Tank volatile liquid level or volume gauge
First Claim
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1. A tank liquid level or volume gauge for use with a tank defining a volume containing volatile materials that are stored as a liquid under pressure and released from the tank for use in gaseous form, comprising:
- a float member extending into the tank, the float member defining a float chamber configured to allow the float member to float in the liquid;
a float magnet joined to the upper portion of the float member;
a substantially linear rigid shaft positioned at an upper end of the tank, the upper portion of the float member being coaxially engaged with the shaft;
a fluid impermeable, non-magnetic wall disposed between the upper portion of the float member and the shaft; and
a liquid level indication magnet positioned to couple with the float magnet across the fluid impermeable wall for axial positioning of the shaft corresponding to axial positioning of the float member;
the shaft being configured to transmit an axial force to a biasing member to indicate the tank liquid level by its axial positioning.
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Abstract
A tank liquid level or volume gauge for use with volatile materials, such as propane, stored under pressure as liquid and released as gas, includes a float with a float magnet that couples with a liquid level indicator magnet across a fluid impermeable wall to provide indication of tank liquid level or volume. In another embodiment, when a predetermined tank liquid level or volume is reached during filling, the float actuates an inlet closure valve to increase inlet flow resistance, creating a shutoff signal.
39 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A tank liquid level or volume gauge for use with a tank defining a volume containing volatile materials that are stored as a liquid under pressure and released from the tank for use in gaseous form, comprising:
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a float member extending into the tank, the float member defining a float chamber configured to allow the float member to float in the liquid;
a float magnet joined to the upper portion of the float member;
a substantially linear rigid shaft positioned at an upper end of the tank, the upper portion of the float member being coaxially engaged with the shaft;
a fluid impermeable, non-magnetic wall disposed between the upper portion of the float member and the shaft; and
a liquid level indication magnet positioned to couple with the float magnet across the fluid impermeable wall for axial positioning of the shaft corresponding to axial positioning of the float member;
the shaft being configured to transmit an axial force to a biasing member to indicate the tank liquid level by its axial positioning. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification