Variable area flow rate meter using optical sensing of float position in the duct
US7193233B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 10, 2005 |
| Grant date | Mar 20, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 15, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01F1/24
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A flowmeter has a variable area, vertically-oriented duct through which flows fluid whose flow rate is to be determined. A float in the duct assumes a position in the duct that depends on the flow rate of fluid in the duct. A window is located at an end of the duct in alignment with a longitudinal axis of the duct. A transducer unit projects a light beam through the window and along the axis toward the float. The transducer includes a light sensor that detects light returned by the float by reflection or some other mechanism to the transducer unit. The intensity or other characteristic of the returned light indicates the position of the float in the duct, from which the fluid flow rate may be determined.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.