US4594901A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrostatic flow meter
Assignee: KIMERLY-CLARK Corp
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Filing: 1984-11-09
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Granted: 1986-06-17
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Expires: 2004-11-09
Abstract
Abstract The mass flow rate of particles conveyed by a gaseous medium through a conduit is measured by an electrostatic flow meter comprising a grounded electrical conductor in contact with a semiconductive static charge-generating element exposed to the moving particles. As the particles pass the semi-conductive, static charge-generating element, they impart a static charge to the element which is transferred by the conductor to ground. The resulting current, which can be measured by any suitable current measuring means, is proportional to the mass flow rate of the particles.
Inventors
- 👤 Eugene Norman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 02:08
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F1/00; G01F1/74; G01F1/56
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
A device for measuring the flow of cellulosic particulates transported within a conduit by a gaseous medium comprising: (a) a plastic semi-conductive static charge-generating element, electrically insulated from the conduit and which replaces a portion or segment of the conduit wall, said element having a surface on which static charges are generated when exposed to the flow of particulates; (b) a grounded electrical conductor which is electrically insulated from the conduit and in contact with the static charge-generating element; and (c) means for measuring electrostatic current flowing through the conductor from the static charge-generating element to ground, wherein the flow of particulates within the conduit generates a measurable electrical current through the conductor which is proportional in magnitude to the mass flow rate of particles in the conduit.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
128 words
A device for measuring the flow of cellulosic particulates transported within a conduit by a gaseous medium comprising: (a) a plastic semi-conductive static charge-generating element, electrically insulated from the conduit and which replaces a portion or segment of the conduit wall, said element having a surface on which static charges are generated when exposed to the flow of particulates; (b) a grounded electrical conductor which is electrically insulated from the conduit and in contact with the static charge-generating element; and (c) means for measuring electrostatic current flowing through the conductor from the static charge-generating element to ground, wherein the flow of particulates within the conduit generates a measurable electrical current through the conductor which is proportional in magnitude to the mass flow rate of particles in the conduit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the static charge-generating element is a hollow cylinder having an electrical conductor embedded therein and which is adapted for having particulates flowing therethrough.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the means for measuring the electrostatic current comprises a constant voltage source electrically connected to the grounded electrical conductor, which provides a constant voltage to the conductor to offset the voltage drop caused by the current measuring means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the material of the semi-conductive charge generating element is an acrylic polymer.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US2315805A
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US2491445A
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US3184967A
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US3359796A
Cited
GB2034902A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-06-16 | 1989-12-16 | 1990-06-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-06-16 | 1993-12-16 | 1994-06-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-06-16 | 1997-12-16 | 1998-06-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |