U.S. patent application number 16/053586 was filed with the patent office on 2018-12-27 for container fill level measurement and management.
The applicant listed for this patent is Nectar, Inc.. Invention is credited to Prabhanjan C. Gurumohan, Aayush Phumbhra.
Application Number | 20180372532 16/053586 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56129057 |
Filed Date | 2018-12-27 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20180372532 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gurumohan; Prabhanjan C. ;
et al. |
December 27, 2018 |
CONTAINER FILL LEVEL MEASUREMENT AND MANAGEMENT
Abstract
A content fill level sensor is disclosed. The sensor includes a
transmitter located proximal to a portion of a container cover that
is configured to engage an opening of a container. The sensor also
includes a waveguide extending from the transmitter such that the
waveguide includes a distal end that is configured to be located
within an interior of the container when the container cover
engages the container.
Inventors: |
Gurumohan; Prabhanjan C.;
(Mountain View, CA) ; Phumbhra; Aayush; (Palo
Alto, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Nectar, Inc. |
Palo Alto |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56129057 |
Appl. No.: |
16/053586 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14627719 |
Feb 20, 2015 |
10072964 |
|
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16053586 |
|
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62093890 |
Dec 18, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01F 23/0069 20130101;
G01S 15/88 20130101; G01S 7/521 20130101; G01F 23/2962 20130101;
A47G 19/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01F 23/296 20060101
G01F023/296; G01S 15/88 20060101 G01S015/88; A47G 19/00 20060101
A47G019/00; G01S 7/521 20060101 G01S007/521 |
Claims
1. A content fill level sensor, including: a transmitter located in
a container cover that is configured to engage an opening of a
container; a waveguide extending from the transmitter such that the
waveguide includes a distal end that is configured to be located
within an interior of the container when the container cover
engages the container, wherein the waveguide includes a chamber
that extends from the transmitter to the distal end and the
waveguide is configured to guide an ultrasonic sound signal emitted
by the transmitter down the chamber and exit out of the chamber
towards a surface of a fill content included in the container; a
receiver located in the container cover that is configured to
engage the opening of the container and the receiver is configured
to receive the signal emitted by the transmitter and reflected
within the container; an accelerometer included in the content fill
level sensor; a data storage included in the content fill level
sensor; and a processor included in the content fill level sensor,
wherein the processor is configured to analyze a filtered version
of the signal received by the receiver.
2. The sensor of claim 1, wherein the filtered version of the
signal was obtained using a band-pass filter.
3. The sensor of claim 1, wherein the transmitter is an acoustic
signal transmitter and the receiver is an acoustic signal
receiver.
4. The sensor of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to
analyze the filtered version of the signal to determine an amount
of time between the emission of the signal by the transmitter and
the receipt of the signal by the receiver.
5. The sensor of claim 1, wherein the receiver is configured to
receive the signal via a receiver extension tube.
6. The sensor of claim 1, wherein the content fill level sensor is
configured to measure a liquid fill level of the container.
7. The sensor of claim 1, analyzing the filtered version of the
signal received by the receiver includes ignoring a predetermined
beginning portion of the signal.
8. The sensor of claim 1, wherein the transmitter is a
transceiver.
9. The sensor of claim 1, wherein the chamber is hollow.
10. The sensor of claim 1, further comprising a spout.
11. The sensor of claim 1, wherein the transmitter is included in
an enclosed space at least in part enclosed by an acoustically
transmissive material.
12. The sensor of claim 1, wherein the receiver is included in an
enclosed space at least in part enclosed by an acoustically
transmissive material.
13. The sensor of claim 1, wherein the waveguide is configured to
accommodate coupling with a waveguide extension tube.
14. The sensor of claim 1, wherein an interior chamber wall of the
waveguide is substantially smooth.
15. The sensor of claim 1, wherein the chamber of the waveguide is
filled with an acoustically permeable material.
16. The sensor of claim 1, wherein an interior chamber wall of the
waveguide is coated with an acoustic signal dampening material.
17. The sensor of claim 1, wherein a horizontal cross-sectional
area of the chamber of the waveguide is generally increasing from a
proximal end of the waveguide closest to the transmitter to the
distal end.
18. The sensor of claim 1, wherein a shape of a first opening of a
proximal end of the waveguide closest to the transmitter is
different than a shape of a second opening at the distal end.
19. The sensor of claim 1, further comprising a wireless data
communication signal transmitter configured to transmit an
identifier of a container fill level.
20. The sensor of claim 1, wherein the content fill level sensor is
included in a bottle stopper.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/627,719 entitled CONTAINER FILL LEVEL
MEASUREMENT AND MANAGEMENT filed Feb. 20, 2015, which claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/093,890
entitled CONTAINER FILL LEVEL MEASUREMENT AND MANAGEMENT filed Dec.
18, 2014, both of which are incorporated herein by reference for
all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Distances can be measured by determining the time it takes
for a signal to bounce off an object located at the desired
distance. For example, if the speed of the signal and the travel
time of the signal are known, a distance traveled by the signal can
be measured. However in certain environments, it may be difficult
to obtain an accurate distance measurement. For example, a
configuration of the environment may make it difficult to place an
instrument that can accurately measure a desired distance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the
following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.
[0004] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a fill
level sensor engaged in a container.
[0005] FIG. 2A is a vertical cross-sectional diagram illustrating
an embodiment of a fill level sensor.
[0006] FIG. 2B is a vertical cross-sectional diagram illustrating
an alternative embodiment of a fill level sensor.
[0007] FIGS. 3A-3B are bottom view diagrams illustrating
embodiments of a fill level sensor.
[0008] FIGS. 4A-4C are profile diagrams illustrating embodiments of
a fill level sensor.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing alternative embodiments of a
waveguide.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a receiver extension tube.
[0011] FIGS. 7A-7C show various container covers that may be
similarly configured to include one or more of the components shown
in other figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including
as a process; an apparatus; a system; a composition of matter; a
computer program product embodied on a computer readable storage
medium; and/or a processor, such as a processor configured to
execute instructions stored on and/or provided by a memory coupled
to the processor. In this specification, these implementations, or
any other form that the invention may take, may be referred to as
techniques. In general, the order of the steps of disclosed
processes may be altered within the scope of the invention. Unless
stated otherwise, a component such as a processor or a memory
described as being configured to perform a task may be implemented
as a general component that is temporarily configured to perform
the task at a given time or a specific component that is
manufactured to perform the task. As used herein, the term
`processor` refers to one or more devices, circuits, and/or
processing cores configured to process data, such as computer
program instructions.
[0013] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the
invention is provided below along with accompanying figures that
illustrate the principles of the invention. The invention is
described in connection with such embodiments, but the invention is
not limited to any embodiment. The scope of the invention is
limited only by the claims and the invention encompasses numerous
alternatives, modifications and equivalents. Numerous specific
details are set forth in the following description in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the invention. These details
are provided for the purpose of example and the invention may be
practiced according to the claims without some or all of these
specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material
that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has
not been described in detail so that the invention is not
unnecessarily obscured.
[0014] A fill level sensor is disclosed. For example, the fill
level sensor measures the amount of liquid contained in a bottle.
In some embodiments, the fill level sensor includes an acoustic
transmitter located proximal to a portion of a container cover that
is configured to engage a container opening. For example, the fill
level sensor is included in a cap of a bottle and includes a
speaker that will transmit a signal that will be utilized to
measure a liquid fill level of the bottle. In some embodiments, the
fill level sensor also includes a waveguide extending from the
transmitter such that the waveguide includes a distal end that is
configured to be located within the container interior when the
container cover engages the container. For example, the waveguide
guides a signal transmitted by the transmitter to a desired
location and direction where the signal is directed towards
contents filling a container. The signal may reflect off the
container contents and arrive at a receiver of the fill level
sensor that analyzes the received reflected signal to determine the
fill level of the container.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a fill
level sensor engaged in a container. Container 102 is filled with a
liquid. In the example shown, fill level sensor 100 is configured
as a bottle cap with a spout. The liquid fill level of container
102 may be determined by measuring the distance between sensor 100
and the liquid surface of container 102. As shown by line 104, a
transmitter of sensor 100 sends out a signal (e.g., ultrasonic
signal) that gets reflected by the surface of the liquid. The
reflected signal is detected by a receiver of sensor 100.
[0016] By measuring the amount of time it took to receive the
reflected signal, the distance traveled by the signal before being
reflected (e.g., distance between sensor 100 and liquid surface is
half of the total distance traveled by the signal) may be
determined by multiplying the amount of time by the speed of the
signal (e.g., speed of sound).
[0017] In some embodiments, to determine the amount of time it took
to receive the reflected signal, the received reflected signal is
filtered to isolate the desired signal (e.g., band-pass filter the
received signal), amplified, and analyzed to detect peaks that
correspond to when the reflected signal was received. In some
embodiments, in order to achieve consistent and accurate
measurements, gain at various depths is varied to help increase the
received signal strength. Gain can be varied by changing the
frequency and the number of pulses. For example, higher frequency
and lower number of pulses may lead to better resolution at the top
of the bottle/container while lower frequency and higher number of
pulses may lead to better resolution towards the bottom of the
bottle/container (e.g., the act of changing the pulses and
frequency is akin to organ pipe tuning). Bottles and containers may
have dead zones where no measurements can be obtained due to
standing waves. By continuing to pulse or use large number of
pulses at the same frequency, the dead zones may be overcome. A
predetermined beginning portion (e.g., predetermined amount of time
in the beginning of the signal) of the received signal may be
ignored when analyzing the signal to ignore signals that were
detected due to coupling between the transmitter and receiver of
sensor 100. For example, when the transmitter transmits the signal,
the signal may be received by the receiver of sensor 100 (e.g.,
conducted through sensor 100, due to undesired reflection, etc.)
before the signal is reflected by the contents of the container,
and the undesired received signals received in the beginning
portion of the received signal are ignored when identifying the
desired received reflected signal.
[0018] If the total distance between the bottom of container 102
and sensor 100 is known, the fill height of container 102 can be
determined (e.g., total distance between bottom and sensor 100
minus distance between sensor 100 and liquid surface). If the shape
and volume of the bottle are known, the volume of liquid contained
in container 102 may be determined. For example, a
table/database/data structure that maps fill level (e.g., fill
height, height between liquid surface and sensor 100, etc.) to
liquid volume of the container is utilized to determine liquid
volume corresponding to the determined fill level. Different
tables/databases/data structures may exist for different types of
containers.
[0019] Sensor 100 includes a transmitter for transmitting the
reflected signal and a receiver for receiving the reflected signal.
However, due to the narrow opening of container 102, the placement
of the transmitter and receiver in sensor 100 is limited to the
narrow configuration of the bottle opening. If the transmitter and
receiver are placed too close together, the transmitter and
receiver may become coupled together. For example, the receiver may
receive a strong signal from the transmitter as soon as the
transmitter transmits a signal and the receiver may require a long
settling time before the receiver is able to detect the desired
reflected signal. If the distance between sensor 100 and the liquid
surface is small, the desired reflected signal may be received
before the receiver has settled and the receiver is unable to
detect the desired reflected signal. In some embodiments, the
transmitter and receiver of sensor 100 are vertically offset from
each other to create a desired amount of separation distance
between the transmitter and receiver. The separation distance may
reduce the coupling of the transmitter and receiver and allow
dampening of the transmitted signal propagated between the
transmitter and the receiver through sensor 100. However, the
vertical separation of the transmitter and the receiver may create
undesired reflections within the container (e.g., reflections from
the neck of a bottle) that make it difficult to identify the signal
reflected from the liquid surface. In some embodiments, a waveguide
extending from the transmitter is utilized to direct the signal
transmitted by the transmitter towards the desired direction and
location to minimize undesired effects.
[0020] FIG. 2A is a vertical cross-sectional diagram illustrating
an embodiment of a fill level sensor. In some embodiments, sensor
200 is sensor 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 2B is a vertical cross-sectional
diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment of a fill level
sensor. In the examples shown, sensor 200 is configured as a bottle
stopper with a spout. As shown in FIG. 2A, sensor 200 includes
flexible container coupling ridges 220 (e.g., rubber rings) that
allows sensor 200 to be coupled to and seal an opening of a
container (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1). However, in other
embodiments, sensor 200 may be configured as a different cover of a
container. For example, the components of sensor 200 may be
included in a screw-on cap or any other cap that engages a
container.
[0021] Sensor 200 includes circuit board 212. For example circuit
board 212 is a printed circuit board. Circuit board 212 may connect
together one or more of the following: a processor, a memory, a
data storage, a connector, an integrated chip, a transmitter, a
receiver, an accelerometer, a tilt sensor, a solar panel, a
display, a gyroscope, a wireless data communication signal
transmitter (e.g., a component able to communicate using Bluetooth
(e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy), Wi-Fi, other wireless protocol,
etc.), and other electrical components. For example, a processor
connected to circuit board 212 provides a command to transmit an
acoustic signal using a transmitter and processes a received signal
to determine a fill level indicator. The fill level indicator may
be transmitted wirelessly to another device such as a mobile
device, a computer, a display device, or any other computing or
display device using a wireless data communication transmitter. For
example, when a change in depth is detected, a data packet is sent,
and the data packet includes a device media access control (MAC)
identifier, a depth value (e.g., in mm), an identifier of power
left (e.g., in secs), and a real time clock value (e.g., 32 bit
value). Circuit board 212 is connected to battery 206. Battery 206
provides power to the circuit of circuit board 212. Battery 206 may
be rechargeable and/or replaceable. The housing of sensor 200 may
be composed of one or more materials. Examples of the materials
include a food grade polymer, plastic, rubber, stainless steel, and
other metals.
[0022] Sensor 200 includes spout 208. Spout 208 is a part of a
channel (e.g., tube) that allows container contents (e.g., liquid)
to pass through to the tip opening of spout 208 from a bottom of
sensor 200. For example, a liquid contained in a container that is
capped by sensor 200 is able to pass through sensor 200 and exit
the opening of spout 208 when the container capped by sensor 200 is
tipped over. In some embodiments, circuit board 212 includes a hole
that accommodates the channel (e.g., tube) that allows container
contents (e.g., liquid) to pass through the circuit board. In other
embodiments, spout 208 may not exist in sensor 200. In some
embodiments, sensor 200 includes a vent pipe (not shown) that
allows air to enter a container capped by sensor 200 as a content
of the container is poured out through spout 208. In some
embodiments, sensor 200 includes a motor (not shown) that pumps out
contents of the container capped by sensor 200.
[0023] Circuit board 212 is connected to transmitter 204. In some
embodiments, transmitter 204 is an acoustic transmitter (e.g.,
ultrasonic signal transmitter). For example, transmitter 204 is a
speaker. In some embodiments, transmitter 204 is a piezoelectric
speaker. In some embodiments, transmitter 204 is configured to
transmit a signal within the ultrasonic frequencies. In some
embodiments, transmitter 204 is configured to transmit a signal
between 20 kHz and 400 kHz, inclusive. In some embodiments,
transmitter 204 is configured to transmit a 29 kHz signal. In some
embodiments, transmitter 204 is an acoustic impulse generator.
[0024] Receiver 214 is connected to circuit board 212 via connector
210. Examples of connector 210 include a wire, a bus, a flexible
printed circuit board, and any other connector able to transmit a
signal. In some embodiments, receiver 214 is an acoustic receiver
(e.g., ultrasonic signal receiver). In some embodiments, receiver
214 is a microphone. In some embodiments, receiver 214 is a
microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) microphone. For example,
receiver 214 is 2 millimeter.times.3 millimeter in size.
[0025] Waveguide 202 extends from transmitter 204. For example,
waveguide 202 includes a hollow chamber (e.g., tube) that guides
and propagates an acoustic signal emitted by transmitter 204 from
one end of the chamber to the other end of the chamber. For
example, signal emitted by transmitter 204 enters waveguide 202 at
the signal input end of the hollow chamber and exits out its output
end of the hollow chamber (e.g., distal end). In some embodiments,
waveguide 202 aids in directing an acoustic signal (e.g.,
ultrasonic signal, acoustic impulse) emitted by transmitter 204
towards the direction of the distance to be measured (e.g., towards
bottom of sensor 200 that will be facing contents of a container
capped by sensor 200).
[0026] In some embodiments, it is desirable to reduce and/or
attempt to eliminate any signal reflections within the chamber of
waveguide 202 as the signal is guided from one end to the other end
of waveguide 202. For example, any undesired reflection may mask
and hinder detection of the signal reflected by container contents
desired to be detected. Any sudden change in the shape of the
hollow chamber may create an impedance mismatch that creates a
reflection within the hollow chamber of waveguide 202. In some
embodiments, the interior wall of the hollow chamber of waveguide
202 is substantially smooth to prevent impedance mismatches. In
some embodiments, a shape and/or size of a horizontal cross section
of waveguide 202 does not change by more than one percent per
millimeter of vertical distance between the signal input end
closest to transmitter 204 to the other signal output end (e.g.,
distal end). In some embodiments, a shape of the opening of one end
of the hollow chamber is different from a shape of the opening of
the other end of the hollow chamber. For example, a shape of an
opening of the transmitter may be different than a desired shape of
the signal output end of waveguide 202 (e.g., desired shape to
improve directionality of the signal in container). In one example,
the signal input end of the chamber of waveguide 202 is shaped in a
first shape (e.g., elliptical shape) and the output opening end of
the other end of the chamber of waveguide 202 is shaped in a second
shape (e.g., circular shape). The change in horizontal
cross-sectional shape of the hollow signal propagation chamber may
gradually morph from the first shape to the second shape across the
vertical length of waveguide 202. For example, the minor axis of
the elliptical shape signal input opening gradually is expanded
(e.g., flair out smoothly) to generally match the major axis of the
elliptical shape in the output end of waveguide 202.
[0027] In some embodiments, a cross-sectional area of a signal
output opening of the chamber of waveguide 202 is at least as large
as a cross-sectional area of a signal input opening of the other
end of the chamber of waveguide 202 that receives the signal from
transmitter 204. For example, the cross-sectional area of the
signal output opening of waveguide 202 is substantially equal to
the cross-sectional area of the signal input opening in one
embodiment. In another example, the cross-sectional area of the
signal output opening of waveguide 202 is greater than the
cross-sectional area of the signal input opening.
[0028] In some embodiments, the horizontal cross-sectional area of
the hollow chamber of waveguide 202 is only greater or equal to a
previous horizontal cross-sectional area of the hollow chamber from
the input opening to the output opening of waveguide 202. For
example, in order to ensure that the amplitude of an acoustic
signal outputted by transmitter 204 is maintained as much as
possible, the cross-sectional area of the chamber of waveguide 202
never decreases as the acoustic signal is traveling down the
chamber of waveguide 202. In some embodiments, the horizontal
cross-sectional area of the chamber of waveguide 202 is generally
increasing as the signal emitted by transmitter 204 travels down
waveguide 202 towards the distal end of waveguide 202.
[0029] In some embodiments, the interior hollow chamber of
waveguide 202 is coated with a dampening material. For example, an
acoustic signal dampening material (e.g., rubber like material)
coats plastic walls of the hollow chamber and the coating may
assist in reducing the amount of signal that gets transferred to
receiver 214 from the portion of the signal that impacts the walls
of the hollow chamber. In some embodiments, an interior chamber of
waveguide 200 is filled with an acoustically permeable material. In
some embodiments, an open end of waveguide 202 is touching
transmitter 204. For example, a rubberized end of waveguide 202
seals signals emitted by transmitter 204 within an air chamber of
waveguide 202. In some embodiments, a size of a signal input
opening of waveguide 202 near transmitter 204 is at least as large
as a transmitter opening of transmitter 204. For example,
transmitter 204 includes an opening where an acoustic signal is
outputted (e.g., speaker grill opening) and the opening of the
transmitter is positioned within the signal input opening of
waveguide 202 that is at least as large. In some embodiments, a
shape and size of a signal input opening of waveguide 202 near
transmitter 204 is substantially the same as a transmitter opening
of transmitter 204. In some embodiments, waveguide 202 is attached
to transmitter 204. For example, transmitter 204 and waveguide 202
are attached together by glue. In some embodiments, waveguide 202
is mechanically coupled to transmitter 204.
[0030] In some embodiments, a height of waveguide 202 (e.g.,
distance between the input and output openings) is approximately 20
millimeters. In some embodiments, a height of waveguide 202 (e.g.,
distance between the input and output openings) is approximately
less than or equal to 60 millimeters. In some embodiments, widths
of a hollow chamber of waveguide 202 (e.g., horizontal
cross-sectional area) is approximately is less than or equal to 12
millimeters. In various embodiments, the shape, length, and width
of waveguide 202 may be any combination of shape, length and width
configurations and sizes.
[0031] In some embodiments, waveguide 202 is attached to receiver
chamber 222 of receiver 214. For example as shown, receiver 214 is
recessed in receiver chamber 222 area that is included/attached to
the side of waveguide 202. Waveguide 202 and receiver chamber 222
may be composed of the same or different materials. Examples of the
materials include a food grade polymer, plastic, rubber, stainless
steel, and other metals. In some embodiments, waveguide 202 is not
attached to receiver chamber 222. For example, receiver chamber 222
is attached to the housing of sensor 200 and not directly attached
to waveguide 202.
[0032] In some embodiments, a placement distance (e.g., vertical
distance) between transmitter 204 and receiver 214 is at least 0.6
millimeters. For example, by vertically offsetting the transmitter
204 and receiver 214, signal coupling between transmitter 204 and
receiver 214 through materials of sensor 200 is reduced and allows
better detection of a desired reflected signal received by receiver
214. In some embodiments, at least a portion of transmitter 204
horizontally overlaps receiver 214 in the horizontal position. For
example, due to their vertical offset, transmitter 204 is able to
horizontally overlap receiver 214 (e.g., at least a portion of
width of transmitter 204 overlaps at least a portion of width of
receiver 214). In some embodiments, the signal output opening of
waveguide 202 is substantially on the same vertical location as the
opening of receiver chamber 222. For example, by placing the signal
output opening of waveguide 202 on the same vertical location as
the opening of receiver chamber 222, an effect of a signal
reflection caused by the impedance mismatch of the output opening
of waveguide 202 on the detection of a desired received reflected
signal is minimized. In some embodiments, the signal output opening
of waveguide 202 is parallel to the opening of receiver chamber
222.
[0033] In some embodiments, because debris, liquid, and other
materials may enter the chamber of waveguide 202 and receiver
chamber 222 (e.g., when using spout 208 to pour out contents of the
container), the chamber of waveguide 202 and receiver chamber 222
are protected (e.g., to protect transmitter 204 and receiver 214).
In some embodiments, a protective layer material covers the output
opening of waveguide 202 and the opening of receiver chamber 222.
Ideally the protective material must not allow undesired material
through to the chambers while at the same time allowing signals
(e.g., acoustic signals) to pass through. Protective material 216
covers the output opening of waveguide 202 and is attached to the
opening edges of waveguide 202. Protective material 218 covers the
output opening of receiver chamber 222 and is attached to the
opening edges of receiver chamber 222. In some embodiments,
protective material 216 and protective material 218 are the same
continuous material. For example, a single connected sheet includes
both protective material 216 and protective material 218. In some
embodiments, protective material 216 and protective material 218
are not continuous materials. For example, in order to maximize
decoupling of the transmitted signal of transmitter 204 and the
received signal of receiver 214, protective material 216 and
protective material 218 are not made of the same continuous
material. In some embodiments, protective material 216 and
protective material 218 are different materials. Examples of
protective material 216 and protective material 218 include one or
more of the following: mylar sheet, waterproof mesh, acoustic
sheet, Teflon, Gortek and any other appropriate mesh or membrane.
For example, a mylar sheet covering does not allow liquid to pass
through while acting like a drum to allow acoustic signals to pass
through. In some embodiments, protective material 216 and/or
protective material 218 are acoustically transmissive liquid
blocking materials. In some embodiments, protective material 216
and/or protective material 218 are optional.
[0034] In an alternative embodiment, rather than utilizing a
separate transmitter and a separate receiver, a transceiver that
acts as both a receiver and transmitter is utilized. For example,
receiver 214 is not utilized and transmitter 204 is a transceiver
(e.g., piezoelectric transceiver).
[0035] FIGS. 3A-3B are bottom view diagrams illustrating
embodiments of a fill level sensor. Sensor 200 is sensor 200 of
FIG. 2A or 2B. Sensor 200 includes flexible ridges 220 (e.g.,
rubber rings) that allows sensor 200 to be coupled to and seal an
opening of a container (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2A).
Spout input opening 209 allows contents (e.g., liquid contents of a
container capped by sensor 200) that enter through spout input
opening 209 to be channeled and outputted through spout 208 (shown
in FIG. 2A). The signal output end of waveguide 202 is shown in
FIGS. 3A and 3B. Receiver 214 is recessed inside receiver chamber
222. In some embodiments, protective material 216 covers the shown
output opening of waveguide 202 and is attached to the shown
opening edges of waveguide 202. In some embodiments, protective
material 218 covers the shown output opening of receiver chamber
222 and is attached to the shown opening edges of receiver chamber
222. Vent output opening 224 (e.g., opening of a vent pipe) allows
air to enter a container capped by sensor 200 as contents of the
container is poured out through spout input opening 209. In order
to show the internal components of various embodiments of sensor
200, one or more components of sensor 200 are not shown in FIGS.
3A-3B.
[0036] FIGS. 4A-4C are profile diagrams illustrating embodiments of
a fill level sensor. The diagrams show various external and
internal components of various embodiments of fill level sensor
200. In order to show the internal components of various
embodiments of sensor 200, one or more components of sensor 200 are
not shown in FIGS. 4A-4C.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing alternative embodiments of a
waveguide. In some embodiments, FIG. 5 shows alternative shapes of
waveguide 202 shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4A.
[0038] Waveguides 502-512 show vertical cross-sectional diagrams of
different embodiments of waveguide shapes. For example, although
waveguides 502-512 are tubular in shape, the cross-sectional
diagrams are shown to illustrate the hollow interior of the
waveguides. Waveguide 502 includes substantially straight side
walls that extend straight from the signal input end of waveguide
502 that receives signal input from transmitter 204 to the signal
output end of waveguide 502. Waveguide 504 includes linearly sloped
side walls that extend smoothly outward from signal input end of
waveguide 504 that receives signal input from transmitter 204 to
the signal output end of waveguide 504. Waveguide 506 includes
exponentially sloped side walls that extend smoothly outward from
the signal input end of waveguide 506 that receives signal input
from transmitter 204 to the signal output end of waveguide 506.
[0039] In some embodiments, the output end of a waveguide is
configured to accommodate a waveguide extension tube (e.g., tube
with two open ends). For example, for certain types of containers,
it may be beneficial to guide a signal outputted by transmitter 204
further down in to the container to measure fill level. By
utilizing a waveguide extension tube, a waveguide is able to extend
beyond the sensor 200. By extending the waveguide further down the
container, undesired reflection in the container may be minimized.
In some embodiments, the output end of the waveguide is enlarged to
accommodate coupling with a waveguide extension tube. For example,
in order to minimize the impedance mismatch between the output end
of a waveguide with the input end of the waveguide extension tube
to be coupled, the transition between the interior output opening
of the sensor waveguide and interior input opening of the extension
tube must be smooth. In some embodiments, the interior opening
widths of waveguide extension tubes 514, 516 and 518 are
substantially similar to interior opening widths of waveguides 508,
510, and 512, respectively.
[0040] Waveguide extension tubes 514, 516 and 518 are shown in
profile view. Although waveguide extension tubes 514, 516 and 518
are shown separated from waveguides 508, 510, and 512,
respectively, to show the different components, waveguide extension
tubes 514, 516 and 518 may be inserted into waveguides 508, 510,
and 512, respectively, to be coupled (e.g., friction coupling,
mechanical coupling, etc.) together. To accommodate for the
thickness of the waveguide extension tube, waveguides 508, 510, and
512 include bell shaped ends that can be coupled with waveguide
extension tubes 514, 516, and 518, respectively to create a
relatively smooth transition between the interior walls of the
sensor waveguides and the waveguide extension tubes. In some
embodiments, a waveguide extension tube is removable from a sensor
waveguide. In some embodiments, a waveguide extension tube is
permanently coupled (e.g., glued) to a sensor waveguide. Examples
of the materials that make up waveguide extension tubes 514, 516,
and 518 include a food grade polymer, plastic, rubber, stainless
steel, and other metals.
[0041] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a receiver extension tube. In
some embodiments, FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of receiver 214 and
receiver chamber 222 of sensor 200 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Receiver
214 and receiver chamber 222 are shown in cross sectional view and
receiver extension tube 600 is shown in profile view. Although
receiver extension tube 600 is shown separated from receiver
chamber 222 to show the different components, receiver extension
tube 600 may be inserted into receiver chamber 222 to be coupled
together. By utilizing a receiver extension tube, a receiver
chamber is able to extend beyond the sensor 200.
[0042] In some embodiments, the output end of receiver chamber 222
is configured to accommodate receiver extension tube 600 (e.g.,
tube with at least two open ends). For example, for certain types
of containers, it may be beneficial to receive a signal outputted
by transmitter 204 further down in to the container within receiver
extension tube 600. By extending further down the container the
receiver chamber that will guide a received signal to receiver 214,
undesired reflection in the container may be rejected from entering
the extended receiver chamber. Receiver chamber 222 is configured
to accommodate coupling (e.g., friction coupling, mechanical
coupling, etc.) with receiver extension tube 600. The size of
receiver chamber 222 is large enough to accommodate for the
thickness of receiver extension tube 600. In some embodiments, a
receiver extension tube is removable from receiver chamber 222. In
some embodiments, receiver extension tube 600 is permanently
coupled (e.g., glued) to receiver chamber 222. In some embodiments,
at least one end of receiver extension tube 600 is sealed with an
acoustically transmissive liquid blocking material (e.g., material
218 of FIG. 2A of FIG. 3B). The lengths, widths, and/or shape of
receiver extension tube 600 may vary across different embodiments.
Examples of the materials that make up receiver extension tube 600
include a food grade polymer, plastic, rubber, stainless steel, and
other metals. In some embodiments, the interior opening width of
receiver extension tube 600 is at least as large as a size of an
opening of receiver 214 that is configured to receive a signal.
[0043] In the example shown, receiver extension tube 600 includes
optional pairs of holes/slots 602, 604, and 606. Each hole of each
pair is on the same horizontal axis position (e.g., vertical
position) substantially opposite one another on receiver extension
tube 600. Although three pairs have been shown, any number of pairs
may exist in other embodiments. In some embodiments, pairs of
holes/slots 602, 604, and 606 allow receiver 214 to act as a
shotgun/parabolic microphone. For example, receiver 214 is able to
directionally better detect signals received at the bottom of
receiver extension tube 600 rather than the sides of extension tube
600. Signals received at the sides of receiver extension tube 600
(e.g., received through holes/slots 602, 604, and 606) may be
largely cancelled out (e.g., signal waves are cancelled as signal
is received through each opposite hole/slot of each hole/slot
pair). In some embodiments, pairs of holes/slots 602, 604, and 606
are sealed with an acoustically transmissive liquid blocking
material (e.g., material 218 of FIG. 2A and FIG. 3B).
[0044] The example container cap shape of fill level sensors (e.g.,
sensor 200) shown in the Figures are merely illustrative. One or
more of the internal components shown in FIGS. 2-6 may be
configured and included similarly in different types of container
covers/caps. FIGS. 7A-7C show various container covers that may be
similarly configured to include one or more of the components shown
in other figures.
[0045] The examples shown in the figures do not necessarily show
every component of the embodiments shown. The figures have been
simplified to illustrate the embodiments clearly. Other components
not shown may be included in the embodiments. Any of the components
shown in the figures may be optional. The figures have not been
drawn to absolute and/or relative scale. The components shown may
be of any relative or absolute dimension.
[0046] Although the foregoing embodiments have been described in
some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, the invention
is not limited to the details provided. There are many alternative
ways of implementing the invention. The disclosed embodiments are
illustrative and not restrictive.
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