System and method for product level monitoring in a chemical dispensing system

摘要

A system and method for monitoring the levels of product in a chemical dispensing system. A probe assembly is operatively disposed in a container holding product to be dispensed. A detection circuit including an oscillator sensitive to the impendence coupled to the detector is selectively coupled to the probe assembly and produces a signal in response to the impedance of the probe assembly indicating if the level of product in the container has dropped below the probe assembly. The probe assembly includes conductive probes formed from corrosion resistant material infused with carbon and separated by an angle. The level of the first and second conductive probes is adjustable to provide control over the level of product to be detected. Multiple probe assemblies may be selectively coupled to the detection circuit in a repeating sequence by a multi-probe monitoring unit to allow monitoring of multiple containers by a single remote alarm.

主权项

1. A probe assembly for detecting a level of a product in a container, the probe assembly comprising:
a cap coupleable to the container and having a first channel and a second channel; a first extension tube positioned within the first channel and having a top end and a bottom end so that the top end projects upwardly from the cap and the bottom end projects downwardly from the cap; a second extension tube positioned within the second channel and having a top end and a bottom end so that the top end projects upwardly from the cap and the bottom end projects downwardly from the cap; a first probe having a first end disposed within the bottom end of the first extension tube forming a fluid tight seal with the first extension tube, and a second end opposite the first end, the second end projecting outwardly from the bottom end of the first extension tube to contact the product; a second probe having a first end disposed within the bottom end of the second extension tube forming a fluid tight seal with the second extension tube, and a second end opposite the first end, the second end projecting outwardly from the bottom end of the second extension tube; and a lid separate from the cap and configured to secure the cap to the container, the lid holding the first extension tube in place against the first channel and the second extension tube in place against the second channel when coupling the cap to the container.