Apparatus and method for determination of liquid mass
US10900822B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 28, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jan 26, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 14, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60K2015/03236
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present disclosure generally pertains to devices and methods for determining propellant mass based on average measurements irrespective of the fluid orientation in a fuel tank. The device is useful in detecting fuel levels in tanks where the fuel is in motion, for instance in aircraft (i.e., undergoing varying acceleration maneuvers) or spacecraft (i.e., a microgravity environment). The devices and methods can also be used for determining the liquid in a surface tension screen liquid acquisition device (LAD), and particularly, the incipient breakdown as gas bubbles enter or are formed inside the LAD as the screen dries or heat transfer induces vaporization. The same basic electrode configuration can be used to stir the liquid to reduce thermal stratification and condense vapor bubbles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.