초록 ▼

Sensors for measuring the flow rate of fluids flowing through or around a chamber. The chamber is formed using electrically insulating material through which there is an orthogonal alternating magnetic field provided by a mechanically repositioned permanent magnet and at least a pair of electrodes i

Sensors for measuring the flow rate of fluids flowing through or around a chamber. The chamber is formed using electrically insulating material through which there is an orthogonal alternating magnetic field provided by a mechanically repositioned permanent magnet and at least a pair of electrodes in line with and orthogonal to the magnetic field. This provides an electrical potential with a magnitude proportional to flow rate. The alternating magnetic field may also be provided by a stationary multiple electromagnet. Various embodiments are disclosed which make use of electromagnetics, stepper motors and other modifications for adapting the flow sensor to a wide variety of applications and environmental conditions.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A flow sensor for measuring a rate of flow of a fluid, the sensor comprising:at least one electrically insulated flow passage;at least a pair of permanent magnets located outside of the flow passage and orthogonal to a direction of the fluid flow and providing magnetic fl

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A flow sensor for measuring a rate of flow of a fluid, the sensor comprising:at least one electrically insulated flow passage;at least a pair of permanent magnets located outside of the flow passage and orthogonal to a direction of the fluid flow and providing magnetic flux orthogonally through the flow passage and the fluid flow;a drive for mechanically repositioning the magnet to alternate the magnetic flux polarity to produce an alternating voltage having a magnitude proportional to the flow rate of the fluid;at least two electrically conducting electrodes spaced apart from one another on opposite sides of the flow passage and generally orthogonally to a direction of flow of said fluid, for contacting the fluid and sensing the alternating voltage, said electrodes being located substantially outside the path of magnetic flux generated by said pair of magnets to thereby minimize the generation of voltages at said electrodes, and said electrodes further being symmetrically located with respect to said magnetic flux from said magnets to detect, due to alternation of said magnetic flux through said flow passage, equal voltages of opposite polarity which cancel one another.