US3774446A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System for measurement of volume of flow of a flowable granular-like material
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-10-19
•
Granted: 1973-11-27
•
Expires: 1992-10-19
Abstract
Abstract A system for measurement of volume of flow of a flowable grannular-like material such as grain in a partially confining flow path, which system includes a vane positioned to be deflected by the material at a point in the flow path where it becomes virtually free of said confinement, the position of said vane establishing an analogue electrical signal which is converted to digital for read out.
Inventors
- 👤 J Diehl
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 20:26
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F1/00; G01F1/05; G01F1/20; G01F1/28; G01F1/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
86 words
A system for measurement of flow rate of a pulverized material moving in a flow path including a positive drive portion, a gravity flow portion, and a threshold between said portions, said system including a deflectable vane mounted for pivotal movement about an axis situated over said path at a point upstream of said threshold, said vane having a free end portion extending into said flow path in a generally downstream direction and including a portion for contacting said material at a point overlying said threshold.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
86 words
A system for measurement of flow rate of a pulverized material moving in a flow path including a positive drive portion, a gravity flow portion, and a threshold between said portions, said system including a deflectable vane mounted for pivotal movement about an axis situated over said path at a point upstream of said threshold, said vane having a free end portion extending into said flow path in a generally downstream direction and including a portion for contacting said material at a point overlying said threshold.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said free end portion terminates downstream of said threshold.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
65 words
The system of claim 1 further including electrical analogue signal generating means operatively coupled to said deflectable vane, and an electronic analogue to digital converting means having an input electrically coupled to said analogue signal generating means and an output at which is presented as a digital signal comprising a series of pulses the repetition rate of which is a derivitive of said analogue signal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 3 further including a counter and meanS to apply said output pulses to said counter to obtain a numerical read out.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 4 wherein said counter is incrementally driven by a solenoid driver, said driver being pulsed by said output pulses to incrementally advance said counter.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system of claim 3 wherein said analogue to digital convertor comprises a unijunction transistor including an emitter diode junction, said input being coupled to an RC circuit the capacitor of which is in shunt with said emitter diode junction.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
52 words
The system of claim 3 wherein said derivative is a ratio of said analogue signal amplitude to time and said analogue signal generating means includes means to adjust said amplitude and thus to vary said ratio whereby said system can be calibrated in terms of a known weight per volume of material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 3 wherein said operative coupling comprises an angularily adjustable shaft coupling.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
102 words
A method of measuring the flow rate of a pulverized material comprising the steps of a. providing a predetermined flow path including, in sequence, a positive drive portion, a threshold, and a gravity flow section, b. applying a driving force to the material to impart movement thereto through said positive drive portion and across said threshold, c. permitting free flow of said material through said gravity flow section whereby said material crests in depth above said threshold, d. sensing the depth of said material at said crest, and e. integrating said sensed depth with time to provide a measurement of flow rate.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
102 words
A method of measuring the flow rate of a pulverized material comprising the steps of a. providing a predetermined flow path including, in sequence, a positive drive portion, a threshold, and a gravity flow section, b. applying a driving force to the material to impart movement thereto through said positive drive portion and across said threshold, c. permitting free flow of said material through said gravity flow section whereby said material crests in depth above said threshold, d. sensing the depth of said material at said crest, and e. integrating said sensed depth with time to provide a measurement of flow rate.
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) | 1976-11-26 | 1977-05-28 | 1977-11-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-11-26 | 1981-05-28 | 1981-11-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-11-26 | 1985-05-28 | 1985-11-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |