Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
162 words
An electromagnetic flow sensor capable of debris shedding for accurate flow measurement in environments which include rigid or non-rigid debris comprising: a rigid support, a flow transducer, having a longitudinal axis, adapted to be immersed in a moving liquid medium flowing in a defined direction, said flow transducer including at least a pair of electrodes, said at least a pair of electrodes lying on a line perpendicular to said axis, coupling means coupling said flow transducer to said support for maintaining an acute angle at least equal to a predetermined quantity greater than zero between said longitudinal axis and a perpendicular to said defined direction, a leading edge of said flow transducer and those portions of said coupling means adapted to be immersed in said medium shaped to result in motion of the debris contacting said leading edges in a direction generally parallel to said longitudinal axis and away from said rigid support whereby debris contacting said leading edges is shed thereby.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
162 words
An electromagnetic flow sensor capable of debris shedding for accurate flow measurement in environments which include rigid or non-rigid debris comprising: a rigid support, a flow transducer, having a longitudinal axis, adapted to be immersed in a moving liquid medium flowing in a defined direction, said flow transducer including at least a pair of electrodes, said at least a pair of electrodes lying on a line perpendicular to said axis, coupling means coupling said flow transducer to said support for maintaining an acute angle at least equal to a predetermined quantity greater than zero between said longitudinal axis and a perpendicular to said defined direction, a leading edge of said flow transducer and those portions of said coupling means adapted to be immersed in said medium shaped to result in motion of the debris contacting said leading edges in a direction generally parallel to said longitudinal axis and away from said rigid support whereby debris contacting said leading edges is shed thereby.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said moving liquid medium is constrained in an enclosed pipe, said rigid support comprising a pipe mount integral with said pipe and including a passage therethrough for said flow transducer and coupling means, said passage and pipe mount maintaining said flow transducer orientation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said rigid support includes valve means and rigidly mounted thereto, a cylindrical tube within which said coupling means is restrained, said cylindrical tube inclined at said angle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said medium is in an open channel, said rigid support suspended above an upper surface of said medium and including means defining said angle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said angle is at least 45°.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said angle is between 45° and 60°.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said leading edge is free of detents and/or notches capable of trapping debris therein against natural flow forces exerted by said moving medium.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said leading edge is viewed as a directed line segment, has no components opposite said direction of flow.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said coupling means further includes nozzle means for directing a scrubbing flow against said flow transducer.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said scrubbing flow comprises a fluid selected from a group consisting of air, water and steam.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said flow transducer includes a removably mounted component including at least said leading edge.