US3847020A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flow meter
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-01-26
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Granted: 1974-11-12
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Expires: 1993-01-26
Abstract
Abstract A solenoid type armature of high magnetic permeability is reciprocably translatable within an elongated flow chamber in a housing interposed in a conduit carrying a flow of non-magnetic fluid, or of non-magnetic powdered or granular material. Electronic cycle control and measurement circuitry is connected to inductive coils encircling the armature. By cyclically energizing the solenoid coil, a periodic force of known amount is imposed on the armature in a predetermined direction with respect to the dynamic force of the flow stream acting on the armature. The resultant reciprocating armature movement is sensed, measured, transformed and then read out in terms of flow rate.
Inventors
- 👤 J Jurschak
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 05:07
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F1/00; G01F1/05; G01F1/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
210 words
A flow meter comprising: a solenoidal transducer for installation in a conduit in which flow occurs in a predetermined direction from upstream to downstream, said transducer including a substantially nonmagnetic housing defining an elongated chamber, at least a proportionate amount of said flow being through said chamber, a magnetically responsive armature disposed in said chamber for reciprocating movement in line with the chamber flow, dynamic forces being exerted on said armature as a result of its interaction with said chamber flow, said chamber including mechanical means to limit armature movement in at least the downstream direction, inductive coil means disposed adjacent said chamber and including said armature in the magnetic circuit thereof for applying a force thereon effective to urge said armature in the direction opposite of said chamber flow, armature movement causing a parametric change in said coil means; means electrically coupled to said coil means for alternately energizing and de-energizing said transducer, thereby producing reciprocation of said armature; measurement means electrically coupled to said coil means for providing a signal proportional to the currents thereof, and, sensing means for providing a signal manifesting said parametric changes; and computing means responsive to said coil current and parametric change signals wherefrom the rate of flow in said conduit is obtained.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
210 words
A flow meter comprising: a solenoidal transducer for installation in a conduit in which flow occurs in a predetermined direction from upstream to downstream, said transducer including a substantially nonmagnetic housing defining an elongated chamber, at least a proportionate amount of said flow being through said chamber, a magnetically responsive armature disposed in said chamber for reciprocating movement in line with the chamber flow, dynamic forces being exerted on said armature as a result of its interaction with said chamber flow, said chamber including mechanical means to limit armature movement in at least the downstream direction, inductive coil means disposed adjacent said chamber and including said armature in the magnetic circuit thereof for applying a force thereon effective to urge said armature in the direction opposite of said chamber flow, armature movement causing a parametric change in said coil means; means electrically coupled to said coil means for alternately energizing and de-energizing said transducer, thereby producing reciprocation of said armature; measurement means electrically coupled to said coil means for providing a signal proportional to the currents thereof, and, sensing means for providing a signal manifesting said parametric changes; and computing means responsive to said coil current and parametric change signals wherefrom the rate of flow in said conduit is obtained.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising means for establishing a bias force on said armature having a predetermined direction in line with said chamber flow to enhance the operational range of said apparatus.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said armature bias force is due to a magnetic field.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said armature bias force is due to an elastic mechanical means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said chamber further includes mechanical means to limit armature movement in the upstream direction.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus according to claim 5 in which said transducer is substantially symmetrical about a median plane transverse to said chamber flow, whereby said flow in said conduit may be in either direction.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
64 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein: the means for eneRgizing said transducer, comprises; a transistor in series with a DC voltage source, and, a co-active diode in shunt with said coil means for de-energizing said transducer; and, control means producing a source of pulses connected to the base of said transistor, causing it to switch in synchronism with the reciprocation of said armature.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said measurement means comprises a resistor in series with said coil means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said sensing means comprises circuitry bridging said coil means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
89 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the means for computing the rate of flow in said conduit, comprises: a sampling circuit for obtaining a measure of said coil current signals upon the prescribed starts of armature movement; means for filtering the pulsed output of said sampling circuit, thereby developing a smooth signal which is proportional to the amplitude thereof, and, means for converting the conditioned signal from the filtering means into a suitable output form, the output being a measure of the rate of flow in said conduit.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
76 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the means for computing the rate of flow in said conduit, comprises: a comparator circuit which compares said coil current signals with a DC reference signal upon the prescribed starts of armature motion, the output thereof being a bilevel signal; and, means for converting the bilevel signal from said comparator circuit into a suitable output form, the output being a binary-measure of the rate of flow in said conduit.
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) | 1977-11-11 | 1978-05-13 | 1978-11-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-11-11 | 1982-05-13 | 1982-11-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-11-11 | 1986-05-13 | 1986-11-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |