Patent ID: 7104124
Filing Date: 2006-09-12
Classification: F17C,G01F

Abstract:
1. A device for determining the time or quantity remaining for use of a compressed gas stored in a canister as the canister is being emptied, irrespective of the weight of the canister, comprising: an inlet port for connecting to the gas canister; a fluid connection between the inlet port and an outlet port, the outlet port for connecting to a gas consuming device using the gas or to a line leading to a gas consuming device, a microprocessor including means for storing the initial amount of gas in the canister and optionally the type of gas in the canister; the fluid connection having therein means for sensing the pressure and/or flow rate of the gas to the gas consuming device, and optionally the temperature of the gas, the sensor(s) connected to said microprocessor and said microprocessor calculating the pressure lapse rate and the volumetric lapse rate, and therefrom the time until the canister is emptied of gas, said device including means for storing said time; and a means for displaying the time until the canister is emptied.