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:
Oct. 29, 2002
Filed:
Sep. 26, 2000
GP Companies, Inc., Mendota Heights, MN (US);
Abstract
A flow switch for a high pressure washing system or other flow-related system is disclosed. The flow switch switches from an open to a closed position in the presence of adequate flow in a water or other fluid-carrying pipe. The flow switch includes a cartridge body, a sensor, a plunger, a magnet, and a spring. The cartridge body has an inlet port and an outlet port which allows fluid to flow into the cartridge body, through a flow chamber, and out of the cartridge body. The cartridge body also has a sensor chamber for accommodating the sensor. The sensor is positioned within the sensor chamber and is used to determine whether fluid is flowing through the flow chamber. A plunger is positioned within the flow chamber, and is responsive to fluid flow. Between the plunger and the sensor is a spring. The spring prevents the plunger from coming in close proximity to the sensor absent fluid flow. However, when there is fluid flow, the spring is compressed and the plunger comes in close proximity to the sensor and communicates with the sensor to allow the sensor to determine that fluid is flowing through the flow chamber. The flow switch can also include a housing, which accommodates the cartridge, sensor, plunger, and spring.