US5162725A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Modular metering instrument including multiple sensing probes
Assignee: TSI Inc
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Filing: 1991-08-20
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Granted: 1992-11-10
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Expires: 2011-08-20
Abstract
Abstract A modular metering instrument including one of a plurality of sensing probes or probe modules including identification and calibration information stored therein and a meter module which can identify the sensing probe when the sensing probe is connected thereto. The storage of calibration and identification information in the sensing probe allows the meter module to be utilized with any one of a number of sensing probes to sense different physical parameters. The sensing probe includes at least one sensor and related circuitry to generate a signal relating to the sensed parameter. The meter module analyzes and calibrates the signal and displays the measured parameter.
Inventors
- 👤 Price R. Hodson
- 👤 James W. Oram
- 👤 Paul F. Haake
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 03:51
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01D; G01D3/00; G01D3/02; G01D3/022
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 32
Claim 1
Independent Claim
65 words
A discrete probe (16, 18) for sensing at least one physical parameter, said probe comprising: means for sensing at least one of velocity, volume flow, temperature, pressure and humidity and generating a signal related thereto; p1 means for storing calibration and identification information in said probe; and means for coupling said calibration and identification information and said sensed signal for connection to a separation meter.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
65 words
A discrete probe (16, 18) for sensing at least one physical parameter, said probe comprising: means for sensing at least one of velocity, volume flow, temperature, pressure and humidity and generating a signal related thereto; p1 means for storing calibration and identification information in said probe; and means for coupling said calibration and identification information and said sensed signal for connection to a separation meter.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The probe as defined in claim 1 including means adapted to connect said means for coupling of said probe to said separate meter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
54 words
The probe as defined in claim 1 wherein said probe includes an elongate sensing stylet having first and second ends, said sensing means mounted on said first end of said stylet and a handle on said second end of said stylet and a flexible cable adapted to connect said probe to said separate meter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The probe as defined in claim 3 including said storing means mounted in said stylet handle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The probe as defined in claim 3 including a meter connector on a free end of said cable and said storing means mounted in said meter connector.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
119 words
A probe for sensing at least one physical parameter, said probe comprising: a stylet having means for sensing at least one of velocity, volume flow, temperature, pressure and humidity and generating a signal related thereto, said stylet having said sensing means mounted on one end thereof and a handle on a second end thereof; means for storing calibration and identification information in said handle; means for coupling said calibration and identification information and said sensed signal in said stylet for connection to a separate meter; and means adapted to connect said means for coupling of said probe to said separate meter including a flexible cable adapted to connect said means for coupling of said probe to said separate meter.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
119 words
A probe for sensing at least one physical parameter, said probe comprising: a stylet having means for sensing at least one of velocity, volume flow, temperature, pressure and humidity and generating a signal related thereto, said stylet having said sensing means mounted on one end thereof and a handle on a second end thereof; means for storing calibration and identification information in said handle; means for coupling said calibration and identification information and said sensed signal in said stylet for connection to a separate meter; and means adapted to connect said means for coupling of said probe to said separate meter including a flexible cable adapted to connect said means for coupling of said probe to said separate meter.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
64 words
The probe as defined in claim 6 wherein said stylet includes at least second means for sensing at least one physical parameter and generating a signal related thereto and at least second means for storing calibration and identification information in said handle relating to sensing at least a second physical parameter and means for sensing one of said calibration and identification information storing means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The probe as defined in claim 6 including a meter connector on a free end of said cable and said storing means mounted in said meter connector.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
79 words
A meter for utilization with a plurality of physical parameter sensing probes, said meter having calibration and identification information stored therein, said meter comprising: means for identifying a sensing probe to be connected to said meter; means for reading and storing calibration information read from the connected sensing probe; and means for analyzing the sensed physical parameter that is input by the connected sensing probe and calibrating the sensed physical parameter with said stored calibration information in said meter.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
79 words
A meter for utilization with a plurality of physical parameter sensing probes, said meter having calibration and identification information stored therein, said meter comprising: means for identifying a sensing probe to be connected to said meter; means for reading and storing calibration information read from the connected sensing probe; and means for analyzing the sensed physical parameter that is input by the connected sensing probe and calibrating the sensed physical parameter with said stored calibration information in said meter.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
The meter as defined in claim 9 including means for switching between more than one physical parameter sensing probe input.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
The meter as defined in claim 9 including means for displaying the calibrated sensed physical parameter.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
The meter as defined in claim 9 including means for digitizing the sensed physical parameter and then coupling said digitized physical parameter to said analyzing means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
24 words
The meter as defined in claim 9 wherein said identifying means identify said connected sensing probe when it is connected to said meter module.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
39 words
The meter as defined in claim 13 including means for switching between more than one physical parameter sensing probe input and means for digitizing the sensed physical parameter and then coupling said digitized physical parameter to said analyzing means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
The meter as defined in claim 14 including means for displaying the calibrated sensed physical parameter.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
133 words
A modular metering instrument for sensing at least one physical parameter, said modular metering instrument comprising: a meter and at least one probe; said probe including means for sensing at least one physical parameter and generating a signal related thereto; means for storing calibration and identification information in said probe; means for coupling said calibration and identification information and said sensed physical parameter signal for connection to said meter; said meter including means for identifying a probe to be connected to said meter; means for storing calibration information read from the connected probe; means for analyzing the sensed physical parameter that is input by the connected probe and calibrating the sensed physical parameter with said stored calibration information; and means adapted to connect said means for coupling of said probe to said meter.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
133 words
A modular metering instrument for sensing at least one physical parameter, said modular metering instrument comprising: a meter and at least one probe; said probe including means for sensing at least one physical parameter and generating a signal related thereto; means for storing calibration and identification information in said probe; means for coupling said calibration and identification information and said sensed physical parameter signal for connection to said meter; said meter including means for identifying a probe to be connected to said meter; means for storing calibration information read from the connected probe; means for analyzing the sensed physical parameter that is input by the connected probe and calibrating the sensed physical parameter with said stored calibration information; and means adapted to connect said means for coupling of said probe to said meter.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
30 words
The modular metering instrument as defined in claim 16 wherein said probe includes at least second means for sensing at least one physical parameter and generating a signal related thereto.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
48 words
The module metering instrument as defined in claim 17 wherein said probe includes at least second means for storing calibration and identification information in said probe relating to sensing at least a second physical parameter and means for selecting one of said calibration and identification information storing means.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
45 words
The modular metering instrument as defined in claim 16 wherein said probe includes a sensing stylet having said sensing means mounted on one end thereof and a handle on a second end thereof and a flexible cable adapted to connect said probe to said meter.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
21 words
The modular metering instrument as defined in claim 19 wherein said probe includes said storing means mounted in said stylet handle.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
22 words
The modular metering instrument as defined in claim 16 wherein said meter includes means for switching between more than one probe input.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
21 words
The modular metering instrument as defined in claim 16 wherein said meter includes means for displaying the calibrated sensed physical parameter.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
31 words
The modular metering instrument as defined in claim 16 wherein said meter includes means for digitizing the sensed physical parameter and then coupling said digitized physical parameter to said analyzing means.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
24 words
The modular metering instrument as defined in claim 16 wherein said meter identifying means identifying said probe when it is connected to said meter.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
41 words
The modular metering instrument as defined in claim 24 wherein said meter includes means for switching between more than one probe input and means for digitizing the sensed physical parameter and then coupling said digitized physical parameter to said analyzing means.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
89 words
A discrete probe for sensing at least one physical parameter, said probe comprising: first means for sensing at least one of velocity, volume flow, temperature, pressure and humidity and generating a first signal related thereto; second means for sensing at least one of velocity, volume flow, temperature, pressure and humidity and generating a second signal related thereto; means for storing calibration and identification information in said probe; and means for coupling said calibration and identification information and said first and second sensed signals for connection to a separate meter.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
89 words
A discrete probe for sensing at least one physical parameter, said probe comprising: first means for sensing at least one of velocity, volume flow, temperature, pressure and humidity and generating a first signal related thereto; second means for sensing at least one of velocity, volume flow, temperature, pressure and humidity and generating a second signal related thereto; means for storing calibration and identification information in said probe; and means for coupling said calibration and identification information and said first and second sensed signals for connection to a separate meter.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
46 words
The probe as defined in claim 26 wherein said probe includes at least second means for storing calibration and identification information in said probe relating to sensing at least a second physical parameter and means for selecting one of said calibration and identification information storing means.
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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) | 1995-11-10 | 1996-05-11 | 1996-11-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-11-10 | 2000-05-11 | 2000-11-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-11-10 | 2004-05-11 | 2004-11-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |