GB252218A - Method of and apparatus for determining the quantity or level of liquid in a container - Google Patents

Abstract

252,218. Rosenmund, A. L. Jan. 20, 1925. Indicating by measuring height of trapped column of liquid.-The quantity or level of liquid in a container, for example of oil in the crank casing of a motor-car, is indicated by trapping a part of the liquid in a smaller chamber and utilizing the trapped column to limit the extent of movement of an indicating element. The measurement may be effected by lifting the column until an air vent is closed thereby or by moving a vented piston downwards into contact with the liquid. In the apparatus shown, the liquid-container 12 communicates trhough a passage 14 with the interior of a fitting 11 containing a piston 30 normally retained by a tension spring 37 below the passage 14. A branch passage 35 leads to the space below the piston. In the upper part of the fitting 11 is a float 24 normally resting on a disc 20 having an aperture 21 for the passage upwards of the liquid. When the piston is raised, the upper face of the float closes vents 23 to the outer air and thus limits the stroke of the piston. The float and disc are mounted in a detachable head member 22, which may be covered by a detachable cap 26 having fine vent holes 27. The piston may be raised by a handle 39, Fig. 3, on the shaft of a pointer 40 indicating the travel of the piston and thus the height of the column, the shaft carrying an arm 38 connected to the piston-rod by a cord 32. Where a vented piston moving downwards is employed, the communication between the bulk container and the trap is closed by a sleeve which is moved downwards by a spring as soon as the piston is pushed downwards. The piston in this arrangement may be held in the normal raised position by means of a spring connected to a lever joining the piston rod to the member 32 of the indicator. The indicator may be read directly from the position of the piston rod.