US3882887A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical self-checking level detector
Assignee: Honeywell Inc
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Filing: 1973-10-31
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Granted: 1975-05-13
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Expires: 1993-10-31
Abstract
Abstract An optical self-checking level detector, i.e., particularly useful for detecting the level of a liquid, comprises a source of pulsating light, a prism located in the container and positioned at the level to be sensed, optical fiber for transmitting the light both to the prism from the source and from the prism to a sensor, and an integratoramplifier circuit for detecting the cessation of light pulses from the source to control a load.
Inventors
- 👤 Andre Rekai
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 08:10
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F23/00; G01F23/22; G01F23/28; G01F23/284; G01F23/292; G01F23/2921; G01F23/2922; G01F23/2925; G01F23/2927; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S250/00; Y10S250/90; Y10S250/901; Y10S250/902; Y10S250/903; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/7287; Y10T137/8158; Y10T137/8342
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
77 words
An optical level sensing system for sensing the level of a material comprising: means for supplying pulsating light; light responsive sensor means; transmitting means for transmitting said pulses of light to said light responsive sensor only as long as said material is below a predetermined level; load terminals adapted to be connected to a load; and, output means connected to said sensor for providing an output to said load terminals only upon cessation of said pulsating light.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
77 words
An optical level sensing system for sensing the level of a material comprising: means for supplying pulsating light; light responsive sensor means; transmitting means for transmitting said pulses of light to said light responsive sensor only as long as said material is below a predetermined level; load terminals adapted to be connected to a load; and, output means connected to said sensor for providing an output to said load terminals only upon cessation of said pulsating light.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
47 words
The optical level sensing system of claim 1 wherein said output means comprises amplifier means having an input connnected to said sensor and an output, and integrator means connected to said output of said amplifier means for storing energy only while said sensor fails to sense light.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The optical level sensing system of claim 2 wherein said means for supplying pulsating light comprises an oscillator means and a light source.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The optical level sensing system of claim 1 wherein said load terminals are connected to a valve means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
56 words
The optical level sensing system of claim 1 wherein said transmitting means comprises a prism for detecting the level of said material, a first fiber for transmitting light from said means for supplying pulsating light to said prism and a second fiber for transmitting the reflected light from said prism to said light responsive sensor means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The optical level sensing system of claim 5, wherein said means for supplying pulsating light comprises an oscillator means and a light source.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
47 words
The optical level sensing system of claim 5, wherein said output means comprises amplifier means having an input connected to said sensor and an output, and integrator means connected to said output of said amplifier means for storing energy only while said sensor fails to sense light.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The optical level sensing system of claim 5, wherein said prism means comprises a plurality of prisms.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
Optical level system of claim 8 wherein said fibers connect said plurality of prisms in series.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
47 words
The optical level sensing system of claim 9, wherein said output means comprises amplifier means having an input connected to said sensor and an output, and integrator means connected to said output of said amplifier means for storing energy only while said sensor fails to sense light.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-05-12 | 1978-11-11 | 1979-05-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-05-12 | 1982-11-11 | 1983-05-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-05-12 | 1986-11-11 | 1987-05-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |