초록 ▼

Method and apparatus for making measurements on fluids are disclosed, including the use of a capacitive probe for measuring the flow volume of a material within a flow stream. The capacitance probe has at least two elongate electrodes and, in a specific embodiment of the invention, has three paralle

Method and apparatus for making measurements on fluids are disclosed, including the use of a capacitive probe for measuring the flow volume of a material within a flow stream. The capacitance probe has at least two elongate electrodes and, in a specific embodiment of the invention, has three parallel elongate electrodes with the center electrode being an extension of the center conductor of a co-axial cable. A conductance probe is also provided to provide more accurate flow volume data in response to conductivity of the material within the flow stream. A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides for a gas flow stream through a micro-gravity environment that allows for monitoring a flow volume of a fluid sample, such as a urine sample, that is entrained within the gas flow stream.

대표청구항 ▼

An electromagnetic flow monitor for monitoring flow of a material within a flow stream, comprising: first probe, said first probe having first and second elongate electrodes substantially parallel with respect to each other, said first and second elongate electrodes having a spacing therebetween tha

An electromagnetic flow monitor for monitoring flow of a material within a flow stream, comprising: first probe, said first probe having first and second elongate electrodes substantially parallel with respect to each other, said first and second elongate electrodes having a spacing therebetween that is functionally related to said fluid to be monitored, said first and second elongate electrodes defining a flow aperture; a signal generator operative to produce a reference signal for said probe; a cable for applying said reference signal to said probe and for receiving a reflected signal therefrom; flow rate means for providing said flow stream at a known flow rate through said flow aperture; a flow director for directing said flow stream between said first and second elongate electrodes; and detection circuits responsive to a permittivity of said material within said flow stream between said first and second elongate electrodes.