Hugh Mcgookin

US Patent:

42767741, Jul 7, 1981

Filed:

Jun 8, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/046785

Inventors:

Hugh R. McGookin - Whittier CA

International Classification:

G01F 2320

US Classification:

73290B

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for measuring the level of containerized or free standing semi-solid material is disclosed. A substantially smooth uniform cable is suspended above and into the semi-solid material. A predetermined amount of slack is introduced into the cable. The slackened portion of the cable above the level of the semi-solid material is coupled to a weighing apparatus. The weighing apparatus weighs the slackened portion of the cable, the weight of such a portion being related to the amount of cable above the level of the material and thus an indication of the level of the material. Subsequent to a measurement, the cable is raised for uncoupling the cable from the weighing apparatus.

US Patent:

46760997, Jun 30, 1987

Filed:

Sep 16, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/776655

Inventors:

Hugh R. McGookin - Whittier CA

Assignee:

Berwind Corporation - Philadelphia PA

International Classification:

G01F 2320

US Classification:

73290B

Abstract:

Apparatus for indicating a preselected condition of material in a vessel which includes a laid wire cable vertically suspended within the vessel so as to contact and be surrounded by material contained therein. The laid wire cable is suspended by a roller-type thrust bearing which permits free rotation of the cable and thus prevents torsional sheer stresses on the suspended cable end due to tension in the cable and consequent unraveling and reraveling of the cable lays. In a preferred embodiment of the invention wherein the upper end of the cable is selectively slackened and material level is determined as a function of weight of the slackened cable end unsupported by material, a spherical head is affixed to the cable to seat against and cooperate with a side-thrust washer slidably carried on the foot of a load cell for isolating the load cell from lateral cable forces due to material or component tolerance variations. A slip ring assembly may be attached to the cable for providing direct electrical connection thereto.