Measuring and testing – Liquid level or depth gauge
Patent
1988-04-05
1990-02-06
Yasich, Daniel M.
Measuring and testing
Liquid level or depth gauge
55159, 73290B, 244135R, 244158R, G01F 1700, G01F 2328, B65D 8500
Patent
active
048980307
ABSTRACT:
Apparatus for gaging the amount of liquid propellant remaining in a spacecraft (38) tank (1). The tank (1) comprises several preferably V-shaped channels 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, hereinafter collectively referred to as "2" which communicate liquid propellant from regions within the tank (1) to an outlet port (8) that expels liquid propellant but not pressurant gas. A liquid/bubble chamber assembly (9) couples the channels (2) with the outlet port (8). The channels (2) comprise relatively open portions (11) and relatively closed portions (10). A first ultrasonic transducer (31) is positioned along the outside of the tank (1) and detects a condition of near propellant depletion by measuring the amount of liquid retained in the relatively open portions (11) of the channels (2). The liquid/bubble chamber assembly (9) comprises a liquid trap (27) and a bubble trap (28). A second ultrasonic transducer (32) is positioned along the outside of the tank (1) and detects a condition of near propellant depletion by measuring the amount of liquid propellant remaining within the bubble trap (28).
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DeBrock et al., "A Survey of Current Developments in Surface Tension Devices for Propellant Acquisition", Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, vol. 8, No. 2, Feb. 1971, pp. 83-98.
Ford Aerospace Corporation
Radlo Edward J.
Yasich Daniel M.
Zerschling Keith L.
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