Climate control device with improved liquid level sensing
US9970807B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 26, 2017 |
| Grant date | May 15, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 26, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B30/54
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Climate control devices and methods are disclosed. A climate control device includes a housing, an ultrasonic emitter, an ultrasonic receiver, and a controller. The housing defines a receptacle for receiving liquid. The ultrasonic emitter is positioned to emit an ultrasonic wave toward a surface of the liquid received in the receptacle. The ultrasonic receiver is positioned to receive the ultrasonic wave after the ultrasonic wave reflects off of the surface of the liquid. The controller is configured to provide a liquid level indication based on the ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic receiver. A climate control method includes receiving liquid in the receptacle, emitting an ultrasonic wave toward a surface of the liquid in the receptacle, receiving at least a portion of the ultrasonic wave after the ultrasonic wave reflects off of the surface of the liquid, and providing a liquid level indication based on the received ultrasonic wave.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.