Measuring and testing – Liquid level or depth gauge – Float
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-14
2003-02-25
Larkin, Daniel S. (Department: 2856)
Measuring and testing
Liquid level or depth gauge
Float
C073S310000, C073S319000, C073S320000, C073S321000, C073S322500
Reexamination Certificate
active
06523404
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to apparatus for measuring fluid levels, and more particularly to apparatus for measuring fluid levels in a tank, for example, an above ground storage tank.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is often desirable to determine a fluid level in a closed reservoir or container. For instance, it is important to determine the fluid level in an above ground tank, often over an extended period of time. Above ground tanks typically have a capped opening at the top of the tank where a conventional dip stick may be inserted for measuring the fluid level. As the capped openings are often positioned some distance off the ground, it is typically inconvenient and potentially dangerous for an operator to climb up to the capped opening to perform the measurement. Moreover, measuring the fluid level with a conventional dip stick requires removal of the cap, whereby vapors can escape from the interior of the tank. It will be appreciated that this can be a significant disadvantage for tanks which contain fluids of environmental concern, particularly when periodic or repeated measurements are desired. Thus, there is a continuing need for improved devices for measuring a fluid level.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to obviate problems and shortcomings of conventional devices used to measure a fluid level. More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for measuring a fluid level in a tank, for example, an above ground tank.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fluid level measuring apparatus which may facilitate the display of a measured fluid level to an observer standing adjacent the tank.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fluid level measuring apparatus which may be used with a variety of tank sizes and tank opening orientations.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fluid level measuring apparatus which may be mounted on a conventional capped vent opening of a tank.
To achieve the foregoing and other objects and in accordance with the present invention, apparatus for measuring fluid levels are provided. The apparatus include a housing including a level indicator for displaying a measured fluid level and at least one rod extending from the housing. A float is adapted to travel along the rod and a first end of an elongated flexible member is attached to the float. The opposite end of the elongated flexible member is attached to a spool for storing at least a portion of the elongated flexible member. The apparatus further comprise a biasing member for urging the spool to automatically uptake portions of the elongated flexible member as the float travels towards the housing and for allowing the elongated flexible member to unwind from the spool as the float travels away from the housing.
The fluid measuring apparatus of the present invention are advantageous in that they facilitate fluid level measurements in a tank, for example an above ground storage tank. Still other advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description wherein there are shown and described alternative exemplary embodiments of this invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different, obvious aspects and embodiments, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.
REFERENCES:
patent: 219702 (1879-09-01), Eckhoff
patent: 1255178 (1918-02-01), Keyzer
patent: 1696512 (1928-12-01), White
patent: 1918672 (1933-07-01), Szabo
patent: 2511632 (1950-06-01), Gregory
patent: 2600341 (1952-06-01), Thompson
patent: 2713794 (1955-07-01), Burns
patent: 2949777 (1960-08-01), Ferron
patent: 3148542 (1964-09-01), Clift, Jr.
patent: 3482447 (1969-12-01), Bennett
patent: RE27767 (1973-10-01), Schoepflin
patent: 4078430 (1978-03-01), Pemberton et al.
patent: 4092861 (1978-06-01), Fling
patent: 4116062 (1978-09-01), Reip
patent: 4147060 (1979-04-01), Fling et al.
patent: 4244219 (1981-01-01), Takahashi
patent: 4255859 (1981-03-01), Klieman
patent: 4339950 (1982-07-01), Lendino
patent: 4571998 (1986-02-01), Stegner
patent: 4709653 (1987-12-01), Salomon
patent: 4819484 (1989-04-01), White
patent: 4988978 (1991-01-01), Soto
patent: 5144836 (1992-09-01), Webb
patent: 5209106 (1993-05-01), Carlin
patent: 1105118 (1968-03-01), None
Steil Safety Gage Co., Inc. Literature; Undated.
Murphy Michael E.
Rogers, Jr. Leslie N.
Scott Sean K.
Delaware Capital Formation Inc.
Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
Larkin Daniel S.
LandOfFree
Apparatus for measuring a fluid level does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Apparatus for measuring a fluid level, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Apparatus for measuring a fluid level will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3158757