Patents Examined by Robert Roy Raevis
  • Patent number: 6609412
    Abstract: A sensor probe and method of use for determining the temperature, velocity, and/or liquid volumetric fraction of gas laden with droplets. In one variation, the probe includes a single heating element used in a well-characterized flow. The heating element is maintained above the Leidenfrost transition for the droplets, which prevents cooling effects from the droplets from impacting the temperature measurement. In another variation, the probe includes two or more heating elements arranged in similar flow environments. The property of interest is derived by relying on thermodynamic and heat transfer principles, which are not usable in conjunction with conventional devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: University of Maryland
    Inventors: Marino Dimarzo, Paolo Ruffino