US4358954A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Traveling wave flow meter
Assignee: Vickers Inc
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Filing: 1980-11-24
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Granted: 1982-11-16
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Expires: 2000-11-24
Abstract
Abstract A traveling wave flow meter having a generally wave shaped member which is fabricated from a flexible material and which is disposed within a channel for conducting fluid. The flexible member undulates in response to a flow of fluid through the channel, and the frequency of the undulating flexible member is a function of the volumetric flow rate of the fluid.
Inventors
- 👤 Joannes N. M. de Jong
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 23:35
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F3/00; G01F1/00; G01F1/05; G01F1/54
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
A positive displacement flow meter comprising: (A) means for conducting fluid, having at least first and second walls; (B) flexure means disposed longitudinally in said conducting means for undulating between said first and second walls of said conducting means in response to fluid flow within said conducting means, said flexure means having: (1) a wavelike strip of flexible material of length X which is forced to occupy a length L, wherein L<X, (2) means for holding at least one end of said flexible strip, and (3) means for adjusting said holding means within said conducting means; (C) means for detecting the frequency of said flexible strip as it undulates between said first and second walls.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
115 words
A positive displacement flow meter comprising: (A) means for conducting fluid, having at least first and second walls; (B) flexure means disposed longitudinally in said conducting means for undulating between said first and second walls of said conducting means in response to fluid flow within said conducting means, said flexure means having: (1) a wavelike strip of flexible material of length X which is forced to occupy a length L, wherein L<X, (2) means for holding at least one end of said flexible strip, and (3) means for adjusting said holding means within said conducting means; (C) means for detecting the frequency of said flexible strip as it undulates between said first and second walls.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
112 words
A positive displacement flow meter comprising: (A) means for conducting fluid, having at least first and second walls; (B) flexure means disposed longitudinally in said conducting means for undulating between said first and second walls of said conducting means in response to fluid flow within said conducting means, said flexure means having: (1) a wavelike strip of flexible material having a shape comprised of at least one full wave, (2) means for holding at least one end of said flexible strip, and (3) means for adjusting said holding means within said conducting means; (C) means for detecting the frequency of said flexible strip as it undulates between said first and second walls.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
112 words
A positive displacement flow meter comprising: (A) means for conducting fluid, having at least first and second walls; (B) flexure means disposed longitudinally in said conducting means for undulating between said first and second walls of said conducting means in response to fluid flow within said conducting means, said flexure means having: (1) a wavelike strip of flexible material having a shape comprised of at least one full wave, (2) means for holding at least one end of said flexible strip, and (3) means for adjusting said holding means within said conducting means; (C) means for detecting the frequency of said flexible strip as it undulates between said first and second walls.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said holding means includes a plurality of passages for fluid flow.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said conducting means includes a channel having a cover and having inlet and outlet means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
67 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said frequency detecting means comprises a reflector incorporated into said flexure means, a light source for illuminating said reflector, and a photodetector responsive to said reflector, disposed so that said frequency is derived from an output signal produced by light originating from said source that is reflected from said reflector to said photodetector as said flexible strip undulates.
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) | 1985-11-15 | 1986-05-17 | 1986-11-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-11-15 | 1990-05-17 | 1990-11-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-11-15 | 1994-05-17 | 1994-11-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |