Patent US3935737A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3935737A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flow indicator
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1975-03-06
•
Granted: 1976-02-03
•
Expires: 1995-03-06
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for measuring fluid flow by optically detecting the deflection of a tube extended transversely across a vessel normal to the direction of flow. A light source directs a beam of light axially into one end of the tube and the intensity of the beam is measured at the other end. Fluid flowing in the vessel tends to deflect the tube in the direction of flow thereby intercepting a portion of the beam and decreasing the intensity of light at the other end as a function of the rate of flow through the vessel.
Inventors
- 👤 Arvid A. Molitor
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 22:34
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F1/00; G01F1/05; G01F1/20; G01F1/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
A device for measuring fluid flow comprising: a housing defining a chamber, said housing having an inlet and an outlet communicating with said chamber, a flexible tube extending across the chamber intermediate said inlet and outlet and generally normal to the direction of flow through said chamber, a light source directing a beam of light axially into one end of said flexible tube, means adjacent the other end of the tube for detecting the intensity of said beam at said other end, said flexible tube being deflected in response to fluid flow through the chamber, thereby modulating the intensity of light received at said other as a function of the rate of flow through said chamber.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
116 words
A device for measuring fluid flow comprising: a housing defining a chamber, said housing having an inlet and an outlet communicating with said chamber, a flexible tube extending across the chamber intermediate said inlet and outlet and generally normal to the direction of flow through said chamber, a light source directing a beam of light axially into one end of said flexible tube, means adjacent the other end of the tube for detecting the intensity of said beam at said other end, said flexible tube being deflected in response to fluid flow through the chamber, thereby modulating the intensity of light received at said other as a function of the rate of flow through said chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The structure of claim 1 further comprising spring means coupled with and longitudinally spanning the flexible tube.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The structure of claim 2 wherein the spring means comprises a helical spring axially aligned with and circumferentially engaging the flexible tube.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The structure of claim 3 further comprising stiffening means characterized by a pair of generally rigid rods insertable into the chamber through the ends of the tube.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The structure of claim 1 wherein the means for detecting the intensity of the beam comprises a photo-electric cell.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
48 words
Structure of claim 1 wherein the chamber is generally cylindrical and further comprising a pair of generally diametrically aligned bores through opposite sides of the housing for receiving the ends of the tube and seal means interposed circumferentially between said tube and bores to prevent fluid loss therebetween.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
The structure of claim 6 further comprising a pair of end caps fastened to the housing, said end caps carrying the ends of the tube and presenting the same to the light source and detecting means respectively.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
The structure of claim 7 further comprising a pair of generally cup-shaped light shields so associated with the housing as to overlie said end caps and shield generally all external light from each end of the tube.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The structure of claim 8 wherein the light source and detecting means are mounted within the light shields.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
93 words
A method of measuring the rate of flow through a vessel comprising; mounting a flexible tube through the vessel generally normal to the direction of flow, directing a beam of light axially into one end of the tube, detecting the intensity of the beam received at the other end of the tube, and allowing fluid flowing through the vessel to deflect said tube in the direction flow, thereby intersecting a portion of said beam of light and decreasing the intensity of the beam at said other end as a function of fluid flow.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
93 words
A method of measuring the rate of flow through a vessel comprising; mounting a flexible tube through the vessel generally normal to the direction of flow, directing a beam of light axially into one end of the tube, detecting the intensity of the beam received at the other end of the tube, and allowing fluid flowing through the vessel to deflect said tube in the direction flow, thereby intersecting a portion of said beam of light and decreasing the intensity of the beam at said other end as a function of fluid flow.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 10 further comprising shielding external light from the ends of the tube and producing a signal corresponding to the flow rate for activating external readout apparatus.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3602037A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-02-02 | 1979-08-04 | 1980-02-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-02-02 | 1983-08-04 | 1984-02-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-02-02 | 1987-08-04 | 1988-02-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |