Title of Invention

APPARATUS FOR MEASURING VOLUMETRIC OR MASS FLUID FLOW

Abstract Apparatus is provided for measuring volumetric or mass flow of fluid which includes a capsule (12) adapted to reciprocate within a housing (22) and receive fluid from a tube (18), a magnetic force exerting device (24) adapted to exert a force on the capsule (12) that is proportional to the capsule (12) position. A seal (20) is provided in the bottom opening of the capsule (12) for fluidly blocking while a pin (36) is provided to push open the seal (20) when the capsule (12) is downwardly positioned to drain it. The volume or mass flow of the fluid can thus be measured continuously and volumetric flow determined.
Full Text APPARATUS FOR MEASURING
VOLUMETRIC OR MASS FLUID FLOW
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to fluid flow measuring systems. More
particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus for measuring the
volumetric or mass fluid Jow, especially when fluid flows in a non-continuous
"manner, and a method of using the same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Fluid management is important in many fields such as in domestic fields,
scientific fields, plants and in the medical field. In the medical field, in
particular, the accuracy of fluid flow measurements and fluid management can
be essential. There are many methods and devices for measuring fluid flow
when the flow is a continuous flow; however in the non-continuous flow
regime such as drops, lack of accurate measurement techniques is
prominent.
Usually, volumetric drops flow or other non-continuous flow of fluids is
measured using collecting means or optical counters (for drops). An example
for an optical counter is disclosed in US patent no. 4,314,484 "Self-
Compensating Optical drop Count Apparatus for Measuring Volumetric Fluid
Flow" by Bowman and filed in 1979. The patent discloses a self-compensating
optical drop count apparatus for measuring volumetric fluid flow by optically
counting the number of drops that pass through a drop chamber. Optical
counting circuitry is designed to count each drop only once. Another counter
is disclosed in US patent no. 6,640,649 "Droplet Counter for Low Flow Rates"
by Paz et al. This low flow metering device for measuring the flow of an
amount of fluid exceeding 0.05ml, in whicli a first chamber has an inlet and an
outlet in fluid communication with a second chamber, the first chamber
containing an element creating laminar flow. An electronic system is
positioned in the second chamber below a drop generator for counting the
passage of each droplet existing therefrom, and an information processing
unit is connected to the electronic system for receiving and recording
information.
These means as well as other means for fluid management bear
Inherent mass errors that accumulatively may generate massive mistakes in
the result of the measurement. Such systems for fluid management in which
non-continuous measurements are performed are used in many disciplines
such as scientific fields or medical fields as mentioned herein above, in which
mistakes may have serious and hazardous outcomes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a
method for accurately measuring the volumetric or mass fluid flow, especially
when fluid flows in a non-continuous manner such as drops.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and
a method for reliably measuring the volumetric or mass fluid flow in medical
and fluid management applications such as urine measuring devices, fluid
infusion or blood transfusion devices.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus
and method for measuring the volumetric or mass fluid flow without counting
the drops so as to eliminate inherent errors generated from counting individual
drops.
It is thus provided in accordance with an aspect of the present invention,
an apparatus for measuring mass flow of fluid, sa-d apparatus comprising:
a capsule having an upper opening and a bottom opening;
a housing having an upper end and a bottom end wherein
said capsule is adapted to move upwardly and downwardly within
said housing;
a force exerting means provided in a predetermined position,
wherein said force exerting means is adapted to exert force on
said capsule wherein said force is proportional to a position of
said capsule within said housing;
a tube provided in said upper end of said housing wherein
the fluid flows through said tube into said capsule;
a measuring nneaj|s adapted to measure said force;
a controller adapted to control said force exerting means;
a seal is provided in said bottom opening wherein said seal
is adapted to fluidically block said bottom opening;
an opening means is provided in said bottom end of said
housing wherein said opening means is adapted to open said seal
when said capsule is downwardly positioned;
whereby the position of the capsule within said housing depends upon
the mass of accumulated fluid in the capsule and the force exerted on
it, wherein as fluid is accumulated in said capsule, the capsule moves
downwardly towards said bottom end where the fluid drains due to the
seal that is opened by said opening means and whereby the amount of
fluid that passes through the apparatus as well as its rate is
measurable.
Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, when said capsule is filled with fluid and said measuring
means measures a predetermined force that indicates a known mass of fluid
in said capsule, said controller is adapted to temporarily allow said capsule to
move downwardly so that fluid is drained through said bottom opening and the
number of times the capsule is drained in a predetermined time frame can be
calculated so as to attain the mass flow rate of the fluid.
Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the fluid is dripping in drops from said tube into said
capsule.
Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the fluid flows in a continuous manner from said tube to
said capsule.
Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, said upper end of said housing is provided with a filter
adapted to filter the fluid accumulated in said capsule.
Furthermore, in accordance with another prefenred embodiment of the
present invention, said capsule is provided with means that force said seal
onto said bottom opening.
Furthermore, in accordance with another prefenred embodiment of the
present invention, said means is a spring attached to the inner circumference
of said capsule.
Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, said opening means is a pin that is adapted to push aside
said seal when said capsule is downwardly positioned.
Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the fluid flows through the housing in an overflow manner in
case of blockage in the capsule.
Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, said force can be any force such as magnetic force, elastic
force, electric force.
It is further provided in accordance with yet another preferred
embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for measuring volumetric
flow of fluid comprising:
a capsule having an upper opening and a bottom opening;
a housing having an upper end and a bottom end wherein
said capsule is adapted to move upwardly and downwardly within
said housing;
a magnetic means provided relatively close to said upper
end, wherein said magnetic means is adapted to exert magnetic
force on said capsule wherein said force is proportional to a
position of said capsule within said housing and said force is in a
minimal state when said capsule is adjacent to said magnetic
means;
a tube provided in said upper end of said housing wherein
the fluid flows through said tube into said capsule;
a measuring means adapted to measure said magnetic
force; ^
a controller adapted to control said magnetic means;
a seal is provided in said bottom opening wherein said seal
is adapted to fluidically block said bottom opening;
a pin is provided in said bottom end of said housing wherein
said pin is adapted to push aside said seal when said capsule is
downwardly positioned;
whereby the position of the capsule within said housing depends upon
the mass of accumulated fluid in the capsule wherein as fluid is
accumulated in said capsule, the capsule moves downwardly towards
said bottom end where the fluid drains due to the seal that is pushed
aside by said opening means and whereby the amount of fluid that
passes through the apparatus as well as its rate is measured.
Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, when said capsule is filled with fluid and said measuring
means measures a predetermined magnetic force, which indicates a known
volume of fluid in said capsule, said controller is adapted to temporarily
disconnect said magnetic means so as to allow said capsule to move
downwardly so that fluid is drained through said bottom opening and the
number of times the capsule is drained in a predetermined time can be
calculated so as to attain the volumetric flow rate of the fluid.
Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, said magnetic means is a DC coil and said measuring
means is a differential transformer.
Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, said differential transformer comprises an AC input coil and
an AC output coil.
Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, said DC coil and said differential transformer circumscribe
said housing.
Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, said housing is provided with a second magnetic means,
wherein said second magnetic means is positioned substantially adjacent to
said bottom opening.
Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the fluid is dripping in drops from said tube into said
capsule.
Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the fluid flows in a continuous manner from said tube to
said capsule.
Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, said upper end of said housing is provided with a filter
adapted to filter the fluid accumulated in said capsule.
Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, said capsule is provided with means that force said seal
onto said bottom opening.
Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, said means is a spring attached to the inner circumference
of said capsule.
Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, said controller is provided with a calibration standard of
said capsule and wherein said calibration standard relates the position of said
capsule to said magnetic force exerted onto said capsule.
Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, said controller is adapted to re-calibrate said calibration
standard when an original position of said capsule is not attained.
It is in addition provided In accordance with another preferred
embodiment of the present invention, a method for measuring the volumetric
flow of fluid comprising:
providing a capsule having an upper opening and a bottom
opening;
providing a housing having an upper end and a bottom end
wherein said capsule is adapted to move upwardly and
downwardly within said housing;
providing a magnetic means relatively close to said upper
end, wherein said magnetic means is adapted to exert: magnetic
force on said capsule wherein said force is proportional to the
position of said capsule within said housing and said force is in a
minimal state when said capsule is adjacent to said magnetic
means;
providing a tube in said upper end of said housing;
providing a measuring means adapted to measure said
magnetic force;
providing a controller adapted to control said magnetic
means;
providing a seal in said bottom opening wherein said seal is
adapted to fluidically block said bottom opening;
providing a pin in said bottom end of said housing wherein
said pin is adapted to push aside said seal when said capsule is
downwardly positioned;
allowing the fluid to flow through said tube into said capsule;
disconnecting said magnetic means wtien said measuring
means measure a predetemiined magnetic force exerted on said
capsule so as to allow the capsule to be drained;
connecting said magnetic means when said capsule is empty
of fluid.
Whereby the volumetric flow rate can be calculated from the number of
times said capsule is drained in a predetermined time.
Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, said method further comprises self-calibrating the force
exerted onto said capsule.
In addition, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, said method further comprising positioning a second
magnetic means adjacent to said bottom end.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
In order to better understand the present invention and appreciate its
practical applications, the following Figures are attached and references
herein. Like components are denoted by like reference numerals.
It should be noted that the figures are given as examples and preferred
embodiments only and in no way limit the scope of the present invention as
defined in the appending Description and Claims.
Figure 1 illustrates a cross sectional view of an apparatus for measuring
the mass flow of fluid drops in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of the apparatus shown in Figure
1, in draining state.
Figure 3 illustrates a cross sectional view of an apparatus for measuring
the mass flow of fluid drops in accordance with another preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In fluid management fields, especially where the flow rates are non-
continuous and establish a regime of drops, it is customary to measure the
volumetric or mass flow using optical counters of drops. Those methods bear
inherent errors that are originated from the size and shape of the droplets.
The present invention provides a unique and novel apparatus that
accumulates the drops so that characteristics of the drops themselves that
outcome from various physical characters has no effect on the measurement.
Since in apparatii used today especially in medical fields, the drops are
counted individually, any movement or change in character of the fluid
throughout the measurement may cause an enormous mistake. The outcome
of such a mistake is crucial since drug management is decided according to
the results of the measurement. However, similar errors in the scientific field
have also severe outcomes.
The present invention provides a new and unique apparatus for
measuring volumetric or mass flow of fluid. Throughout the following text, the
use of the terms volumetric flow and mass flow are used arbitrarily. The
transition from fluid volume to fluid mass and vice versa are simple and can
be incorporated in the controller software in accordance with the fluid that is
being managed. The apparatus comprises a capsule that moves upwardly
and downwardly within a housing. Close to the housing, a force exerting
means is provided, positioned relatively close to said upper end, wherein the
force exerting means is adapted to exert force on the capsule. The force that
is exerted can be anv forr.e such a«; an electric force mannetic force snrinn
force, elastic force, aerodynamic force and so on. The exerted force is
proportional to the position of the capsule within the housing and the force is
in a minimal state when the capsule is adjacent to the force exerting means.
In a preferable aspect of the present invention, the force exerting means is a
magnetic means.
The apparatus is further provided with a tube that leads the fluid to flow
into said capsule so that fluid accumulates within the capsule. A measuring
means is adapted to measure the force and a controller is adapted to control
the force exerting means. A seal is provided in the bottom of the capsule so
as to fluidically block a bottom opening of the capsule. An opening means that
is provided in the bottom end of the housing is adapted to open the seal when
the capsule is downwardly positioned so that the capsule is drained in the
downward position and retains its original weight.
When the capsule is filed with fluid and said measuring means measures
a predetermined force, which indicates a known volume of fluid in said
capsule, the controller is adapted to temporarily allow the capsule to move
downwardly so that fluid is drained through the bottom opening of the capsule
and the number of times the capsule is drained in a predetermined time can
be calculated so as to attain the volumetric flow rate of the fluid.
Reference is now made to Figure 1 illustrating a cross sectional view of
an apparatus for measuring the volumetric flow of fluid drops in accordance
with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. An apparatus for
measuring a fluid volumetric flow 10 comprises a capsule 12 having an upper
opening 14 and a bottom opening 16. The capsule acts as a plunger that
floats in a housing as will be explained herein after, however, the capsule is in
fact a passage in which fluid is adapted to alternately accumulate and drain.
The term "capsule" will be used for the capsule shaped plunger in the
following text. Capsule 12 is adapted to plunge beneath a tube 18 of which
drops are dripping. Bottom opening 16 is kept closed by a ball 20, preferably
made of rubber, that fluidically blocks opening 16. The drops (cannot be seen
in Figure 1) dripping of tube 18 are accumulated witliin capsule 12 that acts
as a reservoir.
Optionally, another shaped blocker can be utilized in order to allow the
drops to accumulate in the capsule. Other blod of the present invention.
In order to improve the sealing properties of ball 20 and to prevent leaks
from capsule 12 when fluid Is accumulated within the capsule, it is preferable
to provide the ball with means that exert force onto it, wherein the force is
downwardly directed so as to hold ball 20 onto bottom opening 16.
Reference is now made to Figure 3 Illustrating a cross sectional view of
an apparatus for measuring the mass flow of fluid drops in accordance with
another preferred embodiment of the present invention. On top of ball 20, a
spring 50 is provided which is attached to a ring 52 that is adhered to the
circumference of capsule 12. Spring 50 pushes ball 20 downwardly and
against bottom opening 16 so as to seal the bottom opening.
Optionally, it is preferable to provide housing 22 with a filter 54 that filters
the fluid dripping or flowing into capsule 12 so that there will be no gross dirt
that can obstruct the sealing of bottom opening 16. In this case, it also
provides an opportunity to observe the existence of solids in the fluid and to
send them to a laboratory check. This can provide additional indication of a
medical condition in cases the apparatus is used in the medical field.
Returning to Figure 1, as mentioned herein before, capsule 12 is a
plunger; therefore, adapted to vertically move within a housing 22 having an
upper end and a bottom end. Capsule 12 is adapted to move within housing
22 upwardly and downwardly. Capsule 12 is maintained in a predetermined
position within housing 12, which is close to the upper end of the housing, by
a force that can be generated by magnetic means, by resilient means, or any
other means. In any case, the force by which the capsule is maintained in
position has to be a measurable force. According to the embodiment
disclosed herein, capsule 12 is maintained in position by a DC coil 24, such
as a solenoid, generating a magnetic field about capsule 12. It is obvious that
in this case, capsule 12 comprises elements having magnetic properties such
as metallic elements so as to maintain an impact on DC coil 24. DC coll 24
circumscribes housing 22 close to the upper end of the housing. The use of
coils as force exerting means provides the apparatus with better accuracy and
sensitivity.
When capsule 12 is empty, a predetermined force Is applied on it by the
magnetic flux so as to maintain the capsule in position. As drops accumulate
in capsule 12, the weight of the capsule; hence the force exerted by the
capsule, becomes greater. The force exerted by DC coll 24 is responsive to
the position of capsule 12 within housing 22.
A differential transformer 30 is provided circumscribing housing 22.
Differential transformer 30 comprises two AC coils, an input coil 32 and an
output coil 34. Input coil 32 receives an alternating current while the output
that is measured by output coil 34 is influenced by the positioning of capsule
12 and the DC coil. In this way, differential transformer 30 is used in order to
calibrate the positioning of capsule 12 that is proportional to the weight of the
capsule and the fluid accumulating in it. As the weight of the capsule is
becoming greater due to the accumulation of the fluid dripping into it, it moves
downwardly. The positioning of the capsule is recorded by a processing
means (not shown in the Figures) that receives the data from output coil 34
and can be interpreted into weight of fluid; hence volume of fluid. The ability to
measure the rate in which capsule 12 is traveling downwardly can provide
information such as the volumetric or mass rate of the drops or the flow of
fluid from the tube and the specific gravity of the fluid, -provided the volume is
known.
According to the method of the present invention, at a predetermined
value measured by output coil 34 that indicates capsule 12 is filled or
substantially filled, DC coil 24 is disconnected so as to eliminate the magnetic
field operating on capsule 12. In fact, the capsule can be disconnected from
the magnetic force in any predetermined state of fluid filling.
Reference is now made to Figure 2 illustrating a cross sectional view of
tlie apparatus siiown in Figure 1, in draining state. When DC coil 24 is
disconnected, there is no force holding capsule 12 in the upward position and
it falls down due to gravity to the bottom of housing 22. Bottom end of housing
22 is provided with a pin 36. When capsule 12 falls downwardly, pin 36 pass
through bottom opening 16 and pushes ball 20 aside so as to allow fluid
accumulated in capsule 12 to drain through a drain tune 38.
Immediately after the fluid in capsule 12 is drained, DC coil 24 is
connected again, forcing capsule 12 to return to its original place adjacent to
DC coil 24. Fluid dripping from tube 18 starts to accumulate again. The
number of times capsule 12 falls down is proportional to the volume of fluid
dripping or flowing through tube 12. Drain tube 38 can be connected to a fluid
collecting bag (not shown in the Figures). Since the volume of fluid in capsule
12 is known and the time in which the capsule is being filled is also known,
the rate of volumetric flow from tube 18 can be measured. The number of
times capsule 12 is drained can be also measured so as to allow a continuous
measure of the flow rate.
Reference is made again to Figure 3 illustrating another preferred
embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. In order to assure the
drainage of capsule 12 and to overcome the force exerted onto ball 20, which
improve the sealing of the capsule, an additional DC coil 56 is provided
adjacent or beneath the bottom end of housing 22. When DC coil 24 is
disconnected, additional DC coil 56 is connected so as to force capsule 12
downwardly against pin 36. Additional DC coil facilitates in removing ball 20
from bottom opening 16 and overcoming the force of spring 50, which pushes
ball 20 downwardly. After the drainage of the capsule is completed, additional
DC coil 56 is disconnected and DC coil 24 is reconnected as explained herein
before.
Due to the high accuracy of the apparatus of the present invention when
used with DC and AC coils, the apparatus goes through a self-calibration
process. If from some reason such as dirt adhered onto the capsule, the
capsule is not returning to its original place when the DC coil is re-connected
(change in its original weight), a self-calibration process is performed, in which
the place the capsule is positioned when it is still empty is re-definied.
Accordingly, the calibration of the DC Vs. positioning of the capsule, is re-
calibrated. Alternatively, the DC coil self-calibration can be performed by
measuring the current needed to force the plunged capsule to reach a
predetermined position. It is possible to continuously or intermittently measure
the current and compare the resulting values.
It should be noticed that flow can be measured by the apparatus of the
present invention for fluids of all viscosities as well as for solids, especially in
the form of powders. Powder can be also accumulated in the capsule and its
mass of volumetric flow rate can be measured.
It should be mentioned that for safety reasons the fluid will flow through
the housing without passing through the capsule in case there is a blockage in
the capsule or the capsule from some reason is not functioning. In this case
an overflow occurs.
It shown be noticed that the flow can be measured when the fluid flows in,
drops or in a continuous manner, and there is no limitation as for the flow rate.
The fluid can be of any viscosity or density while in any case the flow rate can
i be measured by the apparatus and method of the present invention. The
measurement is accurate if the flow regime is even markedly changed during
measurements and there will be no impact of the rate on the accuracy of the
measurement.
It should be clear that the description of the embodiments and attached
> Figures set forth In this specification serves only for a better understanding of
the invention, without limiting its scope as covered by the following Claims.
It should also be clear that a person skilled in the art, after reading the
present specification can make adjustments or amendments to the attached
Figures and above described embodiments that would still be covered by the
) following Claims.

WE CLAIM
1. An apparatus for measuring mass flow of fluid, said apparatus
comprising:
a capsule having an upper opening and a bottom opening;
a housing having an upper end and a bottom end wherein
said capsule is adapted to move upwardly and downwardly within
said housing;
a force exerting(nieans)provided in ^predetermined PQ^ition.)
wherein said force exerting means is adapted to exert force on
said capsule wherein said force is proportional to a position of
said capsule within said housing;
a tube provided in said upper end of said housing wherein
the fluid flows through said tube into said capsule;
a nneasuring qieans)adapted to measure said force;
q[;cQDtroner)adapted to control said force exerting means;
a seal is provided in said bottom opening wherein said seal
is adapted to fluidically block said bottom opening;
an opening means is provided in said bottom end of said
housing wherein said opening(means)is adapted to open said seal
when said capsule is downwardlvrpositioned;
whereby the position of the capsule within said housing depends upon
the mass of accumulated fluid in the capsule and the force exerted on
it, wherein as fluid is accumulated in said capsule, the capsule moves
downwardly towards said bottom end where the fluid drains due to the
seal that is opened by said opening means and whereby the amount of
fluid that passes through the apparatus as well as its rate is
measurable.
2. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein when said capsule is
filled with fluid and said measuring means measures a predetermined
force that indicates a known mass of fluid in said capsule, said
controller is adapted to temporarily allow said capsule to move
downwardly so that fluid is drained through said bottom opening and
the number of times the capsule is drained in a predetemiined time
frame can be calculated so as to attain the mass flow rate of the fluid.
3. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the fluid is dripping in
drops from said tube into said capsule.
4. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the fluid flows In a
continuous manner from said tube to said capsule.
5. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said upper end of said
housing is provided with a filter adapted to filter the fluid accumulated
in said capsule.
6. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said capsule is provided
with means that force said seal onto said bottom opening.
7. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 6, wherein said means is a spring
attached to the inner circumference of said capsule.
8. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said opening means is a
pin that is adapted to push aside said seal when said capsule is
downwardly positioned.
9. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the fluid flows through
the housing in an overflow manner in case of blockage in the capsule.
10. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said force can be any
force such as magnetic force, elastic force, electric force.
11. An apparatus for measuring volumetric flow of fluid comprising:
a capsule having an upper opening and a bottom opening;
a housing having an upper end and a bottom end wherein
said capsule is adapted to move upwardly and downwardly within
said housing;
a magnetic means provided relatively close to said upper
end, wherein said magnetic means is adapted to exert magnetic
force on said capsule wherein said force is proportional to a
position of said capsule within said housing and said force is in a
minimal state when said capsule is adjacent to said magnetic
means;
a tube provided in said upper end of said housing wherein
the fluid flows through said tube into said capsule;
a measuring means adapted to measure said magnetic
force;
a controller adapted to control said magnetic means;
a seal is provided in said bottom opening wherein said seal
is adapted to fluidically block said bottom opening;
a pin is provided in said bottom end of said housing wherein
said pin is adapted to push aside said seal when said capsule is
downwardly positioned;
whereby the position of the capsule within said housing depends upon
the mass of accumulated fluid in the capsule wherein as fluid is
accumulated in said capsule, the capsule moves downwardly towards
said bottom end where the fluid drains due to the seal that is pushed
aside by said opening means and whereby the amount of fluid that
passes through the apparatus as well as its rate is measured.
12. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 11, wherein when said capsule is
filled with fluid and said measuring means measures a predetermined
magnetic force, which indicates a Icnown volume of fluid in said
capsule, said controller is adapted to temporarily disconnect said
magnetic means so as to allow said capsule to move downwardly so
that fluid is drained through said bottom opening and the number of
times the capsule is drained in a predetermined time can be calculated
so as to attain the volumetric flow rate of the fluid.
13. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 11, wherein said magnetic means is
a DC coil and said measuring means is a differential transfomner.
14. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 12, wherein said differential
transformer comprises an AC input coil and an AC output coil.
15. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 12, wherein said DC coil and said
differential transformer circumscribe said housing.
16. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 12, wherein said housing is
provided with a second magnetic means, wherein said second
magnetic means is positioned substantially adjacent to said bottom
opening.
17. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the fluid is dripping in
drops from said tube into said capsule.
18. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the fluid flows in a
continuous manner from said tube to said capsule.
19. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 11, wherein said upper end of said
housing is provided with a filter adapted to filter the fluid accumulated
in said capsule.
20. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 11, wherein said capsule is
provided with means that force said seal onto said bottom opening.
21. The apparatus as claimed In Claim 11, wherein said means is a spring
attached to the inner circumference of said capsule.
22. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 11, wherein said controller Is
provided with a calibration standard of said capsule and wherein said
calibration standard relates the position of said capsule to said
nriagnetic force exerted onto said capsule.
23. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 22, wherein said controller is
adapted to re-calibrate said calibration standard when an original
position of sid capsule is not attained.
'24. A method for measuring the volumetric flow of fluid comprising:
providing a capsule having an upper opening and a bottom
opening;
providing a housing having an upper end and a bottom end
wherein said capsule is adapted to move upwardly and
downwardly within said housing;
providing a magnetic means relatively close to said upper
end, wherein said magnetic means is adapted to exert magnetic
J I
force on said capsule wherein said force is proportional to the
position of said capsule within said housing and said force is in a
minimal state when said capsule is adjacent to said magnetic
means;
providing a tube in said upper end of said housing;
providing a measuring means adapted to measure said
magnetic force;
providing a controller adapted to control said magnetic
means;
providing a seal in said bottom opening wherein said seal is
adapted to fluidically block said bottom opening;
providing a pin in said bottom end of said housing wherein
said pin is adapted to push aside said seal when said capsule is
downwardly positioned;
allowing the fluid to flow through said tube into said capsule;
disconnecting said magnetic means when said measuring
means measure a predetemriined magnetic force exerted on said
capsule so as to allow the capsule to be drained;
connecting said magnetic means when said capsule is empty
of fluid.
Whereby the volumetric flow rate can be calculated from the number of
times said capsule is drained in a predetermined time.
25. The method as claimed in Claim 24, wherein said method further
comprises self-calibrating the force exerted onto said capsule.
26. The method as claimed in Claim 24, wherein said method further/
comprising positioning a second magnetic means adjacent to said
bottom end.

Apparatus is provided for measuring volumetric or mass flow of fluid which includes a capsule (12) adapted to
reciprocate within a housing (22) and receive fluid from a tube (18), a magnetic force exerting device (24) adapted to exert a force
on the capsule (12) that is proportional to the capsule (12) position. A seal (20) is provided in the bottom opening of the capsule (12)
for fluidly blocking while a pin (36) is provided to push open the seal (20) when the capsule (12) is downwardly positioned to drain
it. The volume or mass flow of the fluid can thus be measured continuously and volumetric flow determined.

Documents:

02568-kolnp-2005-abstract.pdf

02568-kolnp-2005-claims.pdf

02568-kolnp-2005-description complete.pdf

02568-kolnp-2005-drawings.pdf

02568-kolnp-2005-form 1.pdf

02568-kolnp-2005-form 3.pdf

02568-kolnp-2005-form 5.pdf

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2568-KOLNP-2005-ABSTRACT 1.1.pdf

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2568-KOLNP-2005-AMANDED CLAIMS.pdf

2568-KOLNP-2005-ASSIGNMENT.1.3.pdf

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2568-KOLNP-2005-EXAMINATION REPORT REPLY RECIEVED.pdf

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2568-KOLNP-2005-FORM 1-1.1.pdf

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2568-KOLNP-2005-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT.1.3.pdf

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Patent Number 248712
Indian Patent Application Number 2568/KOLNP/2005
PG Journal Number 32/2011
Publication Date 12-Aug-2011
Grant Date 09-Aug-2011
Date of Filing 12-Dec-2005
Name of Patentee A.L. HADAS TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
Applicant Address KIBUTTZ KFAR MASARIK, 25208 M.P. ASHRAT
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 WEINSTEIN, YECHIEL 20170 ATZMON
2 AVIRAM, RONEN 64, WEISMAN ST. KIRYAT MOTZKIN, 26393 KIRYAT MOTZKIN
PCT International Classification Number B01D 017/12
PCT International Application Number PCT/IL2004/000407
PCT International Filing date 2004-05-12
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 60/470,133 2003-05-13 U.S.A.