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CPC Definition - Subclass G01F

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Last Updated Version: 2023.01
G01F
MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
Definition statement

This place covers:

  • Apparatus or methods for measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluids or fluent solid materials.
  • Apparatus or methods for metering by volume.
  • Apparatus or methods for measuring the capacity of containers or cavities, or the volume of solid bodies, fluids or fluent solid materials.
  • Level indicators.
  • Details, accessories, testing or calibrating of the apparatus as described.
References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Milk flow sensing devices in milking machines or devices

A01J 5/01

Food containers with dispensing devices for dispensing a certain quantity of powdered or granulated foodstuffs

A47G 19/34

Apparatus for making beverages having water-level controls

A47J 31/56

Measuring blood flow

A61B 5/026, A61B 8/06

Metering media introduced into the human body, e.g. drip meters

A61M 5/168

Controlling the quantity of fluent-solid material fed into a container during packaging by volumetric measurement

B65B 1/36

Controlling the quantity of plastic material, semi-liquids, liquids, or mixed solids and liquids, fed into a container during packaging by volumetric measurement

B65B 3/30

Separating measured quantities from supply by volume measurement

B65B 37/20

Bottling liquids or semi-liquids with provision for metering the liquids to be introduced, e.g. when adding syrups

B67C 3/20

Flowmeters used in apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught

B67D 1/0855

Arrangements of liquid volume meters or volume-flow meters in liquid-delivering apparatus, e.g. for retail sale purposes

B67D 7/16

Measuring liquid level in wells

E21B 47/04

Indicating devices for lubricant level

F01M 11/12

Measuring intake air flow to generate a control signal for control of supply of combustible mixture in combustion engines

F02D 41/18

Proportioning devices in lubricating systems

F16N 27/00

Arrangements for measuring the quantity of conveyed product in pipe-lines

F17D 3/18

Adaptation of level indicators to, or mounting on, steam boilers

F22B 37/78

Controlling water feed or water level for steam generation

F22D 5/00

Rainfall or precipitation gauges

G01W 1/14

Apparatus actuated by coins, cards or the like with meter-controlled dispensing of liquid or gas

G07F 15/00

Reactor-coolant flow measuring or monitoring in nuclear reactors;Moderator- or coolant-level detecting devices in nuclear reactors

G21C 17/032, G21C 17/035

Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing, or indicating condition, e.g. level or density of the electrolyte

H01M 10/48

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Filters

B01D

Burettes or pipettes

B01L 3/02

Measuring linear dimensions to determine volume

G01B

Weighing a continuous stream of material during flow

G01G 11/00

Measuring pressure

G01L

Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation

G01N 1/00

Measuring speed of fluids, e.g. of air stream

G01P 5/00

Determining a distance or velocity using sonar, radar or lidar techniques

G01S

Control of flow; Control of level

G05D 7/00, G05D 9/00

Ratio control

G05D 11/00

Alarm devices

G08B

Electric switches operated by change of liquid level, e.g. float switches, or by a change of fluid flow

H01H 35/18, H01H 35/24

Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow (measuring a proportion of the volume flow G01F 5/00)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Devices specially adapted to be used in open channels

Devices operating

  • by measuring the level variations of storage tanks relative to the time
  • by using mechanical effects
  • by using electric or magnetic effects
  • by measuring frequency, phaseshift, or propagation time of electro-magnetic or other waves, e.g. ultrasonic flowmeters
  • by using thermal effects

Devices using marked regions or existing inhomogeneities within the fluid stream, e.g. statistically occurring variations in a fluid parameter Devices for measuring pulsing fluid flows

Devices for measuring flow of a fluid or flow of a fluent solid material in suspension in another fluid

Devices for measuring mass flow of a fluid or a fluent solid material

Relationships with other classification places

Although measuring speed of fluids is classified in G01P 5/00, determination of speed of fluids flowing through tubes is considered as belonging to flow measurement and is generally not classified in G01P 5/00, but in G01F, e.g. G01F 1/66, even if volume flow is not explicitly mentioned in the documents.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Measuring a proportion of volume flow

G01F 5/00

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Fluidic oscillators

F15C 1/00

Weighing a continuous stream of material during flow

G01G 11/00

Detection means in general

G01H

Measuring speed by using correlation means in general

G01P 3/80, G01P 5/22

Arrangements or constructions of Pitot tubes for measuring speed of fluids

G01P 5/165

Indicating presence or absence of flow

G01P 13/00

Magnet, inductances; transformers; selection of materials for their magnetic properties

H01F

Special rules of classification

Devices using Peltier or Seebeck effects are also classified under G01F 1/6888.

Devices for measuring pulsing fluid flow and devices for measuring bidirectional flow are classified in G01F 1/72.

Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

Multiple exciters or detector pairs

Vibrating tube Coriolis mass flowmeters with more than one driver or more than one pair of pick-offs (this group is a subgroup of the previous one but, at present, incomplete)

Special driving or detecting modes

Vibrating tube Coriolis mass flowmeters with special/unusual arrangements of exciters and/or detectors, such as: more than one driver or more than one detector pair; or unusual driving modes

wherein the flow is in an open channel
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

US5684250

media0.png

US2002066484

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{by measuring the level variations of storage tanks relative to the time}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

EP2265905

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US4669308 media3.png

{Orbital ball flowmeters}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

WO2008044917

media4.png

using rotating vanes with tangential admission
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

US6079281

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using rotating vanes with axial admission
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

WO2004020894

media6.png

EP1992916

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by detection of dynamic effects of the flow
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

WO2006062007

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DE102007057060

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{Jet stream flowmeters}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

US3709213

media10.png

US3705534

media11.png

{Measuring pressure, force or momentum of a fluid flow which is forced to change its direction}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

DE102007000445

media12.png US5687768media13.png

US5571974

media14.png WO9702470media15.png

{using fluidic oscillators (fluidic oscillators per se F15C 1/00)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

EP1094303 EP0295845 US4182172

media16.jpg

by measuring the height of the fluid level due to the lifting power of the fluid flow
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

EP0783056

media17.png GB402685 media18.png

by means of chains, flexible bands or wires introduced into and moved by, the flow
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

WO9300571

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US4594890

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by measuring electrical currents passing through the fluid flow; measuring electrical potential generated by the fluid flow, e.g. by electrochemical, contact or friction effects (G01F 1/58 takes precedence)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

US3742263

media21.png WO2010000977media22.png

by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Measuring speed of fluids by measuring the direct influence of the streaming fluid on the properties of a detecting acoustical wave

G01P 5/24

Measuring speed of fluids by measuring the direct influence of the streaming fluid on the properties of a detecting optical wave

G01P 5/26

using light
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

US3709599

media23.png

{Constructional details}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

US2007227261

media24.jpg

EP2236993

media25.jpg

{of the drag-type}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

EP1728054

media26.png US2008088819media27.png

{by detecting noise and sounds generated by the flowing fluid}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

US2009158858

media28.png

Arrangements of transducers for ultrasonic flowmeters; Circuits for operating ultrasonic flowmeters
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

US2009138215

media29.png

EP2072972

media30.png

US2002105340

media31.png

{the concentration of electrical loaded particles giving an indication of the flow}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

US2005235757

media32.png

using electrically charged particles as tracers
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

EP1907801

media33.png

EP1754957

media34.png

Devices for measuring pulsing fluid flows
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

DE102007038474

media35.png

GB2447425

media36.png

Devices for measuring flow of a fluid or flow of a fluent solid material in suspension in another fluid
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

FR2936312

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US7738084

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US2010280757

media39.png

Devices for measuring mass flow of a fluid or a fluent solid material
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

media40.png

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Weighing a continuous stream of material during flow

G01G 11/00

{using fluidic bridge circuits}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

EP0737302

media41.png

operating by measuring pressure, force, momentum, or frequency of a fluid flow to which a rotational movement has been imparted
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

WO9702470

media42.png

US2007193371

media43.png

using a driven wheel as impeller and one or more other wheels or moving elements which are angularly restrained by a resilient member, e.g. spring member as the measuring device
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

GB1087350

media44.png

{details of flowmeter manufacturing methods}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

Details of flow meter manufacturing methods:

Methods for designing flow meters, e.g. numerical simulations of flow meter behaviour or modelling to refine the flow meter design (e.g.. eigenvector design): (XP002096659, WO99/28708, US2003097883, EP0271605,WO0165213)

WO0165213:

media45.png

{constructional details}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

Constructional details

{means for influencing the flowmeter's motional or vibrational behaviour, e.g., conduit support or fixing means, or conduit attachments}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

Means for influencing the flow meter's motional or vibrational behaviour, e.g., conduit support or fixing means, or conduit attachments:

Details of tubes, casings or special casings for gyroscopic mass flow meters, e.g. central support manifold fixing the tube(s) ends US5343764:

media46.png

improved node plates/brace bars: WO2009123632, US5370002;

stiffening means EP0547455, figs 1,3:

media47.png

Casings influencing the vibrational behaviour should go both to G01F 1/8409 and G01F 1/8413

{motion or vibration balancing means}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

Motion or vibration balancing means:

US4957005, US2009145244, EP1001254, US2923154

Rebalancing means (e.g.. masses or actuators) EP0759542; Rebalanced flow meter design;

US2001035055: media48.png

US2002020228: media49.png

{exciters}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

Exciters: constructional details for exciters, FR2316582, EP1719983, WO8505677

{detectors}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

Detectors: constructional details for detectors, e.g. details of the optical detectors US4311054, US2006243066, EP1719983, US2009145244, US2005150311

{electronic circuits}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

Electronic circuits: US4311054, US4680974, US5069074, WO8707714

{signal processing}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

Signal processing: e.g. details of neural networks, FFT, matrix operations, analogue and digital filtering: WO0049371, US4680974, WO8505677, US5555190

{microfluidic or miniaturised flowmeters}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

Microfluidic or miniaturised flow meters: US2005150311 (e.g. capillaries as flow metering tubes)

{micromachined flowmeters}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

Micromachined flow meters: US2007151335 (applying chip technology)

{arrangements of measuring means, e.g., of measuring conduits}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

Arrangements of measuring means, e.g., of measuring conduits

{rotating or rotatingly suspended measuring conduits}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

Rotating or rotatingly suspended measuring conduits: Revolving (continuously rotating) measuring pipe(s)/ flow path(s): (EP0424828, DE4125424) EP0424828:

media50.png

DE4125424:

media51.png

Rotating fluid guiding part DE20115010U; Oscillating tube being rotatingly suspended (tube connections allowing rotation): (BE681739, US3276257, US3485098); use of a gyroscope: BE681739:

media52.png

{vibrating means being located inside the measuring conduits}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

Vibrating means being located inside the measuring conduits:

Vibrating elements in flow path: EP0867694:

media53.png

Vibrating metal strip in flow path: US4420983 (fig.11):

media54.png

Vibrating cylinder in flow path: US4420983 (fig 1):

media55.png

{the measuring conduits' cross-section being deformed during measurement, e.g. by periodically deflecting a portion of the conduits' surface}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

The measuring conduits' cross-section being deformed during measurement, e.g. by periodically deflecting a portion of the conduits' surface:

JP6235652 (the cross-section is deformed by the action of the fluid) media56.png

EP0316908 (phase difference between deflection of successive wall sections)

media57.png

{vibrating measuring conduits}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

Vibrating measuring conduits:

Pipes, flow paths not covered by the sub-classes: e.g. 3-dimensional flow tube configurations not being loops, e.g. US5184518, US4879910; or an out-of-plane bent flow tube (JP4081617) need to be classified under the subclass G01F 1/8468.

US5184518:

media58.jpg

JP4081617:

media59.jpg

{having curved measuring conduits, i.e. whereby the measuring conduits' curved center line lies within a plane (G01F 1/8481 takes precedence)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

Having curved measuring conduits, i.e. whereby the measuring conduits' curved center line lies within a plane (G01F 1/8481 takes precedence):

Single S: WO8808517;

media60.png

single V: US6484591;

media61.png

single U: GB2001759 (fig.9):

media62.png

bent oscillating tube (on bearings)US3485098: media63.png

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Having loop-shaped measuring conduits, e.g. the measuring conduits form a loop with a crossing point

G01F 1/8481

{with multiple measuring conduits}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

with multiple curved measuring conduits: 2x triangle in parallel:

US5497666:

media64.png

2xS in parallel: JP63314415

media65.png

{having loop-shaped measuring conduits, e.g. the measuring conduits form a loop with a crossing point}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

Having loop-shaped measuring conduits, e.g. the measuring conduits form a loop with a crossing point:

Single loop: US5069074

media66.png

WO8505677:

media67.png

An almost closed omega, even if called a "loop" should be classified in G01F 1/8472 instead.

{with multiple measuring conduits}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

with multiple loop-shaped measuring conduits:

two loops in parallel: WO8505677

media68.jpg

two loops in series: EP0271605: media69.jpg

{having straight measuring conduits}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

Having straight measuring conduits: single straight tube:

EP0775893:

media70.png

US2002020228:

media71.png

{with multiple measuring conduits}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

with multiple measuring conduits:

Two straight tubes in parallel: WO8808517: media72.png

Two straight tubes in series: US7005019:

media73.png

Measuring the volume flow of fluids or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through the meter in successive and more or less isolated quantities, the meter being driven by the flow (measuring a proportion of the volume flow G01F 5/00)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Devices

  • With measuring chambers which expand or contract during measurement;
  • with measuring chambers moved during operation;
  • with stationary measuring chambers having constant volume during measurement.

Wet gas-meters.

{sliding-vane meters}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

US3683694

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Rotary-piston or ring-piston meters
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

US5495756

media75.png

Geared or lobed impeller meters
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

US2010307234

media76.png WO0014486 media77.png

US4856427

media78.png GB2120728media79.png

Meters with nutating members, e.g. discs
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

US5824896

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US4232550media81.png

in stationary cylinders
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

US5193389

media82.png

involving two or more cylinders
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

GB1356762

media83.png

having flexible movable walls, e.g. diaphragms, bellows
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Diaphragms or bellows therefor

G01F 15/16

Tilting-trap meters
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

WO2007079942

media84.png

on carriers rotated by the weight of the liquid in the measuring chambers
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

GB191220935

media85.png

comprising partitioned drums rotating or nutating in a liquid
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

GB2316491

media86.png

comprising bells reciprocating in a liquid
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

DE31633

media87.png

Measuring a proportion of the volume flow
Definition statement

This place covers:

  • Flowmeters of any type measuring flow in a by-pass whereby the fluid is flowing simultaneously in both at least one main conduit and a by-pass. The total flow is derived from a known relationship between the section of the by-pass and the section of the main conduit.
  • Details of by-passes including such flowmeters, e.g. their arrangement within or aside of the main conduit
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Compound flowmeters whereby the fluid is flowing either in a by-pass or in a main conduit depending on the flow rate, in order to provide two or more measuring ranges

G01F 7/00

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Controlling ratio of two or more flows of fluid

G05D 11/02

Special rules of classification

Details of specific flowmeters classified in G01F 5/00 are also classified in the relevant sub-groups in G01F 1/00 and G01F 3/00.

Details of flowmeters of the pressure or differential pressure type classified in G01F 5/005 are also classified in the relevant groups G01F 1/34 - G01F 1/50

Synonyms and Keywords

In patent documents, the following words/expressions are often used as synonyms:

  • "auxiliary, secondary, or sub-passage" and "by-pass"
  • "primary passage" and "main passage"
Volume-flow measuring devices with two or more measuring ranges; Compound meters
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Flowmeters adapted for low flow rates, e.g. where flow is allowed to pass through the flowmeter only when it can be measured by a flowmeter having a specific range

G01F 15/028

Special rules of classification

The following devices are classified in this group:

  • Arrangement of at least two flowmeters each having a different range and operated only at their respective range, e.g. compound meters. Arrangement of flow conduits and valves designed to divert the flow to the meter with the proper range.
  • Modification to flowmeters in order to increase their range, even when there is only a single flowmeter
  • Flowmeters operated simultaneously but each covering a different range

Details of specific flowmeters are also classified in the relevant sub-groups in G01F 1/00 and G01F 3/00.

Measuring volume flow relative to another variable, e.g. of liquid fuel for an engine
Definition statement

This place covers:

Measuring volume flow relative to another variable

  • with electric, electro-mechanic, electronic or mechanic means
  • whereby the other variable is the flight or running time or the speed of a vehicle.
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Economical driving

B60R 16/0236

Testing fuel-injection apparatus

F02M 65/00

Testing of internal combustion engines

G01M 15/04

Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it
Definition statement

This place covers:

Devices especially adapted for fluent solid material

Details or accessories

Devices operating

  • with measuring chambers which expand or contract during measurement
  • with measuring chambers moved during operation
  • with stationary measuring chambers having constant volume during measurement
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Forming a predetermined ratio of substances to be mixed by feeding the components in predetermined amounts

B01F 35/88

Single-unit, i.e. unitary hand-held apparatuses with a pump

B05B 11/10

Bottling liquids with provision for metering the liquid to be introduced using dosing chambers

B67C 3/204

Apparatus for dispensing beverages on draught comprising means for automatically controlling the amount to be dispensed based on volumetric dosing

B67D 1/0007

Devices for dosing additives in the treatment of water, waste water, or sewage

C02F 1/685

Pumps specially modified to deliver fixed or variable measured quantities

F04B 13/00

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Dough-dividing machines with division boxes in a revolving body with radially-working pistons

A21C 5/04

Food containers dispensing a certain quantity of powdered or granulated foodstuffs, e.g. sugar

A47G 19/34

Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients

A47J 31/40

Dispensers for liquid or pasty soap dispensing dosed volume

A47K 5/1202

Using squeeze bottles or the like for soap

A47K 5/122

Peristaltic pumps

F04B 43/12

Hand operated grease guns

F16N 3/02

Air operated grease guns

F16N 5/02

Special rules of classification

G01F 11/04 takes precedence over G01F 11/021.

G01F 19/005 takes precedence over G01F 11/025.

G01F 11/34, G01F 11/40 and G01F 11/46 takes precedence over G01F 11/282.

G01F 11/282 and G01F 11/30 - G01F 11/46 take precedence over G01F 11/284.

{for fluent solid material}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

WO2006123228

media88.png

{for liquid or semi-liquid}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

US4893732

media89.png

DE8624916U

media90.pngmedia91.png

FR2590555

media92.png

media93.pngmedia94.png

{with valves}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

US4778087

media95.pngmedia96.png

{where filling of the measuring chamber is effected by squeezing a supply container that is in fluid connection with the measuring chamber and excess fluid is sucked back from the measuring chamber during relaxation of the supply container}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

US5884816

media97.png

{squeezing of the supply vessel causing filling of the measuring chamber and backflow from the measuring chamber to the supply vessel being prevented by a check valve (G01F 11/46 take precedence)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

US5127553

media98.png

for liquid or semiliquid
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

US5601212

media99.png

for fluent solid material
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

US2008099509

media100.png

Apparatus for measuring by volume and delivering fluids or fluent solid materials, not provided for in the preceding groups
Definition statement

This place covers:

Apparatus for measuring by volume and delivering fluids or fluent solid materials, not provided for in the preceding groups

  • for fluent solid material
  • measuring volume in function of time

Taps comprising counting- and recording means

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Apparatus for weighing a continuous stream of material

G01G 11/00

Control of flow

G05D 7/00

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Counting mechanisms

G06M

Details of, or accessories for, apparatus of groups G01F 1/00 - G01F 13/00 insofar as such details or appliances are not adapted to particular types of such apparatus
Definition statement

This place covers:

Means for regulating or setting the meter for a predetermined quantity

Valves

Devices

  • characterised by the use of a particular material, e.g. anti-corrosive material
  • comprising means to prevent fraud
  • comprising lubricating means

Means for compensating or correcting for variations in pressure, density or temperature

Indicating or recording devices, e.g. for remote indication

Air or gas separators in combination with liquid meters; Liquid separators in combination with gas meters

Means for preventing damage by freezing or excess pressure or insufficient pressure

Cleaning arrangements; Filters

Casings, e.g. of special material

Diaphragms; Bellows; Mountings therefor

Supports or connecting means for meters

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Valves for diaphragm type gas meters

G01F 3/221

Diaphragm type gas meters characterized by constructional features of membranes

G01F 3/225

Details or accessories of dosing devices

G01F 11/006

Valves

G01F 15/005

Cleaning arrangements; Filters

G01F 15/12

Diaphragms; Bellows; Mountings therefor

G01F 15/16

Connecting means e.g. bypass conduits (not electrical connecting means)

G01F 15/185

Filters in general

B01D

Cleaning in general

B08B

Valves in general

F16K

Methods or apparatus for determining the capacity of containers or cavities, or the volume of solid bodies (measuring linear dimensions to determine volume G01B)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Methods or apparatus for determining the capacity of containers or cavities, or the volume of solid bodies, including by measurement of pressure of gas

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Methods or apparatuses for measuring volume of fluids or fluent solid material, not otherwise provided for, e.g. involving measurement of pressure

G01F 22/00, G01F 22/02

Measuring linear dimensions to determine volume

G01B

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Detecting, measuring or recording for diagnostic purposes: measuring volume of limbs, e.g. plethysmography

A61B 5/1073

Determining well or borehole volumes

E21B 47/003

Sensing or measuring mail pieces

G07B 17/00661

Calibrated capacity measures for fluids or fluent solid material, e.g. measuring cups
Definition statement

This place covers:

  • Measuring spoons or scoops
  • Calibrated capacity measures adapted for semi-liquid, e.g. fat or non fluent solid material, e.g. filamentary
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Shop or like accessories: hand implements, e.g. grocers' scoops

A47F

Drinking vessels or saucers used for table service

A47G 19/22

Cooking spoons

A47J 43/281

Spoons for serving ice-cream

A47J 43/282

Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons

A61J 7/00

Burettes, weighing bottles

B01L

Weighing apparatus combined with handles of tools or household implements

G01G 19/56

{Measuring spoons or scoops}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

US6125699

media101.png

US5347865

media102.png

{for semi-liquid, e.g. fat}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

US2645127

media103.png

{for non fluent solid material, e.g. filamentary}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group

US5255439

media104.png

US4165565

media105.png

US4120094

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Methods or apparatus for measuring volume of fluids or fluent solid material, not otherwise provided for
Definition statement

This place covers:

Methods or apparatus for measuring volume of fluids or fluent solid material, not otherwise provided for, e.g. involving measurement of pressure

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Indicating or measuring liquid level by measurement of pressure of the liquid

G01F 23/14

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Methods or apparatus for determining the capacity of containers or cavities, or the volume of solid bodies

G01F 17/00

Special rules of classification

Group G01F 22/02 contains apparatuses and methods whereby in order to determine the volume of fluids or fluid solid material in a container, the pressure of the gas above the fluid in the container is measured in order to determine the volume occupied by the gas and deduct the volume occupied by the fluid from this measurement and the known volume of the container.

Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
Definition statement

This place covers:

Devices

  • for discrete indicating and measuring
  • with a probe suspended by a wire or thread
  • with a probe suspended by rotatable arms
  • using buoyant probes
  • with a stationary probe, where a liquid specimen is separated from the mean mass and measured
  • with over-flow pipes
  • characterised by the level signal processing means

Devices whereby the level is determined

  • by gauge glasses or other apparatus involving a window or transparent tube for directly observing the level to be measured or the level of a liquid column in free communication with the main body of the liquid
  • by dip members, e.g. dip-sticks
  • by measurement of pressure
  • by measurement of weight, e.g. to determine the level of stored liquefied gas
  • by measurement of physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
  • by floats

Level indicators mostly detecting and interface between liquid or fluent solid material and a gas above, but also interfaces between different phases, e.g. immiscible liquids superposed in a container.

References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Water level measuring or regulating devices in washing machines

D06F 39/087

In wells

E21B 47/04

Adaptation to, or mounting on, steam boilers

F22B 37/78

Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring electrolyte level

H01M 10/484

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Monitoring infusion flow anomalies by detecting the amount of infusate remaining

A61M 5/1684

Controlling of liquid level in devices for separation of solid particles from liquid by sedimentation

B01D 21/34

Arrangement of indicating or measuring devices for the level of molten metal

B22D 2/003

In continuous casting of metals, controlling or regulating processes or operations for pouring responsive of molten or slag level

B22D 11/181

In continuous casting of metals, controlling or regulating processes or operations for removing cast stock responsive of molten or slag level

B22D 11/201

Measuring depth of open water, e.g. sea, lake, river, canal

G01C 13/008

Level control

G05D 9/00

Alarm devices

G08B

Level alarms responsive to moisture

G08B 21/20

Switches operated by float

H01H 35/18

Switches actuated by a float carrying a magnet

H01H 36/02

Support or mounting means for aerials used in level-measurement devices

H01Q 1/225

Special rules of classification

In group G01F 23/0038 buoyant probes normally occupy a large height in a container and don't move. The force exerted by the liquid on them is detected to determine the level.

Group G01F 23/303 contains mainly mechanical arrangements around the float to prevent errors due to sloshing. Electronic circuits for compensating for sloshing should be classified in G01F 23/303 only if associated with a measurement using a float and should always be classified in G01F 23/80 or sub groups.

by measurement of pressure
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Measuring pressure in general

G01L

by measurement of weight, e.g. to determine the level of stored liquefied gas
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Weighing in general

G01G

by measuring variations of capacity or inductance of capacitors or inductors arising from the presence of liquid or fluent solid material in the electric or electromagnetic fields
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Measuring inductance or capacitance

G01R 27/26

Measuring transit time of reflected waves
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Systems using reflection of acoustic waves

G01S 15/02

Measuring attenuation of transmitted waves
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Analysing fluids by measuring attenuation of acoustic waves

G01N 29/032

by floats
References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Switches operated by floats

H01H 35/18

Arrangements for signal processing
Definition statement

This place covers:

Electrical circuits for signal processing of general applicability, e.g. filtering or averaging to compensate for sloshing or transmitting the level signals to a remote station.

Electrical circuits for power saving.

Electronic circuits handling signals other than liquid level signals or combining the processing of such signals and liquid level signals, e.g. handling both digital and analog signals to provide a compensated liquid level.

Relationships with other classification places

The processing of signals generated by a specific level-measuring technique to compensate for interfering variables is classified in the place covering that level-measuring technique unless the signal processing part dedicated to eliminating the effect of the interfering variables is applicable to other specific level-measuring techniques.

For example, in the measurement of a liquid level using the attenuation of visible light, circuits or signal-processing means to correct for the effect of ambient light should be classified in group G01F 23/292.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Testing or calibrating apparatus for measuring liquid level

G01F 25/20

Special rules of classification

G01F 23/804 and G01F 23/806 can for example be used for inclination signals in order to compensate the level signal.

Testing or calibration of apparatus for measuring volume, volume flow or liquid level or for metering by volume
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Adjusting, correcting or compensating means for flowmeters using rotating vanes with tangential admission

G01F 1/08

Adjusting, correcting or compensating means for flowmeters using rotating vanes with axial admission

G01F 1/12

Correcting or compensating means for flowmeters of the pressure or differential pressure type

G01F 1/50

Compensating or correcting for variations in velocity of sound in ultrasonic flowmeters

G01F 1/668

Thermal flowmeters comprising means to store calibration data for flow signal calculation or correction

G01F 1/6965

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Testing or calibrating of devices for controlling, indicating, metering or registering quantity or price of liquid transferred by devices for transferring liquid from bulk storage containers into vehicles or into portable containers

B67D 7/085

Testing or calibrating devices for speedometers for measuring speed of fluids or speed of bodies relative to fluids

G01P 21/025

Special rules of classification

G01F 25/11 - G01F 25/14 take precedence over G01F 25/15