Multiple technology flow sensor
US6901794B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 16, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jun 7, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 16, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01F1/698
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A flow sensor includes sensors connected to a flexible membrane. The sensors detect ambient temperature, pressure, and flow rate of a medium. A method of sensing flow rate includes providing the flexible membrane; coupling the plurality of sensors to the flexible membrane; and detecting ambient temperature, pressure, and flow rate of the medium by the sensors. A flow sensing system includes the flow sensor, an operational amplifier, and a closed loop controller. The sensors are connected in a Wheatstone bridge configuration. The operational amplifier is connected to the Wheatstone bridge and outputs a pressure signal representative of the pressure of the medium. The closed loop controller is connected to the operational amplifier and controls a current through a heating element for a resistor in the bridge such that a voltage across the operational amplifier is substantially zero. The output of the closed loop controller represents the flow rate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.