Patent ID: 6619138
Filing Date: 2003-09-16
Classification: B60T,G01F

Abstract:
A dynamic flow adapter for use in measuring the rate at which a fluid flows therethrough, said dynamic flow adapter comprising:(a) an adapter housing defining an input passage, an input chamber, a primary passage, a supplemental passage, an output chamber, a secondary passage and an output passage; said primary passage containing therein a primary orifice having a diameter less than {fraction (19/64)} inch so as to permit accurate measurement of flow rates when such flow rate is one of less than and equal to a predetermined threshold amount; said secondary passage containing therein a secondary orifice having a second diameter; said input passage directly communicating with said input chamber; said input and output chambers communicating through said primary orifice in said primary passage; said output chamber communicating with said output passage through said secondary orifice in said secondary passage; said supplemental passage being in parallel with said primary passage and when opened allowing further communication between said input and output chambers; (b) a dynamic flow valve disposed within said supplemental passage, said dynamic flow valve for (i) closing said supplemental passage when the rate at which such fluid flows from said input passage to said input chamber is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold amount and (ii) opening said supplemental passage, to an extent determined up to a fully open position by the rate at which such fluid flows into said input chamber, thereby also allowing such fluid to flow through said supplemental passage when the rate at which such fluid flows into said input chamber is greater than said predetermined threshold amount; and (c) a means for generating an electrical signal proportional to a difference between pressure sensed in said input chamber and pressure sensed in said output chamber.