Method and apparatus for acoustically measuring the level of liquid in a tank
US5822274A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 12, 1996 |
| Grant date | Oct 13, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 12, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S367/908
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A time-domain reflectometer is disclosed for reliably measuring the level of a liquid in a tank. The reflectometer emits an acoustic signal into a waveguide that projects downwardly into the tank and receives a return acoustic signal reflected from the surface of the liquid. The time delay between the transmitted acoustic signal and the reflected acoustic signal is a measure of the level of the liquid, and the reflectometer converts this level measurement into a electrical current that is linearly proportioned between predetermined minimum and maximum values. In addition, the reflectometer incorporates a liquid- and vapor-impervious membrane disposed in the path of the transmitted and reflected acoustic signals, adjacent to the transmitter and receiver, to prevent the escape of liquid and vapor from the tank and to isolate the electronics, including the transmitter and receiver, from such liquid and vapor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.