Abstract: A system for detecting the level of a liquid in a vessel, comprises a detector assembly including a thermally conductive substrate supported within the vessel. One or more heaters are mounted on the substrate within the vessel. One or more temperature sensors, each associated with a respective heater, are mounted on the substrate. The sensor(s) may be actuated to generate an electrical signal defining a temperature signal indicative of the detected temperature. A processor is electrically connected to the sensor(s) for receiving the temperature signal(s) after actuation of the associated heater(s). The processor is programmed to calculate a “temperature index” proportional to the temperature signal(s). The temperature index(s) indicates the temperature increase detected by the sensor(s) resulting from actuation of the heater(s). This, in turn, indicates the presence of liquid or vapor adjacent to the sensor(s).

Abstract: A system for detecting the level of fluid in a fluid containing vessel. The system includes a device for applying energy to a selected location on the vessel. A sensor in proximity to the location detects the energy level at the location during first and second intervals. A memory device stores data representative of the energy detected by the sensor at each interval, and a logic circuit compares the amount of energy of the first interval to that of the second. Data corresponding to the level of fluid in the vessel may be displayed locally or signaled to remote data receiving and display devices, as appropriate.

Abstract: A system for detecting the level of a liquid in a vessel, comprises a detector assembly including a thermally conductive substrate supported within the vessel. One or more heaters are mounted on the substrate within the vessel. One or more temperature sensors, each associated with a respective heater, are mounted on the substrate. The sensor(s) may be actuated to generate an electrical signal defining a temperature signal indicative of the detected temperature. A processor is electrically connected to the sensor(s) for receiving the temperature signal(s) after actuation of the associated heater(s). The processor is programmed to calculate a “temperature index” proportional to the temperature signal(s). The temperature index(s) indicates the temperature increase detected by the sensor(s) resulting from actuation of the heater(s). This, in turn, indicates the presence of liquid or vapor adjacent to the sensor(s).