US4206642A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flowmeter
Assignee: ITT Inc
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Filing: 1978-12-29
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Granted: 1980-06-10
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Expires: 1998-12-29
Abstract
Abstract A fluid flow sensor of the vortex shedding type. Pressure differentials caused by shed vortices operate a piston system to vary the coupling between a pair of optical fibers thereby modulating light signals passing along the fibers.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenneth E. Bearcroft
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 18:12
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01P; G01P5/00; G01P5/01; G01F; G01F1/00; G01F1/05; G01F1/20; G01F1/32; G01F1/325; G01F1/3259
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
151 words
A fluid flow sensor device comprising: an elongated bluff body adapted to induce vortex shedding when placed in a flowing fluid; a longitudinal bore in said body; a transverse bore in said body communicating with said longitudinal bore; first and second optical fibers arranged to transmit light signals therebetween, said fibers being located in said longitudinal bores; means located in said transverse bore and adapted; in response to pressure differentials across the body surface, to vary the optical coupling between said fibers thereby producing a light output signal modulated at a frequency corresponding to the rate at which vortices are shed, said pressure responsive means including flexible diaphragms located one at each end of said transverse bore; and a rigid shaft located in a position movable in response to diaphragm movement, said shaft being profiled so as to obstruct light signals transmitted between said fibers for a portion of its travel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
151 words
A fluid flow sensor device comprising: an elongated bluff body adapted to induce vortex shedding when placed in a flowing fluid; a longitudinal bore in said body; a transverse bore in said body communicating with said longitudinal bore; first and second optical fibers arranged to transmit light signals therebetween, said fibers being located in said longitudinal bores; means located in said transverse bore and adapted; in response to pressure differentials across the body surface, to vary the optical coupling between said fibers thereby producing a light output signal modulated at a frequency corresponding to the rate at which vortices are shed, said pressure responsive means including flexible diaphragms located one at each end of said transverse bore; and a rigid shaft located in a position movable in response to diaphragm movement, said shaft being profiled so as to obstruct light signals transmitted between said fibers for a portion of its travel.
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) | 1983-06-10 | 1983-12-10 | 1984-06-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-06-10 | 1987-12-10 | 1988-06-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-06-10 | 1991-12-10 | 1992-06-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |