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:
Feb. 17, 2004
Filed:
Oct. 28, 1999
Joachim Neuhaus, Steinen, DE;
Werner Thoren, Steinen, DE;
Wolfram Lütke, Inzlingen, DE;
Ralf Reimelt, Freiburg, DE;
Endress & Hauser GmbH + Co., Maulburg, DE;
Abstract
A level measurement device for measuring the level of material inside of a vessel which includes a conductive element, a signal generating unit, and a receiving unit. The conductive element does not come into direct contact with the material being measured. The signal generating unit generates measurement signals which are transmitted along the conductive element. Each of the measurement signals produces an electromagnetic field which travels along the conductive element and is reflected when it reaches the surface of material in the vessel. The reflected electromagnetic field produces an echo signal which travels along said conductive element to the receiving unit. The receiving unit receives the echo signal and determines the level of material in the vessel. The conductive element can be located outside of the vessel. The level measurement device can also include a protective shield which substantially surrounds the sides of the conductive element to prevent interfering radiation from interfering with the signals transmitted and reflected along the conductive element.