US4090407A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Water level measurement device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1977-09-19
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Granted: 1978-05-23
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Expires: 1997-09-19
Abstract
Abstract A device is disclosed for measuring the level of water comprising a hollow, oblong structure with an open end extended into the water, signal sending and receiving means secured onto the structure, an insert containing a hole secured within the structure, and electronic means connected to the signal sending and receiving means to receive and evaluate technical information in order to determine the level of the water.
Inventors
- 👤 Cobia B. Shuler
- 👤 Wesley E. Moore, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 13:16
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F23/00; G01F23/22; G01F23/28; G01F23/296; G01F23/2962
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
168 words
A device for measuring the level of water comprising: a. a hollow, oblong structure with an open end, said structure being secured with said open end in said water; b. signal sending and receiving means secured onto said hollow, oblong structure; c. an insert, containing a hole, which is secured within said hollow, oblong structure and is operative to reflect a signal from said signal sending and receiving means back to said signal sending and receiving means through said hollow, oblong strucuture and to allow portions of said signal to pass through said hole without being reflected by said insert and to be reflected by said water; and d. electronic means connected to said signal sending and receiving means operative to determine and compare the length of time said signal is sent and returned from said insert and from said water whereby by the comparison of the length of time said signal returns from said insert and from said water, the level of said water may be determined.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
168 words
A device for measuring the level of water comprising: a. a hollow, oblong structure with an open end, said structure being secured with said open end in said water; b. signal sending and receiving means secured onto said hollow, oblong structure; c. an insert, containing a hole, which is secured within said hollow, oblong structure and is operative to reflect a signal from said signal sending and receiving means back to said signal sending and receiving means through said hollow, oblong strucuture and to allow portions of said signal to pass through said hole without being reflected by said insert and to be reflected by said water; and d. electronic means connected to said signal sending and receiving means operative to determine and compare the length of time said signal is sent and returned from said insert and from said water whereby by the comparison of the length of time said signal returns from said insert and from said water, the level of said water may be determined.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said hollow, oblong strucuture is a tube.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device according to claim 1 further comprising means to indicate water depth, said means being operative responsive to said electronic means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device according to claim 1 further comprising control means operative to control a device, said control means operative responsive to said electronic means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said hollow, oblong structure has an opening which is less than 360° around the hollow, oblong structure in which said insert is attached.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device according to claim 2 wherein said hollow, oblong structure has an opening which is less than 360° around the hollow, oblong structure in which said insert is attached.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device according to claim 6 wherein the outer portion of said insert has the same radius as the outside radius of said tube.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device according to claim 7 wherein the inner portion of said insert has the same radius as the inside radius of said tube.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein the hollow, oblong structure is secured perpendicular to said water, when the level of said water is to be determined.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said signal sending and receiving means is a transducer.
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) | 1981-05-22 | 1981-11-21 | 1982-05-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-05-22 | 1985-11-21 | 1986-05-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-05-22 | 1989-11-21 | 1990-05-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |