초록

A sensor apparatus is described that detects and indicates the quantity of cryogenic liquid in a Dewar container, independent of the spatial orientation and the physical motions acting on the container.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for detecting a liquid quantity within a container means independent of the spatial orientation and physical motions acting on the container means, wherein the container means comprises an enclosed, surrounding side wall, which comprises:a. a first conductor

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for detecting a liquid quantity within a container means independent of the spatial orientation and physical motions acting on the container means, wherein the container means comprises an enclosed, surrounding side wall, which comprises:a. a first conductor means provided by the surrounding side wall of the container means;b. a second conductor means provided inside the container means in a proximately spaced and parallel relationship with respect to the surrounding side wall providing the first conductor means to provide a capacitor means, the liquid therein serving as a dielectric for the capacitor means independent of the spatial orientation of the container means;c. a current generator means electrically connected to the capacitor means to cause equal and opposite electrical changes to form on the first and second conductor means with the liquid serving as a dielectric to thereby provide a first capacitance measurement directly related to the extent with which the first and second conductor means are at least partially immersed in the liquid;d. inclinometer means for indicating an inclination of the container means; ande. computer means for manipulating the first capacitance measurement and the inclination of the container means with respect to a set of reference capacitance values for various percent fill quantities of the liquid in the container means at various inclinations to indicate the quantity of liquid filled in the container means at the indicated inclination.