Device for measuring the level of a material stored in a tank

摘要

An indicator device is disclosed that is useful for measuring the level of a material stored in a tank. The device includes a stationary tubular section that fastens into the top wall of the tank. One or more tubular sections of smaller diameter are made to slide inside the stationary section to form a telescoping unit. The smallest tubular section has a foot member at its bottom end and a cable fastened to its upper end. The cable passes over a sheave and is wound onto a winch operated by a motor. In operation, the winch lowers the smallest tubular section into the tank until the foot member contacts the material in the tank and compresses the material enough to stop the downward movement of the tubular section. The winch is then reversed to bring the tubular section back to its "up" position. The sheave operates a counting and recording device that records the total distance traveled by the cable, and this distance indicates the level of material in the tank.