 30, 60B) is located.

As used herein, the word "and/or" is intended to mean and or (inclusive-or). For example, that is, "X and/or Y" is intended to mean X or Y or both. As other examples, "X, Y and/or Z" is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

While the above description describes example embodiments with particularity, it will be understood that some of the features and/or functionality of the described embodiments may be readily changed without departing from the spirit or operational principles of the described embodiments. For example, various features described through the illustrated embodiments or examples may be selectively combined with one another. Accordingly, the foregoing is intended to describe the claimed concept and not to be limiting. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be provided by the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

A practical implementation may include any or all of the features described herein. These and other aspects, features and various combinations may be presented as methods, apparatus, systems, means for implementing the functions, program products, and otherwise combining the features described herein. Some embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the methods and techniques described herein. In addition, other steps may be provided for, or steps may be eliminated, from the described methods, and other components may be added to, or removed from, the described systems. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other components, integers or steps. Throughout this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context requires otherwise. In particular, when the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed herein (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not limited to the details of any of the above examples or embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.