Patent US3971254A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3971254A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Solids level indicator
Assignee: Andritz Inc
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Filing: 1975-01-08
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Granted: 1976-07-27
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Expires: 1995-01-08
Abstract
Abstract A solids level indicator adapted for use in a vessel having solids flowing downwardly therein. A shaft is fixedly mounted at one end thereof while a generally flat plate is mounted at the free end thereof, the plate being perpendicular to the axis of the shaft. Strain gauges are mounted adjacent the fixed end of the shaft for indicating the twisting thereof in response to the weight of solids acting on the plate, the plate being in a generally horizontal plane. The fixed end of the shaft may be hollowed-out-having a thin-walled portion to which the strain gauges are affixed. Shear pins may be connected from a stationary member to the shaft to allow for rotation of the shaft relative to the stationary member should a force larger than a predetermined amount act upon the plate, whereby damage to the plate and shaft may be avoided. The shear pins and the strain gauges may be readily accessible from the exterior of the vessel allowing replacement thereof without interrupting the operation of the vessel.
Inventors
- 👤 Micheal I. Sherman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 08:28
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F23/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
185 words
A detector for indicating the solids level in a vessel or the like adapted to have solid particles flowing downwardly therein, the vessel or the like having a generally vertical axis, said detector comprising a. a shaft having an axis passing through the center thereof, b. means for fixedly mounting said shaft at a first end thereof to the vessel or the like and for allowing a second end thereof to be freely mounted, said second end extending into the vessel or the like, c. a generally flat plate, d. means for rigidly mounting one end of said plate to said second end of said shaft, said plate being perpendicular to said shaft axis, and generally perpendicular to the axis of the vessel or the like, e. a thin-walled portion of said shaft located adjacent said first end thereof, said shaft being generally tubular at said thin-walled portion thereof, and f. means for indicating twisting motion of said shaft as a result of solid particles acting on said plate, said means including a strain gauge mounted on said thin-walled portion of said shaft interiorly thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
185 words
A detector for indicating the solids level in a vessel or the like adapted to have solid particles flowing downwardly therein, the vessel or the like having a generally vertical axis, said detector comprising a. a shaft having an axis passing through the center thereof, b. means for fixedly mounting said shaft at a first end thereof to the vessel or the like and for allowing a second end thereof to be freely mounted, said second end extending into the vessel or the like, c. a generally flat plate, d. means for rigidly mounting one end of said plate to said second end of said shaft, said plate being perpendicular to said shaft axis, and generally perpendicular to the axis of the vessel or the like, e. a thin-walled portion of said shaft located adjacent said first end thereof, said shaft being generally tubular at said thin-walled portion thereof, and f. means for indicating twisting motion of said shaft as a result of solid particles acting on said plate, said means including a strain gauge mounted on said thin-walled portion of said shaft interiorly thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
47 words
A detector as recited in claim 1 further comprising a housing surrounding a portion of said shaft adjacent said first end thereof, and means for mounting said shaft for rotation with respect to said housing should a force larger than a predetermined amount act on said plate.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
A detector as recited in claim 2 further comprising a bushing mounted between said housing and said shaft at an end of said housing adjacent said shaft free end.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
88 words
A detector as recited in claim 1 wherein said means for fixedly mounting said shaft at a first end thereof includes means for allowing relative rotary movement between a stationary member and said shaft from a position wherein the plane of said plate is horizontal to a position wherein the plane of said plate is vertical in response to a force larger than a predetermined amount acting on said plate, said means including a shear pin extending from said stationary member into an aperture formed in said shaft.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
196 words
A solids level detecting assembly comprising a. a vessel or the like adapted to have solid particles flowing downwardly therein, and having a generally vertical axis, b. means responsive to the level of solid particles in said vessel but not responsive to a liquid medium therefor, said means including (i) a shaft having an axis passing through the center thereof, (ii) means for fixedly mounting said shaft at a first end thereof to the vessel or the like and for allowing a second end thereof to be freely mounted, said second end extending into the vessel or the like, (iii) a generally flat plate (iv) means for rigidly mounting one end of said plate to said second end of said shaft, said plate being perpendicular to said shaft axis and generally perpendicular to the vessel axis, and (v) means mounted adjacent said first end of said shaft responsive to the twisting of said shaft and torsional strain thereof as a result of solid particles acting on said plate and for indicating said twisting thereof, and c. means for mounting said level responsive means in said vessel so that the plane of said plate is generally horizontal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
196 words
A solids level detecting assembly comprising a. a vessel or the like adapted to have solid particles flowing downwardly therein, and having a generally vertical axis, b. means responsive to the level of solid particles in said vessel but not responsive to a liquid medium therefor, said means including (i) a shaft having an axis passing through the center thereof, (ii) means for fixedly mounting said shaft at a first end thereof to the vessel or the like and for allowing a second end thereof to be freely mounted, said second end extending into the vessel or the like, (iii) a generally flat plate (iv) means for rigidly mounting one end of said plate to said second end of said shaft, said plate being perpendicular to said shaft axis and generally perpendicular to the vessel axis, and (v) means mounted adjacent said first end of said shaft responsive to the twisting of said shaft and torsional strain thereof as a result of solid particles acting on said plate and for indicating said twisting thereof, and c. means for mounting said level responsive means in said vessel so that the plane of said plate is generally horizontal.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
50 words
An assembly as recited in claim 5 wherein said shaft includes a thin-walled portion at said first end thereof, said shaft having an open interior at said thin-walled portion thereof, and wherein said means responsive to twisting of said shaft is mounted on said thin-walled portion interiorly of said shaft.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
93 words
An assembly as recited in claim 6 wherein said means for fixedly mounting said first end of said shaft includes means for allowing relative rotary movement between a vessel wall and said shaft from the position wherein said plane of said plate is horizontal to a position wherein the plane of said plate is vertical in response to a force larger than a predetermined amount acting on said plate, said means including a shear pin extending from a stationary member operatively connected to said vessel wall into an aperture formed in said shaft.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
110 words
An assembly as recited in claim 6 wherein said means for fixedly mounting said first end of said shaft includes a housing member surrounding a portion of said shaft interiorly of said vessel and extending exteriorly of said vessel, and means for allowing relative rotary movement between said housing and said shaft from the position wherein said plane of said plate is horizontal to a position wherein the plane of said plate is vertical in response to a force larger than a predetermined amount acting on said plate, said means including a shear pin located exteriorly of said vessel and extending through apertures formed in said housing and said shaft.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
61 words
An assembly as recited in claim 6 wherein said means responsive to the twisting of said shaft includes a strain gauge, and said assembly further comprising means for allowing access to the interior of said shaft thin-walled portion from the exterior of said vessel whereby said strain gauge may be inspected, repaired, or replaced without interfering with operation of said vessel.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
75 words
An assembly as recited in claim 5 wherein said means for mounting said level responsive means in said vessel so that the plane of said plate is generally horizontal includes a pipe section operatively attached to a vessel wall and extending outwardly therefrom, a first flange member operatively connected to the outwardmost end of said pipe, and an outer flange member operatively rigidly connected to said shaft and sealingly connected to said first flange member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
An assembly as recited in claim 5 wherein said vessel contains solids and liquid, and is pressurized.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
130 words
An assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein said means for fixedly mounting said first end of said shaft includes a housing member surrounding a portion of said shaft interiorly of said vessel and extending exteriorly of said vessel, and means for allowing relative rotary movement between said housing and said shaft from the position wherein said plane of said plate is horizontal to a position wherein the plane of said plate is vertical in response to a force larger than a predetermined amount acting on said plate, said means including a shear pin located exteriorly of said vessel and extending through apertures formed in said housing and said shaft, and means for sealing said shaft and said housing to prevent egress of fluid from the interior of said vessel.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
50 words
An assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein said shaft includes a thin-walled portion at said first end thereof, said shaft having an open interior at said thin-walled portion thereof, and wherein said means responsive to twisting of said shaft is mounted on said thin-walled portion interiorly of said shaft.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
76 words
An assembly as recited in claim 13 wherein said means responsive to the twisting of said shaft includes a strain gauge, and wherein said open interior portion of said shaft extends exteriorly of said vessel whereby said strain gauge may be inspected, repaired, or replaced without interfering with operation of said vessel, and further comprising means for sealing the portion of said shaft extending exteriorly of said vessel to prevent egress of fluid from said vessel.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
93 words
An assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein said means for fixedly mounting said first end of said shaft includes means for allowing relative rotary movement between a vessel wall and said shaft from the position wherein said plane of said plate is horizontal to a position wherein the plane of said plate is vertical in response to a force larger than a predetermined amount acting on said plate, said means including a shear pin extending from a stationary member operatively connected to said vessel wall into an aperture formed in said shaft.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
75 words
An assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein said means for mounting said level responsive means in said vessel so that the plane of said plate is generally horizontal includes a pipe section operatively attached to a vessel wall and extending outwardly therefrom, a first flange member operatively connected to the outwardmost end of said pipe, and an outer flange member operatively rigidly connected to said shaft and sealingly connected to said first flange member.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
32 words
An assembly as recited in claim 5 further comprising a plurality of means responsive to the level of solid particles in said vessel mounted at various different vertical locations of said vessel.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
93 words
An assembly as recited in claim 5 wherein said means for fixedly mounting said first end of said shaft includes means for allowing relative rotary movement between a vessel wall and said shaft from the position wherein said plane of said plate is horizontal to a position wherein the plane of said plate is vertical in response to a force larger than a predetermined amount acting on said plate, said means including a shear pin extending from a stationary member operatively connected to said vessel wall into an aperture formed in said shaft.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
110 words
An assembly as recited in claim 5 wherein said means for fixedly mounting said first end of said shaft includes a housing member surrounding a portion of said shaft interiorly of said vessel and extending exteriorly of said vessel, and means for allowing relative rotary movement between said housing and said shaft from the position wherein said plane of said plate is horizontal to a position wherein the plane of said plate is vertical in response to a force larger than a predetermined amount acting on said plate, said means including a shear pin located exteriorly of said vessel and extending through apertures formed in said housing and said shaft.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
29 words
A detector as recited in claim 19 further comprising a bushing mounted between said housing and said shaft at an end of said housing adjacent said shaft free end.
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) | 1979-07-27 | 1980-01-26 | 1980-07-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-07-27 | 1984-01-26 | 1984-07-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-07-27 | 1988-01-26 | 1988-07-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |