Magnet keeper assembly and related method

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-9368264-B2
Application number	US-201414479600-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Sep 8, 2014
Priority date	Sep 8, 2014
Publication date	Jun 14, 2016
Grant date	Jun 14, 2016

Abstract

A magnet assembly ( 200 ) is provided that comprises a magnet keeper ( 204 ) configured to hold at least one magnet ( 202 ). The bracket ( 208 ) is configured to receive the magnet keeper ( 204 ) and also configured to be attachable to a flowmeter ( 5 ) sensor assembly ( 10 ). A first surface ( 216 ) is formed on the magnet keeper ( 204 ), and a second surface ( 218 ) is formed on the bracket ( 208 ), wherein the first and second surfaces ( 216, 218 ) are configured to mate so to provide a radial alignment of the magnet keeper ( 204 ) that is within a predefined radial tolerance range.

First claim

We claim:

1. A magnet assembly ( 200 ) comprising:
a magnet keeper ( 204 ) configured to hold at least one magnet ( 202 );
a bracket ( 208 ) configured to receive the magnet keeper ( 204 ) and configured to be attachable to a flowmeter ( 5 ) sensor assembly ( 10 );
a first surface ( 216 ) formed on the magnet keeper ( 204 ); and
a second surface ( 218 ) formed on the bracket ( 208 ), wherein the first and second surfaces ( 216 , 218 ) are configured to mate so to provide a radial alignment of the magnet keeper ( 204 ) that is within a predefined radial tolerance range
a travel stop ( 224 ) formed on the bracket ( 208 ); and
a locating face ( 226 ) formed on the magnet keeper ( 204 ) and configured to engage the travel stop ( 224 ) to provide an axial alignment of the magnet keeper ( 204 ) that is within a predefined axial tolerance range.

2. The magnet assembly ( 200 ) of claim 1 , wherein the first surface ( 216 ) and second surface ( 218 ) comprise a first set of mating diameters.

3. The magnet assembly ( 200 ) of claim 1 , wherein the predefined radial tolerance range is between about 0.0 inches and 0.002 inches.

4. The magnet assembly ( 200 ) of claim 1 , wherein the predefined axial tolerance range is between about 0.0 inches and 0.005 inches.

5. The magnet assembly ( 200 ) of claim 2 , comprising:
a first threaded region ( 210 ) formed on the magnet keeper ( 204 ) and disposed proximate the first surface ( 216 ); and
a second threaded region ( 212 ) formed on the bracket ( 208 ) and disposed proximate the second surface ( 218 ), and being configured to engage the first threaded region ( 210 ).

6. The magnet assembly ( 200 ) of claim 1 , wherein the second surface ( 218 ) is disposed proximate a distal end of the bracket ( 208 ).

7. The magnet assembly ( 200 ) of claim 5 , comprising:
a third surface ( 220 ) formed on the magnet keeper ( 204 ) and disposed proximate the first threaded region ( 210 ); and
a fourth surface ( 222 ) formed on the bracket ( 208 ) and disposed proximate, and proximal to, the second threaded region ( 212 ), wherein the fourth surface ( 222 ) engages the third surface ( 220 ) when the first and second threaded regions ( 210 , 212 ) are engaged, and wherein the engagement of the third and fourth surfaces ( 220 , 222 ) provides a radial alignment of the magnet keeper ( 204 ) that is within the predefined radial tolerance range.

8. The magnet assembly ( 200 ) of claim 7 , wherein the third surface ( 220 ) and fourth surface ( 222 ) comprise a second set of mating diameters.

9. The magnet assembly ( 200 ) of claim 8 , wherein the first set of mating diameters are smaller than the second set of mating diameters.

10. The magnet assembly ( 200 ) of claim 5 , comprising:
a thread relief ( 228 ) defined by the bracket ( 208 ) and disposed adjacent to the second threaded region ( 212 ).

Assignees

• Micro Motion Inc

Inventors

• Skinkle David
• Mertens Terri J

Classifications

• G01F1/8413

  means for influencing the flowmeter's motional or vibrational behaviour, e.g., conduit support or fixing means, or conduit attachments · CPC title

• H01F41/0253

  for manufacturing permanent magnets · CPC title

• H01F7/0221 Primary

  Mounting means for PM, supporting, coating, encapsulating PM · CPC title

• G01F1/8422 Primary

  exciters · CPC title

• G01F1/8427

  detectors · CPC title