Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus to control the rate of flow of a fluid through a conduit

US7702423B2 · kind B2 · utility

3Cited by
44References
32Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 24, 2004
Grant dateApr 20, 2010
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 18, 2024

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T137/0324
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An apparatus to control the rate of flow of a stream of pressurized fluid through a conduit. The apparatus comprises a flow measurement device operatively connected to the conduit, a flow control device operatively connected to the conduit, and a controller operatively connected to the flow control device. The flow measurement device generates an output signal proportionate to the rate of flow of fluid therethrough. The flow control device includes an adjustable orifice wherein upon the opening of the orifice a portion of the stream of pressurized fluid is independently released from the conduit by the flow control device. The controller receives the output signal generated by the flow measurement device and causes the adjustable orifice in the flow control device to open or close as necessary to maintain the flow of pressurized fluid as measured by the flow measurement device within pre-determined limits.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.