GB787523A - A device for indicating at any instant the weight of a liquid in a closed and opaque vessel - Google Patents

Abstract

787,523. Weighing apparatus. RANCHON, P. May 20, 1955 [May 20, 1954; Aug. 30, 1954; April 1, 1955], No. 14543/55. Class 143 A device for indicating, at any time, the weight of liquefied gas in a container 20, comprises a plate 21 adapted to pivot about legs 22 under the weight of the container; a hydraulic chamber 28, defined by a rigid dome 26 and a flexible membrane 24 secured to plate 21; a domed plate 23 supported on the ground by feet 33, and extending through an aperture in plate 21 into engagement with membrane 24; and a transparent indicator tube 40 (Fig. 4) open to atmospheric pressure at one end and communicating, through a union 32, with the fluid in space 28 at the other. The indicator tube is provided with an expansion chamber 47 and is secured to a plate 39 along which a graduated scale member 44 is adjustable to tare the apparatus. Member 44 is normally locked in its adjusted position by the engagement of teeth 51 on a wheel 49, loosely pivoted on member 44, with edges 51a of a slot in member 44; and with a spring 46; but on pressing the wheel inwardly its teeth disengage edges 51a so that it is freed for rotary climbing motion along the spring. The hydraulic system is preloaded by applying annular weights or a loaded container over the dome 26. In a modification the preloading is effected by a member bearing upwardly on the underside of plate 23 with a force determined by either a spring (Fig. 6, not shown) or an adjustable counterpoise (Fig. 8, not shown) acting. through a lever fulcrummed beneath plate 21. The plate 23 is loosely linked to plate 21 by links 34 which ensure that it moves with the apparatus when it is transferred to a new location.