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VARIABLE AREA FLOW RATE METER USING OPTICAL SENSING OF FLOAT POSITION IN THE DUCT

  • US 20070284550A1
  • Filed: 03/15/2007
  • Published: 12/13/2007
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/10/2005
  • Status: Abandoned Application
First Claim
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1. A flowmeter for providing a signal indicating fluid flow rate through the flowmeter, said flowmeter of the type having a vertical, tapered duct defined by a duct wall and having an axis extending the length of the duct, a first opening for receiving flow of fluid whose flow rate is to be measured, and a second opening from which the fluid exits the duct, and a float shifting position along the duct axis within the duct and whose vertical position in the duct indicates the fluid flow rate, said flowmeter further comprising:

  • a) a window forming a portion of the duct wall in alignment with the duct axis, said window transparent to a signal beam and positioned adjacent to one opening of the duct;

    b) a signal beam source external to the duct and adjacent to the window, and transmitting a signal beam through the window toward the float;

    c) a feature of the float that reflects to the window a portion of the signal beam impinging on the float; and

    e) a signal beam sensor external to the duct and receiving through the window, at least a portion of the signal beam reflected from the float, and providing a sensor signal indicating the level of light received by the light sensor.

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