Patent ID: 8229687

Claim:
A system configured for determining a level of a liquid within a container, the system comprising: a container adapted for holding multiple fluids, wherein the container comprises: a cavity for receiving and discharging the multiple fluids, wherein the cavity comprises: an upper portion, and a lower portion, wherein an area of the upper portion of the cavity allows for ambient air to enter and to exit the cavity; a reference line for use in determining a level of a liquid within the container, wherein the reference line holds a portion of the liquid; and wherein the reference line is positioned external to the container and is in fluid communication with the container; a bypass line for supplying the reference line with the liquid, wherein the bypass line is in fluid communication with the reference line and with a liquid fuel supply; and a measurement device configured for use in measuring a physical property of the liquid within the container, wherein the measurement device is in fluid communication with both the lower portion of the cavity and the reference line; and a processor for determining the level of the liquid within the cavity, wherein the processor: receives data on a reference height; receives data on a physical property of the liquid within the container; and uses a model that determines the level of the liquid within the container, wherein the model incorporates data on: the reference height, the physical property of the liquid, the specific gravity of a reference, a specific gravity of the liquid, a specific gravity of an additional fluid, and a distance between the reference height and the measurement device.