초록 ▼

A liquid level monitoring and control apparatus is described, which generates an alarm signal or a safety signal, discontinuing an operation such as heating, when the liquid level in a controlled vessel has reached a predetermined level. Several signals, similar or different, may be generated at dif

A liquid level monitoring and control apparatus is described, which generates an alarm signal or a safety signal, discontinuing an operation such as heating, when the liquid level in a controlled vessel has reached a predetermined level. Several signals, similar or different, may be generated at different liquid levels. The operation of the. apparatus may be based on various physical properties, such as optical, magnetic, acoustic, electrical and conductivity properties. The apparatus comprises a floating actuator, the level of which is determined by the level of the liquid in the vessel, a sensing assembly comprising at least a member which can be actuated by the actuator, means for guiding the vertical displacement of the actuator and means for issuing the desired signal or signals when the actuator reaches a level close to that of the actuatable member. The actuatable member can be displaced to set the predetermined level of the liquid as desired by the user. The apparatus can be so designed as to constitute a transportable kit comprising the actuator and the actuatable member. In a form of the invention, the actuator is mounted on a floating rod. In another modification of the apparatus, the meniscus of said liquid serves as the actuator.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A liquid level apparatus for monitoring and controlling the liquid level in a liquid containing vessel, said apparatus comprising:a floating-rod assembly comprising a rod rigidly conjugated to a float wherein, in operation, said floating rod floatingly moves, in respons

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A liquid level apparatus for monitoring and controlling the liquid level in a liquid containing vessel, said apparatus comprising:a floating-rod assembly comprising a rod rigidly conjugated to a float wherein, in operation, said floating rod floatingly moves, in response to changes in the level of said liquid, in such a way that the longitudinal axis of said rod is generally parallel to the vertical direction, and wherein the lower part of said rod is connected to said float while the upper end of said rod is exposed above said liquid;at least one displaceable and fixable actuator, mounted on said rod and fixable at a user selected level, wherein said actuator floatingly moves with said floating-rodmeans for displacing said actuator along the longitudinal axis of said rod and fixing it at a selected position on said rod;a sensing assembly, comprising: a) at least one actuatable member, wherein said actuatable member can be actuated by said actuator once the level of said liquid reaches a predetermined level, or when said displaceable actuator is positioned within the actuation range of said actuator; b) an indicator; and c) a power supply, wherein said power supply energizes at least part of said sensing assembly; and wherein said sensing assembly, comprising a control unit, issues an output signal once said actuatable member has been actuated by said actuator;means for guiding and restraining the transition of said floating rod to the vertical direction;a support member, mounted on the rim of said vessel, on which at least part of the components of said apparatus are mounteda casing member, housing at least part of the components of said apparatus.