Gauge for measuring liquid levels
US5950487A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 20, 1996 |
| Grant date | Sep 14, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 20, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01F23/706
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for measuring liquid level in a container, the apparatus having a flexible measurement scale attached at one end to a weight for retainment at the bottom of the container and at the opposite end to a receiver at the top of the container. A float moves along the flexible scale, and has a configuration and density designed to place a portion of the float below the level of the liquid to be measured and a portion above the liquid level. The portion above the liquid level contains transmitter apparatus for applying energy to one side of the scale, and detection apparatus on the other side for detecting energy transmitted through the scale and converting it to a liquid level in the container. The accuracy of readings is enhanced through the use of a wide gap between the scale and float at the liquid-air interface for reducing surface effects between the float and the scale, and through the use of a special two-dimensional vertically offset gray scale code that allows for the use of a more narrow scale and larger spacing between components.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.