US4036053A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Methods of and means for measuring liquid flow
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-02-27
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Granted: 1977-07-19
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Expires: 1996-02-27
Abstract
Abstract The flow of liquid along a conduit or over a weir is measured by means of temperature-sensitive components positioned in vertically spaced relationship so that the number of components in contact with the liquid depends on the depth thereof. Thermal energy is supplied to the components in such manner that the components out of contact with the liquid are subjected to a substantial temperature increase. The components are periodically heated and examined after each period. Those of one temperature state are counted to indicate the depth of liquid and hence the flow rate. A count linearly related to the flow in a given conduit or weir can be achieved.
Inventors
- 👤 Roy Jenkins
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 15:46
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F1/00; G01F1/05; G01F1/52; G01F1/007; G01F23/00; G01F23/22; G01F23/24; G01F23/246; G01F23/247
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
134 words
A flowmeter comprising an immersible sensing element and measuring means connected thereto, said sensing element having a plurality of temperature-sensitive circuit components in spaced array for disposition in a conduit or weir so as to be immersed and cooled to an extent dependent on the depth of liquid in the conduit or weir, said measuring means including: a. a timer which completes a heating circuit for the temperature-sensitive elements for a selected period at selected intervals, b. a comparator connected to the temperature-sensitive components for differentiating between the components of one temperature state and the components of another temperature state, c. a counter responsive to the comparator for recording the number of components of one of said temperature states to indicate the depth of immersion of the sensing element and hence the flow rate.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
134 words
A flowmeter comprising an immersible sensing element and measuring means connected thereto, said sensing element having a plurality of temperature-sensitive circuit components in spaced array for disposition in a conduit or weir so as to be immersed and cooled to an extent dependent on the depth of liquid in the conduit or weir, said measuring means including: a. a timer which completes a heating circuit for the temperature-sensitive elements for a selected period at selected intervals, b. a comparator connected to the temperature-sensitive components for differentiating between the components of one temperature state and the components of another temperature state, c. a counter responsive to the comparator for recording the number of components of one of said temperature states to indicate the depth of immersion of the sensing element and hence the flow rate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
A flowmeter according to claim 1, wherein the temperature-sensitive circuit components in spaced array are spaced apart for linear relation between the number of said components which are immersed in a given conduit or weir and the flow rate in that conduit or weir.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A flowmeter according to claim 1, wherein the temperature-sensitive circuit components in spaced array are thermistors and the comparator is a resistance comparitor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
A flowmeter according to claim 1, including an adjustable multiplier coupled to said counter to provide for different ranges of flow rate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A flowmeter according to claim 1, including a bulk or total volume indicator displaying a timed count from said counter.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
A flowmeter according to claim 1, including a peak-indicator and an over-limit indicator coupled to said counter.
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) | 1980-07-18 | 1981-01-17 | 1981-07-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-07-18 | 1985-01-17 | 1985-07-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-07-18 | 1989-01-17 | 1989-07-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |