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Thermopile flow sensor

  • US 5,831,159 A
  • Filed: 05/03/1996
  • Issued: 11/03/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/24/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A flow sensor, comprising:

  • exactly two electrical connections;

    a tubular substrate;

    a series of interconnected thermocouples electrically connected to the two electrical connections, the series of interconnected thermocouples being symmetrically distributed about the substrate such that opposite ends of the substrate are uniformly heated when an alternating current is applied between the two electrical connections, thereby minimizing the effects of cross flow currents and the generation of uneven heat which arises due to the Peltier effect; and

    wherein the series of interconnected thermocouples provides a voltage between the two electrical connections representing a temperature differential proportional to flow when the alternating current is removed.

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