초록

A system for filling containers with liquid and the like which reflects ultrasonic pulses from the surface of the liquid as it rises in the container being filled. Range gates at predetermined fill levels control throttling down and/or shut off of the filling liquid.

대표청구항 ▼

Apparatus for filling a container or the like with flowable material to a predetermined level using ultrasonic energy comprising: means for holding the container in position to receive the material; means for initiating a flow of material into the container; source means disposed adjacent to the con

Apparatus for filling a container or the like with flowable material to a predetermined level using ultrasonic energy comprising: means for holding the container in position to receive the material; means for initiating a flow of material into the container; source means disposed adjacent to the container for directing bursts of ultrasonic energy toward the container to be filled, the bursts being spaced apart at intervals; echo sensing means disposed adjacent to the container; a gate which opens at a predetermined delay with respect to a burst of ultrasonic energy, the delay corresponding to the time required for the burst to travel to the predetermined level and for its echo to return to the echo sensing means; means for sensing the passage of an echo of a burst through the gate when the gate is open, the sensing of the echo being at the time the flowable material has attained the predetermined level; and means for terminating the flow of material into the container in response to the sensing of the echo of a burst of ultrasonic energy at the predetermined delay. A method for filling a container or the like with flowable material to a predetermined level using ultrasonic energy comprising the steps of: initiating a flow of material into the container; directing bursts of ultrasonic energy toward the container to be filled, the bursts being spaced apart at intervals; sensing an echo at a predetermined delay with respect to a burst of ultrasonic energy when the predetermined level is reached; terminating the flow of material into the container in response to the sensing of the echo of a burst of ultrasonic energy at the predetermined delay; and directing a jet of gaseous fluid against the surface of the material being flowed into the container to displace bubbles, foam and the like on the surface of the material in the container to insure that a true surface is presented to the bursts of ultrasonic energy.