초록 ▼

An apparatus for measuring liquid level in a container, the apparatus having a flexible measurement scale attached at one end to a weight for retainment at the bottom of the container and at the opposite end to a receiver at the top of the container. A float moves along the flexible scale, and has a

An apparatus for measuring liquid level in a container, the apparatus having a flexible measurement scale attached at one end to a weight for retainment at the bottom of the container and at the opposite end to a receiver at the top of the container. A float moves along the flexible scale, and has a configuration and density designed to place a portion of the float below the level of the liquid to be measured and a portion above the liquid level. The portion above the liquid level contains transmitter apparatus for applying energy to one side of the scale, and detection apparatus on the other side for detecting energy transmitted through the scale and converting it to a liquid level in the container. The accuracy of readings is enhanced through the use of a wide gap between the scale and float at the liquid-air interface for reducing surface effects between the float and the scale, and through the use of a special two-dimensional vertically offset gray scale code that allows for the use of a more narrow scale and larger spacing between components.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for measuring the level of a liquid comprising:(a) a flexible vertical measurement scale for measuring the level of a liquid, the scale having a binary code comprised of opaque and transmissive elements along its length indicative of specific levels of the sc

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for measuring the level of a liquid comprising:(a) a flexible vertical measurement scale for measuring the level of a liquid, the scale having a binary code comprised of opaque and transmissive elements along its length indicative of specific levels of the scale, the code implemented such that the code is read by transmission of energy through portions of the code;(b) means for mounting the scale in the liquid, with a top end of the scale above the highest liquid level to be measured and a lower end of the scale below the lowest liquid level to be measured; and(c) first float designed to float on the liquid, the float unattached to and configured to move freely about the scale, the float including (i) energy transmission means for transmitting energy from a first side of the scale through transmissive portions of the scale, and (ii) energy receiving means on the opposite side of the scale, whereby the code for a specific level of the scale is read.