Flow measuring apparatus with analog, essentially linear output

Claim 1

Flow measuring apparatus for determining quantitatively, in a linear, analog reading, available in real time, the flow rate of a solid particle containing fluid moving in a conduit comprising, in combination, (a) triboelectric sensor electrode means in said conduit constructed and arranged in the flow stream in said conduit for a physical charge transfer from said particles in the flow to said electrode means where said charge transfer rate is proportional to said flow rate, (b) means for establishing a directly coupled ground path for said electrode means to conduct to ground such current as is produced at said electrode means through interaction with the flow stream, (c) means for converting said current to a voltage signal, (d) means for substantially continuously adjusting the zero of said voltage signal to compensate for zero drift essentially without desensitizing said voltage signal, and (e) means for converting said voltage signal to an absolute value unipolar voltage at high output gain, said absolute value voltage being proportional to said flow rate, and (f) means for applying said absolute value voltage to activate an output for adjusting the flow condition.