The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 02, 1991
Filed:
Mar. 09, 1990
Christopher J Ziolkowski, Chicago, IL (US);
James E Huebler, Brookfield, IL (US);
Institute of Gas Technology, Chicago, IL (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for generating and introducing an acoustic signal into a piping system, such as a natural gas distribution system. A first case is sealably secured to a second case to form a diaphragm case. A diaphragm is sealably positioned within the diaphragm case between the first case and the second case. The first case and the diaphragm define a first chamber and the second case and the diaphragm define a second chamber. The first chamber is preferably in communication with the ambient atmosphere and operates at atmospheric pressure. The diaphragm case is one component of a pressure regulator that has an inlet and an outlet for connecting the pressure regulator within a piping system. The pressure regulator regulates fluid pressure within the piping system, downstream from the pressure regulator. The pressure regulator has a valve plug and a valve stem connected to the valve plug. An opposite end of the valve stem is connected to the diaphragm. An acoustic signal is introduced into the first chamber in order to vibrate the diaphragm and produce an acoustic signal, preferably amplified, within the piping system, downstream from the pressure regulator.