US3894438A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pneumatic fluid level sensing and sampling system
Assignee: Coulter Electronics Inc
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Filing: 1973-07-27
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Granted: 1975-07-15
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Expires: 1993-07-27
Abstract
Abstract A pneumatically responsive level sensor controls the positioning and sampling action of a sampling probe. The sensor and probe are moved synchronously, with the sampling probe extending into the sample at the time that the level sensor reaches the surface of the sample. The level sensor actuates a fluidic turbulence amplifier, which triggers a pneumatic-electric switch, for providing various sampling, positioning, and pneumatic activities.
Inventors
- 👤 Guenter Ginsberg
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 11:21
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N35/00; G01N35/10; G01N35/1009; G01F; G01F23/00; G01F23/14; G01F23/16; G01F23/161; G01N2035/1025
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
254 words
A level sensing and sampling system comprising: a sampling probe, means coupled to said sampling probe to control its sampling operation, a level sensing probe, probe transport means coupled to provide relative movement to both said probes as if a unit with respect to a sample having an upper surface, said probes being constructed and arranged relative to one another and oriented with respect to the sample surface such that there is a predetermined difference in distance between the sample surface and the proximate end of each of said probes, with the sampling probe end being disposed closer to the surface than the sensing probe end, gas source means coupled to said sensing probe for supplying at least one quantum of gas pressure to said sensing probe for discharge from its said end toward the sample surface, and gas pressure responding means having two input ports, one said port being coupled to said gas source means to receive input gas, and a second of said ports being coupled to receive and react to control gas effectively generated by said sensing probe at the time that and by virtue of said sensing probe end being moved by said transport means toward the sample surface when the gas discharge from said sensing probe end comes significantly under the influence of the presence of the sample surface, said sampling probe control means being responsively coupled to said gas pressure responding means for immobilizing said transport means and effecting sampling initiated by the reaction to the control gas.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
254 words
A level sensing and sampling system comprising: a sampling probe, means coupled to said sampling probe to control its sampling operation, a level sensing probe, probe transport means coupled to provide relative movement to both said probes as if a unit with respect to a sample having an upper surface, said probes being constructed and arranged relative to one another and oriented with respect to the sample surface such that there is a predetermined difference in distance between the sample surface and the proximate end of each of said probes, with the sampling probe end being disposed closer to the surface than the sensing probe end, gas source means coupled to said sensing probe for supplying at least one quantum of gas pressure to said sensing probe for discharge from its said end toward the sample surface, and gas pressure responding means having two input ports, one said port being coupled to said gas source means to receive input gas, and a second of said ports being coupled to receive and react to control gas effectively generated by said sensing probe at the time that and by virtue of said sensing probe end being moved by said transport means toward the sample surface when the gas discharge from said sensing probe end comes significantly under the influence of the presence of the sample surface, said sampling probe control means being responsively coupled to said gas pressure responding means for immobilizing said transport means and effecting sampling initiated by the reaction to the control gas.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
A system according to claim 1 in which said gas pressure responding means includes a fluidic tUrbulence amplifier having one output, said output being coupled to respond exclusively to the input gas and the control gas applied to said two ports.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
A system according to claim 2 in which said sensing probe, said gas source means and said fluidic turbulence amplifier are intercoupled such that the control gas is generated in the form of a back pressure from the sensing probe into a control port of said amplifier.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
48 words
A system according to claim 3 in which said gas pressure responding means include a pneumatic-electric switch having a pneumatic input coupled to the output of said fluidic turbulence amplifier, and an electric output coupled to inputs of said sampling probe control means and said probe transport means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
A system according to claim 4 in which said system includes electric switching means coupled between said electric output of said pneumatic-electric switch and said probe transport means, said switching means coupled to be responsive to the relative position of said probes for a controlled disabling said electric output.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
A system according to claim 5 in which there is provided means coupled to said sensing probe effecting change in the quantum of gas discharged from its said end, and said electric switching means is coupled to activate said charge effecting means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
65 words
A system according to claim 6 in which said probes are positioned such that the gas discharge from said sensing probe flows over said sampling probe end, and said change effecting means in combination with said transport means is constructed and arranged to significantly increase the gas discharge over the sampling probe end at such time when said probes are relatively distant from said surface.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
46 words
A system according to claim 5 in which gas valve means is coupled upstream of said sensing probe and said gas valve means is electrically coupled to said electric output of said pneumatic-electric switch for closing said gas valve means during sampling by said sampling probe.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
A system according to claim 1 in which said gas pressure responding means is coupled to said probe transport means for stopping probe relative movement during sampling.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
A system according to claim 9 in which said sampling control means is coupled to said probe transport means for initiating probe relative movement.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
A system according to claim 10 in which said sampling control means is coupled to said probe transport means for stopping probe relative movement at a time other than during sampling.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
111 words
A system according to claim 1 in which said system includes switching means coupled to said probe transport means to be responsive to the relative position of said probes, gas quantum change effecting means are coupled between said gas source means and said sensing probe for responding to said switching means, and in which said probes are positioned such that the gas discharge from said sensing probe flows over said sampling probe end, and said change effecting means in combination with said transport means is constructed and arranged to increase significantly the gas discharge over the sampling probe end at such time when said probes are relatively distant from said surface.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
34 words
A system according to claim 1 in which gas valve means is coupled between said gas source means and said sensing probe and is operable for being closed during sampling by said sampling probe.
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) | 1978-07-14 | 1979-01-13 | 1979-07-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-07-14 | 1983-01-13 | 1983-07-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-07-14 | 1987-01-13 | 1987-07-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |