The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 21, 1999
Filed:
Jan. 06, 1997
James L Gravel, Prior Lake, MN (US);
Steve D Kruse, Roseville, MN (US);
Randall C Olson, Prior Lake, MN (US);
Rosemount Inc., Eden Prairie, MN (US);
Abstract
A modular probe that is used for determining levels in a process material container, bins, pipes, using capacitance, micro impulse radar, or other types of signals, and which has a self contained pressure seal in the probe. The probe mounts to a connector that has an explosion proof barrier. The connector in turn supports a transmitter housing, which can be made explosion proof as well. The probe is coupled to the connector in a manner so that they can be easily separated and replaced without altering the explosion proof barrier. An independent seal on the probe itself permits the probe to be installed in a tank prior to the transmitter installation, and the transmitter may be uncoupled from the connector and replaced with a new transmitter without affecting the explosion proof portion of the assembly. The transmitter housing may also be removed or replaced from service without disassembly of the housing while the probe remains installed in a tank or other location undisturbed until the transmitter is replaced. Further, an environmental seal between the probe and the connector may be replaced without removing the transmitter housing from the connector so the explosion proof barrier for the transmitter housing remains effective.