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 Title: |
US5637789:
Fluid leak detector
[ Derwent Title ]
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| Country: |
US United States of America
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| Inventor: |
Lawson, William J.; Poteet, TX 78065
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| Assignee: |
None
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| Published / Filed: |
1997-06-10
/ 1995-09-29
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| Application Number: |
US1995000536953
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| IPC Code: |
Advanced:
G01M 3/00;
G01M 3/28;
Core:
more...
IPC-7:
G01M 3/28;
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| ECLA Code: |
G01M3/00B; G01M3/28A;
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| U.S. Class: |
Current:
073/040.5R;
340/606;
Original:
073/040.5R;
340/606;
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| Field of Search: |
073/40.5 R,49.1,202.5,204.18,204.24,204.11,204.12,204.14,204.17,204.19
340/605,606
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| Priority Number: |
| 1995-09-29 |
US1995000536953 |
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| Abstract: |
A downstream leak detection system for use with pipeline systems, especially those of residential type, is disclosed. The system makes use of a single thermistor, or other sensing element, to detect extraneous fluid flow via thermal transport. The leakage rate may be set over a wide range, and an alarm is activated when the desired leak flow rate is detected over a predetermined time interval.
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| Attorney, Agent or Firm: |
Gunn, Lee & Miller, P.C. ;
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| Primary / Asst. Examiners: |
Brock, Michael;
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| Maintenance Status: |
E3 Expired Check current status
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| INPADOC Legal Status: |
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| Family: |
None
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First Claim:
Show all 7 claims |
I claim:
1. An apparatus for detecting downstream leakage in a piping system comprising:
- a flowmeter, said flowmeter comprising;
- a check valve, said check valve for preventing backflow of a fluid carried in said piping system;
- a bypass tube, said bypass tube positioned across said check valve and having a fluid flow capacity small relative to a fluid flow capacity in said piping system;
- a flow rate sensor, said sensor positioned in association with said bypass tube and in thermal contact with said fluid carried by said piping system, said sensor located upstream from said leakage in said piping system, said sensor producing a voltage proportional to a flow rate of said fluid past said sensor, said voltage due to heat lost to said fluid from said sensor;
- a controller/display unit, said controller/display unit comprising;
- a flow rate display, said display producing a visual signal responsive to changes in said voltage;
- a sensitivity control, said control operable to set a flow rate value below which said display is disabled; and
- an alarm, said alarm active when said flow rate value is exceeded for a preset time period.
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| Background / Summary: |
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| Drawing Descriptions: |
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| Description: |
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| Forward References: |
Show 15 U.S. patent(s) that reference this one
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