Fluid-gauging systems

Details Fluid-gauging systems Fluid-gauging systems

1999-07-26

2001-08-14

Larkin, Daniel S. (Department: 2856)

Measuring and testing

Liquid level or depth gauge

C310S359000, C333S187000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06272922

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to fluid-gauging systems.
There are various techniques by which the quantity of fluid in a tank can be measured involving a fluid-gauging probe located within the tank. The wires used to make electrical connection with the probe provide a path into the tank for electrical energy, such as caused by lightning strikes, electrical interference, or by faults in the drive/sensing circuit. Where the fluid in the tank is flammable, this can increase the risk of explosion within the tank.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved fluid-gauging system.
According to the present invention there is provided a fluid-gauging system including an electrical fluid-gauging device located within a fluid tank and an electrical supply path for supplying signals to and from the device, the system including a piezoelectric transformer located in the electrical supply path operable to attenuate electrical signals passing to the device outside a range of frequencies.
The fluid-gauging device is preferably an acoustic fluid-gauging device. The fluid-gauging device preferably includes a piezoelectric transducer having frequency characteristics closely matched to those of the transformer. A resistor may be connected across electrodes of the piezoelectric transformer to dissipate electrical signals produced by mechanical shock applied to the transformer. The piezoelectric transformer is preferably mounted at the wall of the tank and cooperating piezoelectric elements of the transformer may be located on opposite sides of the wall of the tank. Alternatively, the transformer may be mounted on the outside of the wall of the tank and the transformer connected with the fluid-gauging device by an electrical wire extending through the wall of the tank. The transformer may include a single block of piezoelectric material on which both the input and output electrodes are mounted.
An aircraft fuel-gauging system according to the present invention, will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.


REFERENCES:
patent: 2830274 (1958-04-01), Rosen et al.
patent: 4213337 (1980-07-01), Langdon
patent: 4839590 (1989-06-01), Koski et al.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Fluid-gauging systems does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Fluid-gauging systems, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Fluid-gauging systems will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2461565