Abstract: A liquid level monitoring and control apparatus is described, which generates an alarm signal or a safety signal, discontinuing an operation such as heating, when the liquid level in a controlled vessel has reached a predetermined level. Several signals, similar or different, may be generated at different liquid levels. The operation of the. apparatus may be based on various physical properties, such as optical, magnetic, acoustic, electrical and conductivity properties. The apparatus comprises a floating actuator, the level of which is determined by the level of the liquid in the vessel, a sensing assembly comprising at least a member which can be actuated by the actuator, means for guiding the vertical displacement of the actuator and means for issuing the desired signal or signals when the actuator reaches a level close to that of the actuatable member. The actuatable member can be displaced to set the predetermined level of the liquid as desired by the user.

Abstract: A drip annunciator comprises a main body and a needle bottle capable of inserting into a drip bottle for outputting liquid. A buoyancy body is received in the needle bottle, which may move with the liquid level. The bottom of the buoyancy body is installed with a magnet and a magnetic sensor on a control rod at the lower side thereof. Thus, as the liquid level within the drip bottle has descended to a predetermined position, the magnet will actuate the magnetic sensor to be electrically conducted, and then the buzzer at another side emits an alarm or lights up an alarm light so inform one to update the liquid therewithin. Meanwhile, a rolling ball will seal the liquid opening to prevent air to flow inwards so as to safeguard the life of a patient. Besides, another soft tube can be disposed between the liquid transferring tube and the needle bottle, and an adjusting wheel and a screw rod screwedly through the central screw hole and having a tightening block are installed aside.

Abstract: A bathtub water level warning device for activating an audible and/or visible warning indicator when the water level in a bathtub approximately reaches a predetermined level, comprising a watertight case including a float element, a tubular stem element and a tubular pivot element. The alarm device is an independent device which floats free of the bathtub upon the bathtub reaching a filled condition, therefore allowing removal or inclusion of the device in a bathtub as desired by a user, such as during filling only. The alarm device includes a power source, a gravity switch, and an audible and/or visible warning indicator is internally mounted in the alarm device. Gravity causes the switch to close when the alarm device is in a substantially vertical orientation.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated float switch for turning on and off an electrical load device which includes a mounting member, a moveable bracket member which is attached to the mounting member and which is moveable between a first bracket position and a second bracket position by an external force. The moveable bracket member further has a first magnetic end and a second magnetic end which define a space therebetween. The first magnetic end and second magnetic end are oriented in a repelling arrangement. Insertion of a magnet in the space between the magnetic ends of the bracket results in the moveable bracket being moved from the first position to the second position. The moveable bracket member is operatively arranged to change the state of a switch between a first and second state. The switch is in turn operably arranged to change the state of an electrical load device between an on state and an off state.

Abstract: A device and method for sensing fluid characteristics, including, temperature, pH and chemistry, comprises a switch affixed to or embedded in a container of a size, shape and density such that said container floats stable in said liquid sensors which measure and report other characteristics of the liquid, such as temperature, pH, viscosity, chemistry or biochemistry.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for forming a layer of material over a surface of a previously-formed cross-section of a three-dimensional object in anticipation of forming a next cross-section of the object out of the layer. A volume of material, including at least some excess material, is placed over the surface, and the excess material is swept off by placing the excess material in the predetermined path of a sweeping member, the path being substantially in a plane spaced from a working surface of material. The member may be directed to sweep the excess material away through a successive number of sweeps, which may vary for each cross-section, at least a velocity which may vary for each sweep. Additionally, the clearance between the member and the surface of the previous cross-section may vary for each sweep. A "winged" member is also provided, comprising two legs extending from a base, and a "Trident" embodiment is also provided, comprising three legs extending from a base.

Abstract: A valve assembly and a bottom-draining container having the valve assembly. The valve assembly comprising a first body member, a guide member supported by the first body member so that the guide member will extend upward into the container, and a float mounted for movement along the guide member, the float being buoyant in a liquid to be drained from the container, the float having a mating surface for engaging a second mating surface on the valve assembly when the float is in the unsensed position, the mating surface of the float having a configuration for minimizing sticking of the float with respect to the valve assembly.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor for reducing and monitoring liquid level in a vessel, such as a heated pot or kettle is provided. The sensor issues a signal when the liquid level drops to a level below its predetermined level. The signal may initiate an audio or visual alarm, or may stop the action causing the liquid level to drop.

Abstract: An apparatus for is disclosed for detecting low liquid level in a bottom-draining container (12), the apparatus including a spout (14, 48) extended outwardly from the container, the spout having a central bore (18) through which liquid can drain from a bottom of the container; at least one guide member (26, 56, 62) positioned in the spout; at least one float (38) mounted for movement in the spout along the guide member, the float being buoyant in a liquid to be drained from the container; a source (42) for directing a beam of radiation into the spout along a path intersected by the float when a liquid drains to a preselected level within the spout; and a device (44, 46) for detecting when the float intersects the beam. The guide member may be omitted in one embodiment.

Abstract: A liquid level alarm system is activated when liquid in a container falls below a predetermined level. The system contains an alarm located outside the container. The alarm is electrically connected to a switching device. The switching device may have a push-down button located on the top, an "on-off" switch located on the side, or a sliding switch located on the side. When the switch is pushed down, the switching device activates the alarm. The container has a vertically positioned rod adjacent the switching device. There is a float slidably connected to the rod by a connecting rod and hook. The float rises and falls with the level of the liquid. On the side of the rod opposite the float there is a switch contact which makes contact with the switch when the level of the liquid falls below a predetermined level and the float is no longer supported by the liquid.

Abstract: A device for preventing the complete evaporation of boiling food within a cooking pan is provided including a housing releasably connected to a pan. Further provided is an indicator mechanism situated on the housing and adapted to provide an indication upon the receipt of power. Associated therewith is a detection mechanism situated on the housing for supplying the indicator mechanism with power upon the detection of an absence of liquid within the pan.

Abstract: A liquid level alarm system is activated when liquid in a container falls below a predetermined level. The system contains an alarm located outside the container. The alarm is electrically connected to a switching device. The switching device may have a push-down button located on the top, an "on-off" switch located on the side, or a sliding switch located on the side. When the switch is pushed down, the switching device activates the alarm. In one embodiment, the container has a vertically positioned rod adjacent the switching device. There is a float slidably connected to the rod by a connecting rod and hook. The float rises and falls with the level of the liquid. On the side of the rod opposite the float there is a switch contact which makes contact with the switch when the level of the liquid falls below a predetermined level and the float is no longer supported by the liquid.

Abstract: A probe rod is provided with sensor housings, pipe sections, and joint sleeves all having a common outer diameter. The sensor housings and joint sleeves are threadably connected to the various pipe sections. The threadable connections have a double seal using an O-ring and threading paste that ensure a gas tight seal while being easy to assemble. Pressure and temperature sensors are mounted within the sensor housings. Output leads from the sensors are threaded through the pipe sections and through throughways in the sensor housings and joint sleeves to a circuitry box mounted on the top of the probe rod. The circuitry box contains electronics for processing signals generated by the sensors and for transmitting the results to a remote location.

Abstract: A liquid level detection apparatus has an outer semi-rigid, flexible tube closely surrounding an inner, non-permeable tube containing a magnetostrictive wire. The outer tube prevents collapse of the inner tube during bending and flexing of the inner tube to enable the inner tube to be bent or coiled during storage, shipping, and installation.

Abstract: A railroad tank car containing liquid, has a tube through its top, with the closed lower end of the tube in the liquid. A float slidable along the tube exterior is magnetically coupled to an ultrasound reflector piston inside the tube so that, when the tube is in the liquid in the tank, the float determines the height of the piston inside the tube. An ultrasonic transducer atop the tube sends pulses down the tube and which are reflected by the piston to the transducer. A computer coupled to the transducer determines and displays the liquid level. The piston is cup-shaped with a known distance between reflecting surfaces for use in the computer to produce a display value corrected for temperature variations.

Abstract: A modular overfill alarm assembly is constructed and arranged to be installed in-line with a vent pipe in a vented storage tank for liquids such as waste oil or gasoline. The alarm assembly includes a vent tube having an open lower end that is threaded to be mounted to a vent opening in a vented storage tank, and an open upper end that is threaded to have a vent pipe mounted thereto, so that the vent pipe may be communicated with the vent opening as it would if it were threaded directly into the opening. The assembly further includes a support bracket mounted to the vent pipe and vent tube for supporting a commercially available alarm for actuating the alarm.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for forming a layer of material over a surface of a previously-formed cross-section of a three-dimensional object in anticipation of forming a next cross-section of the object out of the layer. A volume of material, including at least some excess material, is placed over the surface, and the excess material is swept off by placing the excess material in the predetermined path of a sweeping member, the path being substantially in a plane spaced from a working surface of material. The member may be directed to sweep the excess material away through a successive number of sweeps, which may vary for each cross-section, at least a velocity which may vary for each sweep. Additionally, the clearance between the member and the surface of the previous cross-section may vary for each sweep. A "winged" member is also provided, comprising two legs extending from a base, and a "Trident" embodiment is also provided, comprising three legs extending from a base.

Abstract: A water level sensor includes a magnetic tube and a float disposed on a vertical oval rod portion of the magnetic tube. A magnetic switch is contained in the magnetic tube and connected with a power cord. The float has a center hole for the vertical oval bar to extend therein, an inner annular wall extending down to define the center hole with an outer annular wall, and an open lower end closed with a cap. And a magnetic ring is fixed around the center hole on an upper surface of the float. When the float moves down to a preset lower level in water of a tank, the magnetic ring and the magnetic switch produce induction to turn off the power to prevent the tank from burning owing to no water therein.

Abstract: A universal read head for a tank-level float gauge is adapted for use with any of certain different types of gauge rods which may be connected to a float element in the tank, including rods having an optical code thereon including a plurality of alternating reflecting and non-reflecting stripes arranged between magnetic end portions, and a rod with one or more magnets disposed adjacent to each end thereof and longitudinally spaced magnets intermediate the ends. The sensing head includes an LED light source for illuminating the rod and two phototransistors coupled in quadrature relationship for detecting the illuminated optical code patterns, and two magnetic reed switches for sensing the proximity of magnets on the gauge rod. The sensors are coupled to a microprocessor for interpreting the electrical signals generated by the sensors to identify the type of gauge rod being used and to provide an indication of the position of the gauge rod relative to the sensors.

Abstract: A new HOT WATER HEATER LEAK PROTECTION SYSTEM for PREVENTING OVERFLOW OF HOT WATER IN IF A HOT WATER HEATER BREAKS. The inventive device includes an overflow tank having a cylindrical stand positioned centrally thereon for positioning a hot water heater thereon. The overflow tank has a supplemental housing secured therein. The supplemental housing has an opening in a lower portion thereof to allow water to flow therethrough. An automatic float switch is positioned within the supplemental housing. A pump is disposed within the supplemental housing. The pump is in communication with the automatic float switch. A shut off valve is disposed within a housing coupled to a water line leading into the hot water heater. The shut off valve is in communication with the pump and the automatic float switch.

Abstract: An automated waste cooking grease recycling tank having a top, a bottom, at least one side wall defining an inside and an outside of the tank with a plurality of openings in the tank. A liquid level sensor is inserted into the inside of the tank through one of the plurality of openings with the liquid level sensor operatively connected for sensing at least first and second different liquid levels inside of the tank. A control panel is positioned outside of the tank, operatively coupled to the level sensor and having first and second indicators thereon responsive to signal the first and second different liquid levels sensed inside of the tank. A fill pump is operatively coupled to the control panel and responsive to the control panel for adding grease.

Abstract: A device and method for sensing fluid characteristics, including level, temperature, pH and chemistry, comprises a switch affixed to or embedded in a container of a size, shape and density such that said container floats stably in said liquid until a predetermined level is reached; the container tilts so as to operate the switch when the liquid drops below or increases above a predetermined level. The device may contain additional sensors which measure and report other characteristics of the liquid, such as temperature, pH, viscosity, chemistry or biochemistry.

Abstract: A liquid level monitor uses a tube to confine a float to a vertical path with a canister containing a lower liquid and an upper liquid which meet at a liquid boundary, the level of which is to be monitored. Light from a light-emitting diode is conveyed to a vertical position of the tube by an optical fiber. A second optical fiber is arranged in a diametrically opposed position of the tube to detect light transmitted across the tube from the first optical fiber. The float is more transmissive than either liquid. When the level of the boundary falls to the level of the optical fibers, received light increases. The second optical fiber conveys this return light to a photodetector, the output of which can be used to trigger an alarm indicating that the boundary level is low.

Abstract: Abnormal flow of liquid in a non-pressurized conduit such as a drain line of a building is detected by a liquid level sensor unit connected at a conduit location not anticipated to fill with liquid during normal flow, so that liquid backing up at such location will enter a sensor chamber of the unit to cause a liquid level sensor to signal an indicator. A monitoring system uses at least one such sensor to signal at least one local or remote indicator that indicates which sensor has detected abnormal flow. The system can monitor for short times particular drain lines suspected of experiencing abnormal flow, or can serve on a long-term basis to provide an early warning of clogging and blockage in lines selected for monitoring.

Abstract: Disclosure is made in this application of a pedestal housing and a pedestal control housing segment mounted at the top of the pedestal housing and a control panel board mounted in the control housing segment and power lines entering the pedestal housing below the ground level and into the pedestal housing and lead connectors extending from sump pump and sump pump float switch and tank alert float switch extending from sump tank through a connector duct or pipe into the pedestal housing and extending to the control panel board in the housing segment and a door mounted on the control housing segment to seal the control housing segment. The lead connectors of the power lines and the float switches extend through apertures in the bottom of the control housing segment and are held in position by grommets to seal the openings around the lead connections.

Abstract: A two-terminal integrated circuit magnetic-field detector, for use in detecting a low level of a liquid in a vehicle, has a Hall element, a Schmitt type comparator, an anti-sloshing accumulator such as an up-down counter, and a latching driver all connected in tandem. The anti-sloshing accumulator is for producing a signal that is the integral as a function of time of the binary comparator output signal. During sloshing, when the average liquid level is near that at which a low-level warning signal is desired, the accumulator signal climbs in a vacillating manner. The latching driver is connected across the two integrated circuit (I.C.) terminals and latches on when the accumulator signal reaches a predetermined value, dropping the impedance across the two I.C terminals. A liquid level indicating lamp is connected in series with a source of DC voltage and the two I.C. terminals, so that when the average position of the floating magnet approaches that of the I.C.

Abstract: A residential oil-fired furnace heating system includes an oil storage tank having a fuel level gauge, and a second fuel level indicator located in a zone remote from the fuel oil storage tank. The homeowner can read the oil level from the second indicator without having to go down into the basement or other area where the tank might be located. The second indicator can have an alarm device that is triggered when the indicator reading reaches the near-empty reading. The alarm device alerts the homeowner that it is time to reorder a new supply of fuel oil.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor device, particularly adapted for use with corrosive and hazardous liquids such as oil, for measuring the liquid level in a storage tank or vessel. A tubular device is placed vertically in a liquid storage tank and senses the liquid level by having a float embedded with magnets move vertically along the axis of reed switches encased in the tubular device. The device contains temperature sensors to measure the temperature of the tank fluid, and microprocessors that scan the reed switches, transmitting data through a connector in the device top to a nearby computer for recording and transmission to a control and monitoring location. The electrical data system inside the device utilizes only two conductive trace runs throughout the device length to maximize reliability while minimizing the copper used. Special mechanical and electrical assembly connectors inside the device permit the device to flex safely in turbulent liquid conditions, without breakage.

Abstract: A device for warning when a low fluid level is reached is provided in which a levelness detecting switch is encapsulated in a conically shaped inert material (such as TEFLON.TM.), sized appropriately to the predetermined fluid limit, and coupled to an alarm device (such as an audible alarm, a frequency signal or a light).

Abstract: Disclosed is a device used to verify the identity of a selected fluid before permitting the selected fluid to be introduced into a storage vessel containing a liquid of known specific gravity. The device includes a container constructed from connecting walls to form a chamber having an opening through which a selected fluid may be introduced; a first float switch positioned in the container for generating a first signal when contacted by a fluid having a specific gravity greater than a first predetermined amount; a second float switch positioned in the container for generating a second signal in the presence of a fluid having a specific gravity greater than a second predetermined amount, where the first predetermined amount is less than the second predetermined amount, and the second float switch is responsive to the first signal from the first float switch.

Abstract: A system is provided for producing a three dimensional object from a reactive liquid medium capable of being solidified. The object is constructed from many successive layers of the solidified reactive liquid medium when subjected to appropriate synergistic stimulation. A reservoir contains both the reactive liquid medium and an underlying supporting, substantially immiscible, non-reactive liquid medium. To begin forming the object, a platform within the reservoir is initially positioned at a depth equal to the thickness of a first layer to be solidified, and continues to support the object being constructed. The synergistic source radiates toward the reactive liquid medium and imaging apparatus defining a three dimensional object of required configuration selectively controls the size and shape of that part of a new two dimensional layer to be solidified. At least part of the new layer is solidified, after which a further layer is applied.

Abstract: A system for generating three-dimensional objects by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to be formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, successive adjacent laminae, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.

Abstract: A magnetically activated float switch apparatus is disclosed for opening and closing an electrical circuit in response to a predetermined change in the level of a liquid. The apparatus includes a float element having an interior chamber. There is a capsule mounted within the chamber. A permanent magnet is mounted in the capsule and is slidable between first and second positions therein. A switch is mounted in the chamber adjacent to the capsule and is electrically connected to the electrical circuit. The switch is responsive to the permanent magnet in the first position for maintaining a first state and is responsive to a permanent magnet in the second position for maintaining an opposite second state. One of the states is open and the other is closed. The float element is suspended by a cable in an upright condition when the liquid is below a known level such that the magnet is in the first position and the switch is in the first state.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic apparatus fastened on an oil transformer, which measures with precision, continuously and simultaneously the value of the temperature, of the level of the dielectric liquid contained in the transformer, of the pressure inside the transformer and of the current-strength at the transformer secondary. With this measure of the four parameters are associated the continuous memorization of these measures over 24 hours, the visualization of these memorized measures on the apparatus or at distance on a peripheral equipment connected to the apparatus as well as the control of an alarm system and of a stop system of the transformer for each parameter.

Abstract: A motor vehicle safety device including a microswitch connected in series between the ignition system and battery power supply of a motor vehicle, and a float device disposed in the brake oil cup of the oil brake system of the motor vehicle and actuated to switch off the microswitch when the level of the brake fluid in the brake oil cup of the oil brake system of the motor vehicle drops below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A valve to monitor the level of fluid in an above ground storage tank while the tank is being filled, cutoff the flow of fluid when the tank is in a full condition, and as long as the filling pressure is on the valve the valve will remain cutoff even if the fluid level in the tank has lowered. A relief valve to drain the fluid remaining in the filling hose after the filling pressure is off. A sight level indicator to visually show that the tank is in a filled condition. A monitoring node to be used with or without the mechanical cutoff valve in a totally controlled application where the filling person is not responsible for shutting off the filling tank truck, with two switches, one to alert that the tank is near a filled condition and the second to alert that the tank is in a filled condition.

Abstract: A liquid level controller comprises of a control circuit, a control box, a sump pump, and a liquid level indicating means, the liquid level indicating means comprising a high level indicating device and an impulse indicating device, the high level indicating device and the impulse indicating device comprising pipe bodies, magnetic switches, floating element or impulse element. The pipe body of the impulse indicating device has a connecting pipe connected to the side thereof. The magnetic switches located on the top of the pipe bodies and connected to the control circuit with electric wires. When the liquid surface raises and buoys the floating element of the high level indicating device to contact the magnetic switch, the magnetic switch produces a signal to the control circuit and the sump pump is started to draw the liquid out of the tank.

Abstract: A valve to monitor the level of fluid in an above ground storage tank while the tank is being filled, cutoff the flow of fluid when the tank is in a full condition, and as long as the filling pressure is on the valve the valve will remain cutoff even if the fluid level in the tank has lowered. A relief valve to drain the fluid remaining in the filling hose after the filling pressure is off. A sight level indicator to visually show that the tank is in a filled condition. A monitoring node to be used with or without the mechanical cutoff valve in a totally controlled application where the filling person is not responsible for shutting off the filling tank truck, with two switches, one to alert that the tank is near a filled condition and the second to alert that the tank is in a filled condition.

Abstract: A disposable food container formed of sand and a decomposable binder. The disposable food containers are suitable for holding, storing and exposing food to heat in both conventional and microwave ovens. The decomposable binders contain 20 to 40% by weight of a binder selected from the group consisting of starch, grain flours and mixtures thereof, 20 to 30% by weight salt, 1 to 3% by weight oil and water. The containers are covered with a coating to prevent the transmission or absorption of liquids.

Abstract: A dipstick for measuring oil levels provides an electronic indication when oil in an internal combustion engine sump is low or high. The electronic dipstick does not have to be removed as is normal for most dipsticks which determine level from observing a wet line on the stick. The dipstick has an elongated member for insertion into an aperture of a sump, the member has a high mark and a low mark thereon representing oil level in the sump. A float is mounted for movement within a cage integral with the elongated member, the float having a magnet to activate a switch. A first switch is associated with the high level and a second switch is associated with the low level. An indicating arrangement indicates when the magnet in the float activates either the first switch and/or the second switch.

Abstract: A flood warning system including a stilling well having three vertically spaced apart float switches therein for detecting the level of flood waters. Upon the water level reaching and closing the lowest float switch, a telephone alarm dialer is actuated to transmit a first low stage flood warning message to a remote location. Upon the water level reaching and closing the second or middle level float switch, the lowest float switch is disabled and the upper float switch is enabled. Upon the water reaching and closing the upper float switch the telephone alarm dialer is actuated to transmit a high stage flood warning message to the remote location. As the water recedes, upon dropping below and opening the middle level float switch the lowest float switch is enabled and the upper float switch is disabled thereby actuating the telephone alarm dialer to transmit a second low stage flood warning message to the remote location. This second low stage flood warning message indicates that the flood has crested.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting and/or monitoring the presence of hydrocarbons in a fluid medium at a remote location, by sensing the presence of hydrocarbon-based fluid in the fluid medium in the remote location, generating a signal indicative of the sensed fluid, and transmitting the signal to monitoring means for indication of hydrocarbon contamination. The apparatus has multiple sensors at different vertical levels for sensing the fluid medium at a plurality of levels within the fluid.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for forming a layer of material over a surface of a previously-formed cross-section of a three-dimensional object in anticipation of forming a next cross-section of the object out of the layer. A volume of material, including at least some excess material, is placed over the surface, and the excess material is swept off by placing the excess material in the predetermined path of a sweeping member, the path being substantially in a plane spaced from a working surface of material. The member may be directed to sweep the excess material away through a successive number of sweeps, which may vary for each cross-section, at least a velocity which may vary for each sweep. Additionally, the clearance between the member and the surface of the previous cross-section may vary for each sweep. A "winged" member is also provided, comprising two legs extending from a base, and a "Trident" embodiment is also provided, comprising three legs extending from a base.

Abstract: A stereolithographic system for automatically generating three-dimensional objects on a layer by layer basis by alternately forming layers of medium over previously formed layers of the object and selectively solidifying successive layers of medium at a surface of a body of the medium whereby the object is formed from a plurality of solidified and adhered layers. The surface of the body of medium is maintained at a desired working surface, for example by detecting its level and relatively adjusting it and the working surface so that they coincide.

Abstract: A gauge for indicating whether the level of a liquid, such as fuel or oil, in a tank has reached one or more preselected levels. A magnet is mounted in a stem attached atop a float which moves up and down with the rising and falling of the liquid level. When the magnet is adjacent an electrical switch housed in a sealed cover, the switch closes and connects an external power supply to a warning light. The float moves within a cylinder which has a small drain hole at the bottom and a vent near the top. Liquid moves into and out of the guide through the drain hole at a relatively slow rate and thereby eliminates intermittent closing and opening of the switch which would otherwise occur due to the sloshing of the liquid when the tank is in motion, such as when mounted in a vehicle.

Abstract: A liquid level detector in which a float is operatively connected to the core of a linear variable displacement transformer. Output signals from the transformer are amplified, sampled, and averaged to obtain an indication of changes in liquid level. As an important feature of the invention, a cyclic disturbance mechanism is oriented to jostle or disturb the float or a motion-transmitting member connected to the float. The jostling force frees the float from frictional forces that would otherwise tend to prevent the float from reaching a true equilibrium position relative to the liquid surface. The float tends to continuously cycle back and forth, hunting a true equilibrium position. By sampling the float position a large number of times, such as one hundred times, an averaged signal representing the true equilibrium position of the float is obtained.

Abstract: A float actuated resistive oil level display with warning for providing continuous visual indication of oil level in the oil pan of an internal combustion engine. The system includes a reservoir which communicates with the oil pan such that the oil level in the reservoir corresponds to that in the oil pan. A selectively designed float resistor is disposed within the reservoir in such a manner as to compensate for the quantity of oil distributed throughout an engine's lubricating system while it is running, and is part of an electrical circuit which includes a meter and an alarm circuit remotely positioned within the view of the operator of the motor vehicle or other device powered by the engine to provide a continuous visual indication of oil level in the oil pan, even while such motor vehicle or other device is being operated.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for stereolithographically forming a three-dimensional object includes a vessel for holding a building material and a smoothing member for forming a uniform coating over a previously formed layer of the object. The smoothing member has a plurality of blades. The smoothing member is swept over a previously formed layer of the object, in at least two directions. Different clearances between the lower surface of the smoothing member and the upper surface of the previously formed layer are used to provide a uniform coating for a subsequent layer over the previously formed layer. The sweeping velocity of the smoothing member can be varied. Retractable needles are attached to the smoothing member for adjusting a blade gap between the lower surface of the smoothing member and the surface of the building material.

Abstract: An oil supply system for an internal combustion engine, having an oil supplementing pump and an oil level sensor arranged in an oil pan for initiating the operation of the oil supplementing pump. A temperature of the oil is detected every time the engine is stopped, and this value is stored. A drop in the temperature of the oil when the engine is started is detected from the stored value of the temperature obtained when the engine was stopped. When a drop of the engine temperature is larger than a predetermined value, an oil supplementing operation is carried out.

Abstract: A remote indicator attachment kit for use with the mechanical level gauge of an oil tank located in the basement area of a dwelling, to indicate at a remote point the drop in oil level, comprises a magnet attachable to the movable member of the existing mechanical gauge, and a reed switch and mounting that is attachable to the see-through housing of the mechanical gauge, to be influenced by the magnet on the movable member. Circuitry connected to the reed switch and to the remote indicator is energized to provide an indication at the remote point.