초록 ▼

A multi-channel mass flow transducer has a single laminar flow element in a primary fluid flow path and multiple secondary flow paths in parallel with and in fluid communication with the primary flow path. Flow restriction elements are disposed in one or more of the secondary flow paths to establish

A multi-channel mass flow transducer has a single laminar flow element in a primary fluid flow path and multiple secondary flow paths in parallel with and in fluid communication with the primary flow path. Flow restriction elements are disposed in one or more of the secondary flow paths to establish different flow rate measurement "channels" having particular flow rate ranges. The multi-channel transducer of the present invention is capable of measuring fluid flow rates over an extended range and eliminates the need for multiple transducers to measure varying fluid flows.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A mass flow transducer for measuring the rate of flow of a fluid in a primary fluid flow path, said transducer comprising:housing means including means for defining the primary fluid flow path;means, coupled to said housing, for defining at least two secondary flow paths

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A mass flow transducer for measuring the rate of flow of a fluid in a primary fluid flow path, said transducer comprising:housing means including means for defining the primary fluid flow path;means, coupled to said housing, for defining at least two secondary flow paths each for a corresponding and different measurable range of rates of flow of fluid in said primary fluid flow path, each of said secondary flow paths being disposed in parallel and in fluid communication with said primary fluid flow path so that fluid flow in said primary flow path within the measurable range of flow rates associated with one of said secondary flow paths causes fluid flow in that secondary flow path at a rate in relation to and as a function of the flow rate in said primary flow path; andmeans, coupled to each of said secondary flow paths, for measuring throughout the corresponding range of flow rates the rate of flow of fluid in said primary flow path as a function of the fluid flowing in each secondary flow path; wherein said means for defining at least two secondary flow paths includes means for defining the measurable range of rates of flow of fluid in each of the secondary flow paths so that each secondary flow path corresponds to a different measurable range of rates of flow of fluid in said primary fluid flow path, so as to provide an enhanced range of rates that can be measured by said transducer.