Patent ID: 7259712

Claim:
A level measurement apparatus comprising: an antenna assembly for emitting electromagnetic energy and for coupling reflected electromagnetic energy, said reflected electromagnetic energy reflected by a material held in a container; a controller having: a receiver module for converting said reflected electromagnetic energy into corresponding electrical signals; a transmitter module; and a program component for determining the distance traveled by the reflected electromagnetic energy; where said antenna assembly is operatively coupled to said transmitter module such that, responsive to said transmitter module, said antenna assembly emits electromagnetic energy, and where said antenna assembly is operatively coupled to said receiver module for outputting, to said receiver module, said reflected electromagnetic energy; and said antenna assembly having a mounting member formed from a material conductive of said electromagnetic energy; said antenna assembly including a sealing ring, said sealing ring being formed from said material conductive of said electromagnetic energy; said antenna assembly further including a clamping member for coupling said container to said mounting member, said clamping member positioned so that, in response to a force being applied to said clamping member said sealing ring is compressed, thereby forming a seal between the interior of said container and said controller.