Patent US3754446A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3754446A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for measuring fluid characteristics
Assignee: Lummus Technology LLC
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Filing: 1970-06-03
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Granted: 1973-08-28
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Expires: 1990-06-03
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for indicating the characteristics of a fluid is disclosed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention wherein the fluid is permitted to pass freely within a chamber which contains a float disposed for limited vertical movement and minimal lateral deflection. Vertical movement of the float is communicated to an electrically conductive member mechanically coupled thereto. The electrically conductive member is in close proximity and magnetically coupled to a magnetization inductance coil, causing variations in the inductive properties thereof thereby affecting the magnetic field generated by energization of the coil. Inductance of the coil or generated magnetic field is measured by remote measuring devices whereby the fluid characteristics are indicated. Alternatively, the electrically conductive material may be disposed in an electric field produced by a conducting plate, thereby effecting with said conducting plate, a variable capacitance means.
Inventors
- 👤 W O'connor
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 06:48
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F23/00; G01F23/30; G01F23/56; G01F23/62; G01N; G01N9/00; G01N9/10; G01N9/12; G01N9/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
235 words
In combination with apparatus for remotely indicating the characteristics of a fluid, said apparatus including a float positioned within a chamber and disposed for limited axial movement and minimal lateral deflection in accordance with the buoyant force exerted by the fluid in said chamber, the improvement comprising: an annular member positioned concentric of said float and disposed externally of said chamber, said annular member including a central opening and having a plurality of radial bosses extending into said opening from the inner wall of said annular member; core means supported by said bosses and having wound thereon a magnetization inductance coil, said magnetization inductance coil being adapted to be electrically connected to a source of alternating current for generating a magnetic field; rigid support means positioned externally of said chamber and disposed in proximate relation to said magnetization inductance coil; a flexible member comprised of electrically conductive material coupled to said rigid support means and adapted for limited displacement with respect to said rigid support means to thereby vary the effective inductance of said magnetization inductance cOil; a shaft having a first end mechanically coupled to said float and a second end mechanically coupled to said flexible member for imparting said limited displacement to said flexible member in response to said buoyant forces; and means coupled to said magnetization inductance coil and remote therefrom for measuring said magnetic field to thereby indicate said fluid characteristics.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
235 words
In combination with apparatus for remotely indicating the characteristics of a fluid, said apparatus including a float positioned within a chamber and disposed for limited axial movement and minimal lateral deflection in accordance with the buoyant force exerted by the fluid in said chamber, the improvement comprising: an annular member positioned concentric of said float and disposed externally of said chamber, said annular member including a central opening and having a plurality of radial bosses extending into said opening from the inner wall of said annular member; core means supported by said bosses and having wound thereon a magnetization inductance coil, said magnetization inductance coil being adapted to be electrically connected to a source of alternating current for generating a magnetic field; rigid support means positioned externally of said chamber and disposed in proximate relation to said magnetization inductance coil; a flexible member comprised of electrically conductive material coupled to said rigid support means and adapted for limited displacement with respect to said rigid support means to thereby vary the effective inductance of said magnetization inductance cOil; a shaft having a first end mechanically coupled to said float and a second end mechanically coupled to said flexible member for imparting said limited displacement to said flexible member in response to said buoyant forces; and means coupled to said magnetization inductance coil and remote therefrom for measuring said magnetic field to thereby indicate said fluid characteristics.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
214 words
In combination with apparatus for remotely indicating the characteristics of a fluid, said apparatus including a float positioned within a chamber and disposed for limited axial movement and minimal lateral deflection in accordance with the buoyant force exerted by the fluid in said chamber, the improvement comprising: inductance means including a magnetization inductance coil positioned externally of said chamber, said magnetization inductance coil being adapted to be electrically connected to a source of alternating current for generating a magnetic field; rigid support means positioned externally of said chamber and disposed in proximate relation to said magnetization inductance coil, said rigid support means comprising a beam inserted in circumferential slots formed in the inner wall of a cylindrical housing positioned concentric of said float; a flexible member comprised of electrically conductive material seated upon said beam and adapted for limited displacement with respect to said beam to thereby vary the effective inductance of said magnetization inductance coil; a shaft having a first end mechanically coupled to said float and a second end mechanically coupled to said flexible member for imparting said limited displacement to said flexible member in response to said buoyant forces; and means coupled to said magnetization inductance coil and remote therefrom for measuring said magnetic field to thereby indicate said fluid characteristics.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
214 words
In combination with apparatus for remotely indicating the characteristics of a fluid, said apparatus including a float positioned within a chamber and disposed for limited axial movement and minimal lateral deflection in accordance with the buoyant force exerted by the fluid in said chamber, the improvement comprising: inductance means including a magnetization inductance coil positioned externally of said chamber, said magnetization inductance coil being adapted to be electrically connected to a source of alternating current for generating a magnetic field; rigid support means positioned externally of said chamber and disposed in proximate relation to said magnetization inductance coil, said rigid support means comprising a beam inserted in circumferential slots formed in the inner wall of a cylindrical housing positioned concentric of said float; a flexible member comprised of electrically conductive material seated upon said beam and adapted for limited displacement with respect to said beam to thereby vary the effective inductance of said magnetization inductance coil; a shaft having a first end mechanically coupled to said float and a second end mechanically coupled to said flexible member for imparting said limited displacement to said flexible member in response to said buoyant forces; and means coupled to said magnetization inductance coil and remote therefrom for measuring said magnetic field to thereby indicate said fluid characteristics.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
The improvement of claim 2 wherein said means for measuring said magnetic field comprises impedance bridge means for computing the inductance of said magnetization inductance coil as the reluctance between said flexible member and said magnetization inductance coil varies.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
54 words
The improvement of claim 2 wherein said inductance means comprises: a cylindrical housing positioned concentric of said float and including a chamber; magnetization inductance coil housing means positioned in said chamber of said cylindrical housing; and core means disposed within said magnetization inductance coil housing means and having wound thereon said magnetization inductance coil.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The improvement of claim 2 wherein said flexible member is comprised of ferromagnetic material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
The improvement of claim 2 wherein said flexible member comprises a cross piece of electrically conductive material seated upon said protuberances and having legs depending from said cross piece and mechanically coupled to said shaft.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The improvement of claim 2 wherein said beam includes protuberances disposed upon the upper surface thereof and upon which is seated said flexible member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
155 words
Apparatus for remotely indicating the characteristics of a fluid within a vessel, comprising: float means positioned within said vessel and responsive to said fluid characteristics for producing corresponding forces of displacement a first magnetization inductance coil fixedly positioned externally of said vessel and adapted to be electrically supplied with an alternating current; flexible support means positioned externally of said vessel means for communicating said forces of displacement to said flexible support means whereby said flexible support means is subject to limited deflection in accordance with said forces of displacement; a second magnetization inductance coil supported by said flexible support means in close proximity to said first magnetization inductance coil such that a voltage potential is induced across said second magnetization inductance coil in response to a magnetic field generated By said first magnetization inductance coil; and voltage measuring means remote from and coupled to said second magnetization inductance coil for measuring said induced voltage potential.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
155 words
Apparatus for remotely indicating the characteristics of a fluid within a vessel, comprising: float means positioned within said vessel and responsive to said fluid characteristics for producing corresponding forces of displacement a first magnetization inductance coil fixedly positioned externally of said vessel and adapted to be electrically supplied with an alternating current; flexible support means positioned externally of said vessel means for communicating said forces of displacement to said flexible support means whereby said flexible support means is subject to limited deflection in accordance with said forces of displacement; a second magnetization inductance coil supported by said flexible support means in close proximity to said first magnetization inductance coil such that a voltage potential is induced across said second magnetization inductance coil in response to a magnetic field generated By said first magnetization inductance coil; and voltage measuring means remote from and coupled to said second magnetization inductance coil for measuring said induced voltage potential.
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) | 1976-08-27 | 1977-02-26 | 1977-08-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-08-27 | 1981-02-26 | 1981-08-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-08-27 | 1985-02-26 | 1985-08-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |