Power management mechanism for loop powered time of flight and level measurement systems
US6961665B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 30, 2003 |
| Grant date | Nov 1, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 9, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01F23/284
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A loop powered level measurement and time of flight ranging system with power management. The level measurement system includes a controller, a transducer for distance ranging, a power supply, and a power management stage. The power management stage comprises a shunt current regulator and a circuit for charging a storage capacitor. The shunt current regulator shunts excess current from the current loop and the circuit charges the storage capacitor. The charging of the capacitor is monitored and stored energy is applied to the transducer to make a level measurement. During charging, the controller continues to operate a user interface and communication module.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.