Fluid flow regulator device, comprising a valve member and a valve seat defining a fluid flow surface area, as well as method of using the same
US10013002B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jul 3, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 30, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16K99/0048
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention relates to a fluid flow regulator device, comprising a valve member and a valve seat arranged to be movable with respect to each other such that a fluid flow surface area defined by the valve member and the valve seat can be changed. Furthermore, sensor means are provided for measuring a capacitance related to at least a measure of the fluid flow surface area. According to the invention, the sensor means are arranged such that the capacitance measured is inversely proportional to the distance between the valve member and the valve seat. In an embodiment, a reference capacitance relating to fluid flow conditions is measured.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.