Acoustic volume indicator

Abstract

Acoustic volume indicators of this invention comprise a resonator for causing a liquid container to vibrate, a detector for receiving vibration data from the liquid container, a frequency detector for converting the vibration data to frequency and comparing the frequency to stored frequency v. volume data to obtain the liquid volume, and an indicator for providing a desired output based on the liquid volume. The resonator can be provided in the form of an impactor that is actuated to strike the side of the liquid container to momentarily vibrate the tank, or in the form of a vibration generator that is operated to generate a sweep frequency signal in the tank. The detector is designed to respond to vibration signals provided from the tank wall, which signals will show a significant increase in amplitude at the resonant frequency of the tank and its contents. The detector can be in the form of an accelerometer designed to record the received signal. The recorded signal is than converted/analyzed by the frequency detector, which is then compared to a known preprogrammed specific frequency vs. volume characteristic of the tank. Various audible and/or visual output or indicator devices, such as a gauge or colored lights, can be used to display whether the liquid volume measurements are in or out of a predetermined volume range based on the known tank characteristics.

1 . An acoustic volume indicator comprising: 
 a resonating means for vibrating a liquid container, the resonating means being adapted for placement adjacent to a surface of the liquid container;    a resonating detecting means for receiving vibration data provided by the liquid container, the resonating detecting means being adapted for placement adjacent to a surface of the liquid container    a frequency detection means for receiving a data signal from the resonating detecting means, converting the data signal to frequency information, and comparing the frequency information to stored frequency and volume information for the liquid container; and    an indicating means for providing a desired visual or audible output.    
   
   
       2 . The acoustic volume indicator as recited in  claim 1  wherein the resonating means is an impactor that is operated to strike the liquid container with an impulse to momentarily vibrate the liquid container.  
   
   
       3 . The acoustic volume indicator as recited in  claim 1  wherein the resonating means is an electromechanical vibration generator that generates sweep frequency vibrations in the liquid container.  
   
   
       4 . The acoustic volume indicator as recited in  claim 1  wherein the resonating detecting means is an accelerometer, and is adapted to record the received vibration data.  
   
   
       5 . The acoustic volume indicator as recited in  claim 1  wherein the frequency detection means comprises a microprocessor, and includes storage means for storing frequency and volume information for more than one liquid container.  
   
   
       6 . The acoustic volume indicator as recited in  claim 1  wherein the resonating means, resonating detecting means, and frequency detection means are all packaged within a common housing.  
   
   
       7 . The acoustic volume indicator as recited in  claim 1  wherein the liquid container comprises a bladder disposed therein that is used to separate the liquid within the container from a volume of pressurized gas disposed within a chamber of the bladder.  
   
   
       8 . An acoustic volume indicator comprising: 
 a resonator for vibrating a liquid container, the resonator being adapted for placement adjacent to a surface of the liquid container;    a detector for receiving and recording vibration information provided by the liquid container, the detector being adapted for placement adjacent to a surface of the liquid container;    a processor for receiving a data signal from the detector, converting the data signal to frequency information, and comparing the frequency information to stored frequency and volume information for the liquid container to determine the liquid volume in the liquid container; and    an indicator for providing an output indication of the determined liquid volume.    
   
   
       9 . The acoustic volume indicator as recited in  claim 7  wherein the resonator is an impactor that is operated to strike the liquid container with an impulse to momentarily vibrate the liquid container.  
   
   
       10 . The acoustic volume indicator as recited in  claim 8  wherein the detector is an accelerometer.  
   
   
       11 . The acoustic volume indicator as recited in  claim 7  wherein the resonator is a vibration generator that generates sweep frequency vibrations in the liquid container.  
   
   
       12 . The acoustic volume indicator as recited in  claim 10  wherein the detector is an accelerometer.  
   
   
       13 . The acoustic volume indicator as recited in  claim 7  further comprising storage means for storing frequency and volume information for more than one liquid container.  
   
   
       14 . The acoustic volume indicator as recited in  claim 7  wherein the resonator, detector, and processor are all packaged within a common housing.  
   
   
       15 . The acoustic volume indicator as recited in  claim 7  wherein the liquid container comprises a bladder disposed therein that is used to separate the liquid within the container from a volume of pressurized gas disposed within a chamber of the bladder.  
   
   
       16 . An acoustic volume indicator comprising: 
 a resonator for vibrating a liquid container, the resonator being an impactor that is operated to strike the liquid container with an impulse to momentarily vibrate the liquid container, the resonator being adapted for placement adjacent to a surface of the liquid container;    an accelerometer for receiving and recording vibration information provided by the liquid container, the accelerometer being adapted for placement adjacent to a surface of the liquid container;    a processor for receiving a data signal from the detector, converting the data signal to frequency information, and comparing the frequency information to stored frequency and volume information for the liquid container to determine the liquid volume in the liquid container;    storage means for storing frequency and volume information for more than one liquid container; and    an indicator for providing an output indication of the determined liquid volume;    wherein the liquid container comprises a bladder disposed therein that is used to separate the liquid within the container from a volume of pressurized gas disposed within a chamber of the bladder.    
   
   
       17 . The acoustic volume indicator as recited in  claim 16  wherein the resonator, detector, processor, storage means, and indicator are all packaged within a common housing.  
   
   
       18 . An acoustic volume indicator comprising: 
 a resonator for vibrating a liquid container, the resonator being a vibration generator that generates sweep frequency vibrations-in the liquid container, the resonator being adapted for placement adjacent to a surface of the liquid container;    an accelerometer for receiving and recording vibration information provided by the liquid container, the accelerometer being adapted for placement adjacent to a surface of the liquid container;    a processor for receiving a data signal from the detector, converting the data signal to frequency information, and comparing the frequency information to stored frequency and volume information for the liquid container to determine the liquid volume in the liquid container;    storage means for storing frequency and volume information for more than one liquid container; and    an indicator for providing an output indication of the determined liquid volume;    wherein the liquid container comprises a bladder disposed therein that is used to separate the liquid within the container from a volume of pressurized gas disposed within a chamber of the bladder.    
   
   
       19 . The acoustic volume indicator as recited in  claim 18  wherein the resonator, detector, processor, storage means, and indicator are all packaged within a common housing.  
   
   
       20 . A fluid containment system comprising: 
 a liquid container comprising a bladder disposed therein that is used to separate liquid disposed within the container from a volume of pressurized gas disposed within a chamber of the bladder;    a resonator for vibrating the liquid container, the resonator positioned adjacent to a surface of the liquid container;    a detector for receiving and recording vibration information provided by the liquid container, the detector positioned adjacent to a surface of the liquid container;    a processor for receiving a data signal from the detector, converting the data signal to frequency information, and comparing the frequency information to stored frequency and volume information for the liquid container to determine the liquid volume in the liquid container; and    an indicator for providing an output indication of the determined liquid volume.    
   
   
       21 . A noninvasive method for measuring a liquid level within a liquid container comprising the steps of: 
 initiating a vibration of the liquid container;    receiving vibration data from the liquid container;    converting the vibration data into frequency;    comparing the frequency to stored frequency v. liquid volume data for the liquid container to determine a liquid volume; and    providing an output indicative of the determined liquid volume.    
   
   
       22 . The method as recited in  claim 18  wherein the step of initiating a vibration comprises striking the liquid container to cause a momentarily vibration.  
   
   
       23 . The method as recited in  claim 18  wherein the step of initiating a vibration comprises generating a sweep frequency vibration in the liquid container.  
   
   
       24 . The method as recited in  claim 18  further comprising the step of storing the vibration data.