Apparatus, method and system for monitoring fluid
First Claim
1. An apparatus for monitoring fluid in a selected one of a plurality of different containers, comprising:
- a reel adapted to be rotated relative to a selected container;
an electrical cable mounted on said reel;
one, and only one, pressure sensing means for sensing pressure in the fluid, said pressure sensing means connected to said electrical cable;
a battery disposed in said reel; and
electrical circuit means, connected to said battery and disposed in said reel, for automatically determining, regardless of the shape of the selected container, the level and volume of the fluid in the selected container in response to pressures sensed by said pressure sensing means throughout the fluid in the selected container as said pressure sensing means is moved within the fluid on said cable.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Fluid level in a container is determined using a single pressure transducer connected to a portable body. The body contains a computer having a memory in which fluid level-to-fluid volume conversion data are stored for different shapes of containers so that fluid volume can be readily obtained for the shape of the respective container once fluid level is determined. These features allow a single monitoring apparatus to be used for monitoring different types of containers. The apparatus preferably includes a radio so that multiple apparatus can communicate in a system with a central remote operator interface device. Fluid level is determined by dividing a pressure reading from the bottom of the fluid by a fluid density determined from two prior pressure reading taken across a known distance (density equals the difference between the two readings divided by the distance).
16 Citations
6 Claims
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1. An apparatus for monitoring fluid in a selected one of a plurality of different containers, comprising:
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a reel adapted to be rotated relative to a selected container; an electrical cable mounted on said reel; one, and only one, pressure sensing means for sensing pressure in the fluid, said pressure sensing means connected to said electrical cable; a battery disposed in said reel; and electrical circuit means, connected to said battery and disposed in said reel, for automatically determining, regardless of the shape of the selected container, the level and volume of the fluid in the selected container in response to pressures sensed by said pressure sensing means throughout the fluid in the selected container as said pressure sensing means is moved within the fluid on said cable. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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Specification