Dimension sensor and method for stopping expansion of a tube
US7501596B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 27, 2005 |
| Grant date | Mar 10, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 23, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF28F2275/125
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A dimension sensor is used in conjunction with a tube and includes a body member and at least one detector element. The body member has an inner surface defining an opening sized to receive the tube. The at least one detector element is connected to the body member and has a detector portion extending into the opening. When the tube is received in the opening, the detector portion is initially disposed apart from the tube. A method using the dimension sensor stops expansion of the tube expanding from a pre-expanded state to a desired expanded state. A pumping device is actuated to pressurize a fluid by an amount sufficient to cause the tube to expand from the pre-expanded state to the desired expanded state. When the tube expands to the desired expanded state, the pumping device deactivates thereby stopping expansion of the tube at the desired expanded state.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.