US4819577A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fluid flow indicator
Assignee: Flow Rite Controls Ltd
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Filing: 1988-05-20
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Granted: 1989-04-11
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Expires: 2008-05-20
Abstract
Abstract An inexpensive fluid flow indicator capable of use in low flow conditions in a variety of environments, including but not limited to laboratory, industry, and medical applications. Flows are visually indicated by the rotation of balls loosely retained in a longitudinal passageway of the indicator's transparent housing by a flow guide and an outlet port. The flow guide imparts a circumferential or transverse direction to the axial flow of the fluid which causes the balls to revolve about the center line of the indicator.
Inventors
- 👤 Daniel N. Campau
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 14:36
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F1/00; G01F1/05; G01F1/056
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
100 words
An apparatus for visually indicating fluid flow comprising: (a) a transparent housing defining a generally longitudinal main passageway for conveying fluids through said housing; (b) said housing having an inlet and an outlet; (c) means positioned adjacent to said inlet for creating in said fluid passing through said housing a flow component which is transverse to the longitudinal axis of said housing; (d) at least two generally spherical flow indicators positioned within said housing downstream of said transverse flow creating means; and (e) said outlet including an abutment extending radially inward to retain said spherical flow indicator within said housing.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
100 words
An apparatus for visually indicating fluid flow comprising: (a) a transparent housing defining a generally longitudinal main passageway for conveying fluids through said housing; (b) said housing having an inlet and an outlet; (c) means positioned adjacent to said inlet for creating in said fluid passing through said housing a flow component which is transverse to the longitudinal axis of said housing; (d) at least two generally spherical flow indicators positioned within said housing downstream of said transverse flow creating means; and (e) said outlet including an abutment extending radially inward to retain said spherical flow indicator within said housing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The flow indicating apparatus recited in claim 1, wherein said transverse flow creating means comprises obliquely oriented flow passages.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
54 words
The flow indicating apparatus recited in claim 2, wherein said outlet and transverse flow creating means define a track perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said housing and slightly wider than the diameter of said spherical flow indicators, wherein said spherical flow indicators move in substantially circumferential path transverse to said housing's longitudinal axis.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The flow indicating apparatus recited in claim 3, wherein said abutment comprises an annular flange which defines an outlet port.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
110 words
An apparatus for visually indicating fluid flow comprising: (a) a transparent housing defining a generally longitudinal main passageway for conveying fluids through said housing; (b) said housing having an inlet and an outlet; (c) means positioned adjacent to said inlet for creating in said fluid passing through said housing a flow component which is transverse to the longitudinal axis of said housing; (d) at least two generally spherical flow indicators positioned within said housing downstream of said transverse flow creating means; (e) said outlet including abutments extending radially inward to retain said spherical flow indicator within said housing; and (f) said transverse flow creating means comprising obliquely oriented flow passages.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
110 words
An apparatus for visually indicating fluid flow comprising: (a) a transparent housing defining a generally longitudinal main passageway for conveying fluids through said housing; (b) said housing having an inlet and an outlet; (c) means positioned adjacent to said inlet for creating in said fluid passing through said housing a flow component which is transverse to the longitudinal axis of said housing; (d) at least two generally spherical flow indicators positioned within said housing downstream of said transverse flow creating means; (e) said outlet including abutments extending radially inward to retain said spherical flow indicator within said housing; and (f) said transverse flow creating means comprising obliquely oriented flow passages.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
132 words
An apparatus for visually indicating fluid flow comprising: (a) a transparent housing defining a generally longitudinal main passageway for conveying fluids through said housing; (b) said housing having an inlet and an outlet; (c) means positioned adjacent to said inlet for creating in said fluid passing through said housing a flow component which is transverse to said housing's longitudinal axis; (d) at least one generally spherical flow indicator positioned within said housing downstream of said transverse flow creating means; (e) said outlet including an abutment extending radially inward to retain said spherical flow indicator within said housing; and (f) said transverse flow creating means and said abutment being spaced to define there between a track in which said fluid flow indicator moves in substantially circumferential path transverse to said housing's longitudinal axis.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
132 words
An apparatus for visually indicating fluid flow comprising: (a) a transparent housing defining a generally longitudinal main passageway for conveying fluids through said housing; (b) said housing having an inlet and an outlet; (c) means positioned adjacent to said inlet for creating in said fluid passing through said housing a flow component which is transverse to said housing's longitudinal axis; (d) at least one generally spherical flow indicator positioned within said housing downstream of said transverse flow creating means; (e) said outlet including an abutment extending radially inward to retain said spherical flow indicator within said housing; and (f) said transverse flow creating means and said abutment being spaced to define there between a track in which said fluid flow indicator moves in substantially circumferential path transverse to said housing's longitudinal axis.
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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) | 1992-04-10 | 1992-10-10 | 1993-04-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-04-10 | 1996-10-10 | 1997-04-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-04-10 | 2000-10-10 | 2001-04-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |