US4373390A — Liquid gaging system compatible with multiple cha…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 145 words

A liquid gaging system comprising: a sensor for providing a liquid measurement signal related to a liquid depth at a particular location in a tank; storage means for storing data including characterization parameters, the storage means comprising means for storing look up tables, there being a first look up table for storing at least a first parameter and a second look up table for storing at least a second parameter, each parameter being based on tank shape and volume and on sensor location, each parameter defining a relationship between a liquid depth and a volume related to a liquid quantity; and determining means for selecting an appropriate look up table and for determining a value related to a liquid quantity in the tank based on the liquid measurement signal and the data, the determining means being connected to the sensor and to the storage means.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 145 words

A liquid gaging system comprising: a sensor for providing a liquid measurement signal related to a liquid depth at a particular location in a tank; storage means for storing data including characterization parameters, the storage means comprising means for storing look up tables, there being a first look up table for storing at least a first parameter and a second look up table for storing at least a second parameter, each parameter being based on tank shape and volume and on sensor location, each parameter defining a relationship between a liquid depth and a volume related to a liquid quantity; and determining means for selecting an appropriate look up table and for determining a value related to a liquid quantity in the tank based on the liquid measurement signal and the data, the determining means being connected to the sensor and to the storage means.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 34 words

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the determining means comprises means for selecting an appropriate look up table by monitoring a physical condition related to an orientation that the liquid occupies in the tank.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 48 words

The apparatus of claim 1 or 2 wherein the sensor comprises a capacitive probe, the liquid measurement signal provided by the probe being a wetted sensor length signal related to the portion of the probe immersed in a liquid, the portion so immersed being a wetted sensing length.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the capacitive probe has an essentially uniform capacitance per unit length.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 82 words

The apparatus of claim 4 wherein: P1 the capacitive probe produces a wetted sensor length signal which is also dependent upon the dielectric constant of the liquid; the apparatus further comprises a dielectric sensor for providing a capacitive signal related to the dielectric constant of the liquid; and the determining means comprises means for determining a value related to a liquid quantity wherein the value is also based on the capacitive signal, the determining means also being connected to the dielectric sensor.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 115 words

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: the determining means comprises means for selecting an appropriate look up table by identifying a look up table used in a previous value determination whenever a previous value is available and by identifying a look up table containing predetermined data whenever the system is initialized and a previous value determination is not available, each look up table containing data which will yield values that meet a specified system accuracy within a predetermined range as well as data which will yield values outside the predetermined range and not meeting the specified system accuracy, an appropriate look up table being subsequently selected if a value outside the predetermined range is determined.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 46 words

The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the sensor comprises a capacitive probe, the liquid measurement signal provided by the probe being a wetted sensor length signal related to the portion of the probe immersed in a liquid, the portion so immersed being a wetted sensing length.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the capacitive probe has an essentially uniform capacitance per unit length.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 81 words

The apparatus of claim 8 wherein: the capacitive probe produces a wetted sensor length signal which is also dependent upon the dielectric constant of the liquid; the apparatus further comprises a dielectric sensor for providing a capacitive signal related to the dielectric constant of the liquid; and the determining means comprises means for determining a value related to a liquid quantity wherein the value is also based on the capacitive signal, the determining means also being connected to the dielectric sensor.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 39 words

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the system is for an aircraft and wherein the determining means comprises means for selecting an appropriate look up table based on whether the aircraft is in the air or on the ground.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 46 words

The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the sensor comprises a capacitive probe, the liquid measurement signal provided by the probe being a wetted sensor length signal related to the portion of the probe immersed in a liquid, the portion so immersed being a wetted sensing length.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the capacitive probe has an essentially uniform capacitance per unit length.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 81 words

The apparatus of claim 12 wherein: the capacitive probe produces a wetted sensor length signal which is also dependent upon the dielectric constant of the liquid; the apparatus further comprises a dielectric sensor for providing a capacitive signal related to the dielectric constant of the liquid; and the determining means comprises means for determining a value related to a liquid quantity wherein the value is also based on the capacitive signal, the determining means also being connected to the dielectric sensor.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 31 words

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the storage means comprises means for storing characterization parameters based on a physical condition related to an orientation of a liquid surface in the tank.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the storage means comprises means for storing characterization parameters based on an orientation of the tank.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 30 words

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the system is for an aircraft and wherein the storage means comprises means for storing characterization parameters based on an attitude of the aircraft.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 49 words

The apparatus of claim 14, 15, or 16 wherein the sensor comprises a capacitive probe, the liquid measurement signal provided by the probe being a wetted sensor length signal related to the portion of the probe immersed in a liquid, the portion so immersed being a wetted sensing length.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the capacitive probe has an essentially uniform capacitance per unit length.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 81 words

The apparatus of claim 18 wherein: the capacitive probe produces a wetted sensor length signal which is also dependent upon the dielectric constant of the liquid; the apparatus further comprises a dielectric sensor for providing a capacitive signal related to the dielectric constant of the liquid; and the determining means comprises means for determining a value related to a liquid quantity wherein the value is also based on the capacitive signal, the determining means also being connected to the dielectric sensor.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 30 words

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the storage means comprises means for storing characterization parameters wherein each parameter defines a volume increment related to a predetermined increment of liquid depth.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 46 words

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the sensor comprises a capacitive probe, the liquid measurement signal provided by the probe being a wetted sensor length signal related to the portion of the probe immersed in a liquid, the portion so immersed being a wetted sensing length.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 81 words

The apparatus of claim 21 wherein: the capacitive probe produces a wetted sensor length signal which is also dependent upon the dielectric constant of the liquid; the apparatus further comprises a dielectric sensor for providing a capacitive signal related to the dielectric constant of the liquid; and the determining means comprises means for determining a value related to a liquid quantity wherein the value is also based on the capacitive signal, the determining means also being connected to the dielectric sensor.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the capacitive probe has an essentially uniform capacitance per unit length.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 81 words

The apparatus of claim 23 wherein: the capacitive probe produces a wetted sensor length signal which is also dependent upon the dielectric constant of the liquid; the apparatus further comprises a dielectric sensor for providing a capacitive signal related to the dielectric constant of the liquid; and the determining means comprises means for determining a value related to a liquid quantity wherein the value is also based on the capacitive signal, the determining means also being connected to the dielectric sensor.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 117 words

A liquid gaging system comprising: a plurality of sensors, each sensor providing a liquid measurement signal relating to a liquid depth at a particular location in a tank; storage means for storing data including characterization parameters, each parameter relating to a particular sensor, each parameter being based on tank shape and volume and on sensor location, each parameter defining a relationship between a liquid depth and a value related to a liquid quantity; and determining means for determining a value related to a liquid quantity in the tank based on the liquid measurement signals and the data, the determining means being connected to the storage means, there being means for connecting the determining means to the sensors.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 117 words

A liquid gaging system comprising: a plurality of sensors, each sensor providing a liquid measurement signal relating to a liquid depth at a particular location in a tank; storage means for storing data including characterization parameters, each parameter relating to a particular sensor, each parameter being based on tank shape and volume and on sensor location, each parameter defining a relationship between a liquid depth and a value related to a liquid quantity; and determining means for determining a value related to a liquid quantity in the tank based on the liquid measurement signals and the data, the determining means being connected to the storage means, there being means for connecting the determining means to the sensors.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 65 words

The apparatus of claim 25 wherein: the storage means comprises means for storing look up tables, there being for each sensor a first look up table for storing at least a first parameter and a second look up table for storing at least a second parameter; and the determining means comprises selection means for selecting an appropriate look up table corresponding to a particular sensor.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 34 words

The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the selection means comprises means for selecting an appropriate look up table by monitoring a physical condition related to an orientation that the liquid occupies in the tank.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 52 words

The apparatus of claim 26 or 27 wherein at least one of the sensors comprises a capacitive probe, the liquid measurement signal provided by the probe being a wetted sensor length signal related to the portion of the probe immersed in a liquid, the portion so immersed being a wetted sensing length.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the capacitive probe has an essentially uniform capacitance per unit length.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 81 words

The apparatus of claim 29 wherein: the capacitive probe produces a wetted sensor length signal which is also dependent upon the dielectric constant of the liquid; the apparatus further comprises a dielectric sensor for providing a capacitive signal related to the dielectric constant of the liquid; and the determining means comprises means for determining a value related to a liquid quantity wherein the value is also based on the capacitive signal, the determining means also being connected to the dielectric sensor.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 128 words

The apparatus of claim 26 wherein: the selection means comprises means for selecting the appropriate look up table by identifying a look up table corresponding to a particular sensor and used in a previous value determination whenever a previous value determination is available and by identifying a look up table corresponding to the particular sensor and containing predetermined data whenever the system is initialized and a previous value determination is not available, each look up table containing data which will yield values that meet a specified system accuracy within a predetermined range as well as data which will yield values outside the predetermined range and not meeting the specified system accuracy, an appropriate look up table being subsequently selected if a value outside the predetermined range is determined.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 50 words

The apparatus of claim 31 wherein at least one of the sensors comprises a capacitive probe, the liquid measurement signal provided by the probe being a wetted sensor length signal related to the portion of the probe immersed in a liquid, the portion so immersed being a wetted sensing length.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus of claim 32 wherein the capacitive probe has an essentially uniform capacitance per unit length.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 81 words

The apparatus of claim 33 wherein: the capacitive probe produces a wetted sensor length signal which is also dependent upon the dielectric constant of the liquid; the apparatus further comprises a dielectric sensor for providing a capacitive signal related to the dielectric constant of the liquid; and the determining means comprises means for determining a value related to a liquid quantity wherein the value is also based on the capacitive signal, the determining means also being connected to the dielectric sensor.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 34 words

The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the system is for an aircraft and wherein the selection means comprises means for selecting based on whether the aircraft is in the air or on the ground.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 50 words

The apparatus of claim 35 wherein at least one of the sensors comprises a capacitive probe, the liquid measurement signal provided by the probe being a wetted sensor length signal related to the portion of the probe immersed in a liquid, the portion so immersed being a wetted sensing length.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus of claim 36 wherein the capacitive probe has an essentially uniform capacitance per unit length.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 81 words

The apparatus of claim 37 wherein: the capacitive probe produces a wetted sensor length signal which is also dependent upon the dielectric constant of the liquid; the apparatus further comprises a dielectric sensor for providing a capacitive signal related to the dielectric constant of the liquid; and the determining means comprises means for determining a value related to a liquid quantity wherein the value is also based on the capacitive signal, the determining means also being connected to the dielectric sensor.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 31 words

The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the storage means comprises means for storing characterization parameters based on a physical condition related to an orientation of a liquid surface in a tank.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the storage means comprises means for storing characterization parameters based on an orientation of the tank.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 30 words

The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the system is for an aircraft and wherein the storage means comprises means for storing characterization parameters based on an attitude of the aircraft.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 53 words

The apparatus of claim 39, 40, or 41 wherein at least one of the sensors comprises a capacitive probe, the liquid measurement signal provided by the probe being a wetted sensor length signal related to the portion of the probe immersed in a liquid, the portion so immersed being a wetted sensing length.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus of claim 42 wherein the capacitive probe has an essentially uniform capacitance per unit length.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 81 words

The apparatus of claim 43 wherein: the capacitive probe produces a wetted sensor length signal which is also dependent upon the dielectric constant of the liquid; the apparatus further comprises a dielectric sensor for providing a capacitive signal related to the dielectric constant of the liquid; and the determining means comprises means for determining a value related to a liquid quantity wherein the value is also based on the capacitive signal, the determining means also being connected to the dielectric sensor.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 30 words

The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the storage means comprises means for storing characterization parameters wherein each parameter defines a volume increment related to a predetermined increment of liquid depth.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 50 words

The apparatus of claim 25 wherein at least one of the sensors comprises a capacitive probe, the liquid measurement signal provided by the probe being a wetted sensor length signal related to the portion of the probe immersed in a liquid, the portion so immersed being a wetted sensing length.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 81 words

The apparatus of claim 46 wherein: the capacitive probe produces a wetted sensor length signal which is also dependent upon the dielectric constant of the liquid; the apparatus further comprises a dielectric sensor for providing a capacitive signal related to the dielectric constant of the liquid; and the determining means comprises means for determining a value related to a liquid quantity wherein the value is also based on the capacitive signal, the determining means also being connected to the dielectric sensor.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 16 words

The apparatus of claim 46 wherein the capacitive probe has an essentially uniform capacitance unit length.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 81 words

The apparatus of claim 48 wherein: the capacitive probe produces a wetted sensor length signal which is also dependent upon the dielectric constant of the liquid; the apparatus further comprises a dielectric sensor for providing a capacitive signal related to the dielectric constant of the liquid; and the determining means comprises means for determining a value related to a liquid quantity wherein the value is also based on the capacitive signal, the determining means also being connected to the dielectric sensor.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1986-02-14	1986-08-16	1987-02-15	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1990-02-14	1990-08-16	1991-02-15	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1994-02-14	1994-08-16	1995-02-15	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Liquid gaging system compatible with multiple characterization of each sensor

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