Fluid metering apparatus and method
US5636653A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 1, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jun 10, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 1, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/8158
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for metering fluid flow is disclosed. A fluid dispensing unit is coupled between a supply pipe and a demand pipe, and dispenses fluid received from the supply pipe to the demand pipe. The demand pipe is coupled to one or more fluid-expending appliances. The pressure of the fluid in the demand pipe is monitored by a fluid information unit. The fluid information unit and fluid dispensing unit cooperate to maintain the fluid flowing through the demand pipe at a substantially constant demand fluid pressure by monitoring fluid flowing through the demand pipe and actively dispensing fluid received from the supply pipe into the demand pipe to maintain the demand fluid pressure at a pre-established demand pressure level. The fluid information unit and fluid dispensing unit also cooperate to meter or measure the volume of fluid dispensed through the fluid dispensing unit. The fluid dispensing unit includes a controllable valve responsive to valve control signals produced by the fluid information unit. The volume of fluid dispensed through the valve is computed using the difference between the supply and demand fluid pressures and a duration of time during which the f…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.