US 11,809,157 B2
Level sensor for continuous level detection and integration into process control system
Kurtis K. Jensen, Marshalltown, IA (US); Andrew M. Prusha, Marshalltown, IA (US); and Joseph F. DeMonte, Marshalltown, IA (US)
Assigned to FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC, Marshalltown, IA (US)
Filed by FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC, Marshalltown, IA (US)
Filed on Mar. 22, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/208,398.
Prior Publication US 2022/0299972 A1, Sep. 22, 2022
Int. Cl. G01F 23/36 (2006.01); G05B 19/406 (2006.01); G01F 23/68 (2006.01)
CPC G05B 19/406 (2013.01) [G01F 23/68 (2013.01); G05B 2219/41301 (2013.01)] 16 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A level sensing system configured for implementation in a process control environment, the level sensing system comprising:
a level detection component configured to rise or fall in response to changes in a level of liquid in which the level detection component is placed;
a member that is mechanically linked to the level detection component such that the member changes position or orientation in response to the level detection component rising or falling;
one or more sensors configured for continuous detection of the level of liquid by way of: (i) continuously measuring the position or orientation of the member, and (ii) generating a detected level value corresponding to the continuously measured position or orientation of the member; and
a circuit communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to: (i) generate an electromagnetic signal, according to a process control communication standard, to carry the detected level value; and (ii) transmit the electromagnetic signal to a process controller to enable the process controller to implement control in light of the detected level value,
wherein the member includes a lever and an array of magnets disposed on the lever, and wherein the one or more sensors are hall-effect sensors configured to detect the change in the position or orientation of the member by way of detecting one or more magnetic fields from the array of magnets.