Absolute liquid level sensor with refractive encoding
US6672156B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 27, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jan 6, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 27, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01F23/706
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Refractive encoding of distance or level along a scale provides an advanced means for measuring liquid level or dissimilar-liquid interface level with a float. Distance or level information is encoded in the patterns of microfacets impressed in the scale. The microfacets divide incident visible or infrared beams and direct these multiply divided beams toward or away from detectors disposed in arrays. This approach provides significant reductions in the number of encoding tracks and of the size of the float, improved accuracy, fault detection, increased span, lower friction, and easier installation. A slender rod can replace the wide encoding tape of prior designs. The rod can also be used to guide optical or acoustic signals efficiently from floats to the rod support and thus on to level indicating and recording devices. In addition, the rod support provides means for quick installation, signal coupling, and setting reference levels.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.