Patent ID: 7466124
Filing Date: 2008-12-16
Classification: G01F

Abstract:
1. A magnetostrictive level sensing instrument for sensing level of a process material comprising: an elongate tube having a near end and a distal end; a magnet selectively positionable proximate the tube responsive to level of the process material; a magnetostrictive wire in the tube having first and second ends, the second end being operatively secured at the tube distal end; a pair of shear mode crystals mounted proximate the tube near end, the crystals sandwiching the magnetostrictive wire proximate the first end; a sensing circuit operatively connected to the magnetostrictive wire and the pair of crystals for generating an electrical pulse on the magnetostrictive wire whereby a magnetic field produced by the magnet interacts with the electrical pulse to produce a torsional wave on the magnetostrictive wire sensed by the pair of crystals; and a support tray mounting the crystals proximate the tube near end and the tray clamps the magnetostrictive wire between the crystals, wherein the support tray comprises a two piece plastic tray and each piece supports one of the crystals.