System for characterizing movement and temperature of fluids

Claim 1

An apparatus for measuring a movement of a fluid, the apparatus comprising: a first facing having a front surface and a rear surface, the front surface of the first facing disposable adjacent the fluid; a second facing having a front surface and a rear surface, the front surface of the second facing disposable adjacent the fluid and generally opposite the front surface of the first surface, and wherein one of the first facing and the second facing has an aperture extending therethrough, and further wherein one of the first facing and the second facing is movable in relation to the other; a laser beam means for providing a first beam and a second beam wherein both the first beam and the second beam intersect at a focal point within the fluid to form a measuring volume; support means for supporting the laser beam means in the vicinity of the aperture such that the first beam and the second beam are directable through the aperture toward the fluid whereby the measuring volume can be positioned within the fluid; photodetecting means for detecting optical impulses generated when particles in the fluid intersect the measuring volume; optical impulse conversion means connected to the photodetecting means for converting the detected optical impulses into electrical impulses; and electrical impulse conversion means connected to the optical impulse conversion means for providing an output indicative of the movement of the fluid.

Claim 2

An apparatus for measuring a movement of a fluid, the apparatus comprising: a first facing having a front surface and a rear surface, the front surface of the first facing disposable adjacent the fluid; a second facing having a front surface and a rear surface, the front surface of the second facing disposable adjacent the fluid and generally opposite the front surface of the first surface, and wherein one of the first facing and the second facing has an aperture extending therethrough, and further wherein one of the first facing and the second facing is movable in relation to the other; a laser beam means for providing a first beam and a second beam wherein both the first beam and the second beam intersect at a focal point within the fluid to form a measuring volume; support means for supporting the laser beam means in the vicinity of the aperture such that the first beam and the second beam are directable through the aperture toward the fluid whereby the measuring volume can be positioned within the fluid; photodetecting means for detecting optical impulses generated when particles in the fluid intersect the measuring volume; optical impulse conversion means connected to the photodetecting means for converting the detected optical impulses into electrical impulses; and electrical impulse conversion means connected to the optical impulse conversion means for providing an output indicative of the movement of the fluid.

Claim 11

An apparatus for measuring a movement and estimating a temperature of a fluid, the apparatus comprising: a facing having a front surface and a rear surface, the facing disposable adjacent the fluid, the facing further having an aperture extending therethrough; a laser beam means for providing a first beam and a second beam wherein both the first beam and the second beam intersect at a focal point within the fluid to form a measuring volume; support means for supporting the laser beam means in the vicinity of the aperture such that the first beam and the second beam are directable through the aperture toward the fluid whereby the measuring volume can be positioned within the fluid; photodetecting means for detecting optical impulses generated when particles in the fluid intersect the measuring volume; optical impulse conversion means connected to the photodetecting means for converting the detected optical impulses into electrical impulses; electrical impulse conversion means connected to the optical impulse conversion means for providing an output indicative of the movement of the fluid; a first temperature sensor embedded in the facing in a first sensor position wherein the first temperature sensor is substantially flush with the front surface of the facing; a second temperature sensor embedded in the facing in a second sensor position which is aligned horizontally a first distance directly behind the first sensor position; a third temperature sensor embedded in the facing in a third sensor position which is aligned horizontally a second distance directly behind the second sensor position, the second distance being equal to said first distance, and wherein the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor are located in a substantially linear horizontal alignment within the facing and in a perpendicular direction to the overall flow of the fluid; signal detecting/converting means connected to each temperature sensor for detecting signals from the temperature sensors and converting the signals into data; and temperature outputting means for receiving the data and for outputting an estimated fluid temperature reading calculated from the data.

Claim 12

An apparatus for measuring a movement and estimating a temperature of a fluid, the apparatus comprising: a facing having a front surface and a rear surface, the facing disposable adjacent the fluid, the facing further having an aperture extending therethrough; a laser beam means for providing a first beam and a second beam wherein both the first beam and the second beam intersect at a focal point within the fluid to form a measuring volume; support means for supporting the laser beam means in the vicinity of the aperture such that the first beam and the second beam are directable through the aperture toward the fluid whereby the measuring volume can be positioned within the fluid; photodetecting means for detecting optical impulses generated when particles in the fluid intersect the measuring volume; optical impulse conversion means connected to the photodetecting means for converting the detected optical impulses into electrical impulses; electrical impulse conversion means connected to the optical impulse conversion means for providing an output indicative of the movement of the fluid; a first temperature sensor embedded in the facing in a first sensor position wherein the first temperature sensor is substantially flush with the front surface of the facing; a second temperature sensor embedded in the facing in a second sensor position which is aligned horizontally a first distance directly behind the first sensor position; a third temperature sensor embedded in the facing in a third sensor position which is aligned horizontally a second distance directly behind the second sensor position, the second distance being equal to said first distance, and wherein the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor are located in a substantially linear horizontal alignment within the facing and in a perpendicular direction to the overall flow of the fluid; signal detecting/converting means connected to each temperature sensor for detecting signals from the temperature sensors and converting the signals into data; and temperature outputting means for receiving the data and for outputting an estimated fluid temperature reading calculated from the data.

Claim 23

A method for measuring a movement of a fluid in a gap, the steps of the method comprising: providing a test cell, the test cell having disposed therein a first facing having a front surface and a rear surface; providing a second facing having a front surface and a rear surface, the front surface of the second facing disposable generally opposite the front surface of the first facing and having a gap therebetween, and wherein one of the first facing and the second facing has an aperture extending therethrough, and further wherein one of the first facing and the second facing is movable in relation to the other; passing a fluid through the gap; using a laser beam means to provide a first beam and a second beam wherein both the first beam and the second beam intersect at a focal point within the fluid in the gap to form a measuring volume, and wherein the laser beam means is supported in the vicinity of the aperture such that the first beam and the second beam are directable through the aperture toward the fluid whereby the measuring volume can be positioned within the fluid; detecting optical impulses generated when particles in the fluid intersect the measuring volume; converting the detected optical impulses into electrical impulses; and converting the electrical impulses into an output indicative of the movement of the fluid.

Claim 24

A method for measuring a movement of a fluid in a gap, the steps of the method comprising: providing a test cell, the test cell having disposed therein a first facing having a front surface and a rear surface; providing a second facing having a front surface and a rear surface, the front surface of the second facing disposable generally opposite the front surface of the first facing and having a gap therebetween, and wherein one of the first facing and the second facing has an aperture extending therethrough, and further wherein one of the first facing and the second facing is movable in relation to the other; passing a fluid through the gap; using a laser beam means to provide a first beam and a second beam wherein both the first beam and the second beam intersect at a focal point within the fluid in the gap to form a measuring volume, and wherein the laser beam means is supported in the vicinity of the aperture such that the first beam and the second beam are directable through the aperture toward the fluid whereby the measuring volume can be positioned within the fluid; detecting optical impulses generated when particles in the fluid intersect the measuring volume; converting the detected optical impulses into electrical impulses; and converting the electrical impulses into an output indicative of the movement of the fluid.

Claim 29

A method for estimating a temperature and measuring a movement of a fluid, the method comprising the steps of: providing a test cell having disposed therein: a facing having a front surface, a rear surface, and an aperture extending therethrough, a first temperature sensor positioned in the facing in a first sensor position wherein the first temperature sensor is substantially flush with the front surface of the facing, a second temperature sensor positioned in the facing in a second sensor position which is aligned horizontally a first distance directly behind the first sensor position, and a third temperature sensor positioned in the facing in a third sensor position which is aligned horizontally a second distance directly behind the second sensor position, the second distance being equal to the first distance, and wherein the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor are located in a substantially linear horizontal alignment within the facing and in a perpendicular direction to the overall flow of the fluid; passing a fluid by the front surface of the facing; detecting a temperature signal from each temperature sensor and converting the temperature signals into data; receiving the data and calculating an estimated fluid temperature reading therefrom; using a laser beam means to provide a first beam and a second beam wherein both the first beam and the second beam intersect at a focal point within the fluid to form a measuring volume, and wherein the laser beam means is supported in the vicinity of the aperture such that the first beam and the second beam are directable through the aperture toward the fluid whereby the measuring volume can be positioned within the fluid; detecting optical impulses generated when particles in the fluid intersect the measuring volume; converting the detected optical impulses into electrical impulses; and converting the electrical impulses into an output indicative of the movement of the fluid.

Claim 30

A method for estimating a temperature and measuring a movement of a fluid, the method comprising the steps of: providing a test cell having disposed therein: a facing having a front surface, a rear surface, and an aperture extending therethrough, a first temperature sensor positioned in the facing in a first sensor position wherein the first temperature sensor is substantially flush with the front surface of the facing, a second temperature sensor positioned in the facing in a second sensor position which is aligned horizontally a first distance directly behind the first sensor position, and a third temperature sensor positioned in the facing in a third sensor position which is aligned horizontally a second distance directly behind the second sensor position, the second distance being equal to the first distance, and wherein the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor are located in a substantially linear horizontal alignment within the facing and in a perpendicular direction to the overall flow of the fluid; passing a fluid by the front surface of the facing; detecting a temperature signal from each temperature sensor and converting the temperature signals into data; receiving the data and calculating an estimated fluid temperature reading therefrom; using a laser beam means to provide a first beam and a second beam wherein both the first beam and the second beam intersect at a focal point within the fluid to form a measuring volume, and wherein the laser beam means is supported in the vicinity of the aperture such that the first beam and the second beam are directable through the aperture toward the fluid whereby the measuring volume can be positioned within the fluid; detecting optical impulses generated when particles in the fluid intersect the measuring volume; converting the detected optical impulses into electrical impulses; and converting the electrical impulses into an output indicative of the movement of the fluid.

Claim 37

A method for measuring a flow direction of a fluid, the steps of the method comprising: providing a test cell, the test cell having disposed therein a facing having a front surface, a rear surface and an aperture extending therethrough; passing a fluid by the facing; using a laser beam means to provide a first beam and a second beam wherein both the first beam and the second beam intersect at a focal point within the fluid to form a measuring volume having an axis, and wherein the laser beam means is supported in the vicinity of the aperture such that the first beam and the second beam are directable through the aperture toward the fluid whereby the measuring volume can be positioned within the fluid; rotating the measuring volume in a first direction about the axis of the measuring volume; rotating the measuring volume in a second direction about an eccentric axis; detecting, during the first rotation step and during the second rotation step, optical impulses generated when particles in the fluid intersect the measuring volume; converting the detected optical impulses into electrical impulses; and converting the electrical impulses into an output indicative of the movement of the fluid.

Claim 38

A method for measuring a flow direction of a fluid, the steps of the method comprising: providing a test cell, the test cell having disposed therein a facing having a front surface, a rear surface and an aperture extending therethrough; passing a fluid by the facing; using a laser beam means to provide a first beam and a second beam wherein both the first beam and the second beam intersect at a focal point within the fluid to form a measuring volume having an axis, and wherein the laser beam means is supported in the vicinity of the aperture such that the first beam and the second beam are directable through the aperture toward the fluid whereby the measuring volume can be positioned within the fluid; rotating the measuring volume in a first direction about the axis of the measuring volume; rotating the measuring volume in a second direction about an eccentric axis; detecting, during the first rotation step and during the second rotation step, optical impulses generated when particles in the fluid intersect the measuring volume; converting the detected optical impulses into electrical impulses; and converting the electrical impulses into an output indicative of the movement of the fluid.

Claim 43

An apparatus for measuring a movement and a temperature of a fluid, the apparatus comprising: a first facing and a second facing, each having a front surface and a rear surface, each of first and second facings disposable adjacent the fluid, one of the first facing and second facing further having an aperture extending therethrough; temperature sensing means positioned within one of the first facing and the second facing for estimating a temperature of the fluid; a laser beam means for providing a first beam and a second beam wherein both the first beam and the second beam intersect at a focal point within the fluid to form a measuring volume; support means for supporting the laser beam means in the vicinity of the aperture such that the first beam and the second beam are directable through the aperture toward the fluid whereby the measuring volume can be positioned within the fluid; photodetecting means for detecting optical impulses generated when particles in the fluid intersect the measuring volume; optical impulse conversion means connected to the photodetecting means for converting the detected optical impulses into electrical impulses; and electrical impulse conversion means connected to the optical impulse conversion means for providing an output indicative of the movement of the fluid.

Claim 44

An apparatus for measuring a movement and a temperature of a fluid, the apparatus comprising: a first facing and a second facing, each having a front surface and a rear surface, each of first and second facings disposable adjacent the fluid, one of the first facing and second facing further having an aperture extending therethrough; temperature sensing means positioned within one of the first facing and the second facing for estimating a temperature of the fluid; a laser beam means for providing a first beam and a second beam wherein both the first beam and the second beam intersect at a focal point within the fluid to form a measuring volume; support means for supporting the laser beam means in the vicinity of the aperture such that the first beam and the second beam are directable through the aperture toward the fluid whereby the measuring volume can be positioned within the fluid; photodetecting means for detecting optical impulses generated when particles in the fluid intersect the measuring volume; optical impulse conversion means connected to the photodetecting means for converting the detected optical impulses into electrical impulses; and electrical impulse conversion means connected to the optical impulse conversion means for providing an output indicative of the movement of the fluid.

Claim 47

A method for measuring a movement and temperature of a fluid, the steps of the method comprising: providing a test cell, the test cell having disposed therein a first facing and a second facing each having a front surface and a rear surface and one of the first facing and second facing having an aperture extending therethrough; providing temperature sensing means for estimating a temperature of the fluid, the temperature sensing means positioned within one of the first facing and the second facing; passing a fluid by the facing; using a laser beam means to provide a first beam and a second beam wherein both the first beam and the second beam intersect at a focal point within the laser beam means is supported in the vicinity of the aperture such that the first beam and the second beam are directable through the aperture toward the fluid whereby the measuring volume can be positioned within the fluid; detecting signals from the temperature sensing means and converting the signals into data; receiving the data and calculating an estimated fluid temperature reading therefrom; detecting optical impulses generated when particles in the fluid intersect the measuring volume; converting the detected optical impulses into electrical impulses; and converting the electrical impulses into an output indicative of the movement of the fluid.

Claim 48

A method for measuring a movement and temperature of a fluid, the steps of the method comprising: providing a test cell, the test cell having disposed therein a first facing and a second facing each having a front surface and a rear surface and one of the first facing and second facing having an aperture extending therethrough; providing temperature sensing means for estimating a temperature of the fluid, the temperature sensing means positioned within one of the first facing and the second facing; passing a fluid by the facing; using a laser beam means to provide a first beam and a second beam wherein both the first beam and the second beam intersect at a focal point within the laser beam means is supported in the vicinity of the aperture such that the first beam and the second beam are directable through the aperture toward the fluid whereby the measuring volume can be positioned within the fluid; detecting signals from the temperature sensing means and converting the signals into data; receiving the data and calculating an estimated fluid temperature reading therefrom; detecting optical impulses generated when particles in the fluid intersect the measuring volume; converting the detected optical impulses into electrical impulses; and converting the electrical impulses into an output indicative of the movement of the fluid.