Flow volume detection device
First Claim
1. An apparatus for monitoring the flow volume in a conduit, comprising:
- means for converting the flow of a fluid in said conduit to rotary motion;
a rotatable, visual indicator comprised of a non-magnetically attractive material to which said rotary motion is imparted, said indicator including about the periphery thereof visually perceptible sequential values indicative of the rotary position of said indicator;
a non-magnetized actuator comprised of a magneticallly attractive material, said actuator disposed about a small arc of said periphery of said indicator;
a magnetic switch disposed near said indicator, said magnetic switch comprising a plurality of magnets disposed in a non-magnetically attractive housing and including a movable magnet, said switch magnetically biased to a first position by the magnetic interaction forces of said movable magnet with the other magnets in said plurality, said magnetic switch temporarily actuated from said first to a second position by the proximity of said non-magnetized actuator once during each revolution of said indicator when said forces are exceeded by the attractive force of said movable magnet for said actuator; and
an electrical switch mechanically linked to said movable magnet for producing an output indicative of said flow, said electrical switch actuated by actuation of said magnetic switch.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for monitoring the continued rotation of a non-magnetically attractive indicator, e.g., a rotating, plastic dial, disc, wheel, arm or the like of a meter. The present invention is particularly useful for detecting the satisfactory operation of flow meters, e.g., meters used to determine the flow of fluids from oil and gas wells, in transmission lines and in chemical processing plants. The present invention provides a system for monitoring the operation or rotation by employing a rotating, magnetically attractive actuator to actuate a magnetic switch which in turn actuates an electrical switch for producing a monitoring signal. The apparatus and method of the present invention provide a rigid, dependable, accurate and wear-free device for monitoring the continued operation of a flow or other meter.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. An apparatus for monitoring the flow volume in a conduit, comprising:
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means for converting the flow of a fluid in said conduit to rotary motion; a rotatable, visual indicator comprised of a non-magnetically attractive material to which said rotary motion is imparted, said indicator including about the periphery thereof visually perceptible sequential values indicative of the rotary position of said indicator; a non-magnetized actuator comprised of a magneticallly attractive material, said actuator disposed about a small arc of said periphery of said indicator; a magnetic switch disposed near said indicator, said magnetic switch comprising a plurality of magnets disposed in a non-magnetically attractive housing and including a movable magnet, said switch magnetically biased to a first position by the magnetic interaction forces of said movable magnet with the other magnets in said plurality, said magnetic switch temporarily actuated from said first to a second position by the proximity of said non-magnetized actuator once during each revolution of said indicator when said forces are exceeded by the attractive force of said movable magnet for said actuator; and an electrical switch mechanically linked to said movable magnet for producing an output indicative of said flow, said electrical switch actuated by actuation of said magnetic switch. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. An apparatus for remotely monitoring the continued rotation of a non-magnetically attractive, rotatable visual indicator, comprising:
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actuating means comprised of a magnetically attractive but non-magnetized material, said actuating means disposed about a small arc of the periphery of said indicator; magnetic switching means disposed near said indicator and actuated by the proximity of said non-magnetized actuating means, said magnetic switching means comprising a plurality of magnets disposed in a non-magnetically attractive housing and including a first movable magnet, said switching means biased to a first position by the magnetic interaction forces of said movable magnet with the other magnets in said plurality, said switching means temporarily actuated to a second position when said forces are exceeded by the attractive force of said movable magnet for said actuating means; and electrical switching means mechanically linked to said movable magnet for producing an output indicative of continued rotation of said indicator, said electrtical switching means actuated by actuation of said magnetic switching means. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9)
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Specification