MICHAEL DAVID BENTZ
Pilots at 26 St, Seattle, WA
License number
Washington A2452857
Issued Date
Apr 2016
Expiration Date
Apr 2018
Category
Airmen
Type
Authorized Aircraft Instructor
Address
Address
1207 S 26Th St, Seattle, WA 98055
Professional information
Method For Determining Liquid Quantity In Microgravity Using Fluid Dynamic Positioning
US Patent:
6305219, Oct 23, 2001
Filed:
Jan 13, 1998
Appl. No.:
9/006578
Inventors:
Michael D. Bentz - Renton WA
Daniel E. Hedges - Seattle WA
Daniel E. Hedges - Seattle WA
Assignee:
The Boeing Company - Seattle WA
International Classification:
G01F 2300
US Classification:
73290V
Abstract:
A method for determining liquid quantity in a tank holding liquid and a plurality of vapor bubbles in a microgravity environment includes a jet inducer and a sensor for providing a signal proportional to the volume of liquid in the tank. The jet inducer, comprising of a pump and a nozzle, induces a recirculating jet in the tank. The liquid jet merges the plurality of vapor bubbles into a single, nearly spherical vapor bubble and holds the single vapor bubble in a stable location at one end of the container. One or more ultrasonic sensors, at the other end of the tank, measure the distance from the single vapor bubble to the sensor or sensors and generates a signal proportional to the distance measured. A CPU receives and adjusts the signal or signals and generates a readout indicating the volume of the liquid in the container.