초록 ▼

A liquid density/liquid level meter includes a spring-float system that is coupled with a multiple Hall-sensor configured linear displacement transducer. The spring-float system includes springs that constrain the movement of floats on each end; the spring-float system parameters are mathematically

A liquid density/liquid level meter includes a spring-float system that is coupled with a multiple Hall-sensor configured linear displacement transducer. The spring-float system includes springs that constrain the movement of floats on each end; the spring-float system parameters are mathematically evaluated so as to meet precise performance criteria. The linear displacement transducer includes a magnet and the Hall sensors. The linear displacement transducer and the spring-float system are coupled together within a submerible head unit. When the head unit is immersed in the liquid, the spring-float system moves the magnet, which interacts with the Hall sensors in a lateral slide-by approach that produces an analog voltage that is continuous and linear with respect to the displacement of the magnet. The output from the head unit is communicatively connected to a remote electronic module that contains a signal conditioner with a digital readout. There are two possible operating applications of this device that depend upon the two possible configurations of the floats in the system. In the liquid density application-configuration, at least two floats are used and the device is initialized to give a direct measure of the density (specific gravity) of the liquid. In the liquid level application-configuration, a single float is used and the device is initialized so as to give a continuous direct measure of the level of the liquid within a container.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A liquid density/liquid level meter, comprising:a spring-float portion that includes a plurality of springs and at least one float, the plurality of springs constraining movement of the at least one float; a linear displacement transducer portion that includes a magnet and a plurality of Hall sen

1. A liquid density/liquid level meter, comprising:a spring-float portion that includes a plurality of springs and at least one float, the plurality of springs constraining movement of the at least one float; a linear displacement transducer portion that includes a magnet and a plurality of Hall sensors; and a submersible head unit that is adapted to couple the spring-float portion with the linear displacement transducer portion, wherein, when the submersible head unit is immersed in a liquid, the spring-float portion moves causing displacement of the magnet, thereby interacting with the plurality of Hall sensors in a lateral slide-by manner, so as to produce a voltage that is linear with respect to the displacement of the magnet, wherein the plurality of Hall sensors are disposed on the linear displacement transducer portion such that the plurality of Hall sensors are substantially equidistant with respect to the magnet.