초록 ▼

A gauge for monitoring the height of liquid contained in a storage tank or the like, comprising a channel-like structure having a first elongate probe element constituted as a circuit board having a conductive strip running for a substantial length therealong, an additional upright probe element als

A gauge for monitoring the height of liquid contained in a storage tank or the like, comprising a channel-like structure having a first elongate probe element constituted as a circuit board having a conductive strip running for a substantial length therealong, an additional upright probe element also constituted as a circuit board, coextensive with the first and also having a conductive strip running for a substantial length therealong, and an elongate member disposed along the boards and constituting a spacer for maintaining the conductive strips of each of the elements in substantially parallel relation. Means are provided for mechanically connecting the boards to the spacer, with both probe elements being adapted for immersion in the liquid being gauged. In addition, means are provided for impressing a voltage on the conductive strip of one probe element, and additional means for detecting voltage induced or sensed on the conductive strip of the other probe element, the latter voltage being a function of the immersion of the elements in the liquid being gauged. By the invention there is no dielectric material in the area between the conductive strips. Accordingly, the likelihood of debris and residue in the tank bridging the gap between the strips is greatly minimized, since there is complete access of the fluid to those portions of each board which carry the strips. Improved performance and accuracy over extended periods of use thereby result.

대표청구항 ▼

A liquid level gauging apparatus for monitoring the height of liquid contained in a storage tank or the like, comprising in combination: a. an upright probe element adapted for immersion in said liquid, b. said probe element being constituted as an elongate circuit board having a conductive strip pr

A liquid level gauging apparatus for monitoring the height of liquid contained in a storage tank or the like, comprising in combination: a. an upright probe element adapted for immersion in said liquid, b. said probe element being constituted as an elongate circuit board having a conductive strip presenting a flat, exposed area running for a substantial length therealong and being substantially rigidly bonded thereto, c. an additional upright probe element adapted for immersion in said liquid in proximity to the first, said additional probe element being constituted as an elongate circuit board coextensive with the first and having a conductive strip presenting a flat, exposed area running for a substantial length therealong and being substantially rigidly bonded thereto, d. an elongate spacer rod disposed along said probe elements and constituting spacer means for maintaining the conductive strips of the probe elements in substantially coextensive spaced relation, e. the flat, exposed areas of said conductive strips being spaced apart, facing one another, being substantially parallel to one another and generally coextensive with said spacer rod, f. means mechanically connecting the probe elements to the spacer rod, g. means for applying a driving voltage to one of said conductive strips, and h. detector means connected to the other of said conductive strips to sense the potential assumed thereby and obtained from said driving voltage, said potential being a function of the degree of immersion of the probe elements in the liquid being gauged, i. said spacer rod and the probe elements forming a U-shaped channel with the legs of the channel being formed by the probe elements, respectively, and the connecting portion of the channel being formed by the rod, said spacer rod maintaining uniform spacing between the flat, exposed areas of said conductive strips, and the space between the flat, exposed areas of said strips being devoid of dielectric material other than the liquid being gauged, whereby no upwardly facing surfaces exist on which debris can become lodged, j. said channel being completely open at its mouth and providing unobstructed and free access of the liquid being gauged to said strips along their entire lengths.