Patent ID: 6672155
Filing Date: 2004-01-06
Classification: G01F,G01S

Abstract:
An apparatus for determining the filling level of a filling material in a container, the container having a sidewall and an opening in the upper region of the sidewall, the filling material defining a surface in the container, comprising:a signal production unit which generates measurement signals; an elongated element positioned in said opening and extending into the container; at least one antenna mounted to said elongated element, which transmits the measurement signals in the direction of the surface of the filling material and receives the measurement signals reflected from the surface of the filling material; and a control/evaluation unit which uses the delay time of the measurement signals to determine the filling level of the filling material in the container, wherein: said at least one antenna is positioned relative to said elongated element, and arranged and configured such that the measurement signals are emitted essentially in the direction of the surface of the filling material, and such that the measurement signals reflected from the surface of the filling material are received by said at least one antenna.