초록 ▼

A sensing apparatus includes a conduit and a liquid flow sensor positioned in a first opening in a conduit. The liquid flow sensor includes an electromagnetic coil positioned in a housing for generating a magnetic field having a predetermined pattern within the conduit so that a relatively strong ma

A sensing apparatus includes a conduit and a liquid flow sensor positioned in a first opening in a conduit. The liquid flow sensor includes an electromagnetic coil positioned in a housing for generating a magnetic field having a predetermined pattern within the conduit so that a relatively strong magnetic field is adjacent the liquid contacting portion and so that a relatively weak magnetic field is adjacent a second opening through which a liquid characteristic sensor is positioned. The liquid characteristic sensor preferably comprises a sensor susceptible to magnetic fields. Accordingly, the liquid characteristic sensor is subject to only a relatively weak magnetic field. For example, the liquid characteristic sensor may be a turbidity sensor or a dissolved oxygen sensor. The second opening is preferably positioned in an arcuate portion of the conduit in a range of about 70 to 110 degrees of rotation from an imaginary line extending longitudinally through a center of the first opening. More preferably, the second opening may be positioned at about 90 degrees of rotation from the imaginary line extending longitudinally through a center of the first opening. The first opening is preferably positioned in a medial portion of the conduit. Accordingly, to provide increased separation from the relatively high magnetic field, the second opening may be positioned adjacent an end of the conduit and away from the liquid flow sensor and its associated electromagnetic coil. Method aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

[ That which is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for sensing liquid flow rate and a characteristic of the liquid, said apparatus comprising:a conduit for carrying a liquid flow, said conduit having a generally circular cross-section and having first and second openings in sidewall portions thereof;a l

[ That which is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for sensing liquid flow rate and a characteristic of the liquid, said apparatus comprising:a conduit for carrying a liquid flow, said conduit having a generally circular cross-section and having first and second openings in sidewall portions thereof;a liquid flow sensor positioned in the first opening in said conduit, said liquid flow sensor comprisinga housing comprising a liquid contacting portion,an electromagnetic coil positioned in said housing for generating a magnetic field having a predetermined pattern in the conduit so that a relatively strong magnetic field is adjacent the liquid contacting portion and so that a relatively weak magnetic field is adjacent the second opening, anda pair of spaced apart electrodes on the liquid contacting portion for generating a signal related to liquid flow rate; anda liquid characteristic sensor for sensing a characteristic of the liquid and being positioned in the second opening so that the said liquid characteristic sensor is subject to only the relatively weak magnetic field adjacent the second opening.