AU2012203010B2 - Liquid Level Indicator Mounting Device - Google Patents

Abstract

- 16 A mounting device for a liquid level indicator of a liquid storage reservoir comprising a mounting base arranged to be coupled to the storage reservoir, a guide member having a passage for 5 slidingly accommodating a stem of the indicator, a coupling assembly for adjustably mounting the guide member to the base in a desired position and orientation, and a locking mechanism to lock the guide member to the base. The coupling assembly having a coupling member arranged to rotatably couple the mounting base for adjusting the rotational position of the member about a first axis, and a hinge for pivotally coupling the guide member to the coupling member for 10 adjusting the rotational position of the guide member relative to the coupling member about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. \io Ag 8 c. 3 ' c4

Description

Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT, 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT ORIGINAL Name of Applicant: HANSEN DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED Actual Inventors: BAIER, Warren Arthur Address for service AJ PARK, Level 11, 60 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra ACT in Australia: 2601, Australia Invention Title: Liquid Level Indicator Mounting Device The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us. 4030201_1 -2 FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a liquid level indicator and in particular to a mounting device for a water tank level indicator. 5 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Float type liquid level indicators for water tanks are known for providing a visual indication of the level of liquid in large and typically distant water storage tanks. A typical level indicator comprises a float supported stem extending through and out an opening in the tank roof, with a visual indicator attached to the exposed end of the stein. The float rises and falls with changing 10 water level in the tank which causes the visual indicator to rise and fall accordingly. The extent of projection of the stein/visual indicator above the tank thus indicates the quantity of water within the tank. Float type level indicators may also comprise a mounting assembly for mounting the indicator 15 about the tank toof opening. The mounting assembly slidingly mounts the stem to the roof to ensure linear movement of the stein as water level changes in the tank. This prevents the float from moving over the water surface and tilting the stein to provide a more accurate indication of the water level. However, in cases where the tank is situated on angled (not horizontal) foundation and/or the tank roof is angled, linear movement is not sufficient to ensure an 20 accurate indication of water level as the movement of the stem may no longer be truly vertical. It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved or alternative mounting for a liquid level indicator, or to at least provide the public with a useful choice. 25 STATEMENTS OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect the invention may broadly be said to consist of a mounting device for a liquid level indicator of a liquid storage reservoir comprising: a mounting base having an aperture and arranged to be coupled adjacent an opening in the storage reservoir, 30 a guide member having a passage for slidingly accommodating a stem of the indicator, a coupling assembly for adjustably mounting the guide member to the base in a desired position to achieve a desired orientation of the guide member, the coupling assembly having a coupling member arranged to be rotatably received within the base aperture for adjusting the rotational position of the member about a first axis, and a hinge for pivotally coupling the guide - 3 member to the coupling member for adjusting the rotational position of the guide member relative to the coupling member about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis, and a locking mechanism arranged to lock the guide member to the base in the desired 5 position. Preferably the opening is at the top of the reservoir and the mounting device is arranged to be coupled about the opening such that the guide member extends through the opening and the base aperture in use. 10 Preferably the coupling member comprises a clamp arranged to be rotatably received within the base aperture and having a curved surface for hingedly receiving a complementary pin of the guide member extending substantially transversely to the passage of the guide member, the clamp enabling pivotal movement of the guide member in an open position and substantially preventing 15 movement in a locked position. Preferably the clamp comprises two opposing clamp parts, each having a surface for hingedly receiving a portion of the pin of the guide member, and the parts having complementary snap fit formations for coupling the parts together about the pin to thereby enable pivotal movement of 20 the guide member relative to the clamp. Preferably each clamp part comprises a slot through which the guide member extends allowing pivotal movement of the guide member relative to the clamp. 25 Preferably the mounting device further comprises one or more lock screws to lock the clamp parts together and prevent further pivotal movement of the guide member relative to the clamp. Preferably the coupling assembly further comprises an abutment extending about and within the mounting base aperture for engaging a surface of the clamp, the abutment and surface of the 30 clamp having complementary formations for inhibiting rotation of the clamp relative to the base when the abutment and clamp surface are fully engaged. Preferably the formations are toothed protrusions for enabling discrete adjustment of the rotational position of the clamp during installation of the level indicator.

-4 Preferably the locking mechanism comprises a cap element arranged to rotatably engage about the aperture and onto the clamp to thereby force the surface of the clamp and the abutment into full engagement and lock the clamp and guide member to the base in the desired position. 5 In a second aspect the invention may broadly be said to consist of a liquid level indicator for indicating the quantity of liquid in a liquid storage reservoir, the indicator comprising: a stem arranged to extend through an opening at the top of the reservoir, a float arranged to be coupled to an end of the stem, and a mounting device for slidingly mounting the stem to the reservoir in a substantially 10 vertical orientation, the mounting device having: a mounting base having an aperture and arranged to be coupled adjacent the opening, a guide member having a passage for slidingly accommodating the stem, a coupling assembly for adjustably mounting the guide member to the base in a desired position to achieve a substantially vertical orientation of the stern extending tberethrough in use, 15 the coupling assembly having a coupling member arranged to be rotatably received within the base aperture for adjusting the rotational position of the member about a first axis, and a hinge for pivotally coupling the guide member to the coupling member for adjusting the rotational position of the guide member relative to the coupling member about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first during installation, and 20 a locking mechanism arranged to lock the guide member to the base in the desired position. Preferably the indicator further comprises a visual indicating device arranged to be coupled to a an opposing end of the stem to the float. 25 Preferably the mounting device is arranged to be coupled about the opening such that the guide member and stem extend through the opening and the base aperture in use. Preferably the coupling member comprises a clamp arranged to be rotatably received within the 30 base aperture and having a curved surface for hingedly receiving a complementary pin of the guide member extending substantially transversely to the passage of the guide member, the clamp enabling pivotal movement of the guide member in an open position and substantially preventing movement in a locked position.

- 5 Preferably the clamp comprises two opposing clamp parts, each having a surface for hingedly receiving a portion of the pin of the guide member to enable pivotal movement of the guide member relative to the clamp and a snap fit arrangement for locking the parts together to thereby prevent further movement of the guide member relative to the clamp. 5 Preferably the coupling assembly further comprises an abutment extending about and within the mounting base aperture for engaging a surface of the clamp, the abutment and surface of the clamp having complementary formations for inhibiting rotation of the clamp relative to the base when the abutment and clamp surface are fully engaged. Preferably the formations are toothed 10 protrusions for enabling discrete adjustment of the rotational position of the clamp during installation of the level indicator. Preferably the locking mechanism comprises a cap element arranged to rotatably engage about the aperture and onto the clamp to thereby force the surface of the clamp and the abutment into 15 full engagement and lock the clamp and guide member to the base in the desired position. In a third aspect the invention may broadly be said to consist of a mounting device for a liquid level indicator of a liquid storage reservoir comprising: a mounting base arranged to be coupled to the storage reservoir, 20 a guide member having a passage for slidingly accommodating a stem of the indicator, a coupling assembly for adjustably mounting the guide member to the base in a desired position to achieve a desired orientation of the guide member, the coupling assembly having a coupling member arranged to rotatably couple the mounting base for adjusting the rotational position of the member about a first axis, and a hinge for pivotally coupling the guide member to 25 the coupling member for adjusting the rotational position of the guide member relative to the coupling member about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis, and a lockig mechanism arranged to lock the guide member to the base in the desired position. 30 The term "reservoir" as used in this specification means a receptacle or chamber for holding a liquid, whether for supply to an external system or not, and is intended to include within its definition troughs, tanks, containers and other storage/supply receptacles or reserves.

- 6 The term "comprising" as used in this specification and claims means "consisting at least in part of'. When interpreting each statement in this specification and claims that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner. 5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment of the invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings, in which: 10 Figure la shows a level indicator and mounting device of the invention coupled to a reservoir and indicating a high liquid level within the reservoir, Figure lb shows the indicator of figure la in a position indicating a loxv liquid level within the 15 reservoir, Figure 1c shows a close up side view of a mounting device of the invention coupled to a reservoir, 20 Figure 2a shows a side view of the level indicator and mounting device of figures Ia and 1b in the assembled form, Figure 2b shows a perspective view of the level indicator and counting device of figures 1a and lb in the assembled form, 25 Figure 3 is an exploded view of the mounting device of the invention, Figure 4 shows a close up elevation view of the mounting device in the assembled form, and 30 Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the mounting device and level indicator of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION - 7 Referring to figures la and 1b, a liquid level indicator 100 of the invention is shown in use and coupled to a liquid storage reservoir 200. The reservoir 200 has a body 210 and top or roof portion 220 (hereinafter roof 220). The liquid level indicator 100 has an elongate stem 110 with a float 120 attached at one end and a visual indicator 130 at the other end. As shown, the float 120 5 is preferably buoyant to rise and fall with liquid level within the reservoir. The visual indicator 130 in the preferred embodiment is preferably large and visible enough to ensure clear visibility from a distance for easily checking the liquid level. It will be appreciated, however, that the visual indicator may take on any form and is a preferred but not a necessary component as the extent of protrusion of the stem 110 above the reservoir 200 provides an indication of liquid level on its 10 own. Furthermore, although float 120 is shown as a single element, alternative embodiments may utilise a plurality of float elements 120 to keep the stein 110 afloat. The stem 110, in use extends through an opening (215 shown in figure Ic) in the roof 220 and is coupled to the roof through a mounting device 150 of the level indicator 100. The mounting 15 device 150 ensures vertical alignment of the stern 110 in use to give an accurate indication of the liquid level. During installation of the level indicator 100, the mounting device 150 is adjustable to account for variation in reservoir roof angles and/or for an angled foundation under the reservoir 200. In the preferred embodiment describe, the mounting device 150 is fixed to the roof 220, however, alternative embodiments may fix the mounting device 150 to any other wall 20 or part of the reservoir body 210. Referring now also to figures 2a, 2b and figure 4, the mounting device 150 achieves vertical orientation of the stem 110 by providing an adjustable guiding member or tube 160 through which the stem 110 extends and is slidably accomodated. The guide tube 160 (and stem 110 in 25 use) extends through a mounting base 151 of device 150 and the angle of the guide tube 160 is adjustable in at least two axes (X and Y) relative to the mounting base 151. During installation, the mounting base is coupled to the reservoir roof 220 and assumes the same orientation as the roof 220. The guide tube 160, with stem 110 extending therethrough, is then adjusted rotationally about two substantially perpendicular axes (about X and Y in the directions AA' and BB' 30 respectively) to achieve a truly vertical orientation of the tube 160 and stem 110. The tube 160 is then locked in the desired position by the locking cap 170. Referring now to figure 3, an exploded view of the preferred form mounting device 150 of the invention is shown. The mounting device 150 comprises a mounting base 151 having three leg - 8 portions 152a-c for coupling to the reservoir roof 220. A central aperture 153 is provided through the base 151 for aligning adjacent the opening in the roof 220 during installation through which the guide tube 160 and stem 110 extend in use. The guide tube 160 of the mounting device 150 comprises a main longitudinal section 161 and a transverse or pivot pin section 162. A 5 passage 163 extends along the longitudinal length 161 of the guide tube 160 for the stem 110 of the level indicator 100 to extend through. The pivot pin section 162 is preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal section 161 of the tube 160 and is arranged to engage a coupling assembly of the mounting device 150 for pivoting the guide tube 160 and adjusting the angular orientation of the tube relative to the base 151. 10 In the preferred embodiment, the coupling assembly comprises a clamp 180 having a pair of opposing clamp parts 181/182. Each clamp part 181/182 comprises an inwardly curved surface 181a/182a to match a portion of the curvature of the pivot pin 162 of the tube 160. This arrangement creates a hinge of the coupling assembly for pivotal movement (AA') of the guide 15 tube 160 about the axis (X) of the pivot pin 162 relative to the clamp 180. In the preferred embodiment shown, the clamp parts 181/182 each comprise a slot 181b/182b through which the longitudinal section 161 of the tube 160 extends. The slots 181b/182b allow for the tube 160 to pivot and adjust the angular position of the guide tube 160 relative to the clamp 180 about die pivot pin 162 axis (X). It will be appreciated that any length slot 181b/182b may be used as 20 required/desired by the particular application. The clamp parts 181/182 are preferably coupled to one another via snap-fit formations 181c/182c on opposing faces. In the preferred embodiment, once the clamp parts 181/182 are coupled about the pivot pin 162, a hinge is formed which enable the tube 160 to pivot relative to the clamp 180. The clamp parts 181/182 may be further engaged or locked over the pin 162 to inhibit further rotations movement of the tube 160 via 25 lock screws 183 or other coupling means. In the preferred embodiments the clamp parts 181/182 are identical components. The clamp 180 in the preferred embodiment is made to fit and rotate within the central aperture 153 of the mounting base 151. In this manner, the clamp 180 with the guide tube 160 being 30 coupled as described above, allows for adjustment (BB') of the angular position of the guide tube 160 relative to the mounting base 151 in a second rotational axis (Y) substantially perpendicular to that of pivot pin 162 (X). In the preferred embodiment, the mounting base 151 comprises an abutment 154 within the aperture 153 configured to engage a complementary surface 184 of the clamp 180. In particular, one of the clamp parts 181/182 upon insertion of the clamp 180 into -9 the aperture 153 will engage the abutment 154 at an under-surface 184 of the part 181/182. In the preferred embodiment shown, the surface 184 and the abutment 154 comprise complementary formations for coupling the clamp 180 to the base 151. The formations in the preferred embodiment are toothed/saw-toothed formations 155/185 as shown to enable discrete 5 adjustment of the rotational position of the clamp 180 (and hence guide tube 160) relative to the mounting base 151. It will be appreciated that any other shape tongue and groove type formation can be used at the abutting surfaces of the clamp 180 and base 151. A locking cap 170 is further provided by the mounting device 150 for locking the clamp 180 into 10 place once the desired rotational position of the clamp 180 is chosen. The locking cap 170 engages a complementary threaded portion 156 of the base 181 about the aperture 150 and when screwed fully home, engages the top of the clamp 180 and forces the formations 155/185 into full engagement, thus preventing further rotation of the clamp 180 (as shown in figure 4). By action of the lock screws 183 and the locking cap 170, the guide tube 160 is thus locked into the 15 desired position for achieving the required vertical orientation of the stem 110. It will be appreciated that the locking cap 170 may engage the base 151 in any other manner known in the art and it is not necessary to include a threaded engagement as in the preferred embodiment. A snap-fit arrangement may be employed for example. 20 To assemble and install the level indicator 100, first the guide tube 160 is coupled to the clamp 180. The tube 160 from either side of pivot pin 162 is inserted through the slots 181b/182b of each clamp part 181/182. The curved surfaces 181a/182a are aligned vith the pivot pin 162 and the parts 181/182 pushed together to couple the clamp 180 over the pivot pin (by action of the snap fit formations 181c/182c). In this state, the pivot pin 162 is coupled to the clamp 180 and 25 the guide tube 160 is free to pivot relative to the clamp 180 about the axis (X) of the pivot pin 162. Before or after coupling the clamp 180 to the guide tube 160, the mounting base 151 is fixed to the reservoir roof 220 through the base screws 157 (as shown in figure 1c). Wing nuts 158 may 30 be used for plastic roofed reservoirs and plastic plugs 159 may be used for concrete reservoirs for example. Any other suitable method for fixing the mounting base to the reservoir roof may be employed. The guide tube 160 and coupled clamp 180 can then be inserted through the aperture 153 of the mounting base 151 until the clamp 180 engages the abutment 154. In this state the orientation of the guide tube 160 relative to the mounting base 151 can be adjusted about two - 10 orthogonal axes (X and Y). In particular, the rotational position of the clamp 180 can be adjusted by rotating the clamp 180 within the aperture and engaging the formations 155/185 once the desired position is achieved. The pivotal position of the guide tube 160 relative to the clamp 180 and mounting base 151 is adjustable by pivoting the tube 160 about the pivot pin 162 5 accommodated within the clamp 180. When the desired pivotal position is achieved, the clamp is locked by lock screws 183 to prevent further pivotal movement. The locking cap 170 can then be threaded onto the base 151 and rotated fully home to push the clamp 180 down onto the abutment 154 and lock the clamp 180 10 and guide tube 160 in place. In this state (as shown in figures 2a and 2b), the guide tube 160 is oriented as desired. The stem 110 may be inserted through the passage 161 in the guide tube 160 before or after locking the tube 160 is adjusted in place as described above. After being inserted through the tube 160, the float 120 is coupled to the bottom end and preferably a visual indicator 130 is coupled to the opposite end. The float 120 and/or visual indicator 130 may threadably 15 engage opposing ends of the stem 110 for example. Furthermore, the stem 110 may be a single component or multiple lengths 1 lOa-c coupled as shown in figure 5 to extend the overall length of the stem 110 as required for the particular reservoir 200 of the application. During operation, as liquid level drops within the reservoir 200, the float 120 moves down with 20 the liquid to cause the stem 110 to slide down the vertically oriented guide rube 160. The visual indicator 130 moves down towards the reservoir roof 220 to visibly indicate the drop in liquid level As liquid level rises, the float 120 floats up with the liquid to cause the stein 110 to slide up the vertically oriented guide tube 160. The visual indicator 130 moves up higher to visibly indicate the rise in liquid level within the reservoir 200. 25 The components of the mounting device 150 are preferably formed by injection moulding. The guide tube 160 is preferably formed glass fibre reinforced nylon. The stem 110 of the level indicator is preferably formed from stainless steel. Other suitable materials may alternatively be used to form the components of the level indicator 100 and mounting device 150. Dimensions of 30 the preferred embodiment are shown in figure 2a, however, it will be appreciated that other dimensions for the components may be used as required by the particular application. It will be appreciated that the features described above in relation to the level indicator 100 and mounting device 150 of the invention are preferred and alternative components may be - 11 employed to achieve the desired operation. In particular, the mounting device of the invention enables adjustment of the stem 110 of the indicator in two rotational and substantially orthogonal axes. This allows for correction of roofs or reservoirs that are angled or tilted about one or two axes. To achieve this operation, the invention employs a base which couples the reservoir roof to 5 provide a reference angle corresponding to that of the roof, a coupling assembly that adjustably and slidably mounts the stem to the base in the desired orientation, and a locking mechanism that locks the orientation of the stern in place to maintain the desired vertical orientation. The coupling assembly achieves adjustment of the angular orientation of the stem by providing a coupling member arranged to rotatably couple the base for adjusting the rotational position of 10 the member about a first axis, and a hinge for pivotally coupling the stem to the coupling member for adjusting the rotational position of the stem relative to the coupling member about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first. A guide member is used to slidably couple the stem to the mounting device. 15 The foregoing description of the invention includes preferred forms thereof Modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims (18)

1. A mounting device for a liquid level indicator of a liquid storage reservoir comprising: a mounting base having an aperture and arranged to be coupled adjacent an opening in 5 the storage reservoir, a guide member having a passage for slidingly accommodating a stem of the indicator, wherein the guide member extends through the aperture and the opening in use, a coupling assembly for adjustably mounting the guide member to the base in a desired position to achieve a desired orientation of the guide member and the stem, the coupling 10 assembly having a coupling member arranged to be rotatably received within the base aperture for adjusting the rotational position of the member about a first axis, and a hinge for pivotally coupling the guide member to the coupling member for adjusting the rotational position of the guide member relative to the coupling member about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis such that the guide member and stem remain in a substantially vertical orientation in 15 use, and a locking mechanism arranged to lock the guide member to the base in the desired position.

2. A mounting device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the opening is at the top of the 20 reservoir .

3. A mounting device as claimed either one of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the coupling member comprises a clamp arranged to be rotatably received within the base aperture and having a curved surface for hingedly receiving a complementary pin of the guide member extending 25 substantially transversely to the passage of the guide member, the clamp enabling pivotal movement of the guide member in an open position and substantially preventing movement in a locked position.

4. A mounting device as claimed in claim 3 wherein the clamp comprises two opposing 30 clamp parts, each having a surface for hingedly receiving a portion of the pin of the guide member, and the parts having complementary snap fit formations for coupling the parts together about the pin to thereby enable pivotal movement of the guide member relative to the clamp. -13

5. A mounting device as claimed in claim 4 wherein each clamp part comprises a slot through which the guide member extends allowing pivotal movement of the guide member relative to the clamp. 5

6. A mounting device as claimed in either one of claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the coupling assembly further comprises one or more lock screws to lock the clamp parts together and prevent further pivotal movement of the guide member relative to the clamp.

7. A mounting device as claimed in any one of claim 3 to claim 6 wherein the coupling 10 assembly further comprises an abutment extending about and within the mounting base aperture for engaging a surface of the clamp, the abutment and surface of the clamp having complementary formations for inhibiting rotation of the clamp relative to the base when the abutment and clamp surface are fully engaged. 15

8. A mounting device as claimed in claim 7 wherein the formations are toothed protrusions for enabling discrete adjustment of the rotational position of the clamp during installation of the level indicator.

9. A mounting device as claimed in any either one of claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the 20 locking mechanism comprises a cap element arranged to rotatably engage about the aperture and onto the clamp to thereby force the surface of the clamp and the abutment into full engagement and lock the clamp and guide member to the base in the desired position.

10. A liquid level indicator for indicating the quantity of liquid in a liquid storage reservoir, 25 the indicator comprising: a stem arranged to extend through an opening at the top of the reservoir, a float arranged to be coupled to an end of the stem, and a mounting device for slidingly mounting the stem to the reservoir in a substantially vertical orientation, the mounting device having: 30 a mounting base having an aperture and arranged to be coupled adjacent the opening, a guide member having a passage for slidingly accommodating the stem, a coupling assembly for adjustably mounting the guide member to the base in a desired position to achieve a substantially vertical orientation of the stem extending therethrough in use, the coupling assembly having a coupling member arranged to be rotatably received within the - 14 base aperture for adjusting the rotational position of the member about a first axis, and a hinge for pivotally coupling the guide member to the coupling member for adjusting the rotational position of the guide member relative to the coupling member about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first during installation, and 5 a locking mechanism arranged to lock the guide member to the base in the desired position.

11. A liquid level indicator as claimed in claim 10 further comprising a visual indicating device arranged to be coupled to a an opposing end of the stem to the float. 10

12. A liquid level indicator as claimed in either one of claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the mounting device is arranged to be coupled about the opening such that the guide member and stem extend through the opening and the base aperture in use 15

13. A liquid level indicator as claimed in any one of claim 10 to claim 12 wherein the coupling member comprises a clamp arranged to be rotatably received within the base aperture and having a curved surface for hingedly receiving a complementary pin of the guide member extending substantially transversely to the passage of the guide member, the clamp enabling pivotal movement of the guide member in an open position and substantially preventing 20 movement in a locked position.

14. A liquid level indicator as claimed in claim 13 wherein the clamp comprises two opposing clamp parts, each having a surface for hingedly receiving a portion of the pin of the guide member to enable pivotal movement of the guide member relative to the clamp and a snap 25 fit arrangement for locking the parts together to thereby prevent further movement of the guide member relative to the clamp.

15. A liquid level indicator as claim in either one of claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the coupling assembly further comprises an abutment extending about and within the mounting base 30 aperture for engaging a surface of the clamp, the abutment and surface of the clamp having complementary formations for inhibiting rotation of the clamp relative to the base when the abutment and clamp surface are fully engaged. - 15

16. A liquid level indicator as claimed in claim 15 wherein the formations are toothed protrusions for enabling discrete adjustment of the rotational position of the clamp during installation of the level indicator. 5

17. A liquid level indicator as claimed in any one of claim 13 to claim 16 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a cap element arranged to rotatably engage about the aperture and onto the clamp to thereby force the surface of the clamp and the abutment into full engagement and lock the clamp and guide member to the base in the desired position. 10

18. A mounting device for a liquid level indicator of a liquid storage reservoir comprising: a mounting base arranged to be coupled to the storage reservoir, a guide member having a passage for slidingly accommodating a stem of the indicator, a coupling assembly for adjustable mounting the guide member to the base in a desired position to achieve a desired orientation of the guide member, the coupling assembly having a 15 coupling member arranged to rotatably couple the mounting base for adjusting the rotational position of the member about a first axis, and a hinge for pivotally coupling the guide member to the coupling member for adjusting the rotational position of the guide member relative to the coupling member about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis, and a locking mechanism arranged to lock the guide member to the base in the desired 20 position.