Electronic air separation system
US7000628B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 26, 2004 |
| Grant date | Feb 21, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 26, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/3012
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A liquid flow metering system is disclosed which includes a pump disposed between a liquid supply and a reservoir. The reservoir includes an inlet connected to the pump, an air/liquid outlet and a liquid outlet. The air/liquid outlet is connected to an air separation chamber. The liquid outlet is connected to a flow meter and a liquid outlet valve. The air separation chamber is connected to an air outlet. The air outlet is connected to an air release valve. The air separation chamber accommodates an optical sensor for sensing the presence of air in front thereof and within the air separation chamber. The optical sensor, air release valve and liquid outlet valve are all linked to a controller. When the optical sensor senses air in front of the optical sensor, the sensor sends a signal to the controller to open the air release valve and close the liquid outlet valve. Conversely, when the optical sensor senses liquid in front of the optical sensor, the optical sensor sends a signal to the controller to close the air release valve and open the liquid outlet valve.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.