Methods and apparatuses for detection of properties of fluid conveyance systems
First Claim
1. A fitting assembly for attachment to an end portion of a conduit, the fitting assembly comprising:
- a first component configured to receive the end portion of the conduit;
a second component operably coupled to the first component, wherein the second component engages the first component to retain the end portion of the conduit in the first component, andan indicator carried by at least one of the first and second components, the indicator includes a miniature, micro or nano circuit having photovoltaic material to activate the circuit wherein the indicator provides an externally accessible indication of information related to a fluid flowing through the fitting assembly.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for monitoring and/or detecting the flow of one or more fluids in a fluid system including leak detection system integral to the fluid system (e.g., at any point along a conduit, at a connection between conduits such as at a fitting assembly, etc.) configured to detect incipient, early stage levels of the leak. Based on one or more factors related to the fluid and/or the leak, the methods, devices, and systems disclosed herein can provide an indication of a suitable action or process in response to the fluid or the leak including performing preventative maintenance or providing an indication of the need of maintenance in response to the leak.
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Citations
34 Claims
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1. A fitting assembly for attachment to an end portion of a conduit, the fitting assembly comprising:
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a first component configured to receive the end portion of the conduit; a second component operably coupled to the first component, wherein the second component engages the first component to retain the end portion of the conduit in the first component, and an indicator carried by at least one of the first and second components, the indicator includes a miniature, micro or nano circuit having photovoltaic material to activate the circuit wherein the indicator provides an externally accessible indication of information related to a fluid flowing through the fitting assembly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method of determining the early stages of a leak in a fitting assembly, the method comprising:
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providing a conduit for conveying a fluid; attaching a fitting assembly to the conduit, wherein the fitting assembly comprises a first component coupled to the conduit, a second component configured to engage the first component to retain the conduit within the first component, and a leak detector carried by at least one of the first and second components, the leak detector includes miniature, micro or nano circuitry activated by a photovoltaic material that is carried by the assembly proximate to the leak detector; and flowing the fluid through the conduit and the fitting assembly, wherein if the fluid contacts the leak indicator the leak detector provides a warning in response to a fluid leakage from the fitting assembly. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A fluid conduit system comprising:
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a first conduit configured for conveying a fluid; a second conduit configured for conveying the fluid; and a fitting assembly configured for coupling the first conduit to the second conduit for conveying the fluid there between, wherein the fitting assembly comprises a first component configured to be attached to at least one of the first and second conduits; a second component carried by the first component, wherein the second component engages the first component to retain the at least first and second conduit; and a leak indictor carried by at least one of the first and second components, the leak indicator includes a sensor having miniature, micro or nano circuitry wherein the circuitry is activated by a photovoltaic material that is carried by the assembly proximate to the leak indicator, wherein the leak indicator provides a warning if the fluid leaks from the fitting assembly between the first and second conduits. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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Specification