초록 ▼

A leak detector apparatus 10 is disclosed which measures changes in fluid level in a tube 54 substantially located within a reservoir 29 of hydraulic fluid. The tube 54 has a first end which is open to the atmosphere and a second end which is submerged in the hydraulic fluid. The reservoir 29 is sel

A leak detector apparatus 10 is disclosed which measures changes in fluid level in a tube 54 substantially located within a reservoir 29 of hydraulic fluid. The tube 54 has a first end which is open to the atmosphere and a second end which is submerged in the hydraulic fluid. The reservoir 29 is selectively sealed, therefore changes in the volume of the fluid within the reservoir 29 cause the fluid level within the tube 54 to change in accordance with the principles of a manometer. A measuring device is utilized to determine the level of the fluid within the tube 54, wherein the measurement device can include a float 22 having a magnet 23 located thereon interacting with a linear array of Hall effect sensors 24. A controllable venting valve 28 is provided through the reservoir 29 to equalize the pressure within the tank with the external ambient pressure. The opening and closing of the venting valve 28 is controlled by an electronic controller device 30 that uses float position and hydraulic fluid temperature as inputs, among others. Accordingly, the float position can be reset within the tube to extend the range, thereby creating a virtual column.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for measuring the fluid volume in a reservoir having at least one wall, comprising:a) a first column having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end extends through the reservoir and is in fluid communication with the external atmosphere, and wher

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for measuring the fluid volume in a reservoir having at least one wall, comprising:a) a first column having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end extends through the reservoir and is in fluid communication with the external atmosphere, and wherein said second end extends beneath the surface of the fluid and is in fluid communication with the fluid;b) measuring means for measuring the level of the fluid within said first column;c) electrically controllable fluid communication means, located through a wall of the reservoir, for selectively venting the atmosphere within the reservoir to the external atmosphere; andd) wherein the air pressure within the reservoir moves toward equilibrium with the external atmosphere when said controllable fluid communication means vent, whereby any elevated or decreased levels of fluid within said first column may be normalized and said column operates as a virtual column.