Gear-type drink-o-meter to monitor fluid consumption
US7851775B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 29, 2006 |
| Grant date | Dec 14, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 29, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01F3/10
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for monitoring the consumption of fluid by a user, particularly fluids being drank from a container. The apparatus may be used with wide variety of container types. The fluid monitoring unit uses a pair of gears in rotational engagement with each other such that fluid passes around them and rotation of at least one gear is indicative of fluid consumption. The gears in at least one exemplary embodiment are arranged to have low frictional resistance with respect to each other and their respective axles such that the gears quickly and easily rotate and over a wide fluid flow range. This allows the apparatus to accurately and consistently monitor fluid flow from very low flow rates to high flow rates and therefore provide very reliable consumption information. The apparatus in one exemplary embodiment includes an electromagnetic drinking straw embodiment that allows a user to monitor the consumption of fluids from virtually any container type.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.