A water meter with a quick-release structure

By introducing a crank-slider mechanism consisting of a drive ring, connecting rod, and drive sleeve into the water meter, the simultaneous loosening and unloading of the quick-release connectors at the water inlet and outlet ends of the water meter is achieved, solving the problem of requiring step-by-step operation in the existing technology and improving the efficiency and flexibility of disassembly and assembly.

CN119043443BActive Publication Date: 2026-01-30陈红
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202410936030.7
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-07-12
Publication Date
2026-01-30
Estimated Expiration
2044-07-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing water meters require separate operation of two quick-release connectors during disassembly and assembly, lacking a synchronous loosening mechanism, which is inconvenient to use and affects maintenance efficiency.

Method used

Design a water meter with a quick-release structure. The crank-slider mechanism is composed of a drive ring, connecting rod, drive sleeve and relay connecting rod to realize the synchronous loosening and unloading of two quick-release joints. The quick-release female and quick-release male joints are loosened and installed by the reciprocating twisting drive ring pushing the drive sleeve.

Benefits of technology

It improves the efficiency and flexibility of water meter installation and removal operations, avoids the trouble of step-by-step operations, and is suitable for quick-release connectors that can be used to install or remove the water meter inlet or outlet separately, simplifying the maintenance process.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This invention provides a water meter with a quick-release structure, relating to the field of water meter technology. It includes: a connecting cylinder welded to the top of the water meter housing; a drive ring rotatably mounted on the connecting cylinder; and a relay connector welded to the ends of two connecting rods. The relay connector is composed of a U-shaped connecting frame and a sliding sleeve welded together. A drive sleeve is slidably mounted on the end of the quick-release female connector; a drive ring is rotatably mounted on the drive sleeve; a relay connecting rod is rotatably connected to the top of the drive ring; the end of the relay connecting rod slides through and is inserted into the sliding sleeve, extending into the U-shaped connecting frame. Two quick-release male connectors are combined and inserted into the two quick-release female connectors. When the drive sleeve slides towards the water meter housing, it is used to loosen the quick-release male connectors. The reciprocating torsional drive ring can push and drive the two drive sleeves to slide towards each other, loosening and loosening the quick-release female and male connectors. Compared with existing technologies, this improves the efficiency of water meter assembly and disassembly.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water meter technology, and in particular to a water meter with a quick-release structure. Background Technology

[0002] A water meter is an instrument used to measure water flow, its main function being to record the cumulative flow of water. These water meters are generally divided into two main categories: volumetric water meters and velocity water meters. Traditionally, water meters are connected to pipes using bolts and nuts, which necessitates disassembling the entire pipe system when maintenance is required, significantly reducing maintenance efficiency. Therefore, it is necessary to design a new type of water meter that is easy to maintain and convenient to disassemble, thereby improving maintenance efficiency and convenience.

[0003] Existing water meters with quick-release structures often lack a synchronous loosening mechanism between the two quick-release connectors at the inlet and outlet ends, which can transmit driving force. This means that when disassembling and assembling the water meter and the water pipes connected to it, it is necessary to operate the components on the two quick-release connectors for tightening and loosening in steps, which is cumbersome and inconvenient and does not improve the efficiency of water meter disassembly and assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a water meter with a quick-release structure to solve the problem that the lack of a synchronous loosening mechanism that can transmit driving force between the two quick-release joints at the water inlet and outlet ends of the water meter causes the components used for driving the loosening and tightening of the two quick-release joints to be operated step by step when disassembling and assembling the water meter and the water pipe connected to it, which is cumbersome and inconvenient to use.

[0005] The technical solution proposed in this invention is: a water meter with a quick-release structure, specifically including: a water meter housing and a quick-release male connector, wherein two metal water pipes are symmetrically welded on the outer wall of the water meter housing, and the first ends of the two metal water pipes are threadedly connected to a quick-release female connector;

[0006] A connecting cylinder is welded to the top of the water meter housing. A drive ring is rotatably mounted on the connecting cylinder. Two connecting rods are symmetrically rotatably connected to the drive ring. A relay connector is welded to the first end of each of the two connecting rods. The relay connector is composed of a U-shaped connecting frame and a sliding sleeve welded together.

[0007] The quick-release female connector has a drive sleeve slidably mounted on its front end. A drive ring is rotatably mounted on the drive sleeve, and a relay connecting rod is rotatably connected to the top of the drive ring. The front end of the relay connecting rod is slidably engaged with the sliding sleeve and extends into the U-shaped connecting frame. Two quick-release male connectors are combined and inserted into the two quick-release female connectors. When the drive sleeve slides towards the water meter housing, it is used to release the quick-release male connectors. The drive ring, the two connecting rods, the two relay connecting rods, and the two drive sleeves are connected to form two crank-slider mechanisms. Through these two mechanisms, the reciprocating torsional drive... The moving coil can push and drive the two drive sleeves to slide towards each other to loosen and loosen the quick-release female and quick-release male connectors. Compared with the existing technology where there is no synchronous loosening mechanism between the two quick-release connectors at the water inlet and outlet of the water meter, this eliminates the trouble of having to operate the two drive sleeves step by step when disassembling and assembling the water meter and the water pipes connected to it. It is more convenient and simple to use, which helps to improve the efficiency of water meter disassembly and assembly. Under normal conditions, the spring inside the quick-release female connector is used to push the drive sleeve back into position and keep it in a state of blocking and locking the positioning ball and quick-release male connector.

[0008] Furthermore,

[0009] A mounting frame is welded to the middle of the top of the drive ring. The tail end of the relay link is rotatably mounted through the mounting frame. Two limiting plates are symmetrically welded to the head end of the relay link.

[0010] Furthermore,

[0011] Two limiting rings are welded at intervals on the outer circumference of the connecting cylinder, and the rotation limit of the drive ring is located between the two limiting rings.

[0012] Furthermore,

[0013] The top of the connecting cylinder is welded with an installation ring, and the top of the installation ring is pressed and sealed with a mud cover. The inside of the installation ring is used to install components such as a dial, and a sealed transparent glass is embedded in the top opening.

[0014] Furthermore,

[0015] The outer ring of the mud cover is symmetrically provided with two downward-supporting plugs, and the cross-section of the plugs is T-shaped.

[0016] Furthermore,

[0017] Two mounting bushings are symmetrically rotatably connected at the bottom of the outer circumference of the mounting ring. A tension spring is attached between the bottom wall of each mounting bushing and the two plugs. When the mud cover is pressed tightly against the top of the mounting ring, the mounting bushings swing vertically upward to support it, and the tension springs are completely retracted and hidden in the mounting bushings.

[0018] Furthermore,

[0019] When the mud-covering cover is pressed tightly against the top of the mounting ring, the two plugs are inserted into the top openings of the two mounting bushings, which can plug and seal the top openings of the mounting bushings, keeping the internal space of the mounting bushings sealed. This helps to ensure the normal and effective implementation of the sealing protection function of the tension spring. In addition, when the sealing mud-covering cover is pulled down, the two tension springs can also pull down the driving plugs to perform plug-in sealing, which makes the two tension springs have a dual-purpose function.

[0020] Furthermore,

[0021] The two quick-release male connectors are respectively threaded to two pipes in the water supply system that are connected to the water inlet and outlet ends of the water meter housing.

[0022] The water meter with a quick-release structure provided by this invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0023] In use, the present invention comprises a drive ring, two connecting rods, two relay connecting rods, and two drive sleeves, which together form two crank-slider mechanisms. Through these two mechanisms, the reciprocating twisting drive ring can push and drive the two drive sleeves to slide towards each other to loosen and assemble the quick-release female and quick-release male connectors. Compared with the existing technology where there is no synchronous loosening mechanism between the two quick-release connectors at the water inlet and outlet of the water meter, this invention eliminates the trouble of having to operate the two drive sleeves step by step when disassembling and assembling the water meter and its connected water pipes. It is more convenient and simple to use, and helps to improve the efficiency of water meter disassembly and assembly.

[0024] Furthermore, the two relay links are slidably connected to the two connecting rods through two relay connectors, and the two U-shaped connecting frames provide the two relay connectors with sufficient space for independent sliding. This allows the two relay links to detach from the two connecting rods and slide independently, driving either drive sleeve to tighten or loosen any quick-release female head separately. This avoids the two relay links being directly fixed to the two connecting rods, and the two drive sleeves being rigidly connected synchronously. As a result, the two drive sleeves can only be driven synchronously to tighten or loosen the two quick-release female heads at the same time. This is suitable for applications where the water meter's inlet or outlet end is disassembled and tightened separately, making it flexible in use and eliminating the need to simultaneously tighten or loosen both quick-release female heads when disassembling or assembling a single end of the water meter, thus saving unnecessary trouble.

[0025] Furthermore, when the mud cover is pressed tightly against the top of the mounting ring, the mounting sleeve swings vertically upwards for support, and the tension spring is completely retracted and hidden in the mounting sleeve. This can provide a protective cover for the tension spring, isolating it from the damp soil or mud in the underground pit. This prevents the tension spring from being directly exposed and easily blocked by damp soil or mud, thus ensuring its normal extension and contraction. It also helps to ensure the normal and effective implementation of the tension spring's tightening and sealing function for the mud cover, and can reduce the corrosion caused by damp soil or mud to the tension spring, thus helping to extend the service life of the tension spring.

[0026] In addition, when the mud cover is pressed tightly against the top of the mounting ring, the two plugs are inserted into the top openings of the two mounting bushings, which can plug and seal the top openings of the mounting bushings, keeping the internal space of the mounting bushings sealed. This helps to ensure the normal and effective implementation of the sealing protection function of the tension spring. Furthermore, when the sealing mud cover is pulled down, the two tension springs can also pull down the plugs to perform plugging and sealing. This gives the two tension springs a dual-purpose function, eliminating the need to configure additional elastic tensioning components for the two plugs. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly described below.

[0028] The accompanying drawings described below are only related to some embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0029] In the attached diagram:

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention is shown;

[0031] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the quick-release female connector structure of the present invention is shown;

[0032] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the disassembled state of the drive ring of the present invention is shown;

[0033] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the drive coil structure of the present invention is shown;

[0034] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the connecting cylinder structure of the present invention is shown;

[0035] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a half-section of the mud-covering cover of the present invention is shown;

[0036] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the mud-covering cover of the present invention in disassembled state is shown;

[0037] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the bottom side structure of the mud-covering cover of the present invention is shown;

[0038] List of reference numerals

[0039] 1. Water meter housing; 101. Connecting cylinder; 1011. Limiting ring; 102. Mounting ring; 1021. Mounting bushing;

[0040] 2. Drive ring; 201. Connecting rod; 202. Relay connector; 2021. U-shaped connecting frame; 2022. Sliding sleeve;

[0041] 3. Mud cover; 301. Plug; 302. Tension spring;

[0042] 4. Quick-release female connector; 401. Drive ring; 4011. Mounting frame; 4012. Intermediate connecting rod; 402. Drive sleeve; 4021. Force ring; 403. Positioning ball;

[0043] 5. Quick-release male connector. Detailed Implementation

[0044] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. Based on the described embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0045] Please refer to Figures 1 to 8 ; Example 1:

[0046] This invention proposes a water meter with a quick-release structure, comprising: a water meter housing 1, a connecting cylinder 101, a limiting ring 1011, a mounting ring 102, a mounting bushing 1021, a drive ring 2, a connecting rod 201, a relay connector 202, a U-shaped connecting frame 2021, a sliding sleeve 2022, a mud cover 3, a plug 301, a tension spring 302, a quick-release female connector 4, a drive ring 401, a mounting frame 4011, a relay connecting rod 4012, a drive sleeve 402, a force ring 4021, a positioning ball 403, and a quick-release male connector 5. Two metal water pipes are symmetrically welded to the outer wall of the water meter housing 1, and the first ends of the two metal water pipes are threadedly connected to a quick-release female connector 4.

[0047] Among them, a connecting cylinder 101 is welded to the top of the water meter housing 1, a drive ring 2 is rotatably installed on the connecting cylinder 101, and two connecting rods 201 are symmetrically rotatably connected on the drive ring 2. A relay connector 202 is welded to the first end of each of the two connecting rods 201. The relay connector 202 is composed of a U-shaped connecting frame 2021 and a sliding sleeve 2022 welded together.

[0048] The first end of the quick-release female head 4 is slidably mounted with a drive sleeve 402. A drive ring 401 is rotatably mounted on the drive sleeve 402. The top end of the drive ring 401 is rotatably connected to a relay rod 4012. The first end of the relay rod 4012 is slidably engaged with the sliding sleeve 2022 and is inserted into the U-shaped connecting frame 2021. Two quick-release male heads 5 are connected to the two quick-release female heads 4. A positioning ball 403 is embedded in the inner ring of the first end of the quick-release female head 4. The positioning ball 403 is used to clamp and fix the quick-release male head 5. When the drive sleeve 402 slides toward the water meter housing 1, it is used to release the positioning ball 403 and the quick-release male head 5. It is worth noting that the tightening and loosening principle and the tightening and loosening method of the quick-release female head 4 are existing technologies and will not be described in detail here. Under normal conditions, the spring inside the quick-release female head 4 is used to push the drive sleeve 402 back to its position and keep it in a state of blocking and clamping the positioning ball 403 and the quick-release male head 5.

[0049] The drive ring 2, two connecting rods 201, two relay connecting rods 4012, and two drive sleeves 402 are connected to form two crank-slider mechanisms. Through these two mechanisms, the reciprocating twisting drive ring 2 can push and drive the two drive sleeves 402 to slide towards each other to loosen and loosen the quick-release female head 4 and the quick-release male head 5. Compared with the existing technology that lacks a synchronous loosening mechanism between the two quick-release joints at the water inlet and outlet of the water meter, this can save the trouble of having to operate the two drive sleeves 402 step by step when disassembling and assembling the water meter and the water pipes connected to it. It is more convenient and simple to use and helps to improve the efficiency of water meter disassembly and assembly.

[0050] Two relay links 4012 are slidably connected to two links 201 via two relay connectors 202, and two U-shaped connecting frames 2021 provide the two relay connectors 202 with sufficient space for independent sliding. This allows the two relay links 4012 to detach from the two links 201 and slide independently, driving either drive sleeve 402 to tighten or loosen either quick-release female head 4 separately. This avoids directly fixing the two relay links 4012 to the two links 201 together and rigidly connecting the two drive sleeves 402 synchronously. As a result, the two drive sleeves 402 can only be driven synchronously to tighten or loosen the two quick-release female heads 4 at the same time. This is suitable for applications where the water meter inlet or outlet is disassembled and tightened separately. It is flexible in use and eliminates the need to simultaneously tighten or loosen the two quick-release female heads 4 when disassembling or assembling a single end of the water meter, saving unnecessary trouble.

[0051] Preferred,

[0052] A mounting frame 4011 is welded to the middle of the top of the drive ring 401. The tail end shaft of the relay link 4012 is rotatably mounted through the mounting frame 4011. Two limiting plates are symmetrically welded to the head end of the relay link 4012.

[0053] Preferred,

[0054] Two limiting rings 1011 are welded at intervals on the outer circumference of the connecting cylinder 101, and the rotation limit of the drive ring 2 is located between the two limiting rings 1011.

[0055] Based on Example 1, Example 2;

[0056] A mounting ring 102 is welded to the top of the connecting cylinder 101. A mud-covering cover 3 is pressed and sealed at the top of the mounting ring 102. The inside of the mounting ring 102 is used to install components such as the dial. A sealed transparent glass is embedded in the top opening. The mud-covering cover 3 is used to cover and seal the sealed transparent glass under normal conditions to prevent damp soil or mud from accumulating and covering the sealed transparent glass when the water meter is installed in an underground pit, thus affecting the staff's ability to read the scale on the dial.

[0057] Preferred,

[0058] The outer ring of the mud cover 3 is symmetrically provided with two downward-supporting plugs 301, and the cross-section of the plugs 301 is T-shaped.

[0059] Preferred,

[0060] Two mounting bushings 1021 are symmetrically rotatably connected to the bottom of the outer circumference of the mounting ring 102. A tension spring 302 is attached to the bottom wall of each mounting bushing 1021 and each of the two plugs 301. The two tension springs 302 are used to pull and press the mud-covering cover 3 tightly against the top of the mounting ring 102. When the mud-covering cover 3 is pressed tightly against the top of the mounting ring 102, the mounting bushings 1021 rotate and stand upright for support, and the tension springs 302 are completely retracted and hidden within the mounting bushings 102. In section 1, this can provide a cover and protection for the tension spring 302, isolating the tension spring 302 from the damp soil or mud in the underground pit. This prevents the tension spring 302 from being directly exposed and easily blocked by damp soil or mud, thus preventing it from extending and retracting normally. This helps ensure that the tension spring 302 can effectively tighten and seal the mud cover 3, and also reduces the corrosion caused by damp soil or mud to the tension spring 302, thus helping to extend the service life of the tension spring 302.

[0061] By means of the two swivel mounting bushings 1021, when the mud cover 3 is separated from the top opening of the mounting ring 102, it can be swung and offset to one side of the water meter housing 1, so that the sealed transparent glass can be fully exposed and opened for the staff to check the meter reading.

[0062] Preferred,

[0063] When the mud cover 3 is pressed tightly against the top of the mounting ring 102, the two plugs 301 are inserted into the top openings of the two mounting bushings 1021, which can plug and seal the top openings of the mounting bushings 1021, keeping the internal space of the mounting bushings 1021 sealed. This helps to ensure the normal and effective implementation of the sealing protection function of the tension spring 302. In addition, when the mud cover 3 is pulled down, the two tension springs 302 can also pull down the plugs 301 to perform plugging and sealing. This makes the two tension springs 302 have a dual-purpose function, which can save the need to configure elastic tensioning components for the two plugs 301.

[0064] Preferred,

[0065] The two quick-release male connectors 5 are respectively threaded to two pipes in the water supply system that are connected to the inlet and outlet ends of the water meter housing 1.

[0066] Working principle: The drive ring 2, two connecting rods 201, two relay connecting rods 4012 and two drive sleeves 402 are connected to form two crank-slider mechanisms. Through these two mechanisms, the reciprocating rotation of the drive ring 2 can push and drive the two drive sleeves 402 to slide towards each other to loosen and loosen the quick-release female head 4 and the quick-release male head 5. Under normal conditions, the spring inside the quick-release female head 4 is used to push the drive sleeve 402 back to its position and keep it in a state of blocking and locking the positioning ball 403 and the quick-release male head 5.

[0067] Two relay rods 4012 are slidably connected to two connecting rods 201 through two relay connectors 202, and two U-shaped connecting frames 2021 provide two relay connectors 202 with a margin for independent sliding. This allows the two relay rods 4012 to detach from the two connecting rods 201 and slide separately, driving either drive sleeve 402 to tighten or loosen any quick-release female head 4 independently. This avoids the two relay rods 4012 being directly fixed to the two connecting rods 201 and the two drive sleeves 402 being rigidly and synchronously connected. As a result, the two drive sleeves 402 can only be driven synchronously to tighten or loosen the two quick-release female heads 4 at the same time. This is suitable for application scenarios where the water meter inlet or outlet is loosened or loosened separately.

[0068] The mud-covering cover 3 is used to seal the sealed viewing glass under normal conditions, preventing damp soil or mud from accumulating and obstructing the glass when the water meter is installed in an underground pit, thus affecting the operator's ability to read the scale on the dial. Two tension springs 302 are used to pull and press the mud-covering cover 3 tightly against the top of the mounting ring 102. When the mud-covering cover 3 is pressed tightly against the top of the mounting ring 102, the mounting sleeve 1021 rotates and stands upright for support, and the tension springs 302 are fully retracted and hidden within the mounting sleeve 1021. In 021, this can protect the tension spring 302 by covering it, isolating the tension spring 302 from the damp soil or mud in the underground pit, and preventing the tension spring 302 from being directly exposed and easily blocked by damp soil or mud, thus preventing it from extending and retracting normally. By rotating the two mounting bushings 1021, when the mud cover 3 is separated from the top opening of the mounting ring 102, it can be rotated and offset to one side of the water meter housing 1, fully exposing the sealed transparent glass for staff to check the meter reading.

[0069] When the mud cover 3 is pressed tightly against the top of the mounting ring 102, the two plugs 301 are inserted into the top openings of the two mounting bushings 1021, which can plug and seal the top openings of the mounting bushings 1021. When the two tension springs 302 pull down to seal the mud cover 3, they can also pull down to drive the plugs 301 to perform plug-in sealing.

[0070] The following points should be noted in this article:

[0071] 1. The accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention only involve the structures involved in the embodiments of the present invention; other structures can refer to general designs.

[0072] 2. Where there is no conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features thereof can be combined with each other to obtain new embodiments.

[0073] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A water meter having a quick release structure, comprising: The utility meter shell and the quick release male head, the outer wall of the utility meter shell is symmetrically welded with two metal water pipes, and the first end of the two metal water pipes is threadedly connected with a quick release female head; The utility meter shell is characterized in that the top end of the utility meter shell is welded with a connecting cylinder, the connecting cylinder is rotatably installed with a driving ring, the driving ring is symmetrically rotatably connected with two connecting rods, and the first end of the two connecting rods is welded with a relay connecting piece; the relay connecting piece is composed of a U-shaped connecting frame and a sliding sleeve; The first end of the quick release female head is slidably installed with a driving sleeve, the driving sleeve is rotatably installed with a driving ring, the top end of the driving ring is rotatably connected with a relay connecting rod, the first end of the relay connecting rod is slidably connected with the sliding sleeve, and the relay connecting rod is inserted into the U-shaped connecting frame; the two quick release female heads are combined and connected with two quick release male heads, and the driving sleeve is used to loosen the quick release male head when sliding towards the utility meter shell; The top end of the driving ring is welded with a mounting frame, the tail end of the relay connecting rod is rotatably installed with the mounting frame, and the first end of the relay connecting rod is symmetrically welded with two limiting plates; The circumferential outer wall of the connecting cylinder is welded with two limiting rings at an upper and lower interval, and the driving ring is rotatably limited between the two limiting rings; The top end of the connecting cylinder is welded with a mounting ring, the mounting ring is tightly sealed with a mud cover, and the inside of the mounting ring is used to mount a dial and other components, and a sealed perspective glass is embedded and installed in the top end opening; the outer circle of the mud cover is symmetrically provided with two downward supporting plugs, and the cross section of the plug is in T-shaped structure; The bottom of the circumferential outer wall of the mounting ring is symmetrically rotatably connected with two mounting shaft sleeves, and the bottom wall of the two mounting shaft sleeves is hung and connected with a tension spring between the two plugs, when the mud cover is tightly attached to the top end of the mounting ring, the mounting shaft sleeve is turned and stands upward, and the tension spring is completely hidden in the mounting shaft sleeve; when the mud cover is tightly attached to the top end of the mounting ring, the two plugs are correspondingly inserted and connected with the top end openings of the two mounting shaft sleeves; The two quick release male heads are respectively threadedly connected with two pipelines in the water supply system which are communicated with the water inlet and outlet of the utility meter shell.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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