Digital level sensing probe system
First Claim
1. Digital fluid level sensing probe system comprising digital probe fluid level sensing means constructed of a set of .Iadd.isolated .Iaddend.capacitors arranged along an axis of measurement where each capacitor represent a discrete level increment in dielectric material fluid to be measured, switching sequence means wherein each capacitor is assigned a unique time slot for sequential comparison .Iadd.to a .Iaddend.reference .[.to a first level capacitor.]., means for applying an AC signal in switching sequence across .[.each capacitor above the first level capacitor.]. .Iadd.succeeding capacitors.Iaddend., means for .[.applying an inverted AC signal across the first level capacitor.]. .Iadd.establishing a reference signal.Iaddend.for comparison with each of said AC signals applied in switching sequence, including means for discriminating between .Iadd.the .Iaddend.respective .Iadd.compared .Iaddend.signals to provide a logic "1" when fluid is present and a logic "0" when fluid is absent, or vice versa, and means for decoding and converting said logic to display the appropriate quantity of fluid measured in increments corresponding to said .[.discrete.]. .Iadd.isolated .Iaddend.capacitors.
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Abstract
Digital level sensing probe system including digital probe constructed of two (2) concentric cylinders, forming a set of discrete, cylindrical capacitors that use the substance whose level is to be measured as a dielectric material. The set of capacitors is arranged along the axis of measurement where each capacitor represents a discrete level increment. Each capacitor is assigned a unique time slot in a switching sequence. The first level capacitor is used as a reference to which all other capacitors are sequentially compared. In the switching sequence, an AC signal is applied across each capacitor and compared with the inverted signal which is applied across the first level capacitor. A logic "1" results when the substance is present and a logic "0" when the substance is absent. The logic is decoded and converted to display the appropriate quantity of substance measured.
25 Citations
20 Claims
- 1. Digital fluid level sensing probe system comprising digital probe fluid level sensing means constructed of a set of .Iadd.isolated .Iaddend.capacitors arranged along an axis of measurement where each capacitor represent a discrete level increment in dielectric material fluid to be measured, switching sequence means wherein each capacitor is assigned a unique time slot for sequential comparison .Iadd.to a .Iaddend.reference .[.to a first level capacitor.]., means for applying an AC signal in switching sequence across .[.each capacitor above the first level capacitor.]. .Iadd.succeeding capacitors.Iaddend., means for .[.applying an inverted AC signal across the first level capacitor.]. .Iadd.establishing a reference signal.Iaddend.for comparison with each of said AC signals applied in switching sequence, including means for discriminating between .Iadd.the .Iaddend.respective .Iadd.compared .Iaddend.signals to provide a logic "1" when fluid is present and a logic "0" when fluid is absent, or vice versa, and means for decoding and converting said logic to display the appropriate quantity of fluid measured in increments corresponding to said .[.discrete.]. .Iadd.isolated .Iaddend.capacitors.
Specification