US3568693A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fluidic sensing device and method
Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corp
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Filing: 1967-04-28
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Granted: 1971-03-09
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Expires: 1987-04-28
Abstract
Abstract A sensing element for use with fluidic circuitry. The element is formed of a length of capillary tubing having a pressure detecting tap at both ends. By imposing an electric current along the tube, the viscosity of fluid within the tube is altered by heating and a fluidic transducer is obtained. Also, by subjecting the capillary tube to external radiation, it will function as the sensing element of a radiation sensing bolometer.
Inventors
- 👤 Julius Friedrich Vandrey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 12:47
CPC Classifications
F; F15; F15C; F15C1/00; F15C1/02; F15C1/04; F15C1/005; G; G01; G01J; G01J5/00; G01J5/38; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/0318; Y10T137/206; Y10T137/218; Y10T137/2191
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensing element is formed from a metallic material having high specific resistance and low thermal capacity.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including means for encapsulating said sensing element within an evacuated, thermally insulating enclosure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
114 words
A transducer for converting variations in an electric signal into corresponding pressure variations within a fluidic system comprising: a. a sensing element formed from a length of thin-walled electrically conductive capillary adapted to carry within it a continuous flow of fluid; b. means for establishing a laminar flow of fluid through said element; c. connecting means for imposing said electric signal along the length of said sensing element in a manner altering the viscosity of said fluid flowing therethrough; and d. fluid pressure detection means in connection with said sensing element and adapted to detect and respond to fluid pressure changes developed along the element as a result of the said alteration of viscosity.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The transducer of claim 4 including means for encapsulating said sensing element within an evacuated and thermally insulating enclosure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The transducer of claim 4 wherein said sensing element is formed from a material having high specific resistance and low thermal capacity.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
104 words
A radiant energy sensing bolometer comprising in combination: a. a sensing element formed from a length of thin-walled capillary adapted to carry within it a continuous flow of fluid; b. fluid supply means in fluid transfer connection said sensing element for causing therein a continuous laminar flow of fluid; c. mounting means for exposing the sensing element to said radiant energy so as to alter the viscosity of fluid within said element; and d. fluidic pickoff means in connection with said element and adapted to respond to fluid pressure changes developed along the element as a result of the said alteration of fluid viscosity.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The bolometer of claim 7 wherein said sensing element is formed from a material having a high thermal conductivity and low specific heat.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The bolometer of claim 7 including: a. means for encapsulating said sensing element within an evacuated enclosure; and b. means for isolating said fluidic pickoff means from said radiant energy.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The bolometer of claim 7 including optical collecting means for concentrating a quantum of said radiant energy in a manner causing its impingement upon said sensing element.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The bolometer of claim 7 in which said fluidic pickoff means is adapted to provide for the proportional amplification of said fluid pressure changes.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
69 words
A method for converting a quantum of energy into corresponding fluid pressure variations comprising the steps of: a. causing a fluid to continuously flow in a laminar manner through a narrow, thin-walled channel; b. exposing said flowing fluid to said energy in a manner allowing an alteration of the viscosity thereof; and c. detecting the variation of fluid pressure along said channel resulting from the said alteration of viscosity.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 12 in which said energy is in the form of an electric signal and said flowing fluid is exposed to said energy by impressing said electric signal along said thin-walled channel.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-03-08 | 1974-09-07 | 1975-03-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-03-08 | 1978-09-07 | 1979-03-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-03-08 | 1982-09-07 | 1983-03-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |