Patents Examined by Cory D. Mack
  • Patent number: 6439062
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an anomaly in a flowing stream includes a set of blades rotatably suspended in the flowing stream and aligned with a normal flow direction of the flowing stream. The blades are configured to rotate at one rate when the anomaly is present in the flowing stream and to rotate at a different rate when the anomaly is absent from the flowing stream. A device is prescribed for measuring rate of rotation and rotation direction of the blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventors: Stephen T. Stark, Stephen H. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 6345541
    Abstract: A water meter to accurately measure the volume of water flowing from a source thereof to an end user by controlling the rate at which the water is delivered from the source to a turbine of the water meter so as to produce a smooth linear flow. The turbine is rotated within the body of the water meter to vary the alignment of flow passages through the turbine between the water source and a rotor that is responsive to water flow. The position of the turbine is selectively adjusted within the body of the water meter when a locating pin from the base of the turbine is received through a particular one of a series of indexing holes formed in a cap of the turbine. A variable water inlet orifice is formed through the bottom of the turbine to communicate with the rotor. A flow regulator that cooperates with the variable water inlet orifice is manually manipulated to control the size of the inlet orifice and the rate at which water flows therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: Arthur A. Hendey