A level gauge for measuring the liquid level in oak barrels.

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of wine aging technology and discloses a level gauge for measuring the liquid level in oak barrels. It includes a float, a connecting rod, an indicator plate, a flange, and a transparent tube arranged coaxially. The float has a hollow structure with a cylindrical center. The radial dimension of the float's center is smaller than the opening of the oak barrel. One end of the float is spherical, and the other end is fixedly connected to one end of the connecting rod, which in turn is fixedly connected to the indicator plate. The radial dimension of the flange is larger than the opening of the oak barrel, and one end of the flange is fixedly connected to one end of the transparent tube. The transparent tube has graduations, and the indicator plate is fitted inside the transparent tube. A through hole is formed in the center of the flange, and the connecting rod is fitted inside the through hole. This level gauge can accurately measure the liquid level in oak barrels during aging, providing accurate data for calculating the aging volume. It has a simple structure and is convenient to assemble and use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of wine aging technology, specifically a level gauge for measuring the height of wine in oak barrels. Background Technology

[0002] In the aging of spirits such as wine and whiskey, oak barrels are commonly used as storage containers. The percentage of spirit lost through evaporation each year during barrel aging is known in the industry as "angel share." Angel share is not only a natural loss during the winemaking process but also a crucial factor in flavor development. The basic angel share ratio varies among different types of spirits. For the same type of spirit, the key factors influencing angel share are the aging environment, namely aging temperature and humidity. In the winemaking industry, regularly monitoring angel share data during barrel aging allows for adjustments to the aging environment to ensure the quality of the spirit. Since oak barrels themselves do not have liquid level detection capabilities, tools are needed to accurately measure the liquid level within the oak barrel during barrel aging and thus accurately calculate angel share data. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a level gauge for measuring the liquid level in oak barrels. It can accurately measure the liquid level in oak barrels during barrel aging, providing accurate data for calculating the amount of wine to be shared. Its structure is simple and its assembly and use are relatively convenient.

[0004] The objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0005] A level gauge for measuring the liquid level in oak barrels includes a float, a connecting rod, an indicator plate, a flange, and a transparent tube arranged coaxially. The float has a hollow structure, with a cylindrical center. The radial dimension of the center of the float is smaller than the opening of the oak barrel. One end of the float is spherical, and the other end is fixedly connected to one end of the connecting rod, which is also fixedly connected to the indicator plate. The radial dimension of the flange is larger than the opening of the oak barrel, and one end of the flange is fixedly connected to one end of the transparent tube. The transparent tube has graduations. The indicator plate is fitted inside the transparent tube. A through hole is formed in the center of the flange, and the connecting rod is fitted inside the through hole.

[0006] Specifically, a positioning platform is machined at the end of the flange away from the transparent tube, and the positioning platform can be adapted to be set inside the opening of the oak barrel.

[0007] Specifically, the flange has a connecting platform near the end of the transparent tube and also includes a connecting sleeve. One end of the connecting sleeve is tightly fitted onto the connecting platform, and the other end of the connecting sleeve is tightly fitted onto one end of the transparent tube.

[0008] Specifically, a dust cap is provided at the end of the transparent tube away from the flange, and a vent hole is provided on the dust cap to allow the inner cavity of the transparent tube to communicate with the outside.

[0009] Specifically, the float is threadedly connected to the connecting rod.

[0010] Specifically, the connecting rod is threadedly connected to the indicator disc.

[0011] Specifically, the connecting rod is a hollow tubular structure.

[0012] Specifically, the connecting rod and float are made of stainless steel, and the transparent tube is made of glass.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0014] This level gauge for measuring the liquid level in oak barrels includes a coaxially arranged float, connecting rod, indicator dial, flange, and transparent tube. The float is hollow, with a cylindrical center. The radial dimension of the float's center is smaller than the opening of the oak barrel. One end of the float is spherical, designed to allow it to smoothly enter the oak barrel through the opening while providing sufficient buoyancy. The other end of the float is fixedly connected to one end of the connecting rod, and the other end of the connecting rod is fixedly connected to the indicator dial. The radial dimension of the flange is larger than the opening of the oak barrel. The dimensions are as follows: after inserting the float into the oak barrel, place the flange at the opening of the oak barrel to install the level gauge on the barrel. One end of the flange is fixedly connected to one end of the transparent tube, which has graduation lines. The indicator dial is fitted inside the transparent tube, and a through hole is opened in the center of the flange. The connecting rod is fitted inside the through hole. The float, under the buoyancy of the wine in the oak barrel, can keep the indicator dial in a balanced position inside the transparent tube. The level of the wine in the oak barrel can be measured by reading the value of the indicator dial directly above the graduation lines.

[0015] This level gauge for measuring the liquid level in oak barrels is simple in structure and easy to operate. It can quickly measure the actual liquid level in a batch of oak barrels, providing a data basis for calculating the liquid level. Because the dimensions of the indicator disc and the transparent tube are compatible, as are the dimensions of the connecting rod and the through hole, it provides guidance for the movement of the connecting rod and the indicator disc, while minimizing frictional resistance, thus ensuring accurate measurement data. The indicator disc is disc-shaped and essentially coaxial with the transparent tube. When recording the reading of the indicator disc directly above the scale line, the top or bottom surface of the indicator disc can be selected as the reading reference, eliminating the influence of the indicator disc's thickness, reducing reading errors, and further ensuring the accuracy of the liquid level data. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a level gauge for measuring the height of wine in oak barrels according to the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a level gauge for measuring the height of wine in oak barrels according to the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the disassembled structure of a level gauge for measuring the height of wine in oak barrels according to the present invention.

[0019] In the diagram, 1-float, 2-connecting rod, 3-indicator dial, 4-flange, 5-transparent tube, 6-positioning platform, 7-connecting sleeve, 8-connecting platform, 9-dust cap. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solution of this utility model is described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the scope of protection of this utility model is not limited to the following description.

[0021] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a level gauge for measuring the liquid level in oak barrels includes a float 1, a connecting rod 2, an indicator dial 3, a flange 4, and a transparent tube 5, all coaxially arranged. The float 1 is hollow, with a cylindrical center. The radial dimension of the central part of the float 1 is smaller than the opening of the oak barrel, allowing the float 1 to smoothly enter the barrel. One end of the float 1 is spherical, and the other end is fixedly connected to one end of the connecting rod 2, which in turn is fixedly connected to the indicator dial 3. The radial dimension of the flange 4 is larger than the opening of the oak barrel. One end of the flange 4 is fixedly connected to one end of the transparent tube 5, which has graduations. The indicator dial 3 is fitted inside the transparent tube 5, with a radial dimension slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the transparent tube 5. This allows the indicator dial 3 to move freely axially within the transparent tube 5, while avoiding significant frictional resistance between the indicator dial 3 and the transparent tube 5, and ensuring that the dial surface is essentially parallel to the graduations within the transparent tube 5. A through hole is provided in the center of the flange 4, and the connecting rod 2 is adapted to be installed in the through hole. The radial dimension of the connecting rod 2 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the through hole, so that the connecting rod 2 can move freely along the axis in the through hole, while avoiding large frictional resistance between the connecting rod 2 and the inner wall of the through hole.

[0022] During implementation, a float 1 of suitable size (axial dimension of the central part of the cylinder) is selected according to the density of the wine, so that only about half of the float 1 is submerged under the action of buoyancy after being submerged in the wine. When used to measure the liquid level in barrel-aged oak barrels, the gauge is first calibrated in a full barrel state (meaning the barrel is filled with unaged wine). The float 1 is inserted into the full barrel, and the flange 4 is placed at the mouth of the full barrel. After stabilization, the position of the scale line directly opposite the indicator 3 is marked as the zero point of the reading. Then, the level gauge is removed from the full barrel, and the liquid level in each barrel-aged oak barrel is measured in the same way as described above. That is, the float 1 is inserted into the barrel-aged oak barrel, the flange 4 is placed at the mouth of the barrel, and the position of the scale line directly opposite the indicator 3 is recorded as the measurement reading for each barrel-aged oak barrel. The difference between the measured reading and the zero point is the drop in the liquid level of the wine in the oak barrel. By converting this drop into volume and dividing by the remainder, the volume of the wine when the barrel is full can be calculated, thus determining whether the amount of wine in the oak barrel is within the normal range.

[0023] This level gauge for measuring the liquid level in oak barrels is simple in structure and easy to operate. It can quickly measure the actual liquid level in a batch of oak barrels, providing a data basis for calculating the liquid level. Because the dimensions of the indicator disc 3 and the transparent tube 5 are compatible, and the dimensions of the connecting rod 2 and the through hole are also compatible, it provides guidance for the movement of the connecting rod 2 and the indicator disc 3, and minimizes frictional resistance, thus ensuring accurate measurement data. The indicator disc 3 is disc-shaped and basically coaxial with the transparent tube 5. When recording the reading of the indicator disc 3 directly above the scale line, the top or bottom surface of the indicator disc 3 can be selected as the reading reference surface to eliminate the influence of the thickness of the indicator disc 3, which helps to reduce reading errors and further ensures the accuracy of the liquid level data.

[0024] In practice:

[0025] A positioning platform 6 is machined at the end of the flange 4 away from the transparent tube 5. During measurement, the positioning platform 6 is adapted to be placed inside the opening of the oak barrel. During implementation, a rubber sleeve is set between the positioning platform 6 and the opening of the oak barrel. On the one hand, it plays a positioning role for the flange 4 and the transparent tube 5, keeping the transparent tube 5 basically vertical and preventing it from shaking. On the other hand, it also seals the opening of the oak barrel to prevent the wine from having too much contact with the outside air during the measurement process.

[0026] A connecting platform 8 is machined on one end of the flange 4 near the transparent tube 5, and a connecting sleeve 7 is also provided. One end of the connecting sleeve 7 is tightly fitted onto the connecting platform 8, and the other end of the connecting sleeve 7 is tightly fitted onto one end of the transparent tube 5. The transparent tube 5 and the connecting platform 8 are connected by the connecting sleeve 7, which facilitates the assembly and connection process. At the same time, when calibrating the zero point of the reading, the axial position of the transparent tube 5 and the connecting sleeve 7 can be adjusted within a certain range to make the zero point of the reading located on the integer scale line, so as to simplify the calculation process during subsequent measurement.

[0027] A dust cap 9 is provided at the end of the transparent tube 5 away from the flange 4 to prevent foreign objects from falling into the transparent tube 5; the dust cap 9 is provided with a vent hole, which is used to connect the inner cavity of the transparent tube 5 with the outside world to balance the air pressure inside the transparent tube 5 and avoid causing resistance to the movement of the connecting rod 2 and the indicator 3.

[0028] The float 1 is threadedly connected to the connecting rod 2. When assembling the liquid level gauge, the end of the connecting rod 2 furthest from the indicator dial 3 can pass through the flange 4 and connect to the float 1. Then, the transparent tube 5 is connected to the connecting platform 8 via the connecting sleeve 7. The assembly process is extremely convenient, and the float 1 can be replaced according to different liquid densities. Similarly, the connecting rod 2 is threadedly connected to the indicator dial 3. During assembly, the end of the connecting rod 2 furthest from the float 1 can also pass through the flange 4 and connect to the indicator dial 3. Then, the transparent tube 5 is connected to the connecting platform 8 via the connecting sleeve 7.

[0029] The connecting rod 2 has a hollow tubular structure to reduce its weight. The transparent tube 5 is a glass tube. Both the connecting rod 2 and the float 1 are made of stainless steel, which is readily available. The stainless steel connecting rod 2 and float 1 also avoid adverse effects on the wine.

[0030] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model. It should be understood that this utility model is not limited to the forms disclosed herein and should not be construed as excluding other embodiments. It can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and can be altered within the scope of the concept described herein through the above teachings or related technologies or knowledge. Modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art that do not depart from the spirit and scope of this utility model should be protected within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A level gauge for measuring the liquid level in oak barrels, characterized in that, Includes a coaxially mounted float, connecting rod, indicator dial, flange, and transparent tube. The float has a hollow structure, with a cylindrical center. The radial dimension of the central part of the float is smaller than the opening of the oak barrel. One end of the float is spherical, and the other end is fixedly connected to one end of the connecting rod. The other end of the connecting rod is fixedly connected to the indicator dial. The radial dimension of the flange is larger than the size of the oak barrel opening. One end of the flange is fixedly connected to one end of the transparent tube. The transparent tube is provided with scale lines. The indicator plate is adapted to be installed inside the transparent tube. A through hole is opened in the center of the flange. The connecting rod is adapted to be installed inside the through hole.

2. A level gauge for measuring the liquid level in oak barrels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flange has a positioning platform at the end away from the transparent tube, and the positioning platform can be adapted to be placed inside the opening of the oak barrel.

3. A level gauge for measuring the liquid level in oak barrels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flange has a connecting platform near the end of the transparent tube and also includes a connecting sleeve. One end of the connecting sleeve is tightly fitted onto the connecting platform, and the other end of the connecting sleeve is tightly fitted onto one end of the transparent tube.

4. A level gauge for measuring the liquid level in oak barrels according to claim 1, characterized in that, A dust cap is provided at the end of the transparent tube away from the flange, and a vent hole is provided on the dust cap to allow the inner cavity of the transparent tube to communicate with the outside.

5. A level gauge for measuring the liquid level in oak barrels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The float is threadedly connected to the connecting rod.

6. A level gauge for measuring the liquid level in oak barrels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting rod is threadedly connected to the indicator disc.

7. A level gauge for measuring the liquid level in oak barrels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting rod is a hollow tubular structure.

8. A level gauge for measuring the liquid level in oak barrels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting rod and float are both made of stainless steel, and the transparent tube is made of glass.

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