US4581707A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Microprocessor controlled valve flow indicators
Assignee: JOHN MILLAR UK Ltd
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Filing: 1981-05-22
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Granted: 1986-04-08
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Expires: 2001-05-22
Abstract
Abstract A device for ascertaining flow rate through one or more valves and/or pumps simultaneously. A transducer (T.10) is connected to the valve actuator member and displaceable or rotatable therewith and produces an output determined by the valve position. The output of the transducer is supplied to an electronic processing mean (13) programmed to calculate the flow rate from data relating to the flow characteristics of the or each valve and data relating to the flow characteristics of the fluid concerned and the temperature and pressure and to display the calculated flow rate or utilize the calculated flow rate to control the valve position to regulate the flow rate.
Inventors
- 👤 John Millar
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 09:22
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F1/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
156 words
A device for monitoring the flow rate through at least one valve to enable each said valve to be converted effectively into a flow meter, said device comprising a transducer connected to each said valve for providing a first signal representative of the position of the valve member of each said valve, electronic processing means which receives said first signal and having means enabling input of further signals representing static initial conditions and variable operating conditions influencing the flow rate, wherein said electronic processing means includes means enabling storage of data relating to the flow characteristic curves of a plurality of different types of valves, whereby said electronic processing means calculates the flow rate through each said valve from (a) said first signal, (b) the flow characteristics of said valve and (c) said further signals, said device further comprising display means connected to the output of said electronic processing means for displaying said calculated flow rate.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
156 words
A device for monitoring the flow rate through at least one valve to enable each said valve to be converted effectively into a flow meter, said device comprising a transducer connected to each said valve for providing a first signal representative of the position of the valve member of each said valve, electronic processing means which receives said first signal and having means enabling input of further signals representing static initial conditions and variable operating conditions influencing the flow rate, wherein said electronic processing means includes means enabling storage of data relating to the flow characteristic curves of a plurality of different types of valves, whereby said electronic processing means calculates the flow rate through each said valve from (a) said first signal, (b) the flow characteristics of said valve and (c) said further signals, said device further comprising display means connected to the output of said electronic processing means for displaying said calculated flow rate.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
161 words
A device for monitoring the flow rate through at least one valve to enable each said valve to be converted effectively into a flow meter, said device comprising a transducer connected to each said valve for providing a first signal representative of the position of the valve member of each said valve, a electronic processing means which receives said first signal and having means enabling input of further signals representing static initial conditions and variable operating conditions influencing the flow rate, wherein said electronic processing means includes means enabling storage of data relating to the flow characteristic curves of a plurality of different types of valves, whereby said electronic processing means calculates the flow rate through each said valve from (a) said first signal, (b) the flow characteristics of said valve and (c) said further signals, said device further comprising control means connected to the output of said electronic processing means for adjusting each said valve to regulate the flow rate.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
161 words
A device for monitoring the flow rate through at least one valve to enable each said valve to be converted effectively into a flow meter, said device comprising a transducer connected to each said valve for providing a first signal representative of the position of the valve member of each said valve, a electronic processing means which receives said first signal and having means enabling input of further signals representing static initial conditions and variable operating conditions influencing the flow rate, wherein said electronic processing means includes means enabling storage of data relating to the flow characteristic curves of a plurality of different types of valves, whereby said electronic processing means calculates the flow rate through each said valve from (a) said first signal, (b) the flow characteristics of said valve and (c) said further signals, said device further comprising control means connected to the output of said electronic processing means for adjusting each said valve to regulate the flow rate.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
177 words
A device for monitoring the flow rate through at least one valve to enable each said valve to be converted effectively into a flowmeter, said device comprising a transducer connected to each said valve for providing a first signal representative of the position of the valve member of each said valve, electronic processing means which receives said first signal and having means enabling input of further signals representing static initial conditions and variable operating conditions influencing the flow rate, wherein said electronic processing means includes means enabling storage of data relating to the flow characteristic curves of a plurality of different types of valves, whereby said electronic processing means calculates the flow rate through each said valve from (a) said first signal, (b) the flow characteristics of said valve and (c) said further signals, said device further comprising display means connected to the output of said electronic processing means for displaying said calculated flow rate and control means connected to the output of said electronic processing means for adjusting each said valve to regulate the flow rate.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
177 words
A device for monitoring the flow rate through at least one valve to enable each said valve to be converted effectively into a flowmeter, said device comprising a transducer connected to each said valve for providing a first signal representative of the position of the valve member of each said valve, electronic processing means which receives said first signal and having means enabling input of further signals representing static initial conditions and variable operating conditions influencing the flow rate, wherein said electronic processing means includes means enabling storage of data relating to the flow characteristic curves of a plurality of different types of valves, whereby said electronic processing means calculates the flow rate through each said valve from (a) said first signal, (b) the flow characteristics of said valve and (c) said further signals, said device further comprising display means connected to the output of said electronic processing means for displaying said calculated flow rate and control means connected to the output of said electronic processing means for adjusting each said valve to regulate the flow rate.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
A device as claimed in claim 2 or 3, in which said control means activates a servo-mechanism connected to said valve to regulate the flow rate through said valve in accordance with programmed instructions and prevailing operating conditions.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
A device as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, in which the electronic processing means monitors and controls up to 250 valves simultaneously in accordance with prescribed conditions.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
A device as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the electronic processing means actuates an alarm if the flow rate ascertained falls outside a predetermined range of acceptable flow rate.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the electronic processing means predicts the effect of variations in temperature, pressure and valve opening on the flow rate.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
42 words
A device as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, in which the transducer is connected to the electronic processing means via an analog-to-digital converter for converting the output of the transducer into digital form for input into the electronic processing means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
65 words
A device as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said electronic processing means is a microprocessor having storage means associated therewith containing data relating to the flow characteristics of a plurality of different types of valves and data regarding the effect of viscosity variations on flow rate and data relating to the variations in viscosity with temperature for a plurality of different fluids.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
39 words
A device as claimed in claim 9, in which the transducer is connected to the electronic processing means via an analog-to-digital converter for converting the output of the transducer into digital form for input into the electronic processing means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a key-board for enabling input of the static initial conditions to the microprocessor.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
35 words
A device as claimed in claim 9, in which the variable operating conditions are supplied to the microprocessor from temperature and pressure sensors, and wherein calibration data is supplied to the microprocessor from flow meters.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-04-07 | 1989-10-07 | 1990-04-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-04-07 | 1993-10-07 | 1994-04-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-04-07 | 1997-10-07 | 1998-04-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |