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Abstract

A flow sensing assembly for detecting the presence of fluid flow includes a sensor body having a flow passage therethrough and a resilient blade having an end which is fixed relative to the sensor body and an end which is freely movable. The blade extends into and across the flow passage so that fluid flowing through the passage causes the free end of the blade to deflect in a downstream direction from a no-flow position to a flow position, and the free end of the blade returns to its no-flow position upon stoppage of flow. The flow sensing assembly also includes a detection device for detecting deflection of the blade and for producing a signal indicating the occurrence of fluid flow. A method of detecting the flow of fluid through a flow passage involves mounting a blade in the sensor body such that the blade extends into and across the flow passage whereby fluid flowing through the flow passage causes the free end of the blade to deflect in a downstream direction. The method also involves intermittently pumping fluid through the flow passage, detecting deflection of the blade due to flow of fluid through the flow passage, and generating a signal indicating the occurrence of fluid flow in response to deflection of the blade.

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First Claim