US3693436A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Liquid flow meter
Assignee: LAB DATA CONTROL Inc
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Filing: 1970-08-28
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Granted: 1972-09-26
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Expires: 1990-08-28
Abstract
Abstract There is disclosed a liquid flow meter comprising a transparent glass tube upon which is positioned a pair of spaced photodetectors. The liquid to be measured is passed through the tube and through the detectors. A supply tank filled with gas at a suitable pressure is connected to a valve which, when actuated, injects into the liquid stream a bubble of predetermined size. Passage of the bubble through the two photodetectors actuates a timing circuit which displays the elapsed time, thereby giving an accurate measurement of flow rate.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenneth J Gildner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 23:39
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F1/00; G01F1/704
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
A liquid flow meter which comprises: an elongated transparent metering tube having an inlet and an outlet; means for passing through said tube, from said inlet to said outlet, a liquid stream whose flow is to be measured; a tank for pressurized gas; a gas injection conduit; a valve including a reservoir selectively and alternatively positionable to a first position interconnecting said gas injection conduit and said tank, a second position in fluid flow relationship solely to said tank, and a third position in fluid flow relationship solely to said liquid stream at said inlet; first detector means positioned on said tube for generating a first signal on passage of a bubble thereby; second detector means positioned on said tube downstream from said first detector means for generating a second signal on passage of said bubble thereby; and means responsive to said first and second signals for indicating the time lapse therebetween.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
152 words
A liquid flow meter which comprises: an elongated transparent metering tube having an inlet and an outlet; means for passing through said tube, from said inlet to said outlet, a liquid stream whose flow is to be measured; a tank for pressurized gas; a gas injection conduit; a valve including a reservoir selectively and alternatively positionable to a first position interconnecting said gas injection conduit and said tank, a second position in fluid flow relationship solely to said tank, and a third position in fluid flow relationship solely to said liquid stream at said inlet; first detector means positioned on said tube for generating a first signal on passage of a bubble thereby; second detector means positioned on said tube downstream from said first detector means for generating a second signal on passage of said bubble thereby; and means responsive to said first and second signals for indicating the time lapse therebetween.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The meter of claim 1 wherein said tube defines an enlarged portion upstream of said first detector means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
The meter of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of said bubble is illuminated and each of said detector means comprises: light responsive means positioned to receive illumination from said bubble and generate said signal in response thereto. Pg,12
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
158 words
A liquid flow meter which comprises: an elongated transparent metering tube having an inlet and an outlet; means for passing through said tube, from said inlet to said outlet, a liquid stream whose flow is to be measured; a tank for pressurized gas; a gas injection conduit; a valve including a reservoir selectively and alternatively positionable to a first position interconnecting said gas injection conduit and said tank, a second position in fluid flow relationship solely to said tank, and a third position in fluid flow relationship solely to said liquid stream to inject a gas bubble therein at said inlet; first detector means positioned on said tube for generating a first signal on passage of a bubble thereby; second detector means positioned on said tube downstream from said first detector means for generating a second signal on passage of said bubble thereby; and means responsive to said first and second signals for indicating the time lapse therebetween.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
158 words
A liquid flow meter which comprises: an elongated transparent metering tube having an inlet and an outlet; means for passing through said tube, from said inlet to said outlet, a liquid stream whose flow is to be measured; a tank for pressurized gas; a gas injection conduit; a valve including a reservoir selectively and alternatively positionable to a first position interconnecting said gas injection conduit and said tank, a second position in fluid flow relationship solely to said tank, and a third position in fluid flow relationship solely to said liquid stream to inject a gas bubble therein at said inlet; first detector means positioned on said tube for generating a first signal on passage of a bubble thereby; second detector means positioned on said tube downstream from said first detector means for generating a second signal on passage of said bubble thereby; and means responsive to said first and second signals for indicating the time lapse therebetween.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The meter of claim 4 wherein said responsive means comprises: a timing circuit; and digital display means responsive thereto.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The meter of claim 5 wherein said valve comprises: means for resetting said digital display means prior to each injection of a bubble into said liquid stream.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The meter of claim 4 wherein said metering tube includes bubble release means at its inlet communicating with said valve when in its third position comprising a non-wettable plastic nozzle.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-09-26 | 1976-03-27 | 1976-09-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-09-26 | 1980-03-27 | 1980-09-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-09-26 | 1984-03-27 | 1984-09-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |