Flow control and operation monitoring system for individual spray nozzles
US7311004B2 · kind B2 · utility
103Cited by
28References
55Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 25, 2004 |
| Grant date | Dec 25, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 17, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB05B15/50
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and process for monitoring fluid flow through a nozzle is disclosed. A vibration sensor, such as an accelerometer, is mounted to a nozzle. The vibration output received from the sensor is then analyzed to determine whether or not the nozzle is operating properly. Through the present invention, information can be obtained regarding variations in flow rate, and/or variations in spray pattern and droplet size spectra. If the nozzle flow pulsates, the vibration sensor may also provide information regarding whether the nozzle is pulsating according to a desired frequency duty cycle or waveform.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.