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:
Feb. 01, 2000
Filed:
Aug. 12, 1997
Horst K Wieder, Watertown, WI (US);
Cito Products, Inc., Watertown, WI (US);
Abstract
The present invention provides an improved flow sensor turbine assembly for fluid flow measurement. The flow sensor turbine is connected in fluid communication with a conduit through which a fluid whose flow rate is to be measured flows. The flow sensor turbine assembly includes a turbine, rotatably mounted on a turbine shaft, including turbine blades which rotate in response to the flow of fluid through the turbine assembly. Synthetic sapphire ball thrust bearings are provided adjacent to one or both ends of the turbine shaft to provide a low and consistent friction level and a high wear resistant bearing for the rotating turbine. Rotation of the turbine in the turbine assembly may be detected using an infrared rotation detector. Alternatively, a metallic insert may be positioned in one or more of the turbine blades. In such a case, rotation of the turbine may be detected using an inductive pick-up. The rate of flow through the turbine assembly is calculated from signals provided by the infrared or inductive pick-up rotation sensor in response to rotation of the turbine.