Patent ID: 8338811
Filing Date: 2012-12-25
Classification: G01F,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A level detection device for detecting an upper surface of a liquid at a reference level, comprising: a reservoir having a bottom wall and one or more side walls extending from the bottom wall that delimit a cavity for containing the liquid; a light emitter for emitting a light beam towards the cavity; at least one reflection surface for reflecting the light beam; and a light detector for detecting the emitted light beam upon reflection, the emitter and detector being so arranged that, when the surface of the liquid passes the reference level, a state of detection of the light beam by the detector is changed, wherein the emitter, detector and reflection surface(s) are so located and oriented relatively to the cavity that the emitted light beam is: a) detectable by the detector upon travelling through the liquid in the cavity; and b) refractable at the surface of the liquid towards or away from the detector so that the state of detection is a function of such refraction.