초록 ▼

An apparatus and method for determining the amount of liquid contained in a railroad tank car, or any other liquid storage tank having an interior region defining a predetermined relationship between liquid level and volumetric content. A tube having a closed bottom end is disposed within the tank i

An apparatus and method for determining the amount of liquid contained in a railroad tank car, or any other liquid storage tank having an interior region defining a predetermined relationship between liquid level and volumetric content. A tube having a closed bottom end is disposed within the tank in a substantially vertical orientation with the closed end of the tube emersed in the liquid and the open end of the tube protruding from the top of tank. An elongate member having a longitudinal edge defining a varying profile corresponding to the predetermined relationship between liquid level and volumetric content is slidably received within the tube. A float is slidable vertically along the exterior of the tube and is magnetically coupled to the elongate member such that as the float rises or falls in response to a change in liquid level, the elongate member will be vertically displaced within the tube. A measuring device positioned proximate the open end of the tube measures the distance between the longitudinal edge of the elongate member and a reference plane aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member, the distance being directly proportional to the volumetric content of liquid contained in the tank. The measurement signal generated by the measuring device is proportionately converted into a standard volumetric unit of measurement by way of a signal multiplier. The volume of liquid contained in the tank may then be indicated on a remote display.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [4.]4. An apparatus for determining the amount of liquid contained in a tank, the tank having an interior defining a predetermined relationship between liquid level and volumetric content, the apparatus comprisingan elongate member having a longitudinal axis and being at least

[ What is claimed is:] [4.]4. An apparatus for determining the amount of liquid contained in a tank, the tank having an interior defining a predetermined relationship between liquid level and volumetric content, the apparatus comprisingan elongate member having a longitudinal axis and being at least partially disposed inside the tank, said elongate member having a longitudinal edge defining a profile corresponding to said predetermined relationship between liquid level and volumetric content, at least a portion of said profile being non-linear;a buoyant member operably connected to said elongate member to cause said elongate member to be displaced generally along said longitudinal axis in response to displacement of said buoyant member resulting from a corresponding change in liquid level; anda device for measuring a distance between said longitudinal edge and a reference plane aligned substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis when the liquid in the tank is at various levels, said distance being proportional to the volumetric content of liquid in the tank at sad various levels.