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System and method for optically detecting low liquid level condition

  • US 8,604,934 B2
  • Filed: 09/20/2010
  • Issued: 12/10/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/20/2010
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A system for remotely determining a liquid level condition within a tank, the system comprising:

  • a liquid level gauge connectable to the tank and comprising;

    a float;

    a shaft operably connected to the float, the shaft being rotatable upon movement of the float in response to a change in liquid level within the tank; and

    a driving magnet connected to the shaft for rotation therewith;

    a dial assembly operably associated with the liquid level gauge and comprising;

    a reflective layer;

    a blocking layer positioned over the reflective layer for blocking at least a portion of the reflective layer;

    a disk having a driven magnet magnetically coupled to the driving magnet wherein rotation of the shaft causes rotation of the disk, one of the reflective and blocking layers being associated with the disk for rotation therewith; and

    an optical transceiver positioned for projecting radiant energy toward the reflective layer and detecting the presence or absence of reflected radiant energy and for generating a signal indicative of low liquid level within the tank when at least a substantial portion of the reflective layer is covered by the blocking layer.

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