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.

Date of Patent:
Jul. 13, 2010

Filed:

Dec. 22, 2008
Applicants:

Shinya Igarashi, Ibaraki-ken, JP;

Hiroshi Kikawa, Ibaraki-ken, JP;

Yasuhiro Asano, Ibaraki-ken, JP;

Naoki Saito, Ibaraki-ken, JP;

Inventors:

Shinya Igarashi, Ibaraki-ken, JP;

Hiroshi Kikawa, Ibaraki-ken, JP;

Yasuhiro Asano, Ibaraki-ken, JP;

Naoki Saito, Ibaraki-ken, JP;

Assignees:

Hitachi, Ltd., Tokyo, JP;

Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd., Hitachinaka-shi, JP;

Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
G01F 1/68 (2006.01);
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
Abstract

In a flow sensor, detecting elements are provided at a sub-passage. A sub-passage wall contains a hole to drain accumulated liquid. A protrusion arranged close to the hole on an external surface generates dynamic pressure on the opening in response to external flow. Alternatively, a protrusion upstream from the hole on the inner wall surface produces a separation flow area for separating the flow from the internal surface near the hole, whereby pressure in the separation area is reduced and almost the same pressure differences on the internal and external surfaces openings result. This reduces leakage from the hole and changes in the distribution flow in the sub-passage between cases where the hole is blocked and not blocked, thus minimizing flow measurement errors. Structure may be provided close to the external surface hole opening to prevent a liquid film or drop from being formed on the opening by surface tension.


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