Patent ID: 7313954

Claim:
A flow detection device for detecting a flow characteristic of a fluid, the flow detection device comprising: a first channel portion that defines a first channel with an upstream aperture through which the fluid can flow into the first channel; a flow sensor disposed in the first channel, the flow sensor operable for detecting the flow characteristic of the fluid; a second channel portion that defines a second channel, wherein the first channel portion is coupled to the second channel portion and is disposed within the second channel; a flow straightening member that is coupled to the first channel portion and provided upstream of the first channel; and a pipe that includes an insertion aperture for insertion of the first channel portion, the flow sensor, the second channel portion, and the flow straightening member into the pipe, wherein the upstream aperture is hidden by the flow straightening member as viewed looking downstream along an axis of the first channel portion, wherein the fluid flows from substantially the entire circumference of the flow straightening member into the first channel.