US3617735A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Material level detector
Assignee: Industrial Nucleonics Corp
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Filing: 1968-08-13
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Granted: 1971-11-02
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Expires: 1988-08-13
Abstract
Abstract A level detector for fluent material in a receptacle or conduit includes a gamma ray source and detector means for deriving a signal indicative of the amount of radiation absorbed by the material. The output of the detector is fed to a pair of channels, each including a comparator network having a different reference input. The comparator channels together feed a logic network whereby a deadband is established between material levels related to the reference inputs to the comparators.
Inventors
- 👤 David J Shoemaker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 20:43
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F23/00; G01F23/22; G01F23/28; G01F23/284; G01F23/288; G01F23/2885
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
130 words
A level detector for material in a receptacle or conduit comprising a source of penetrating radiation irradiating the material, detector means responsive to the amount of said radiation propagated from the material, means responsive to said detector means for deriving first and second binary signals respectively indicative of the radiation propagation being greater than first and second amounts, and logic means responsive to said binary signals for deriving an output signal indicative of the material level relative to a level established by one of said first or second amounts, said binary signal deriving means including averaging means having first and second response times, said first response time being substantially greater than said second response time and effective only in response to the radiation propagation being at one of said amounts.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
130 words
A level detector for material in a receptacle or conduit comprising a source of penetrating radiation irradiating the material, detector means responsive to the amount of said radiation propagated from the material, means responsive to said detector means for deriving first and second binary signals respectively indicative of the radiation propagation being greater than first and second amounts, and logic means responsive to said binary signals for deriving an output signal indicative of the material level relative to a level established by one of said first or second amounts, said binary signal deriving means including averaging means having first and second response times, said first response time being substantially greater than said second response time and effective only in response to the radiation propagation being at one of said amounts.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
196 words
A level detector for material in a receptacle or conduit comprising a source of penetrating radiation irradiating the material, detector means responsive to the amount of said radiation propagated from the material, means responsive to said detector means for deriving first and second binary signals respectively indicative of the radiation propagation being greater than first and second amounts, and logic means responsive to said binary signals for deriving an output signal indicative of the material level relative to a level established by one of said first or second amounts, said binary signal deriving means including: means for deriving a first signal having an average value commensurate with the amount of said radiation propagated, means for comparing the average value of the first signal with a reference signal indicative of one of said amounts to derive one of said binary signals, said comparing means including means for establishing a slow speed of response therefor in response to the average value and reference signal having a unique predetermined amplitude relationship and for establishing a fast speed of response therefor in response to the average value and reference signal having a predetermined amplitude relationship different from the unique relationship.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
196 words
A level detector for material in a receptacle or conduit comprising a source of penetrating radiation irradiating the material, detector means responsive to the amount of said radiation propagated from the material, means responsive to said detector means for deriving first and second binary signals respectively indicative of the radiation propagation being greater than first and second amounts, and logic means responsive to said binary signals for deriving an output signal indicative of the material level relative to a level established by one of said first or second amounts, said binary signal deriving means including: means for deriving a first signal having an average value commensurate with the amount of said radiation propagated, means for comparing the average value of the first signal with a reference signal indicative of one of said amounts to derive one of said binary signals, said comparing means including means for establishing a slow speed of response therefor in response to the average value and reference signal having a unique predetermined amplitude relationship and for establishing a fast speed of response therefor in response to the average value and reference signal having a predetermined amplitude relationship different from the unique relationship.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
98 words
The level detector of claim 2 wherein said means for deriving a signal having an average value commensurate with the amount of propagated radiation includes a generator for deriving a pulse of predetermined amplitude, width and duty cycle in response to each received radiation count, and said comparing means includes an amplifier having a resistive input responsive to the pulse and reference signal, and a feedback path including a resistor and capacitor in shunt with each other, said amplifieR being switched between saturation to cut off in response to the average value being equal to the reference signal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
100 words
A level detector for material in a receptacle or conduit comprising a source of penetrating radiation irradiating the material, detector means responsive to the amount of said radiation propagated from the material, means responsive to said detector means for deriving first and second binary signals respectively indicative of the radiation propagation being greater than first and second amounts, logic means responsive to said binary signals for deriving an output signal indicative of the material level relative to a level established by one of said first or second amounts, and means responsive to said logic means for detecting a malfunction thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
100 words
A level detector for material in a receptacle or conduit comprising a source of penetrating radiation irradiating the material, detector means responsive to the amount of said radiation propagated from the material, means responsive to said detector means for deriving first and second binary signals respectively indicative of the radiation propagation being greater than first and second amounts, logic means responsive to said binary signals for deriving an output signal indicative of the material level relative to a level established by one of said first or second amounts, and means responsive to said logic means for detecting a malfunction thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The level detector of claim 4 wherein said malfunction-detecting means includes means for inhibiting the derivation of said output signal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
53 words
The level detector of claim 4 wherein said logic means comprises a flip-flop including transistors, said malfunction-detecting means including means for detecting the voltage level on the same electrode of each of said transistors, and means for deriving a signal indicative of malfunction only in response to said voltage levels being the same.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
201 words
A system for controlling the amount of material in a conduit or receptacle comprising a source of penetrating radiation irradiating the material, detector means responsive to the amount of said radiation propagated from the material, means responsive to said detector means for deriving a first signal having components respectively indicative of the radiation propagation being greater and less than a first amount and a second signal having components respectively indicative of the radiation propagation being greater and less than a second amount, a bistable circuit element, means responsive to said signal components for activating said bistable element to a first state in response to said first and second signals indicating the radiation propagation is greater than both said first and second amounts and for activating said bistable element to a second state in response to said first and second signals indicating the radiation propagation is less than both said first and second amounts and for maintaining the state of the bistable element constant in response to said signal components indicating the radiation level is between said first and second levels, and means for activating a controller affecting the amount of the material in response to the value of the binary signal.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
201 words
A system for controlling the amount of material in a conduit or receptacle comprising a source of penetrating radiation irradiating the material, detector means responsive to the amount of said radiation propagated from the material, means responsive to said detector means for deriving a first signal having components respectively indicative of the radiation propagation being greater and less than a first amount and a second signal having components respectively indicative of the radiation propagation being greater and less than a second amount, a bistable circuit element, means responsive to said signal components for activating said bistable element to a first state in response to said first and second signals indicating the radiation propagation is greater than both said first and second amounts and for activating said bistable element to a second state in response to said first and second signals indicating the radiation propagation is less than both said first and second amounts and for maintaining the state of the bistable element constant in response to said signal components indicating the radiation level is between said first and second levels, and means for activating a controller affecting the amount of the material in response to the value of the binary signal.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
190 words
A level detector for material in a receptacle or conduit comprising a source of penetrating radiation irradiating the material, detector means responsive to the amount of said radiation propagated from the material, means responsive to said detector means for deriving first and second binary signals respectively indicative of the radiation propagation being outside first and second limits, and logic means responsive to said binary signals for deriving an output signal indicative of the material level relative to a level established by one of said first or second limits, said logic means including a bistable circuit element, means responsive to said binary signals for activating said bistable element to a first state in response to said first and second signals indicating the radiation propagation is greater than both said first and second limits and for activating said bistable element to a second state in response to said first and second signals indicating the radiation propagation is less than both said first and second limits and for maintaining the state of the bistable element constant in response to said signal components indicating the radiation level is between said first and second levels.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
190 words
A level detector for material in a receptacle or conduit comprising a source of penetrating radiation irradiating the material, detector means responsive to the amount of said radiation propagated from the material, means responsive to said detector means for deriving first and second binary signals respectively indicative of the radiation propagation being outside first and second limits, and logic means responsive to said binary signals for deriving an output signal indicative of the material level relative to a level established by one of said first or second limits, said logic means including a bistable circuit element, means responsive to said binary signals for activating said bistable element to a first state in response to said first and second signals indicating the radiation propagation is greater than both said first and second limits and for activating said bistable element to a second state in response to said first and second signals indicating the radiation propagation is less than both said first and second limits and for maintaining the state of the bistable element constant in response to said signal components indicating the radiation level is between said first and second levels.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
132 words
A system for analyzing the amount of material in a conduit or receptacle comprising a source of penetrating radiation irradiating the material, detector means responsive to the amount of said radiation propagated from the material, mEans responsive to said detector means for deriving a binary output signal having a first value in response to the radiation propagation being greater than a first amount, and means for changing the value of said binary output signal only in response to the radiation propagation being greater than a second amount different from said first amount, said binary signal deriving means including averaging means having first and second response times, said first response time being substantially greater than said second response time and effective only in response to the radiation propagation being at one said amounts.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
132 words
A system for analyzing the amount of material in a conduit or receptacle comprising a source of penetrating radiation irradiating the material, detector means responsive to the amount of said radiation propagated from the material, mEans responsive to said detector means for deriving a binary output signal having a first value in response to the radiation propagation being greater than a first amount, and means for changing the value of said binary output signal only in response to the radiation propagation being greater than a second amount different from said first amount, said binary signal deriving means including averaging means having first and second response times, said first response time being substantially greater than said second response time and effective only in response to the radiation propagation being at one said amounts.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
199 words
A system for analyzing the amount of material in a conduit or receptacle comprising a source of penetrating radiation irradiating the material, detector means responsive to the amount of said radiation propagated from the material, means responsive to said detector means for deriving a binary output signal having a first value in response to the radiation propagation being greater than a first amount, and means for changing the value of said binary output signal only in response to the radiation propagation being greater than a second amount different from said first amount, said binary signal deriving means including: means for deriving a first signal having an average value commensurate with the amount of said radiation propagated, means for comparing the average value of the first signal with a reference signal indicative of one of said amounts to derive one of said binary signals, said comparing means including means for establishing a slow speed of response therefore in response to the average value and reference signal having a unique predetermined amplitude relationship and for establishing a fast speed of response therefor in response to the average value and reference signal having a predetermined amplitude relationship different from the unique relationship.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
199 words
A system for analyzing the amount of material in a conduit or receptacle comprising a source of penetrating radiation irradiating the material, detector means responsive to the amount of said radiation propagated from the material, means responsive to said detector means for deriving a binary output signal having a first value in response to the radiation propagation being greater than a first amount, and means for changing the value of said binary output signal only in response to the radiation propagation being greater than a second amount different from said first amount, said binary signal deriving means including: means for deriving a first signal having an average value commensurate with the amount of said radiation propagated, means for comparing the average value of the first signal with a reference signal indicative of one of said amounts to derive one of said binary signals, said comparing means including means for establishing a slow speed of response therefore in response to the average value and reference signal having a unique predetermined amplitude relationship and for establishing a fast speed of response therefor in response to the average value and reference signal having a predetermined amplitude relationship different from the unique relationship.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
97 words
The system of claim 10 wherein said means for deriving a signal having an average value commensurate with the amount of propagated radiation includes a generator for deriving a pulse of predetermined amplitude, width and duty cycle in response to each received radiation count, and said comparing means includes an amplifier having a resistive input responsive to the pulse and reference signal, and a feedback path including a resistor and capacitor in shunt with each other, said amplifier being switched between saturation to cut off in response to the average value being equal to the reference signal.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
191 words
A level detector for material in a receptacle or conduit comprising a source of penetrating radiation irradiating the material, detector means responsive to the amount of said radiation propagated from the material, means responsive to said detector means for deriving first and second binary signals respectively indicative of the radiation propagation being greater than first and second amounts, and logic means responsive to said binary signals for deriving an output signal indicative of the material level relative to a level established by one of said first or second amounts, said logic means including a bistable circuit element, means responsive to said binary signals for activating said bistable element to a first state in response to said first and second signals indicating the radiation propagation is greater than both said first and second amounts and for activating said bistable element to a second state in response to said first and second signals indicating the radiation propagation is less than both said first and second amounts and for maintaining the state of the bistable element constant in response to said signal components indicating the radiation level is between said first and second levels.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
191 words
A level detector for material in a receptacle or conduit comprising a source of penetrating radiation irradiating the material, detector means responsive to the amount of said radiation propagated from the material, means responsive to said detector means for deriving first and second binary signals respectively indicative of the radiation propagation being greater than first and second amounts, and logic means responsive to said binary signals for deriving an output signal indicative of the material level relative to a level established by one of said first or second amounts, said logic means including a bistable circuit element, means responsive to said binary signals for activating said bistable element to a first state in response to said first and second signals indicating the radiation propagation is greater than both said first and second amounts and for activating said bistable element to a second state in response to said first and second signals indicating the radiation propagation is less than both said first and second amounts and for maintaining the state of the bistable element constant in response to said signal components indicating the radiation level is between said first and second levels.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
115 words
A system for analyzing the amount of material in a conduit or receptacle comprising a source of penetrating radiation irradiating the material, detector means responsive to the amount of said radiation propagated from the material, means responsive to said detector means for deriving signal components indicative of the radiation propagation being greater and less than a first amount and greater and less than a second amount, a bistable circuit element, and means responsive to said signal components for changing the state of said bistable circuit element only in response to said components indicating the radiation propagation is greater than both the first and second amounts or is less than both the first and second amounts.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
115 words
A system for analyzing the amount of material in a conduit or receptacle comprising a source of penetrating radiation irradiating the material, detector means responsive to the amount of said radiation propagated from the material, means responsive to said detector means for deriving signal components indicative of the radiation propagation being greater and less than a first amount and greater and less than a second amount, a bistable circuit element, and means responsive to said signal components for changing the state of said bistable circuit element only in response to said components indicating the radiation propagation is greater than both the first and second amounts or is less than both the first and second amounts.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3064357A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-11-01 | 1975-05-03 | 1975-11-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-11-01 | 1979-05-03 | 1979-11-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-11-01 | 1983-05-03 | 1983-11-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |