US4249697A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Steam trap monitor
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1979-06-25
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Granted: 1981-02-10
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Expires: 1999-06-25
Abstract
Abstract A temperature differential monitoring device on a steam trap receives signals from a battery powered pulse generator and includes first and second thermistors disposed, respectively, in heat transfer relation with the steam trap and with a condensate conduit connected to the trap. A differential comparator circuit responsive to the outputs of the thermistors activates a first light emitting diode when the temperature differential between the trap and the conduit equals and exceeds a predetermined value and deactivates the first light emitting diode and activates a second light emitting diode when the temperature differential is less than the predetermined value.
Inventors
- 👤 Harlow D. Savage, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 02:21
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01K; G01K3/00; G01K3/005; F; F16; F16T; F16T1/00; F16T1/38; F16T1/48; G01K3/08; G01K3/14; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/8158
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
119 words
In a steam generating system having a steam trap, a condensate conduit connected in fluid transfer relation to said trap, and a device for monitoring operation of said trap, the improvement comprising said monitoring device having first thermally responsive means disposed in heat transfer relation to said trap for generating a first output indicative of the temperature of said trap, second thermally responsive means disposed in heat transfer relation to said condensate conduit for generating a second output indicative of the temperature of said condensate conduit, signal means, and means responsive to said first and second outputs for activating said signal means when the temperature differential between said trap and said condensate conduit is less than a predetermined value.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
119 words
In a steam generating system having a steam trap, a condensate conduit connected in fluid transfer relation to said trap, and a device for monitoring operation of said trap, the improvement comprising said monitoring device having first thermally responsive means disposed in heat transfer relation to said trap for generating a first output indicative of the temperature of said trap, second thermally responsive means disposed in heat transfer relation to said condensate conduit for generating a second output indicative of the temperature of said condensate conduit, signal means, and means responsive to said first and second outputs for activating said signal means when the temperature differential between said trap and said condensate conduit is less than a predetermined value.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
78 words
In a steam generating system as set forth in claim 1 the further improvement wherein said signal means comprises first and second signaling devices and said means responsive to said first and second outputs activates said first signaling device when said temperature differential between said trap and said condensate conduit equals and exceeds said predetermined value and deactivates said first signaling device and activates said second signaling device when said temperature differential is less than said predetermined value.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
In a steam generating system as set forth in either claim 1 or claim 2 the further improvement wherein said monitoring device includes means for varying said predetermined value.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
In a steam generating system as set forth in either claim 1 or claim 2 the further improvement wherein said monitoring device includes a pulse generator and said outputs comprise electrical pulses.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
In a steam generating system as set forth in claim 4 the further improvement wherein said monitoring device includes a battery and said pulse generator is electrically connected to said battery.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
In a steam generating system as set forth in either claim 1 or claim 2 the further improvement wherein said first and second thermally responsive means comprises resistors having electrical resistances which vary with temperature.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
In a steam generating system as set forth in claim 6 the further improvement wherein said resistors comprise thermistors.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
In a steam generating system as set forth in claim 2 the further improvement wherein said first and second signal means comprise lamps.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
In a steam generating system as set forth in claim 8 the further improvement wherein said lamps comprise light emitting diodes.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
In a steam generating system as set forth in claim 4 the further improvement wherein said means responsive to said first and second outputs comprises a differential comparator circuit.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
In a steam generating system as set forth in claim 10 the further improvement wherein said comparator circuit comprises an operational amplifier.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
In a steam generating system as set forth in claim 11 the further improvement wherein said differential comparator circuit includes a transistor rendered conductive by said operational amplifier.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
In a steam generating system as set forth in either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said means responsive to said first and second outputs comprises a differential comparator.
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) | 1984-02-10 | 1984-08-11 | 1985-02-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-02-10 | 1988-08-11 | 1989-02-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-02-10 | 1992-08-11 | 1993-02-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |