Patent ID: 8072594
Filing Date: 2011-12-06
Classification: G01F

Abstract:
1. A liquid level sensor probe for determining liquid level along a spectrum within a vessel, the liquid level sensor probe comprising: a plurality of light sources positioned along a length for emitting radiant energy along said length and said spectrum is defined by said length; a plurality of photosensors positioned for detecting an amount of said radiant energy received from said plurality of light sources wherein a change in the amount of said radiant energy as detected by said plurality of photosensors is indicative of a change in said liquid level within said vessel along said spectrum; a plurality of light shields positioned between said plurality of light sources and a plurality of photosensors wherein said plurality of light shields prevents said radiant energy from directly hitting said plurality of photosensors; and encapsulation material for encapsulating said plurality of light sources, said plurality of photosensors, and said plurality of light shields wherein said encapsulation material provides a transition surface which allows said radiant energy to proportionally refract back to said plurality of photosensors from said plurality of light sources around said plurality of light shields when liquid does not cover said transition surface and wherein said radiant energy proportionally does not refract back to said plurality of photosensors from said plurality of light sources around said plurality of light shields when said liquid covers said transition surface.