US3885434A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flowmeter
Assignee: Cordis Corp
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Filing: 1974-01-24
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Granted: 1975-05-27
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Expires: 1994-01-24
Abstract
Abstract A flowmeter includes only a single moving part, a ball, in a tube, and without mechanical coupling. The ball is prevented from moving axially of the tube by a stop, but is of such a size relative to the tube that flow past the ball causes rotational and lateral movement which is proportional to the rate of flow and is detected from outside the tube.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald E Williamson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 09:45
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F1/00; G01F1/05; G01F1/056; G01F1/20; G01F1/32
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
162 words
A flowmeter for measuring the flow of fluid, comprising: a. a tube for the flow of fluid to be measured, b. a spherical ball within the tube having a diameter less than the internal diameter of the tube by an amount sufficient to allow a significant amount of fluid to flow past the ball causing the ball to move, c. a stationary ball stop positioned in the tube downstream of the ball in the direction of flow preventing movement of the ball in the direction of flow, flow of fluid in the tube past the ball restrained only by the stop and tube walls causing the ball To partake of rotational movement and revolutional movement having a lateral oscillatory component of movement with respect to the axis of the tube which is proportional to the flow of fluid, and d. means for detecting the lateral oscillatory component of movement of the ball in the tube without being mechanically connected to the ball.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
162 words
A flowmeter for measuring the flow of fluid, comprising: a. a tube for the flow of fluid to be measured, b. a spherical ball within the tube having a diameter less than the internal diameter of the tube by an amount sufficient to allow a significant amount of fluid to flow past the ball causing the ball to move, c. a stationary ball stop positioned in the tube downstream of the ball in the direction of flow preventing movement of the ball in the direction of flow, flow of fluid in the tube past the ball restrained only by the stop and tube walls causing the ball To partake of rotational movement and revolutional movement having a lateral oscillatory component of movement with respect to the axis of the tube which is proportional to the flow of fluid, and d. means for detecting the lateral oscillatory component of movement of the ball in the tube without being mechanically connected to the ball.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A flowmeter as defined in claim 1, wherein the tube is transparent and the means for detecting movement is an optical means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
A flowmeter as defined in claim 2 wherein the optical means utilizes a photocell and digital readout means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
A flowmeter as defined in claim 2 wherein the optical means utilizes a photocell and analog frequency determining means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A flowmeter as defined in claim 1, wherein the means for detecting movement of the ball is capacitive electronic means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A flowmeter as defined in claim 1, wherein the ball stop is a member positioned centrally of the tube with a flat surface contacting the ball.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
A flowmeter as defined in claim 6, wherein the flat surface is circular with a diameter at least equal to the difference between the tube and ball diameters.
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) | 1978-05-26 | 1978-11-25 | 1979-05-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-05-26 | 1982-11-25 | 1983-05-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-05-26 | 1986-11-25 | 1987-05-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |