Liquid level gauge
US4981039A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 5, 1989 |
| Grant date | Jan 1, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 5, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01K13/10
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A gauge for detecting both the temperature and surface level of a fluid within a container. The gauge includes an elongated casing which extends into the fluid. A float which rises and falls with the fluid surface is slidably coupled to the casing and carries a magnet. A support member positioned within the casing carries both a sensor for determining the position of the magnet and a sensor for measuring the fluid temperature. The surface level of the fluid can be determined from the position of the magnet. A heat conducting element thermally couples the temperature detecting sensor to the fluid. In a preferred embodiment, the support member takes the form of a printed board. In a separate preferred aspect, the temperature and magnet detecting sensors are reed switches which are vertically spaced apart yet aligned in parallel to minimize interference.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.