Sensor for accurate measurement of levels in irregularly shaped tanks
US6293145A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 13, 1999 |
| Grant date | Sep 25, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 13, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01F23/266
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A sensor for measuring the filling level of a fluid in a vessel, in particular fuel tank is disclosed. The sensor has an electrode group which extends vertically over the fillable vessel height, and dips into the fluid and which forms electrical capacitors whose capacitances change in a measurable fashion when there are changes in the filling level. The capacitances are determined by a connected evaluation circuit and are represented as a signal which describes the filling level. There is at least one measuring electrode which extends over the entire fillable vessel height. A plurality of reference elements are arranged at different reference heights within the fillable vessel height. Optionally, a plurality of measuring electrodes are arranged in such a way that each measuring electrode has a significant change in width at a reference height assigned to it, and wherein the entire fillable vessel height is passed over by the measuring electrodes. An advantageous method for measuring the filling level is also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.