Abstract: A sensor for determining the location of the surface of liquid in a container, includes: a hollow tubular stainless steel probe inserted into said container, said probe having one portion arranged above the surface of the liquid and having another portion submerged in the liquid; a first thermocouple operatively arranged within the probe to sense the temperature above the liquid surface; a second thermocouple operatively arranged within the probe to sense the temperature of said liquid at a point beneath the liquid surface; a resistance wire operatively arranged within the probe; a current source operatively arranged to apply a constant-current to the ends of the wire; and an ohmmeter for measuring the electrical resistance of the wire according to the equation: RT=ƒ[kaTaHh+kwTwH(1−h)] where RT is the resistance of the wire, ƒ is the symbol for “a function of”, ka is a constant for the probe first portion, Ta is the temperature sensed by the first temperatur

Abstract: A method for determining a liquid level with the aid of ultrasonic pulses improves the measuring accuracy of the liquid level in a container with an echo time measurement of ultrasonic pulses and a mean sound velocity. The mean sound velocity is extrapolated from at least two reference sound velocities in the liquid. In this way it is possible to achieve a measuring accuracy of less than a millimeter, independently of the liquid level. A device for carrying out the method has a main measuring path, at least one device for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic pulses, at least two reference paths for determining sound velocities, and a computer unit. The computer unit extrapolates from the sound velocities to the mean sound velocity.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a compact, low-cost, rotary control knob assembly, including: an indicator portion having disposed thereon indicia representing selectable settings of the control knob assembly; a knob portion disposed over the indicator portion, such that the indicia are contained within a perimeter-defined area of the knob portion; and an indicator opening defined through the knob portion, which indicator opening is selectively alignable with ones of the indicia by rotation of the knob portion with respect to the indicator portion.

Abstract: A reminder device with circular dials similar to the face of a clock for pill and medicine containers is adapted for attaching to a pill bottle or other container. The rotatable dials may be manually set to indicators showing the weekday, date and time for taking a pill or other medicinal dose. The reminder device is disposable and may be pinned to the bottle top or other medicine container or temporarily affixed by means of an adhesive.

Abstract: An indicator of the end of a length of a tape of dental floss contained within a dispenser, the indicator being a segment of the length of tape having a different indicia or appearance than a prior segment of the length of tape. The indicator is located at a predetermined distance from an end of the tape to indicate that the length of the tape remaining within the dispenser is being depleted.

Abstract: A proximity controlled sanitary fitting is provided with a manually operated electric selector switch (6) which is formed the same way as a handle of a conventional manually operated sanitary fitting. The selector switch (6) can be see in various operating positions associated to different operating modes of the sanitary fitting. Among these operating modes there are in particular the following ones: normal detection of a user; deactivation of the non-tactile detection; and opening the fitting regardless of the electronic detection. Thus the electric selector switch can be optically integrated into the design of the sanitary fleeing in a way readily accepted by the public.

Abstract: A remote temperature and/or temperature difference measuring device which includes a measuring circuit having a heat flux sensor for sensing the heat flow from an area on the surface of a body, and a portable housing which supports the sensor and also a device for determining or marking the area of analysis. The measuring circuit includes the heat flux sensor, a memory circuit connected to the heat flux sensor, and a storage input device such as a push button for initiating, at any given moment, the memory circuit's storage of a reference signal from the heat flux sensor. The measuring circuit also includes a comparator of which one of the inputs receives the output signals from the heat flux sensor, while the other input is connected to the memory circuit providing the reference signal. The comparator thus outputs a signal which corresponds to the difference between the reference signal and a subsequently received heat flux sensor output signal.

Abstract: A light transmissive, including reflective and refractive visual warning device for attachment from the handle grips of a bicycle or motorcycle, to indicate the presence of the user to car drivers, is carried upon a short flexible suspension means, such as a pigtail or a ball chain or rotatable connector, permitting unrestricted motion and displacement, by which in the case of the ball chain or other rotatable connector permits spinning and other displacements due to motion. The device, preferably in the form of a double-faced triangle or multi-faced planar or curved fin shape may have one reflective face of reflective microspheres or retro-reflective micro-prisms and the other a holographic metallized mirror having an arrangement of multi-faceted reflective patterns possessing light refractive characteristics. One embodiment comprises a bicycle handgrip incorporating a wind-driven spinner rotatably mounted in the rear end of the grip, and having at least one light reflective, rotatable surface.

Abstract: A luminescence-based integrated optical and electronic system for measuring temperature or some other parameter from the decay time of a luminescent sensor is disclosed. A high bandwidth, low noise amplifier applies a detected decaying luminescent signal to a digital system that acquires that signal and processes it in order to determine its decay time characteristics that are related to temperature or another parameter being measured. The digital signal processing includes use of a digital curve-fitting technique. A preferred luminescent material for temperature measurement is a chromium-doped yttrium gallium garnet material. The entire optical and electronic portions of the measuring system can be accommodated on a small single circuit card.

Abstract: A sight flow apparatus includes a body designed to be connected in-line to fluid pipes within a manufacturing plant or other facility. One or more window assemblies are removably mounted on the sides or ends of the body to allow visual inspection of fluid flow through the body cavity. A fluid indicator device i.e., a flapper assembly or a rotor assembly, is mounted within the body cavity and supported by an axle extending between the windows, between the body itself, or between a pair of alignment washers located within the body. The rotor assembly includes a plurality of planar blades which are interconnected to form generally radially extending vanes. An enlarged indicator cap is coupled to each end of the rotor assembly to improve visual examination of fluid flow effects, to lock the interconnected blades together and to prevent the blades from contacting the windows, alignment washer or body.

Abstract: A uniform temperature reference block for connection with the cold reference wires of a plurality of thermocouples employing a corresponding plurality of screw terminal modular connectors each provided with an insulated termination cavity containing a terminal conductor compressable, upon tightening the screw, against the thermocouple input wire and, in turn, the wire against an adjacent electrically insulated but thermally conductive projection of a thermal bridging bar, preferably of anodized aluminum, within the termination cavity, to establish electrical termination connection of the thermocouple wire with thermal coupling along the block.

Abstract: An instrument and method for comparing numeric indicia. The instrument is configured for receiving at least two moveable members and has first numeric indicia positioned for cooperation with corresponding second numeric indicia on each member. Upon selective manipulation of each member, the first and second indicia are aligned such that the indicia may be compared by a user.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the determination of moisture content of a sample carried on a conveyor belt. Microwave signals at a number of discrete frequencies within a range are transmitted through the sample and the phase shift of the received signals is averaged and combined with measurement of attenuation or mass per unit area to provide a measure of moisture content of the sample. The invention is applicable to measurement of moisture content of crushed coking and steaming coals.

Abstract: A selective volume flush apparatus (10) for use in a cistern contains two valves, a first valve (12) with an outlet opening into the discharge outlet of the cistern and an open end configured to sealingly engage a first valve seal (18). The valve seal (18) is attached to a lifting device (22) and the open end of the valve (12) is positioned at a height from the cistern floor to facilitate the flush of a smaller quantity of water. The second valve 14 includes a diaphragm 26 positioned slidingly movable in a cylinder and attached to a valve seal (20) at the lower end and to a lifting device (24) at the upper end. The valve seal sealingly engages upon an outlet opening 68 connected to the discharge outlet (28) of the cistern. Activating the second valve seal results in a full volume flush.

Abstract: A tactiovisual exit finding system is provided with a collection of tactiley and visually recognizable vees to direct occupants of structures, such as aircraft and public buildings, to the nearest appropriate exits. Since these vees are recognizable by touch and sight, they are effective at any level of visibility including the smoke-compromised equivalent of total darkness. These vees are incorporated into the main aisle and exit passageway floors of such structures where they are tactiovisually addressable by persons walking, crawling, or anything in between. The system also utilizes tactiovisually distinctive upholstery on the seats that flank exit passageways to further identify such passageways.

Abstract: A signalling device for roads or work sites. The device has a locked position and an unlocked position. In its locked position, when the device is prepared for use, its legs (15) project downwards while its notches (9) surround sections (8) of torsion bars (7, 8). These torsion bars are then raised up along with an indicator panel (1) which temporarily bends when the wind exceeds a certain strength. The device and the panel requires, no ballast and the panel is wind-resistant even on uniform road paving.

Abstract: A control column includes a housing adapted to be mounted to a side wall of a shower stall adjacent a front edge portion thereof. The housing includes a panel positioned at an angle relative to the side wall and facing a back wall of the shower stall. A shower head assembly extends outward from a top portion of the housing, and water is supplied from a water supply to a bathtub spout or the shower head at a desired temperature and flow rate.

Abstract: A warning system for a hair dryer to warn the user when the air inlet of the dryer has become clogged with hair or other particles, the dryer including an air filter in the inlet, an air-actuated whistle having an air inlet end and an air outlet end, the whistle being mounted in the air inlet with the air inlet end outside the filter and the air outlet end inside the filter. Air will pass through the whistle when the inlet has become clogged, causing it to blow, and thereby warning the user that the inlet has become clogged. This occurs when the air pressure differential between the two sides of the filter reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the pressure distribution along a limited distance comprises a plurality of pressure sensors arranged at predetermined distances to each other and connected to an evaluation circuit, the pressure sensors being arranged, in particular embedded, in/at a preferably round rope-type body of elastomeric material, the body being surrounded by a non-elastic, however in radial direction deformable cover in fixed connection thereto. The apparatus may be advantageously used as a filling level indicator in a bin or for various other purposes.

Abstract: A filler and pressure indicator valve having a housing with a main valve openable upon depression by a conventional filler tool upon adding air to the tire and automatically closeable upon release of the tire filling tool. A shaft is slidable through the main valve, and on the inner end of the shaft there is a sensor valve. The sensor valve is normally closed but responds to a low pressure condition within the tire to open, moving the shaft inwardly and releasing a pop-up cap on the end of the shaft to trigger a visual sensor element. The device can be adjusted to settings for different desired air pressure levels below which the sensor valve will be actuated.