Collapsible liquid level measurement device with attachments

Abstract

A liquid level measuring device includes an elongate handle and an elongate frame arranged in telescoping relationship. The frame is movable between a collapsed position for storage and an extended position for usage. A float is movable lengthwise along the elongate frame. A control rod extends lengthwise in the elongate frame and through a passage in the float. The control rod controls movement of the float relative to the elongate frame. An actuator actuates the control arm to move the float from the locked position to the unlocked position in response to a downward pressure between a lower end of the elongate frame and a bottom surface of the container so that the float is free to seek the liquid level in the container and to move the float from the unlocked position back to the locked position when the downward pressure is released.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] Applicants claim priority for this application based upon U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 510,044.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates generally to the measurement of the depth of a quantity of liquid in a tank, container or the like, and, more particularly, to an improved liquid depth measurement device having a water level indicator and a fluid sampling device. [0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0005] There are many instances in which it is desirable or essential to be able to measure the depth of a fluid in large under ground and above ground storage tanks, container, or the like to determine the volume of the fluid contained therein. Large underground or above-ground bulk storage tanks are typically situated at gasoline service stations, convenience stores, factories, office buildings, truck stops, etc. In addition, the same requirements apply to numerous smaller t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The present invention relates to a telescopic mechanized device for the measurement of fluid products contained in below-ground and above-ground tanks and containers. An attachment is provided for measuring the amount of water in the tanks or containers. A handle member forming the upper portion of the device within which an enclosed tubular housing having a plurality of openings in it side walls providing ready fluid communication from the out side to the tubular central space. A control bar extends along the inner cavity of the tubular housing and is pivotally mounted to swing from a first position extending laterally along a diameter of the housing to a second position closely adjacent to the housing interior wall. A float of outer diameter less than the internal diameter of the tubular housing has a longitudinal slot center to the float which over the control member and is relatively free for movement longitudinally within the housing when the control bar is in the first position and becomes wedged against the control bar preventing it's movement when the bar is in it's second position. The control bar is secured to the frame section by actuators at both ends of the housing and controls the movement of the control bar between its first and second positions. Markings inscribed on the surfaces the lower fame indicate the respective distance of the float from the bottom or interval end of the frame housing, and in that way serves as a direct measurement of the fluid level within the tank or container.

Problems solved by technology

Wooden gauge dipsticks suffer from many deficiencies that make them less than satisfactory for accuracy, durability or dependability.

They do not meet current stringent requirements for accountability for tank leakage and product inventory control.

For example, scales are neither precise nor protected and thus are subject to wear and tear with repeated use.

The unprotected blunt end of the wood sticks damage the bottom of the tanks through pinning action and cause eventual erosion of the tank bottoms.

Wood sticks are subject to splintering, breakage and warping requiring frequent replacement.

The wet line is the result of residual fluid deposited on the scale at the time of stick submersion and withdrawal from the tank and is subject to rapid evaporation.

The scales are difficult to read in wet weather conditions and night tank readings.

These conditions require the need for multiple readings and are time consuming.

Wood sticks when inserted in tanks rapidly are subject to splashing that may result in inaccurate measurements.

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