Abstract: An electronic liquid level gauge assembly includes an electronic display located in a housing connected to a tank. The display has first and second display portions for indicating liquid level condition. A first electronic sensor senses a change in magnetic field of a magnet associated with a liquid level transducer, with magnet rotation being proportional liquid level change. A processor determines a temperature-compensated liquid level condition by correlating the liquid level signal with temperature measurement of the liquid. A temperature-compensated vapor space can also be calculated based on tank information and properties of the liquid. Signals related to the temperature-compensated liquid level and vapor space are sent to the display and wirelessly transmitted to a smart phone or the like for remotely viewing the tank information. The smart phone also includes a special app for sending information, firmware updates, and display configuration data to the electronic gauge assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring operation of a sump pump are provided. A method includes connecting a power adapter to the sump pump and a float-switch. The power adapter includes a controller positioned within a housing, prongs in communication with components coupled to the controller, a first receptacle and a second receptacle. The controller is configured to establish a wireless connection to a first wireless network, and transmit a message to a remote server over the first wireless network. The controller is further configured to determine a power status of a float switch and control the pump based on power status of the float switch.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oil extraction and gas production method capable of in-situ sand control and removal by downhole hydraulic lift achieved by downhole oil extraction and gas production system and ground oil extraction and gas production system. The downhole systems mainly comprises a double-layer tube, a double-layer tube reducing joint, a double-layer tube packer, a hydrodynamic turbine motor, a sludge screw pump, a soil-sand separator and a negative pressure absorber; the ground system comprises a power fluid pressurizing module and a mix fluid treatment module. The present application lowers the difficulty of pumping and lifting downhole formation fluid; achieves downhole and in-situ sand control and sand discharge, alleviates the blockage and erosion of sand particles on equipments and reduces energy consumption; decreases the production cost and improves the operation efficiency, therefore is suitable for oil extraction and gas production in high sand content wells.

Abstract: A pothead retaining sleeve apparatus, system and method. An electric submersible (ESP) motor pothead includes pivotable retaining sleeves, each pivotable retaining sleeve including a ball that seats within a socket inside the pothead, the ball rotatable in the socket such that each pivotable retaining sleeve is independently moveable around a spheroidal joint formed by the ball and socket. An ESP motor pothead system includes a pothead for electrically connecting a power cable to an electric submersible motor, each phase of the power cable extending through a retaining sleeve, the retaining sleeve extending through a conduit formed through an insulating block inside the pothead, the conduit including a spherical socket, the retaining sleeve including a tubular portion terminating at a ball seated within the spherical socket to form a ball and socket joint, and the tubular portion rotatable around the ball and socket joint during tying off of the phases.

Abstract: An electromechanical servo gauge includes a displacer on a wire from a drum for causing a torque on the drum, a servo motor coupled by a drive shaft for rotating the drum, wherein a change in a liquid level moves the ESG out of balance, and a force transducer is positioned for measuring the torque on the drum and converting the torque into a physical quantity. The processor implements an automatic friction determination algorithm. A first move moves the displacer in a first direction for ?1 motor step(s) to a first position and first physical quantity data including a first physical quantity (Q1) is measured by the transducer. Second moving moves the displacer in an opposite direction ?1 step(s) to reach a second displacer position and second physical quantity data including a second physical quantity (Q2) is measured. A hysteresis measure is determined from the first and second physical quantity.

Abstract: An electromechanical fill-level measuring device comprising at least one displacement element, which is connected by means of a measurement wire windably at least with a measurement drum, at least one measuring shaft, with which the measurement drum is mechanically fixedly connected, wherein the shaft is held rotatably in at least one rotary bearing, at least one weight measuring system, which ascertains the effective weight of the displacement element and the measurement wire, and at least one servomotor, which is coupled with the measuring shaft and which rotates the measuring shaft corresponding to an ascertained weight measurement, so that an ascertaining of the relative movement of the measurement drum produced by a change of the liquid level to be measured is provided.

Abstract: A pump switching device is provided. The pump switching device includes a relay, a switch, a sensor and a controller. The relay selectively couples current to a pump motor. The switch is coupled in parallel with the relay. The sensor is configured to generate a signal upon the detection of a condition. The controller is in communication with the sensor. The controller is further coupled to control the relay and the switch. The controller is configured to activate the switch a select amount of time before the controller activates the relay upon initial detection of the signal from the sensor. The controller is further configured to deactivate the switch a select amount of time after the relay is activated while the signal is being detected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically measuring and storing a various measured values of an item, or a sequence of measured values of one or more item(s) suitable for single-handed use by a user. In particular, the present invention relates to a mobile computing device with one or more sensors for determining when to measure and record a particular value of one or more items. The mobile computing device may automatically measure the values based on sensing a change in the temperature value or through using proximity as detected by one or more onboard sensors. Additionally, the mobile computing device may automatically measure the values based on coming within range of an external proximity device. In response to automatically measuring the values, the measured values are stored along with additional information for record keeping purposes.

Abstract: The instant invention describes a device and system for dispensing microbial solutions into a wastewater treatment environment. The device contains one or more removable modules that provides the user with the capability of quickly and easily removing one or more of the modules without the need for replacing or removing the entire unit. The modules are preferably designed to hold bags filled with a microbial solution. The bags are fluidly connected to a pump which dispenses the solution to a predetermined location.

Abstract: An electrical outlet for receiving an electrical plug is illustrated. The electrical outlet includes a housing defining a recess for receiving the electrical plug and a closed groove in a bottom of the recess, and a draining mechanism accommodated in the housing. The draining mechanism includes a barrel, a first sliding member, and a first driver. The barrel defines a first sliding groove and a slot communicating with both the first sliding groove and the closed groove. The first sliding groove includes a first, external open end and an opposite second open end. The first sliding member includes a first rod slidably retained in the first sliding groove through the second open end. The first driver is configured to drive the first sliding member to slide along the first sliding groove for pushing liquid out of the first sliding groove through the first open end.

Abstract: A pumping set includes an electric motor, which exhibits a stator, a rotor and a can arranged between the stator and rotor, and at least one impeller linked with the rotor, wherein the electric motor has engine electronics designed for electronically commutating the electric motor, and the electric motor and commutation are configured in such a way that, in a state where the rotor chamber inside the can and/or the impeller is not filled with liquid, the rotor is shut down.

Abstract: A control system to selectively control the operation of the compressor of a mini-split air conditioning system including at least one remote evaporator operatively coupled to the compressor to receive refrigerant therethrough, a sensor to monitor the operation of the evaporator and to generate an operating control signal to turn-off the compressor when a predetermined operating condition is sensed at the evaporator and a condensate drain pan to receive or catch condensate from the evaporator, the control system comprising a condensate sensor disposed to sense condensate in the condensate drain pan at a predetermined level and to generate a condensate level signal fed to a battery powered control device including an isolated solid state relay coupled to the sensor by a control coupling device to generate a condensate level control signal fed to the sensor causing the sensor to generate the operating control signal fed to turn off the compressor when condensate within the condensate drain pan reaches the prede

Abstract: A pump control system incorporates one or more solid state level sensors as well as solid state pump control switches. Elimination of mechanical or electrode-mechanical parts by using ultrasonically based fluid level sensors as well as solid state switches for motor control enhances reliability and results in reduced power consumption and dissipation.

Abstract: A control switch incorporates a solid state transducer, a strain gauge. The transducer responds to a local environmental condition, such as fluid level, or pressure and exhibits a parameter change which can be detected as an electrical output. Control circuits coupled to the transducer can sense the parameter change and switch a source of electrical energy to a load in response thereto.

Abstract: A control system for a sump pump driven by an AC motor includes an AC power line having an input adapted for connection to an AC power source and an output adapted for connection to the AC drive motor. A controller is connected to a controllable switch in the AC power line, to control the opening and closing of that switch. Redundant float switches are coupled to the controller and adapted to be mounted in a sump to supply the controller with a signals when the liquid in the sump rises to a selected level. A timer in, or coupled to, the controller alters the control signal to open the controllable switch if the liquid level in the sump remains above the selected level for a preselected time period.

Abstract: A simple and economical mechanism providing automatic motor control. The mechanism includes a motor-rated relay directly connected to line voltage and the input terminal of a motor winding, and receiving a signal from a sensing device connected to line voltage and to a signal input on the relay. The relay and sensing device may be housed within a waterproof enclosure, or may be separately housed within a connection enclosure and a separate sensing device enclosure remote from the connection enclosure, the two enclosures being connected by a cable. The sensing device triggers the relay to control the supply of current to the motor winding.

Abstract: The invention concerns an equipment for cleaning a motor vehicle windshield comprising at least a light source (1), an opaque stain channel, an aqueous stain channel and at least an optical detector (2b) of ambient light, each stain channel comprising at least an optical detector (2) with independent photosensitive element, the source (1) and the optical detectors (2) being arranged on a support on the side of the inner surface (10a) of the windshield (10) to be cleaned. The optical detectors (2) are at a distance from the source (1) based on backscatter angles (C, D) of the opaque stains and reflection (A, B) of the aqueous stains. An electronic processing unit (4) comprising a multiplexing block (3) and a microcontroller (5), is coupled in input with the optical detector channels, and in output with a control unit (6) for the wiper and windshield washer of the surface (10b) to be cleaned.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving a motor that opens and closes the window of vehicle, for example, is so adapted that when the vehicle becomes submersed in the sea, a lake or a river, etc., the window is prevented from being closed owing to malfunctioning of a relay caused when a leakage current flows into an operating switch for opening and closing the window. When submersion is sensed and it is sensed that the motor is being rotated by a malfunction in a direction that closes the window, a relay for rotating the motor in the forward direction is actuated. This prevents the occurrence of a situation in which the motor is caused to rotate (especially in the direction that closes the window) regardless of the fact that the operating switch has not been operated.

Abstract: This invention discloses a fluid level monitor including a buoyant element suspended from a filament wound on a spool, a load sensor that senses a tensile force in the filament and a rotation sensor that senses the rotation of the spool around which the filament is wound, wherein the buoyant element is adapted to be initially at least partially submerged at an equilibrium position at an initial level of a fluid, thereby creating a nominal tensile force in the filament, wherein a change in the level of the fluid changes the tensile force in the filament, a positive change in the tensile force corresponding to a downward movement of the buoyant element and a negative change in the tensile force corresponding to an upward movement of the buoyant element, wherein the rotation of the spool corresponds to an amount of distance traveled by the buoyant element.

Abstract: A windshield washer control system for use on a vehicle is herein disclosed. The windshield washer control system for use on a vehicle having an occupant compartment with a windshield and a windshield wiper device. The wiper device is movable across a predetermined area of the windshield and the windshield washer device includes a sprayer and a sprayer nozzle. The windshield washer device is comprised of a windshield transparency detection system and a controller unit. The controller unit includes three operating modes. The first operating mode is defined by the windshield washer device being manually operable. The second operating mode is defined by the windshield washer device operating by cycle, wherein the windshield washer device is controlled to spray after a predetermined number of wiper cycles. The third operating mode is defined by the windshield washer device being automatically operable by using the windshield transparency detection system.

Abstract: An automatic carbon black discharging device for a waste tire decomposing apparatus including a collecting hopper connected to a carbon black discharging portion of the waste tire decomposing apparatus. The automatic carbon black discharging device also includes a plurality of sensors respectively disposed at vertically equidistantly divided positions of the collecting hopper and adapted to sense maximum, normal and minimum levels of carbon black collected in the collecting hopper, thereby stopping or driving a drive motor for driving a feeding screw included in the waste tire decomposing apparatus. The carbon black is left in the collecting hopper in a minimum amount provide a sealing effect which prevents external air from entering into the device. When the amount of carbon black collected in the collecting hopper corresponds to the maximum level of the collecting hopper, the driving motor is controlled to increase its rotating speed, thereby increasing the discharge rate of carbon black.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for stopping a motor-driven pressure generating pump of a system for coating workpieces with atomized liquid coating material in case of an empty material reservoir or a leakage in a material supply from a material reservoir to the pump or from the pump to an atomizer. The pressure and/or the volume flow at the pump outlet and/or the speed of the pump piston or a value dependent thereon are continually measured. The measured values are then converted to electric signals to be input to an electronic analyzer and analyzed therein. If, during operation, the pressure and/or the volume flow drops below a predetermined value and/or the speed of the piston exceeds a predetermined value, the electrically controlled driving connection between motor and pump or the power supply to the pump motor will be cut-off by output signals from the electronic analyzer.

Abstract: Force responsive sensors and circuitry which detect the present and absence of a meterial within a storage bin or hopper and activates a motor to maintain the level of the material within preset limits. The sealed sensors are state-of-the-art force sensing resistive types and the circuitry is all solid-state with no relays or other mechanical devices used. The ON/OFF condition of the motor is controlled by a triac switch whose gate is optically isolated from the control circuitry with the use of a zero-crossing turn on triac optical coupler. The low voltage and low power required to operate the logic and control circuitry is derived from a pair of bridge rectifiers that receive their AC inputs from the voltage across the triac when it is not conducting and from the secondary of a current monitor transformer when the triac is conducting.

Abstract: A soft start power control device for a liquid vacuum motor includes a detection component for shutting off the vacuum motor when the vacuum's recovery tank reach full capacity, and in-rush current limiting component for restraining the in-rush current to the motor when the power is switched on, whereby the motor slowly ramps up to its operating speed. The motor is switch by a triac. The device includes a component for preventing the triac from inadvertently triggering at commutation frequency. A snubber circuit is also connected in parallel with the triac to limit the dv/dt characteristic. The detection component includes a float switch to monitor the level of liquid in the recovery tank. The detection component disables the motor once the water reaches a predetermined high level, which then requires the operator to empty the recovery tank before restarting the motor.

Abstract: An electrode is lowered toward the surface of a liquid column until electrical contact is made between the electrode and a liquid column to establish current flow between the electrode and the liquid column. The electrode is raised from the liquid column. An additional quantity of liquid is added to the liquid column to cause the column to rise. The electrode is lowered toward the surface of the liquid column until electrical contact is again effected. The distance of travel of the electrode is measured as a determination of the rise in height of the liquid column and of the additional volume of liquid added to the column.

Abstract: Electrical contact is made between an electrode and a liquid column to establish current flow between the electrode and the liquid column. The electrode is raised up the liquid column until electrical contact is broken. An additional quantity of liquid is added to the liquid column to cause the column to rise and make electrical contact with the electrode. The electrode is raised up the liquid column until electrical contact is again broken. The distance of travel of the electrode is measured as a determination of the rise in height of the liquid column and of the additional volume of liquid added to the column.

Abstract: A level gauge is used on a tank containing a liquid. The gauge utilizes a displacer suspended on a support wire or tape which is wound on a storage wheel. The storage wheel is balanced by a counterweight. Any change in liquid level results in an imbalance which causes a servo motor to energize and rotate the wheel to bring the counterweight and displacer back into balance. The change in level is determined by counting the steps of motor operation. The changes in level are determined using the relationship between length and steps of motor operation. The level gauge is operable to continually correct calculation to compensate for changes in wire length per turn of the spool.

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

Abstract: A groundwater pollutant recovery system using the cone of depression approach, in which a sensing probe having liquid level sensors responsive to both water and pollutant levels and having attached to it the pollutant intake is deployed in a recovery well above the submerged water and pollutant pumps. The pollutant intake on the sensing probe is attached to the pollutant pump by an extendable hose so that the sensing probe may be raised and lowered in response to changing hydraulic conditions in the well without the necessity of changing the water or pollutant pump positions. The recovery sequence is controlled by a microprocessor under the control of a program responsive to the liquid levels indicated by the sensors in the sensing probe.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating level of material comprises a cable vertically suspended so as to contact and be surrounded by the material. The cable is suspended from a cam follower mechanism that engages a cam coupled to a motor for selectively introducing slack in the cable, such that the upper portion of the cable unsupported by the material engages and is suspended from a load cell. Circuitry is responsive to cable weight measured by the load cell for indicating level of the material. The motor comprises a rotary electric motor having a horizontal axis of rotation perpendicular to the vertical cable. The cam comprises a cam plate coupled to the motor to rotate about the motor axis and having an asymmetric periphery surrounding the axis of rotation. The cam follower mechanism comprises an arm pivotally mounted in fixed position adjacent to the cam plate and supporting a roller that engages the cam plate periphery.

Abstract: A control system for a reciprocating linear motion or intermittent motion device. The system includes e.g. programmable control for setting an extent of stroke for an operation member of the device, for setting a period of stroke time for the operation member, and a memory for storing therein in the order of addresses items of velocity data at stroke positions at a specified spacing, the items of velocity data being obtained from a predetermined operation member velocity diagram. When the extent of stroke and time are specified by, the velocities of the operation member are determined based on the specified values and the velocity data in the memory, permitting the operation member to perform a stroke motion by the specified amount for the specified time period at the velocities determined.

Abstract: A self-balancing type level gauge apparatus is disclosed, in which the change of a magnetic flux generated between coupling outer and inner magnet rings on the basis of a displacement between the coupling outer and inner magnet rings due to the displacement of a liquid level to be gauged is converted to an electrical signal which is used to gauge the liquid level to thereby reduce the mechanical portion which causes a mechanical friction so that the level gauge apparatus can be improved considerably in level gauging detection sensitivity.

Abstract: A device to control an electric well pump motor to pump continuously so long as there is liquid available to be pumped from the well. Whenever there is insufficient liquid to be pumped, the device causes shut-off of the electric pump motor. When liquid again becomes sufficiently available, the device causes pumping operations to resume. Liquid availability conditions are examined by the device at periodic intervals. The device comprises an adjustable variable-area-orifice restricted section in a liquid passage conduit, a pressure switch, a timer, an electric motor, and a motor control switch.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bilge pump control system. Sensing of water level in the bilge is accomplished by the conduction of current (on the order of one milliampere) between two stainless steel probes. The probes are mounted in a triangular package which is placed in the boat bilge. When immersed, a conduction path is provided between the probes. One edge of the package is aligned with the probes to enhance water run-off. An associated circuit is activated when the conduction path is present (when the probes are immersed) which operates the bilge pump in a time-hysteresis fashion.

Abstract: Alternator circuit arrangement (20) for controlling the electrical energization of multiple load devices such as two pump motors (41,42) on an alternating basis so as to maintain the level of a liquid (86) in a container (84) within a predetermined range. The alternator circuit arrangement (20) further including an RC circuit (54) having a capacitor (62) for discharging through a normally closed switch (50b) which is opened during energization of the pump motors (41,42) so as to energize a bi-stable relay (52) which in turn interconnects alternate ones of the pump motors (41,42) to the alternator circuit (20) such that upon detection of the liquid (86) at an intermediate level (96) alternate ones of the pumps (41,42) are energized.

Abstract: A fluid measurement gauge is principally used to measure the fluid level in large underground storage tanks, such as for storing gasoline at service stations. A housing is positioned vertically in the fluid and includes a leadscrew which is driven by a stepper motor. A nut is mounted for longitudinal movement along the leadscrew. A float encircles the housing and includes a magnet at the surface of the fluid level. A magnetic sensor, such as a Hall-effect switch, is mounted on the nut and driven in selected steps downward to encounter the magnet mounted in the float. A reference position is marked at the top of the housing and the fluid level is measured downward from the reference position by detecting the magnet by operation of the magnetic sensor. An additional float can be provided to detect the interface between two fluids such as gasoline and water. The second float is further provided with a magnet to be detected by the magnetic sensor.

Abstract: A level control device is disclosed comprising a paddle on a rotary shaft projecting from a housing, a carrier disc coupled to the shaft and supporting a plurality of torque-transmitting levers having first arms engageable by drive pins or an apertured drive disc on an output shaft of an electric motor, an axially movable control plate biased toward the carrier by spring means which also cause the control plate to rotate with the carrier, the levers having second arms disposed between the carrier and the control plate for moving the control plate away from the carrier when the driving torque transmitted by the first arms increases due to increasing drag on the paddle caused by rising granular material coming into contact with the paddle, and a control switch operable by the movement of the control plate away from the carrier. The position of the switch is adjustable to provide a sensitivity adjustment. A slip clutch may be provided between the carrier and the paddle shaft.

Abstract: In liquid measuring apparatus, a cable supporting a sensing plate is attached to a drum that is connected via a magnetic clutch with the drive shaft of a servomotor. The servomotor is supported in a pivot mount which is flexibly rotatively connected to the apparatus housing. In response to liquid level changes, a contactless sensor generates a signal which is compared with a balance of moments reference signal in a comparator to develop a deflection signal which, after conversion into frequency pulses in fast servocontrol circuitry, activate the servomotor in one direction or the other as determined by a polarity switch activated by a directional decoder. Inaccuracies due to parts vibrations are compensated for. Also, measurement disturbances caused by waves at the surface of the liquid are avoided with the aid of slow servocontrol circuitry which, after a delay, activates the servomotor with an adjustable frequency supplied by an oscillator.

Abstract: In an apparatus having a magnetic sensing type metal sensor arranged in spaced relation to a surface of metal under measurement and reciprocable in a predetermined direction, a tracing unit for driving the sensor in accordance with a change in the output of the sensor due to a change of position of the metal in the predetermined direction for causing the sensor to follow the surface position of the metal, and a measuring unit for measuring the surface position of the metal based on a current position of the sensor; a metal surface position measuring apparatus comprising a measuring and storing device for measuring a noise component in the output of the sensor due to factors other than a change of the surface position of the metal and storing the noise component, and correction device for correcting the output of the sensor by the stored noise component and causing the sensor to be moved in accordance with the corrected output.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing fiber portions from a selected plurality of bales and delivering the fiber to a receiver, such apparatus including a head that is lowered into contact with the top surface of such bales to grasp fibers therefrom. A control system is provided which generates a signal when the head has traveled a predetermined vertical distance toward a bale, and the signal is used to vary the sequence of pick-up or the amount of fiber picked up, from the plurality of bales to assure that the plurality of bales are maintained at substantially even heights during the sequential pick-up of fiber therefrom.

Abstract: An automatic system for controlling a plurality of motors includes motor starting circuitry and motor stopping circuitry that serves to sequentially start and stop the motors in the same cyclic order. The starting circuitry has a sensing component for sensing the presence and absence of a condition that reflects the need for starting the motor and a master starting control component which develops two different states that are used in controlling the circuits of the starting circuitry. The control circuits include a plurality of motor starting circuits for starting the respective motors and a plurality of conditioning circuits that normally respond to one of the developed states for conditioning the starting circuits for response sequentially to the other of the developed states and in a cyclic order for starting the motors.

Abstract: Control apparatus for an electrical load device, comprising a relay having a winding and a set of normally open contacts which are closed and opened, after short delays, upon energization and deenergization respectively of the winding, first and second switches arranged to be closed and opened in predetermined sequences, a first circuit for supplying electrical energy from a source to the winding through both the switches series, and a second circuit for supplying electrical energy to the winding and the load device from the source through one of the switches and the contacts of the relay, the second circuit connecting the contacts in parallel with the other of the switches.

Abstract: In a level control sensor switch mechanism mountable upon a bin containing bulk material of varying levels, a housing having a base which is mounted upon the bin wall and mounts a low-torque, low-speed electric motor having an output shaft which is coupled to a drive shaft journalled through the base, projects into the bin and mounts a paddle which is continuously rotatable when free of said bulk material, and is non-rotatable in said bulk material at a predetermined level thereof, stalling the motor. The improvement comprises an adjustment bracket upon the base mounting a torsion spring adapter. A stub on the motor axis is journalled within said adapter for limited rotary movement of the motor. A bracket secured to the motor projects from opposite sides thereof and is adapted for limited rotary movement with the motor in a plane at right angles to its axis. An adjustable time delay stop is mounted upon the adjustment bracket, retainingly engaging the motor bracket in a first position.

Abstract: A flow stoppage detector device for a particulate material supply line includes a housing that has a pivoted partition member for dividing the housing into first and second adjacent upright conduit sections. The partition member has a pair of leg members and is pivotally disposed in the housing for movement to a first position in which a first leg member forms a common wall for the conduit sections and the second leg member an obstruction to a material flow through the second conduit section. A switch means on the housing has a switch actuator extended into the second conduit section for movement from a first position to a second position in response to an overflow of material over the common wall from the first conduit section into the second conduit section.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for discharging from a condensate sump large amounts of condensate as well as high viscous liquid by means of an electrically driven valve which is arranged at the outlet of the condensate sump and which is controlled to open and close in response to the position of a float whose location within the condensate sump is sensed by proximity switch means connected to operate the valve.

Abstract: A device is described which comprises in combination at least one resistor means placed at a determined level on the inner wall surface of the vat, said resistor means having a resistance which is variable in response to the presence or absence of the liquid at the level thereof; switching means responsive to a control signal for causing the feed pump means for the liquid to be stopped, and control means for producing the control signal for the switching means, said control means comprising impedance means which includes the resistance of the said at least one resistor means, whereby the said resistance being varied by the presence or absence of the liquid in the vat at the level thereof causes the control means to operate the switching means thereby to stop or restart the feed pump means.

Abstract: A circuit for sensing and controlling the level of fluid within a reservoir includes a pump for controlling the level of fluid. The circuit further includes two sub-circuits each including a probe adapted to contact the fluid. Each sub-circuit further includes an SCR and an oppositely poled diode. Also included is a relay coupled to the sub-circuits for operating the pump. The relay is designed to energize the pump only upon submersion of both of the probes. The circuit is coupled to an AC transformer having, in one embodiment, an off-set center tap such that upon submersion of the first probe the first sub-circuit conducts a first magnitude of energy that is insufficient to pull in the relay but is sufficient to hold in the relay once it is actuated. In an alternative embodiment, the transformer includes first and second resistors coupled between the relay and the first and second sub-circuits, respectively.

Abstract: A level-sensing head is suspended from a capstan above a vessel by means of a flexible link which is wound around the capstan to raise or lower that head upon rotation thereof in one direction or the other. Depending upon the position of the sensing head relative to the level of a liquid or other flowable mass in the vessel, the head causes emission of either of two control signals triggering a pulse generator to step a motor, coupled with the capstan, in a sense tending to maintain that relative level between two narrow limits. The output of the pulse generator is also fed to recording equipment and/or to a digital comparator designed to establish a preselected level which may be modified from time to time by a programmer. The flexible link may serve as an electrical or fluidic transmission channel for control signals originating at the sensing head; with a floating sensing head such control signals can also be generated by a torsion monitor inserted between the motor shaft and the capstan.