Apparatus and method for measuring liquid level in a sealed container
US6067855A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 4, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 30, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 4, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01F23/68
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system and method for measuring ampoule liquid level are presented. A buoy is arranged entirely within and detached from the ampoule. The buoy contains enough matter having a density less than that of the liquid to maintain flotation of the buoy, and has an exterior surface formed from a non-reactive material. The buoy is further designed to not interfere with any inlet or outlet structures of the ampoule. At least one magnet is displaced within the buoy such that the magnet is located near the ampoule's interior wall when the buoy is arranged within the ampoule. At least one sensor strip is located along the height of and entirely outside of the ampoule's interior wall, and at least one electronic sensor, containing at least one magnetically actuated switch, is located within each sensor strip. The electronic sensor may also contain a visible indicator and/or a resistor. The electronic sensor may be electronically connected to at least one separate system. In a method of using the system to measure the ampoule's liquid level, the buoy is arranged within the ampoule and the sensor strip is arranged outside the ampoule. As the magnet in the buoy passes near a magnetically actuated…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.