Liquid level sensing gauge assembly and method of installation

A gauge assembly for measuring the level of a liquid in a storage tank or like container, comprising:

• an outer housing;
• a spool member rotatably mounted within said outer housing;
• indicator means on said outer housing for displaying a value which corresponds to the rotary position of said spool member;
• spring means for biasing said spool member in a first rotary direction;
• a filament secured to and wound about said spool member so as to wind onto said spool member when said spool member is rotated in said first, rotary direction;
• an adapter clip means, connected to a second, free end of said filament, which is adapted for securing to a float member, said adapter means being positioned outside of said outer housing;
• and
• means defining an opening in said outer housing through which said filament passes, said opening being sized so as to prevent passage of said adapter means therethrough, whereby a customer can install said assembly by securing a float member to said adapter means and allowing the weight of the float member to pay out filament against the bias of said spring means without fear of said filament retracting into said outer housing.