Combined sight oil level gage and ultrasonic sensor

Abstract

The invention provides a combined fluid level sight gage and ultrasonic sensor featuring a fluid level sight gage having a housing for containing a fluid and having a sight glass for viewing the level of the fluid therein, and an ultrasonic sensor coupled to the housing, responsive to the level of fluid in the housing, for providing an ultrasonic sensor signal containing information about the level of fluid in the housing. In operation, the sight glass provides a visual verification that the ultrasonic sensor is working correctly in relation to the fluid visible in the sight glass. The ultrasonic sensor signal may be used to automatically annunciate alarms or warnings either locally at the equipment or by wired or wireless electronic means. In some embodiments according to the present invention, the housing has a centerline for indicating a normal fluid level therein. The ultrasonic sensor may be arranged in the housing on the centerline, or slightly below the centerline, or slightly above the centerline.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application 60 / 881,809, filed January 19, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. technical field [0003] The present invention relates generally to a sensor or gauge, and more particularly to a sensor or gauge for mounting in a bearing frame or bearing housing of a pump component of a pump system. Background technique [0004] Generally, there are various methods used to determine the fluid level, for example, to determine the oil level in a bearing frame or tank of rotating equipment. [0005] For example, a sight glass oil level gauge could be threaded into the bearing housing in such a way that the center of the oil level gauge is positioned at the desired oil level. The oil level gauge uses transparent glass or plastic window 6 to observe the oil level. Figure 8 shows a known meter 5 by way of example. The correct oil level is obta...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The oil level indication is given by removing the dipstick from the dip tube and observing the remaining oil level corresponding to the marking on the dipstick, however, the disadvantage of using the dipstick to monitor the oil level is that it needs to be manually moved. Remove dipstick, wipe off oil, reinsert dipstick, remove dipstick and match wet oil line to dipstick markings

This also exposes the oil to contamination from the environment

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