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 physical motions acting on the Dewar container. The sensor apparatus comprises a first conductor, preferably positioned adjacent to the containe

A sensor apparatus is described that detects and indicates the quantity of cryogenic liquid in a Dewar container independent of the spatial orientation and physical motions acting on the Dewar container. The sensor apparatus comprises a first conductor, preferably positioned adjacent to the container inner shell wall and a second conductor comprising a plurality of axially spaced and concentric conductor bands mounted inside the container in a proximately spaced and a parallel relationship with respect to the first conductor. The second conductor bands divide the first conductor into zones that provide a plurality of distinct and separate capacitors. A computer measures the capacitance of each capacitor and compares the individual capacitance measurements to reference capacitance values corresponding to a known quantity of cryogenic fluid filled in the container at known angles of inclination. The sensor apparatus is also useful as a motion detector.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for detecting at least one of liquid quantity within a container means and a spatial orientation of the container means, which comprises:a) capacitor means disposed inside the container means, wherein the container means comprises a closed curved side wall en

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for detecting at least one of liquid quantity within a container means and a spatial orientation of the container means, which comprises:a) capacitor means disposed inside the container means, wherein the container means comprises a closed curved side wall enclosing a volume and wherein the capacitor means is comprised of a conductive portion of the closed curved side wall providing a first conductor and a plurality of second conductive band means electrically insulated from each other, wherein the second conductive band means are spaced from the first conductor to follow the contour of the conductive portion of the closed curved sidewall to thereby divide the container means into capacitor zones delineated by the plurality of the second conductive band means, wherein the capacitor means is contactable by a liquid contained inside the container means to thereby provide a plurality of capacitance measurements related to the extent the second conductive band means are immersed in the liquid in the container means, independent of the spatial orientation of the container means; andb) computer means for determining at least one of the quantity of liquid and the spatial orientation of the container means by appropriate manipulation of the capacitance measurements with respect to reference capacitance values for various percent fill quantities of the liquid in the container means at various spatial orientations.