Liquid level sensing method and device

A liquid level sensing device for sensing the level of a liquid in a container relative to a dispensing probe, said device comprising:

• a receiving antenna spaced a fixed distance from said probe such that the container may be inserted between the probe and the receiving antenna;
• means for inserting the container into the space and moving it relative to the probe;
• a radio frequency signal generator means connected to the probe whereby the probe radiates a radio frequency signal that is sensed by the receiving antenna;
• converter means for converting the signal sensed by the receiving antenna into a further signal representing the magnitude of the sensed signal;
• and,
• analyzer means for analyzing the further signal to determine changes in the magnitude of the sensed signal as an indication of the level of the liquid in the container as the container is moved relative to the probe.

A liquid level sensing device for sensing the level of a liquid in a container relative to a dispensing probe and controlling motion of the container relative to the probe, said device comprising:

• a receiving antenna spaced a fixed distance from said probe such that the container may be inserted between the probe and the receiving antenna;
• a radio frequency signal generator means connected to the probe whereby the probe radiates a radio frequency signal that is sensed by the receiving antenna;
• converter means for converting the signal sensed by the receiving antenna into a digital signal representing the magnitude of the sensed signal as an indication of the level of the liquid in the container;
• and,
• means responsive to the digital signal for controlling movement of the container relative to the dispensing probe along at least one axis.