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Monitoring system for non-pressurized conduit

  • US 5,699,049 A
  • Filed: 06/28/1995
  • Issued: 12/16/1997
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/28/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method of monitoring the operation of a non-pressurized conduit through which liquid normally flows to detect abnormal flow that is characterized by a filling of an interior portion of the conduit that characteristically does not fill with liquid during normal flow of liquid through the conduit, comprising the steps of:

  • a) selecting a location along a length of a non-pressurized conduit through which liquid normally flows, at which selected location a portion of the interior of the conduit does not fill with liquid during normal flow of liquid through the conduit;

    b) providing a length of pipe that has opposed first and second end regions with the second end region defining a generally annular end surface, and connecting the length of pipe to the conduit so that the first end region communicates with said portion of the interior of the conduit so that liquid that flows into and fills said portion of the interior of the conduit also will flow into the interior of the length of pipe during a condition of abnormal flow at the selected location;

    c) providing a mounting member that defines a relatively thin, generally annular, mounting flange

         1) that extends circumferentially about a central portion of the mounting member, and

         2) that defines a side surface that is configured to seat against and matingly engage the end surface of the length of pipe;

    d) providing a liquid level responsive electrical switch having a sensing portion thereof that responds differently to the presence and absence of liquid, and installing the switch on the mounting member by connecting the switch to the central portion of the mounting member;

    e) positioning the mounting member with the switch installed thereon adjacent the second end region such that the sensing portion of the switch extends into the interior of the length of pipe to be subjected to the presence and absence of liquid therein and to respond thereto by providing a signal indicative of the sensed presence of liquid therein, and removably securing the mounting member in place adjacent the second end region by releasably clamping the side surface of the mounting flange into seated, mating engagement with the end surface of the length of pipe along a substantially continuous, generally circular line of contact; and

    ,f) providing switch responsive indicator means for providing, in response to said signal, an indication of the sensed presence of liquid within the interior of the length of pipe, which indication serves also to indicate a condition of sensed abnormal flow within the interior of the conduit at the selected location.

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