Portable clamp-on liquid level indicator gauge

Abstract

Apparatus and method are provided for indicating the amount of liquid contained in a railroad tank car, or any other liquid storage tank having an interior surface defining a liquid level reference point. A readily portable liquid level indicator gauge is provided having a tube defining an opening extending along its length, and an elongate rod slidably received therein. A buoyant member is attached to the rod to cause the rod to be vertically displaced in response to the vertical displacement of the buoyant member resulting from a corresponding change in liquid level. A reference arm is connected to the tube and a portion thereof forms an abutting relationship with an interior surface of the tank at the liquid level reference point. A clamping device connected to the tube is adapted to releasably attach the portable gauge to the tank in a substantially vertical orientation. A surface of the rod has sequential indicia markings applied thereon which are readable in reference to a portion of the tube to indicate the amount of liquid contained in the tank, with the indicia markings corresponding to the level of liquid in the tank relative to the liquid level reference point.