Liquid Level Patents (Class 116/227)
  • Patent number: 11499458
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a fluid tank. In one example, the fluid tank comprises an ice guiding device extending into an interior volume of the fluid tank, wherein the ice guiding device extends past a fill limit line of the interior volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Timofey Matveev
  • Patent number: 11198301
    Abstract: A print supply to connect to a printing device to provide a print material to the printing device that includes a machine and human readable print material gauge system, that includes an integrated circuit including a data interface to transfer print material level information describing a level of print material within the print supply and a display to represent the level of print material within the print supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Duane A. Koehler, Wesley R. Schalk, Howard G. Wong
  • Patent number: 11071828
    Abstract: A colored seal system, method, and apparatus. The colored seal system includes a barrel having a delivery end and an open end. The barrel includes multiple markings. The barrel markings include at least measurements and multiple fill indicators. The colored seal system includes a colored seal slidably positioned within the barrel for moving a delivery agent. The colored seal is visible within at least one of the fill indicators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Treble Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Carper, Brian Dean Owens, Roland Clifford Park
  • Patent number: 10583736
    Abstract: A system for controlling a drive operation of a machine having a payload container. A controller is configured to determine a current payload disposed in the payload container based upon a load sensor and determine a number of completed material loading cycles of a work implement. The controller is further configured to determine an estimated number of material loading cycles required to load the payload container based upon a desired payload, the current payload, and the number of completed material loading cycles, and compare the number of completed material loading cycles to the estimated number of material loading cycles. After the number of completed material loading cycles is one or less than the estimated number of material loading cycles, a shifting operation may begin to shift the transmission into the drive gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Jose M. Cardona
  • Patent number: 10549979
    Abstract: A method for controlling a filling operation of a vehicular liquid storage system including a tank including a fill level limiting valve. The method includes: detecting start of a first filling event; measuring a first fill level of the tank; verifying whether the measured first fill level has reached a predetermined fill level; if the verifying is positive, starting a first timer for a first amount of time; upon expiry of the first timer, closing the fill level limiting valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: PLASTIC OMNIUM ADVANCED INNOVATION AND RESEARCH
    Inventors: Ed Furmanczyk, David Hill, Bjorn Criel
  • Patent number: 10539054
    Abstract: Apparatuses are disclosed for machine fluid monitoring/sampling comprising a transparent sight glass attachable to a machine such that machine fluid is transferable to the sight glass. The sight glass may have an open first end, a closed second end, a sidewall, and an inside surface and an outside surface extending from the open first end to the closed second end and at least partially surrounding a cavity for the machine fluid, and one or more remote sensing ports. The one or more remote sensing ports may have a wall, an inner face, and an outer face, and may be positioned between the open first end and the closed second end of the sight glass. The material of the one or more remote sensing ports may be shaped to reduce distortion and/or increase visibility of the machine fluid relative to portions of the sight glass bordering the remote sensing ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Luneta, LLC
    Inventors: James Chester Fitch, Thomas Chester Fitch, Michael Anthony Ramsey
  • Patent number: 10527480
    Abstract: A method of measuring a surface of a liquid, the surface of the liquid having an edge which contacts a solid structure and an interior area which does not contact the solid structure. The surface of the liquid and the solid structure are illuminated with a pattern so that an upper part of the pattern is projected onto the solid structure to form an upper projected pattern and a lower part of the pattern is projected onto the interior area of the surface of the liquid to form a lower projected pattern. An image of the upper projected pattern is acquired and analysed to determine a height of the edge of the surface of the liquid. An image of the lower projected pattern is acquired and analysed to determine a characteristic of the interior area of the surface of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Alessio Cipullo, Stephen Lisle-Taylor, Stephen Burnell
  • Patent number: 10392784
    Abstract: An upper revolving structure (4) includes a revolving frame (6), an engine (7), a fuel tank (11), an operator's seat platform (16) provided by covering an upper side of the fuel tank (11), an operator's seat (18) mounted on the operator's seat platform (16), and a cab (22) covering a periphery of the operator's seat (18). The fuel tank (11) is disposed between the revolving frame (6) and the operator's seat platform (16), brought closer to a left surface part (25) side of the cab (22). A level gauge (29) is provided on an outer surface of the fuel tank (11). A fuel filling opening (27) surrounding a fuel filling port (11J) of the fuel tank (11) and a level gauge opening (28) are provided on the left surface part (25) of the cab (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Tierra Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tabeta, Junya Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 10267223
    Abstract: The present utility model discloses a portable four-stroke engine, comprising: an engine body, a flywheel and an oil storage tank, wherein an air valve distribution chamber and a crank shaft chamber are arranged in the engine; a crank shaft is arranged in the crank shaft chamber, and is connected to the flywheel; the oil storage tank is arranged on the engine body, located above the flywheel, and configured to store lubricating oil; a cam and a rocker arm mechanism are arranged in the air valve distribution chamber; and the cam is configured to drive the rocker arm mechanism. The portable four-stroke engine provided by the present utility model has a small volume and therefore has better operation performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: CHONGQING RATO TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ke Chen, Heguangnan Zhi, Jianguo Bai, Tao Jiang
  • Patent number: 10030665
    Abstract: A liquid level indicator including a liquid level calm portion that is provided with a liquid introduction inlet that communicates with a portion below the liquid level in an oil tank and a gas vent that communicates with a portion above the liquid level; and a sight glass for observing a liquid level in the liquid level calm portion, having a liquid introduction tube provided with an extension portion that communicates with the liquid introduction inlet and extends toward the bottom portion of the oil tank, and a distal end portion that communicates with the extension portion and opens in a direction other than the downward direction below the liquid level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Kentarou Oda, Seiichiro Yoshinaga, Nobuyoshi Sakuma
  • Patent number: 9845171
    Abstract: Containers are disclosed herein that include a reservoir, a handle disposed on the reservoir at an angle defined by a grip axis. The handle is configured for a single grip position and having a midpoint that coincides with a midpoint of a user's grip when the handle is gripped by a user. A first center of gravity coincident with a resting axis is substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall when the bottom wall is placed on a horizontal surface. A second center of gravity coincident with a carrying axis is substantially perpendicular to the grip axis when the container is carried by the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon M. Conway, Linda J. Babinski
  • Patent number: 9810565
    Abstract: An oil level gauge device in which an oil level gauge is inserted in a guide pipe communicating with an oil pan, is provided. In the oil level gauge, a cap having a plug configured to fit on an inner peripheral surface at one end portion of the guide pipe, and a flange integrally formed with the plug and abutted with the one end of the guide pipe, is provided. A groove extending from a deeply inserted side of the plug to an abutment surface of the end abutting the flange is formed in the inner peripheral surface. When the plug is fitted on the inner peripheral surface, a ventilation passage for communicating the inside and outside of the oil pan through the guide pipe is formed between the plug and the guide pipe by the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Inokura, Kiyonori Ide, Yuki Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 9804015
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for liquid level detection. The method may include providing a circuit board including a plurality of horizontally mounted emitter/receiver pairs arranged vertically along the circuit board within a liquid containment area. The method may further include determining, using one or more processors associated with the circuit board, if liquid is present between each of the plurality of emitter/receiver pairs based upon, at least in part, data received from one or more of the plurality of emitter/receiver pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Lat-Lon LLC
    Inventor: David Baker
  • Patent number: 9784274
    Abstract: A compressor may include a shell, a compression mechanism, first and second temperature sensors, and a control module. The shell may define a lubricant sump. The compression mechanism may be disposed within the shell and may be operable to compress a working fluid. The first temperature sensor may be at least partially disposed within the shell at a first position. The second temperature sensor may be at least partially disposed within the shell at a second position that is vertically higher than the first position. The control module may be in communication with the first and second temperature sensors and the pressure sensor and may determine whether a liquid level in the lubricant sump is below a predetermined level based on data received from the first and second temperature sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy R. Brostrom, Mark Hiszem, Richard A. Miu, Jason M. Warner
  • Patent number: 9689771
    Abstract: A pipe section, such as a pipe elbow, coated with a ceramic coating containing a fusible link displaced within. The link includes two exposed testing leads which are connected to a sensor which sends a signal across the link. Over time, the pipe section and the coating are worn away by material flowing through the pipe. Eventually the fusible link is severed due to the wear, signaling the sensor to send an alert, notifying that the pipe section needs to be replaced. The method of manufacture includes coating a standard pipe section with a ceramic coating, displacing a fusible link therein, and curing the coating. The coating may contain any number of fusible links in any conceivable arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Progressive Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd N. Allison, Stephen T. Hinton
  • Patent number: 9562528
    Abstract: A peristaltic pump is provided comprising a drive unit, a pumphead comprising a pressing element. The pumphead is connectable to the drive unit such that, when connected, the pressing element is driveable by the drive unit to exert a peristaltic action on a tube arranged within the pumphead. The pumphead further comprises an optical sensor, wherein the optical sensor comprises an emitter and a receiver which are mounted on the drive unit and a reflector element mounted on the pumphead. The reflector element is arranged on the pumphead such that when the pumphead is connected to the drive unit, radiation emitted by the emitter is reflected by the reflector element towards the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Watson-Marlow Limited
    Inventor: Oliver Warren
  • Patent number: 9534941
    Abstract: A pointer device, an instrument cluster, and a display for an instrument cluster are described herein. The pointer device includes a pointer with a stem and paddle. The instrument cluster includes a technique to display a bar graph based interface with a mechanically driven pointer. The display allows for a dual representation employing multiple pointers, with one pointer dedicated to a dial-based display, and another pointer dedicated to a bar graph display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James Paul Farell
  • Patent number: 9516964
    Abstract: The application discloses and claims a beverage container lid that tracks the amount of fluid consumed. The lid has a standard drinking nozzle and engagement means which includes a gasket or standard threading that sealably fit commercially available beverage containers and water bottles. The exterior of the lid has a reset button and a display window through which a display readout is visible that displays the amount of fluid consumed. The lid houses the display, a CPU, battery, sensors and internal housing through which the water flows. The internal housing has a water wheel inside of it with curved blades that are turned by the beverage as it flows out of the lid. Magnets are affixed to one or more of the blades. The CPU tracks the number of times the magnets pass the sensors and translates it into the amount of fluid consumed, which is shown on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: PRODUCTOPOP, INC.
    Inventor: Carlos A. Lopez
  • Patent number: 9463284
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drug delivery device, in particular to the dose display mechanism of a drug delivery device comprising: a housing of substantially tubular shape and having at least a first dose displaying window, a dose setting dial rotatably arranged in the housing) and comprising a first and a second helical dose indicating scale on its peripheral surface, wherein the information contents of the first dose indicating scale and the second dose indicating scale are arranged in different orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: SANOFI-AVENTIS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Steffen Raab, Sandra Arnhold
  • Patent number: 9376944
    Abstract: An oil level detection mechanism for detecting an oil level in the inside of a case 91, comprising: an oil filler opening 92 through which oil is supplied into the case 91; and an oil level detection member 93 that is located below a lower end of the oil filler opening 92 in the inside of the case 91 and that protrudes inward from an inner wall 91a of the case 91 so that a tip part 93a thereof is located in a region visually recognizable from the outside of the oil filler opening 92.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Seiji Itoo, Ayumi Hamada, Taisuke Morita
  • Patent number: 9221048
    Abstract: A drop dispenser including a fluid reservoir, a tube having a dispenser end and an actuation end, a fluid chamber of variable volume connected to the actuation end of the tube; a pusher that is axially movable between a high position and a low position so as to cause the volume of the chamber to vary and drive the fluid into the tube towards the dispenser end so as to form a drop of fluid; and a fastener ring including a threaded skirt for coming into engagement with the threaded neck, the tube and the chamber being secured to the ring. The drop dispenser have a mover for moving the pusher axially between the high and low positions, the mover also causing the fastener ring to turn, both so as to loosen it from the neck by unscrewing and so as to tighten it onto the neck by screw-tightening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: APTAR FRANCE SAS
    Inventors: Frédéric Duquet, Sandra Martins-Reis, Francis Moreau
  • Patent number: 9182263
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a level gauge, and more particularly, to a level gauge provided on a device such as an engine or transmission of a vehicle to discharge aft from the device and prevent a foreign substance from being introduced therein. In addition, the level gauge and an oil net can be integrated into a single module, to thereby save costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
    Inventors: Hyun-Sub Oh, Young-Mo Joo
  • Patent number: 8978573
    Abstract: A boat trailer position assisting device includes a plate has a front side and a back side. A post is attached to and extends outwardly from the front side. A bulbous member is attached to a distal end of the post relative to the plate. An attachment member is attached to the plate and removably attaches the plate to a trailer. The trailer may then be backed into a body of water until the bulbous member touches the water to indicate that trailer is deep enough in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Steven R. McCluskey
  • Patent number: 8973437
    Abstract: A condensate sensing device to generate a condensate signal when condensate within a condensate collector reaches a predetermined level comprising a hollow shell and overmold integrally formed to form a water tight enclosure to operatively house a signal generator including electronic components to selectively generate the condensate signal when the condensate within the predetermined level reaches the predetermined level to control the operation of equipment and/or energize an alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Resource Conservation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Cantolino
  • Publication number: 20150053130
    Abstract: A level indicator for a container that is lined with a membrane for holding fluid, and which has a wall with an aperture formed through it. A frame is attached to the container wall adjacent to the aperture. A plunger is engaged with the frame, and moves between an extended position, where the plunger extends through the aperture and into the interior of the container, and a retracted position, where the plunger does not substantially extend into the interior of the container. An elastic member between the frame and the plunger urges the plunger to the extended position. A visual indicator is driven by the plunger between an indicating position and a non-indicating position. The force of the elastic member is selected to enable the membrane, under static pressure of fluid within the container, to urge the plunger to the retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: CONECRAFT, INC.
    Inventors: C. Anthony Cox, James A. Austin
  • Patent number: 8869611
    Abstract: A dual mode water leak detector is combined with a HIVAR air condition system or unit. The air conditioning unit or system uses chilled water for cooling or hot water or electric coils for heating and employs means for supplying heated or cooled air into a floor void and channeling return air to designated vents under the floor or through a false ceiling. In addition a water sensor includes an enclosed housing having a bottom or base and four electrical contacts extending through the base and positioned above the floor by about 2 mm by four rubber spacers or feet. In addition a first circuit connects a first and a second contact separated from one another by an airspace to a pair of banana clips for turning the HIVAR system off when water between the first and second contacts is completed due to the presence of water. A second circuit includes a switch and a 60K OHM resistor connecting that circuit to a first of the contacts and second of the contacts when the switch is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Khaled Ali Al-Harbi
  • Patent number: 8820576
    Abstract: A cosmetic container includes a piston in which content contained in the container always reaches a content inlet of an airless discharge pump as the piston rises upward along and on an inner wall of the container with operation of the airless discharge pump. More specifically, the content amount remaining in the container is indicated in association with the rising movement of the piston. The cosmetic container includes a container body, an airless discharge pump installed to the container body, a piston installed in the container body so that a topmost level of content contained in the container body reaches a content inlet of the airless discharge pump as the piston moves upward along and on an inner wall of the container body with operation of the airless discharge pump, and an indicator indicating content amount remaining in the container body in association with rising movement of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Amorepacific Corporation
    Inventors: Hae Won Jeong, Chang Gyu Yoo, Jin Kyoung Kim, Ye jong Chang, Yee Hwa Kim, Rita Chai
  • Publication number: 20140230718
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a liquid reduction timing device useful for cooking. More specifically, the disclosed liquid reduction timing device indicates to a user that a liquid has been reduced to a predetermined level when the level of the liquid is equal to the station of a movable indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: Steven H. Romweber
  • Patent number: 8794173
    Abstract: An improved fluid flow gauging device includes a light enhanced acrylic block flow tube to optimize visualization of pressure readings. An LED or other light source is fitted to the top of the flow tube and illuminates a float or bobbin from above to provide more accurate readings, especially in low light conditions such as modern operating rooms. In addition, the light enhanced flow tube provides a mechanical backup in the case of failure of newer electronic systems and visually matches the graphical flow display, simultaneously providing a double-check of the electronic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Spacelabs Healthcare LLC
    Inventors: Erik J. Bluemner, George P. Kosmopoulos
  • Patent number: 8711002
    Abstract: A subsea control module has a casing inside which there is at least one pair of electrodes, there being electronic means connected with the electrodes of the or each pair for monitoring at least one electrical characteristic between the electrodes as a result of a fluid to which the electrodes are exposed. This can include, for example, a change due to an ingress of seawater and/or an ingress of hydraulic fluid into the interior of the casing. The or each pair of electrodes include an array in which each electrode of the pair has finger portions interleaved with finger portions of the other electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Controls Limited
    Inventors: Julian R. Davis, Simon David Gill, Adrian John Derrick
  • Publication number: 20130256161
    Abstract: A fuel system component may include a body arranged for use in storing or moving fuel within the fuel system, and an indicator associated with the body to provide an indication when the body is subjected to a condition outside of a threshold. The indicator may be responsive to one or more environmental or system conditions outside of a threshold. For example without limitation, the indicator may be responsive to one or more of temperature, pressure, corrosion and electrical conditions to provide an indication when at least one condition exceeds a threshold for that condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Lynwood F. Crary, Alastair R. Deane, John R. Forgue
  • Patent number: 8528400
    Abstract: A system for monitoring a liquid level in an aircraft shock strut includes a cylinder having an internal chamber sealed by a piston telescopically movable within the cylinder. The chamber contains a gas and a liquid, and a sensor assembly is provided for monitoring a condition of a level of the liquid in the chamber. The sensor assembly includes at least one probe within the chamber, and a fitting assembly allows one or more leads from the probe to pass through the wall of the strut while maintaining pressure in the chamber. The fitting assembly includes a plug molded to the one or more leads extending from the probe. The fitting assembly also includes a retainer for holding the plug in sealed relationship with a through passage in the strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: William E. Luce
  • Patent number: 8499970
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cosmetic container with an airless discharge pump, and, more specifically, relates to a cosmetic container with an airless discharge pump in which content amount remaining in the container or content exhaustion level can be confirmed without a separate operation before the content in the container has been completely exhausted and further the state when the content in the container has been completely exhausted can be clearly indicated. To this end, with this cosmetic container, the content exhaustion level is indicated based on changes in projection definition with which the indicator is projected to the transparent window when the transparent compression disk approaches the indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Amorepacific Corporation
    Inventor: Chang Gyu Yoo
  • Patent number: 8427336
    Abstract: A subsea control module has a casing (1) inside which there is at least one pair of electrodes, there being electronic means (26-33) connected with the electrodes of the or each pair for monitoring at least one electrical characteristic between the electrodes as a result of a fluid to which the electrodes are exposed, the or each pair of electrodes comprising an array (19) in which each electrode of the pair has finger portions interleaved with finger portions of the other electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Controls Limited
    Inventors: Julian R. Davis, Simon David Gill, Adrian John Derrick
  • Patent number: 8418644
    Abstract: Tank level indicators are known, having a sensor housing in which a resistance card having a resistance strip, and a wiper acting with the resistance path and rotatable about an axis of rotation. The variable rotating resistance is encapsulated relative to the fuel in the sensor housing, so that no fuel can enter the sensor housing. It is disadvantageous that the wiper slides dryly against the resistance path, because this gives rise to increased friction and increased wear on the resistance path. The wear particles collect in the sensor housing, and can negatively influence the contact between the wiper and the resistance path. According to the invention, the protection of the tank level indicator relative to particles or ice crystals is improved. It is also ensured that particles or ice crystals that enter the tank level indicator can flow out of the housing of the tank level indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Marian Fiedor, Veronika Skricilova, Pavel Trojak
  • Publication number: 20130025529
    Abstract: The present application is directed to illustrative label measurement systems for a container and methods thereof. A base label may be adhered to the container, and measurement information displayed on the base label. A top label may cover at least a portion of the base label. The top label may be rotatable about the base label to a specific unit of measurement. The top label may have a transparent window allowing measurement information for the specific unit of measurement to be visible through the transparent window and a second transparent window allowing a gradient line associated with the specific unit of measurement to be visible through the second transparent window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventor: Stephen M. Key
  • Publication number: 20120260844
    Abstract: A tilted gauge head for indicating liquid level within a container is operatively connectable to a liquid level sending unit. The gauge head includes a mounting base adapted for connection to the container, an indicator dial assembly operatively connectable to the liquid level sending unit for indicating liquid level, and at least one bracket with a rear mounting wall connected to the mounting base and a front mounting wall connected to the indicator dial assembly. The mounting walls are oriented at an acute angle with respect to each other such that the indicator dial assembly is oriented or tilted at the acute angle with respect to the mounting base. In this manner, the indicator dial assembly can more easily be viewed by a user from an angle to thereby reduce parallax reading errors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Rochester Gauges, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert G. Ross, JR.
  • Patent number: 8286482
    Abstract: A process-liquid supply part includes: a supply tank configured to contain a process liquid; a level gauge pipe connected to the supply tank, the level gauge pipe being provided with level sensors for detecting a remaining amount of the process liquid contained in the supply tank; and a measuring part configured to measure a remaining amount of the process liquid based on signals from the level sensors provided on the level gauge pipe. Connected to the supply tank are a process-liquid supply pipe configured to drain the process liquid contained in the supply tank, and a process-liquid return pipe configured to introduce the process liquid drained through the process-liquid supply pipe to the supply tank. A connection pipe, in which an openable and closable valve is provided, disposed between the process-liquid supply pipe or the process-liquid return pipe and the level gauge pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Shu Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8272264
    Abstract: A type of liquid level gauge for continuous measurement of boiler steam drum under full conditions and its method for calculation of liquid level, this liquid level gauge includes one metal measurement tube and one transmitter. The steam-side pipe connected to steam drum is fitted on the upper part of the metal measurement tube and the water-side pipe connected to steam drum is fitted on the lower part of the metal measurement tube, one insulated jacket pipe is available inside the metal measurement tube and 1# probe, 2# probe, and 3# probe are mounted from down upwards inside the insulated jacket pope. The respective probes are mutually insulated and not conducted. The three probes are respectively connected with the transmitter through lead wires of the probes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Beijing Capstar Automation Instrument Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming Luo
  • Patent number: 8256130
    Abstract: A way to safely fry turkeys by minimizing the hazard of overfilling oil, the Turkey Frying Oil Gauge (TFOG) comprises a device and method to properly pre-measure the frying oil used to fry whole turkeys. The Turkey Frying Oil Gauge is duel scale selectable for pot diameter and turkey weight. The turkey frying pot rim is measured and the size is selected on the gauge bottom. The mast is then slid out to view the weight of the turkey to be fried. The gauge is then placed in the bottom of the pot and frying oil is placed in the pot to the top of the gauge. The oil gauge is removed, the oil heated and the turkey introduced without overflowing the oil onto the heating flames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: Edward Lee Jantz
  • Publication number: 20120186508
    Abstract: A balloon fill gauge for a balloon made of elastomeric expanding material has a base sheet with balloon filling indicia thereon that is temporarily tackable on to the balloon face material. An indicator tab with two ends having one end temporarily tackable onto the balloon material has its other end slideably interlockable with the base sheet. An indicator mark on the tab is alignable with the balloon filling indicia to indicate when the balloon is full as the tacked base sheet and tacked indicator tab move apart during the filling of the balloon. The balloon fill gauge alternatively may have an elongate non-stretchable indicator tab having two ends tackable onto the balloon material which physically acts to visual indicate when the balloon is full by snapping in two, popping off the balloon or changing color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: Anagram International, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott W. Gardner, Daniel G. Cook, Anna C. Cook
  • Patent number: 8191574
    Abstract: A visual indicator assembly displays the state of an isolated stem control valve contained in a housing of an air tank. The visual indicator assembly comprises a rotatable handle member adapted for operative connection to the isolated stem control valve contained in the housing of the air tank. The rotatable handle member opens and closes the control valve without axial movement of the rotatable handle member. An “OFF” indicator is visible with the control valve in a closed condition, and an “ON” indicator is non-visible with the control valve in a closed condition. The “ON” indicator is movable to become visible and obscure the “OFF” indicator upon rotation of the handle member to adjust the control valve to an open condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Edward H. Davis
  • Publication number: 20120073493
    Abstract: An indicator assembly for displaying either low liquid level or satisfactory liquid level conditions within a tank includes a sensor for detecting the liquid level conditions, a photodetector for detecting an ambient dark condition, a pair of indicator lights for indicating either the low liquid level or satisfactory liquid level conditions, and electrical circuitry operable to illuminate one of the indicator lights upon detection of the ambient dark condition by the photodetector and detection of either the low liquid level condition or satisfactory liquid level condition by the sensor. A solar panel is also provided for recharging a power supply operably connected to the electrical circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: Herbert G. Ross, JR.
  • Patent number: 8127604
    Abstract: The liquid level sensing device includes rotating electrically conductive probes and uses a self-cleaning rotary electrical connection system with a contact stylus on a rotating conductive barrel, for sensing a liquid level in a dispensing container of an aircraft galley insert. The probes, pivot arms of the probes, rotating drum and stylus may have an exterior surface formed of an electrically conductive, corrosion resistant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: B/E Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Hannah, Nathaniel F. Yoder, Jeff Renz, David Weiss
  • Patent number: 8100007
    Abstract: A method and level sensor apparatus for detecting contact of a pipetting needle with at least a liquid contained in a vessel are disclosed. The apparatus provides a pipetting needle made of a material suitable for transmitting ultrasonic waves, a needle holder for holding the needle, a electromechanical transducer for generating ultrasonic pulses to be transmitted towards the needle, for receiving echo pulses reflected at the tip of the needle, and for generating an electrical output signal representative of the echo pulses, and electronic circuit means for generating and applying a driving signal to the transducer, which generates corresponding pulses which are transmitted to the needle towards the tip thereof, and for monitoring and evaluating the output signal to detect the position of the needle at which the tip of the needle contacts the liquid and for providing a resulting signal representative of the result of said evaluation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Olivier Elsenhans, Ulrich Opara, Vuk Siljegovic
  • Patent number: 8087375
    Abstract: A method of measuring a fluid level comprises providing a measuring device comprising a first material that changes appearance upon exposure to a first fluid, introducing the measuring device into a location comprising the first fluid and at least one other fluid, waiting for the first material to change appearance upon exposure to the first fluid, and withdrawing the measuring device from the location to determine the depth of the first fluid and the at least one other fluid. A measuring device for performing the method of measuring is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: L&M Associates Engineering Representatives, Incorporated
    Inventor: C. Kevin Silver
  • Publication number: 20110303003
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining the fluid level of a container, such as an accumulator, may include both a remote quantity indicator and a direct quantity indicator. The remote quantity indicator may include a remote dial at the end of a flexible cable or an electrical signal receiver receiving an electrical signal from a rotary variable differential transformer (RVDT), such as a potentiometer. The RVDT type of indicator may include an electrical connector on the accumulator to attach an electrical cable to carry the quantity level signal. The direct quantity indicator may include a dial directly mounted on the accumulator. The remote/direct quantity indicators may include, for example, one of the following three combinations: 1) a dial directly on the accumulator and a remote dial at the end of a flexible cable; 2) an RVDT output and a dial directly on the accumulator; and 3) an RVDT output on an accumulator, a remote dial at the end of a flexible cable and a dial directly on the accumulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: STEVEN R. ECCLES, FILIP REINIS, AMANDA L. ANTHONY, MIKE M. MASOUDIPOUR
  • Patent number: 8061263
    Abstract: A sensor head/brew cup with liquid level sensor probes which rotate down into the server to avoid damage to the probes by the server. The sensor head/brew cup moves as a unit, thereby eliminating any gap between the brew cup and the sensor head through which the brewed liquid must pour, thereby preventing spillage. The moveable sensor head/brew allows beverage brewing devices to use servers of various heights. Raising the sensor head/brew cup causes the level sensor probes to rotate upward out of the server, thereby protecting the probes from impact by the server when it is removed from the brewing device. When the level sensor probes are in the upward position they touch electrical contacts completing a self-test circuit confirming electrical continuity through the level sensor probes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventors: Gary Ray Hannah, Richard William Heim
  • Patent number: 8042567
    Abstract: A gas meter is mounted between vertical and horizontal branch tubes of a gas canister valve and has an indication pointer driven by a magnetic block that is movable inside the valve to indicate a residual quantity of gas inside the canister. The gas meter includes a casing that is magnetically non-conductive and forms at a top edge of a back thereof an inverted slope surface, an upper clamp extending from opposite sides of the inverted slope surface in an upward direction to clamp the vertical branch tube, and a side clamp engageable with the horizontal branch tube. The back of the meter casing is recessed at a location opposite to and interfering with an outer top edge of an enclosure for the magnetic block to form a fitting groove that corresponds to the top edge of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Grand Hall Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: William Home
  • Publication number: 20110232376
    Abstract: A remote fueling system is provided. The system comprises a wellbore servicing equipment unit comprising an internal combustion engine, a fuel tank coupled to the internal combustion engine, a fuel distribution channel, a fuel level sensor component, a fuel level indicator, and a fuel level indicator control box. The wellbore servicing equipment is mounted on a trailer upon which the wellbore servicing equipment is transported to the wellbore. The fuel level sensor component senses a fuel level inside the fuel tank. The fuel level indicator indicates a fuel level status of the fuel tank to remote fueling personnel at a standoff distance. The fuel level indicator control box is coupled to the fuel level sensor component and to the fuel level indicator and commands the indication presented by the fuel level indicator based on the fuel level inside the fuel tank sensed by the fuel level sensor component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Shannon Dodd, Michael J.R. Segura