Apparatus and method for achieving intrinsic safety using conventional sensors
US6014076A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 31, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jan 11, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S250/90
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for monitoring parameters of combustible liquids within a tank includes a plurality of sensors disposable within the tank for generating signals indicative of parameters of the contents of the tank, a display disposed on the outside of the tank for generating human perceptible signals indicating parameters regarding the contents of the tank, and a nonconductive communications mechanism for conveying signals between the sensors and the display. The sensor generates electrical signals indicative of the parameter(s) measured. The electrical signal is then converted into an optical signal such as pulses of light. The optical signal is conveyed along the electrically nonconductive communications mechanism to the display. The optical signal is then converted back into an electrical signal outside of the tank where it may be processed to produce a human perceptible signal indicative of the parameter(s) measured.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.