Abstract: A wireless tank monitoring system for remotely monitoring a plurality of storage tanks is provided. This tank monitoring system utilizes wireless communication from individual tank level monitors to a single SatComm Gateway. The SatComm Gateway then utilizes a low-Earth Orbit satellite constellation to transmit information to a central data collection center. The data collection center then provides access to this information to clients. These clients also have the capability of controlling individual monitors via the bi-directional communications path through the satellite link to the SatComm Gateway to the individual monitors. The SatComm Gateway packages the information from each of the monitors to optimize the communications through the satellite link to decrease the cost of transmission. Intrinsic safety is provided by each of the individual tank level monitors.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a level of material held in a confining means, a device therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the system comprising a rotatable reel, an electrically operated motor operatively interconnected to the reel for causing rotation of the reel in either direction of rotation thereof, a flexible support wound on the reel and having a free end, a probe operatively interconnected to the free end of the support to be carried thereby, a brake operatively interconnected to the reel for holding the reel stationary when the brake is in one condition thereof, and a control unit operatively interconnected to the motor and to the brake for causing the brake and the motor to raise and lower the probe by winding up the support on the reel and unwinding the support from the reel, the motor comprising an electrically operated stepper motor.