US4671106A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fuel energy quantification system
Assignee: Boeing North American Inc
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Filing: 1985-12-10
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Granted: 1987-06-09
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Expires: 2005-12-10
Abstract
Abstract A fuel energy analysis system is disclosed utilizing a first hydrostatic sensor, calibrated to specific fuel tank geometries, to monitor fuel quantity; and an additional hydrostatic sensor located at a different geometric height from said first sensor, allowing determination of specific gravity through hydrostatic pressure, and thereafter computation of energy content as a function of mass. This system is particularly suitable for harsh environments such as vehicular applications wherein the quality of fuel input to a tank may frequently vary, and is readily corrected for fluid motion in the tank, by the addition of additional sensors in conjunction with baffles.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul K. Schroeder
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 16:14
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F23/00; G01F23/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
55 words
An improved energy management system comprising: a. a liquid fuel container; b. at least two pressure sensors coupled to said container; and c. means for computing, coupled to said at least two sensors, both the fuel quantity and approximate energy content of each unit quantity of said fuel as a function of said measured pressure.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
55 words
An improved energy management system comprising: a. a liquid fuel container; b. at least two pressure sensors coupled to said container; and c. means for computing, coupled to said at least two sensors, both the fuel quantity and approximate energy content of each unit quantity of said fuel as a function of said measured pressure.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
98 words
An apparatus energy content of fuel comprising: a. means for containing a fuel quantity; b. means for sensing gravitational force per unit mass of said fuel, fixed at two locations on said means for containing, said two locations having different fixed geometric heights, one from the other thereby indicating hydrostatic difference in sensed force; and c. means, coupled to said sensors, for computing the specific gravity of said fuel as a function of said differenece in said sensed force, for relating said specific gravity to energy content of said fuel, and for finding the level of the fuel.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
98 words
An apparatus energy content of fuel comprising: a. means for containing a fuel quantity; b. means for sensing gravitational force per unit mass of said fuel, fixed at two locations on said means for containing, said two locations having different fixed geometric heights, one from the other thereby indicating hydrostatic difference in sensed force; and c. means, coupled to said sensors, for computing the specific gravity of said fuel as a function of said differenece in said sensed force, for relating said specific gravity to energy content of said fuel, and for finding the level of the fuel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus as in claim 2 further comprising additional parameter sensors, at least one said additional sensor for detecting lubricating fluid level, coupled to said means for computing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
An apparatus as in claim 3 further comprising a real-time display output means, in human readable format, for improving operator perception of at least a portion of said parameters.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus as in claim 3 further comprising means for storage of said parameters as data and for subsequent transmission of said data.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
55 words
An apparatus as in claim 5 wherein said means for sensing gravitational force per unit mass of said fuel further comprises a first air line, utilizing a compressive fitting, which is associated with a pressure sensing device, and a second air line utilizing a compressive fitting, which is associated with a second pressure sensing device.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus of claim 6 wherein said means for computing the specific gravity of said fuel comprises an ambient temperature and pressure sensing means.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
165 words
An apparatus for measuring energy content of a fuel comprising: a. means for containing a fuel quantity; b. means for sensing gravitational force per unit mass of said fuel, at two locations on said means for containing, said two locations having differing geometric heights, one from the other, thereby indicating hydrostatic difference in sensed force; c. means, coupled to said means for sensing, for computing the specific gravity of said fuel as a function of said difference in said sensed force, and for relating said specific gravity to said energy content of said fuel; d. additional parameter sensors, at least one said additional sensor for detecting lubricating fluid level, coupled to said means for computing; e. means for storage of said parameters as data and for subsequent transmission of said data; f. a first air line, utilizing a compressive fitting, associated with a pressure sensing device; and g. a second air line, utilizing a compressive fitting, which is associated with a second pressure sensing device.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
165 words
An apparatus for measuring energy content of a fuel comprising: a. means for containing a fuel quantity; b. means for sensing gravitational force per unit mass of said fuel, at two locations on said means for containing, said two locations having differing geometric heights, one from the other, thereby indicating hydrostatic difference in sensed force; c. means, coupled to said means for sensing, for computing the specific gravity of said fuel as a function of said difference in said sensed force, and for relating said specific gravity to said energy content of said fuel; d. additional parameter sensors, at least one said additional sensor for detecting lubricating fluid level, coupled to said means for computing; e. means for storage of said parameters as data and for subsequent transmission of said data; f. a first air line, utilizing a compressive fitting, associated with a pressure sensing device; and g. a second air line, utilizing a compressive fitting, which is associated with a second pressure sensing device.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus as in claim 8 wherein said means for computing the specific gravity of said fuel comprised an ambient temperature and pressure sensing means.
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) | 1990-06-08 | 1990-12-08 | 1991-06-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-06-08 | 1994-12-08 | 1995-06-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-06-08 | 1998-12-08 | 1999-06-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |