Control apparatus for meter prover

Claim 1

Apparatus for calibrating a fluid flow meter under test, said apparatus comprising: (a) a housing of known volume having an opening; (b) means for directing a known volume of fluid through said housing; (c) conduit means coupled to said opening for transmitting fluid between said housing and the fluid flow meter under test and for exhausting fluid from said housing; (d) drive means energizable for disposing said directing means in a first direction whereby fluid is driven from said housing through said conduit means, and energizable for disposing said directing means in a second direction opposite to the first direction, whereby fluid is drawn into said housing through said opening; (e) first and second distinct valves each independently actuatable between open and closed positions, said first valve associated with said conduit means to control the passage of fluid between said housing and the fluid meter under test, said second valve associated with said conduit means to permit the exhaust of fluid from said housing; and (f) control means operative in a first mode for actuating said drive means for disposing said directing means in its first direction while actuating said first valve to its open position and said second valve to its closed position, operative in a second mode for actuating said drive means for disposing said directing means in its second direction while actuating said second valve to its open position to permit the exhaust of fluid from said housing and said first valve to its closed position, and operative in a third mode wherein each of said first and second valves is disposed to its closed position and said directing means is actuated to increase the pressure within said housing and said conduit means to conduct a leak test.