Patent ID: 9140591
Filing Date: 2015-09-22
Classification: A47G,G01F

Abstract:
1. A fluid flow sensor configured to measure a quantity of fluid transferring from a reservoir to a user in a first fluid flow direction only, said fluid flow sensor comprising: a moveable impeller including angled vanes that project radially outwardly from an outer surface, a first spindle projecting from a first end and a second spindle projecting from a second end wherein said first and second spindles are arranged in coaxial relation to a longitudinal axis of said impeller with a plurality of pawls arranged at an end of said impeller in concentric relation to said second spindle; a magnet mounted in said impeller so as to be parallel to a longitudinal axis of first and second spindles and a counting coil mounted in spaced relation to said magnet; a first journal defining a through-bore arranged to coaxially receive said first spindle such that said first spindle may (i) rotate within said first journal, and (ii) translate longitudinally with respect to said first journal; and a second journal defining a through-bore arranged to coaxially receive said second spindle such that said second spindle may (i) rotate within said second journal, and (ii) translate longitudinally with respect to said second journal, and including a plurality of teeth arranged on said journal in concentric relation to said through-bore so that said impeller is free to rotate when in a first state wherein said plurality of teeth are disengaged from said plurality of pawls, and stopped from rotating when in a second state wherein said plurality of teeth are engaged by said plurality of pawls.