Measuring and testing – Liquid level or depth gauge – Float
Reexamination Certificate
1998-08-07
2001-07-03
Williams, Hezron (Department: 2856)
Measuring and testing
Liquid level or depth gauge
Float
C073S305000, C073S308000, C338S176000, C338S202000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06253610
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field Of The Invention
The present invention generally relates to a system for monitoring the level of fluids.
2. Problem To Be Solved
In many industrial, commercial and residential settings, it is often necessary to monitor the level of fluids, such as water, fuel or oil, which is stored in tanks or other fluid holding apparatuses. Conventional fluid monitoring systems typically utilize a device that is located on the fluid storage tank which provides a visual readout of the fluid level. Such conventional systems typically use a float-type gauge that includes a pivoted or swinging arm carrying a float at its outer end. A vertically oriented rod having a top end and a bottom end is pivotally attached to the swinging arm. As the float rises and falls with the fluid level, the vertically oriented rod also rises and falls. An indicator device comprising a transparent tube or container having indicia thereon is located above the tank. The top end of the vertically oriented rod is movably disposed within the plastic tube. A scale comprising indicia is formed on the plastic tube to enable visual monitoring of the indicator. The scale may be configured to provide units of measure in fractions of the capacity of the tank or containing apparatus or in gallons, liters, etc. Such a conventional system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,446,844.
A significant disadvantage of the conventional system described above is that the monitoring of the fluid level must take place at the fluid tank. This creates a significant inconvenience when the fluid storage tank or container is at a remote location.
Another disadvantage of the conventional system described above is that when a plurality of fluid storage tanks are present, determining the fluid level in all the tanks can be a time consuming process.
The disadvantages described above also apply to residential settings. For example, in most homes, heating fuel tanks are typically located in the basement. Use of the conventional fluid monitoring system described above requires that the home owner descend into the basement to visually monitor the fuel level in the tank. Descending into the basement may be very difficult for the elderly and may even be impossible for the handicapped.
Bearing in mind the problems and deficiencies of the conventional fluid level monitoring systems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved system for monitoring the level of fluid in a fluid storage tank or container.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved system for monitoring the level of fluid in a fluid storage tank or container that provides information concerning fluid level to a location remote from the fluid storage tank or container.
It is a further object of the present invention a new and improved system for monitoring the level of fluid in a fluid storage tank or container that can be manufactured inexpensively.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved system for monitoring the level of fluid in a fluid storage tank or container that measures the fluid level in the fluid storage tank or container with a high degree of accuracy.
It is another object of the present invention to a new and improved system for monitoring the level of fluid in a fluid storage tank or container that can inexpensively be integrated with existing fluid storage tanks or containers.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the ensuing description of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above and other objects, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, are achieved in the present invention which is directed to, in a first aspect, to a system for monitoring fluid level in a fluid storage container wherein the container has a device that has a movable portion for contacting fluid in the fluid storage container and moving in response to the changes in the level of fluids in the container, the system comprises a signal sending unit and a display device. The signal sending unit is responsive to the movement of the moveable portion of the device and produces variations in the magnitude of an electrical signal wherein a particular magnitude of the electrical signal corresponds to a particular level of fluid in the fluid storage container. The display device is responsive to the magnitude of the electrical signal for displaying the level of fluid in the fluid storage container.
In a related aspect, the present invention is directed to a system for monitoring fluid level in a fluid storage container comprising:
(a) a device having a movable portion for contacting fluid in the fluid storage container and moving in response to changes in the level of the fluid in the container;
(b) a signal sending unit responsive to the movement of the movable portion, the signal sending unit producing variations in the magnitude of an electrical signal wherein a particular magnitude of the electrical signal corresponds to a particular level of fluid in the fluid storage container; and
(c) a display device responsive to the electrical signal for displaying the level of fluid in the fluid storage container.
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Product Brochure For National Magnetic Sensors, Inc. Upon information and belief, the device described in this brochure was on sale prior to Aug. 12, 1997.
Product Brochure For Krueger Sentry Gauge, Inc. Upon information and belief, the device described in this brochure was on sale prior to Aug. 12, 1997.
Product Brochure For Circuitree Electronics; Publication date: May 1, 1997.
Product Brochure For Petrometer Corporation. Publication date: Feb., 1986.
Product Brochure For “Fuel Monitor” by Erie Controls; Upon information and belief, the device described in this brochure was on sale before Aug. 12, 1997.
DeToffol Edward A.
Struzik David A.
Cygan Michael
Nuzzo Raymond A.
SYBA Systems, L.L.C.
Williams Hezron
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