Abstract: A temperature sensing unit includes a temperature sensor and a substrate including a first region and a second region. The temperature sensor is arranged in the second region. The second region extends away from the first region.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette includes a processor, a heating element, and a power supply. The heating element is electrically coupled to the processor. The power supply is electrically coupled to the processor and the heating element. The processor is configured to calculate a resistance value RL of the heating element before the heating element is powered on, determine whether the resistance value RL of the heating element is within a predetermined range, and determine whether a temperature control mode is selected when the resistance value RL of the heating element is within the predetermined range. The processor is configured to determine whether the heating element is adapted to the temperature control mode when the temperature control mode is selected, and control the heating element to work in the temperature control mode when the heating element is adapted to the temperature control mode. A related temperature control method is also provided.

Abstract: A thermocouple fixing device and a temperature measuring apparatus including a fixing joint, a sealing sleeve, a clamping piece and a locking nut sequentially sleeved outside the outer cover of the thermocouple is disclosed. The inside end of the fixing joint is fixed on the side wall of the vacuum generation chamber, the outside end of the fixing joint abuts on one end of the sealing sleeve; the two sides of the clamping piece abut on the other end of the sealing sleeve and the inside end of the locking nut, respectively; the internal threads of the locking nut are meshed with the external threads of the fixing joint; the clamping piece has a clamping element and a through hole for clamping the outer over of the thermocouple.

Abstract: A protocol adaptive, computer controlled target-analyte permeation testing instrument, capable of self-adaptive adjustments to measurement interval, rezero frequency and independent zero go-no-go.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the flow distribution of a fluid through a component with a sensing cable including an optical fiber sensor array aligned with a heating element disposed in the component. An excitation source is configured to propagate at least one heat pulse through the heating element along at least a portion of the sensing cable to affect an exchange of thermal energy between the heating element and the fluid exposed to the sensing cable. An optical signal is adapted to receive a signal from each of a plurality of sensor locations and measure a temperature profile corresponding to the heat pulse at the sensor locations. A control unit is configured to determine a flow of the fluid by determining one or more properties of the fluid exposed to the sensing cable at each of the plurality of sensor locations based on the temperature profile corresponding thereto.

Abstract: A method of determining the thermal status of fuel in a fuel distribution system (10) includes pressurizing the distribution line (16) by activating a submersible pump (14) in an underground storage tank (12). Once the distribution line (16) is pressurized, the pump (14) is switched off, and the reverse flow rate out of the distribution line back into the tank (12) is monitored. The test is repeated after a period of time, and the reverse flow rates of the separate tests are compared to determine if the fuel in the distribution line (16) is in thermal stability with the surrounding environment based on flow rate changes between tests.

Abstract: A temperature sensing system comprises a thermowell, a sensor, and a solid insert. The thermowell extends into a sensing region of a fluid flow. The sensor has a probe housed in the thermowell to sense a temperature in the sensing region. The solid insert is configured to removably support the probe within the thermowell and to provide a thermal contact between the thermowell and the probe.

Abstract: A method of using a thermocouple is provided. The method includes, but is not limited to, disposing at least one temperature sensor at each of two or more respective portions of an electrical connector adapted to receive thermocouple signals, measuring temperatures at the two or more portions, and calculating the temperatures at each terminal of the electrical connector based on measured temperature values of the two or more respective portions having the disposed temperature sensors. The method also includes, but is not limited to, calculating a cold junction temperature of a terminal for at least one thermocouple channel carrying the thermocouple signals based on measured or calculated temperature values of the terminals, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A portable temperature sensing probe having a plurality of thermocouples is inserted into a tank mounted on a truck or other receptacle at the time of loading a hot liquid, e.g., molten sulfur. The probe and at least a portion of the associated wiring or leads are attached to the loading pipe and/or discharge nozzle, and the probe is inserted into the interior of the tank before the molten sulfur is discharged. The signals from the plurality of thermocouples are amplified and the corresponding temperature information is transmitted to a display and control device. Due to the significant differential between the temperature of the rising molten sulfur and the vapors in the tank overhead space, the signals generated indicate which of the thermocouple are in contact with molten sulfur or the vapor zone. The generated signals adjust the shut-off valve that controls the flow of molten sulfur into the tank.

Abstract: A pencil-shaped electrical heating element, in particular for application in a device for measuring filling level in a liquid container, in particular in a reactor chamber of a nuclear plant, contains an electrically-conducting sleeve and at least one electric line embedded therein which is in conducting contact with the sleeve. The electrical line has at least two line sections with differing electrical properties and/or thermal conductivities.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette (“e-Cig”) may include functionality for monitoring and controlling the thermal properties of the e-Cig. The system and method described herein may monitor a temperature based on a resistor (i.e. hot wire) near the wick and model the thermal cycle of an e-Cig. The model can be used for controlling the temperature of the e-Cig and preventing burning. The temperature control may dictate optimal conditions for atomization and smoke generation in an e-Cig while avoiding hotspots and burning to the atomizer or cartomizer.

Abstract: A method of detecting an omission to fill an automobile differential housing with fluid in the course of an assembly procedure is carried out using an infrared sensor to read differential housing temperature. The camera produces an electrical signal that is processed to provide an indication as to whether or not the differential housing has been properly filled. An infrared sensing camera is the preferred thermal detector.

Abstract: Two vertically offset thermistors for sensing a fluid such as oil and refrigerant in a compressor shell are monitored by a method that takes into account rapidly changing conditions within the shell. The system can determine the fluid's sump temperature, high/low liquid levels, and can determine whether the thermistors are sensing the fluid as a liquid, gas, or a mixture of the two, such as a foam or mist of liquid and gas. For greater accuracy, thermistor readings can be dithered and filtered to provide temperature or voltage values having more significant digits than the readings originally processed through a limited-bit A/D converter. For faster response, limited microprocessor time is conserved by sampling thermistor readings at strategic periods that enable the microprocessor to identify certain conditions and temperatures via simple delta-temperature ratios and undemanding equations rather than resorting to exponential functions or lookup tables to determine time constants.

Abstract: A low air conditioning refrigerant detection method for a vehicle air conditioning system includes measuring an evaporator core outlet refrigerant temperature, measuring an evaporator core outlet air thermistor temperature, calculating a refrigerant to air temperature delta value based on difference between the evaporator core outlet refrigerant temperature and the evaporator core outlet air thermistor temperature and determining system refrigerant charge level based on the refrigerant to air temperature delta value.

Abstract: In a hydrogen tank, discharge of a hydrogen gas may cause lowering of the temperature to a value at which it is assumed that disconnection has occurred in a thermistor. A temperature detection system for the hydrogen tank estimates the possibility that the temperature of the hydrogen tank is below this temperature value, according to the ambient temperature and the internal pressure. Only when there is no possibility that the temperature is below the value, disconnection is judged to have occurred.

Abstract: An apparatus for distinguishing a liquid reducing agent which judges empty with a higher precision than heretofore is provided. The apparatus for distinguishing a liquid reducing agent is provided with a concentration sensor and a liquid-level sensor in storage tank of liquid reducing agent, and is characterized in that empty is judged by utilizing the liquid-level based on the liquid-level sensor in addition to the concentration based on the concentration sensor (step 3 and step 5). Even if a bubble is adhering to the concentration sensor and an erroneous signal indicative of empty is output although the residual quantity of liquid reducing agent is sufficient, the liquid-level sensor does not output a signal indicative of empty. Consequently, erroneous judgment is prevented and accurate judgment can be made as compared to heretofore.

Abstract: An engine coolant amount determining apparatus includes an electric water pump that can be operated intermittently while an engine is running, and a coolant temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of coolant at a location higher than the water pump. The engine coolant amount determining apparatus also includes determining means for determining that the amount of coolant is equal to or less than a predetermined amount when the degree of change in the coolant temperature detected by the coolant temperature detecting means when the water pump is operated intermittently is large.

Abstract: A portable temperature sensing probe (10) having a plurality of thermocouples (18) is inserted into a tank (16) mounted on a truck or other receptacle at the time of loading a hot liquid, e.g., molten sulfur (14). The probe and at least a portion of the associated wiring or leads are attached to the loading pipe (22) and/or discharge nozzle, and the probe is inserted into the interior of the tank before the molten sulfur (14) is discharged. The signals from the plurality of thermocouples (18) are amplified and the corresponding temperature information is transmitted to a display and control device (30). Due to the significant differential between the temperature of the rising molten sulfur (14) and the vapors in the tank overhead space (26), the signals generated indicate which of the thermocouple (18) are in contact with molten sulfur (14) or the vapor zone (32). The generated signals adjust the shut-off valve (38) that controls the flow of molten sulfur (14) into the tank (16).

Abstract: An engine coolant amount determining apparatus includes an electric water pump that can be operated intermittently while an engine is running, and a coolant temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of coolant at a location higher than the water pump. The engine coolant amount determining apparatus also includes determining means for determining that the amount of coolant is equal to or less than a predetermined amount when the degree of change in the coolant temperature detected by the coolant temperature detecting means when the water pump is operated intermittently is large.

Abstract: Two vertically offset thermistors for sensing a fluid such as oil and refrigerant in a compressor shell are monitored by a method that takes into account rapidly changing conditions within the shell. The system can determine the fluid's sump temperature, high/low liquid levels, and can determine whether the thermistors are sensing the fluid as a liquid, gas, or a mixture of the two, such as a foam or mist of liquid and gas. For greater accuracy, thermistor readings can be dithered and filtered to provide temperature or voltage values having more significant digits than the readings originally processed through a limited-bit A/D converter. For faster response, limited microprocessor time is conserved by sampling thermistor readings at strategic periods that enable the microprocessor to identify certain conditions and temperatures via simple delta-temperature ratios and undemanding equations rather than resorting to exponential functions or lookup tables to determine time constants.

Abstract: A method and a device for detecting flash gas in a vapor-compression refrigeration or heat pump system comprising a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator interconnected by conduits providing a flow path for a refrigerant, by determining a first rate of heat flow of a heat exchange fluid flow across a heat exchanger of the system and a second rate of heat flow of the refrigerant across the heat exchanger, and using the rates of heat flow for establishing an energy balance from which a parameter for monitoring the refrigerant flow is derived, to thereby provide early detection of flash gas with a minimum number of false alarms.

Abstract: A discriminating apparatus of liquid reducing agent is disclosed, in which, based on concentration of liquid reducing agent which is measured at each predetermined time after starting of engine, discrimination is processed whether the storage tank is filled with dissimilar aqueous solution, the storage tank is normally filled with the liquid reducing agent, or the storage tank is empty. When the empty discrimination or the dissimilar aqueous solution discrimination is performed, it is judged whether or not the discrimination is adequate according to the liquid condition in the storage tank. When the empty or the dissimilar aqueous solution discrimination is adequate, the empty discrimination frequency or the dissimilar aqueous solution discrimination frequency is counted up. When the empty discrimination frequency and the dissimilar aqueous solution discrimination frequency become equal to or larger than the first predetermined frequency, the discrimination is upheld.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a transformer comprising, a transformer core and a tank portion arranged to contain a cooling fluid for absorbing thermal energy from the transformer core. The transformer also comprises a radiator portion which is in fluidal communication with the tank portion and for radiation of at least a portion of the thermal energy absorbed by the cooling fluid. A first temperature sensor is arranged to provide an output that is dependent on a local temperature at the radiator portion. A second temperature sensor is arranged to provide an output that is dependent on a local temperature at another portion of the transformer. The transformer is arranged so that the outputs of the first and second temperature sensors relative to each other are indicative of a level of the cooling fluid or are indicative of a thermal property different from that expected given a power being transformed by the transformer.

Abstract: Summary: The invention concerns a pipe network (10), with a hierarchical structure, for supplying water or gas and/or removing industrial water where the flowmeters (54-82) provided in the individual pipes are standalone units that are connected to a master flowmeter (52) in a master-slave network. The flowmeters (54-82) have their own, autarkic power supply system. By totaling the measured flow values in the lower-order pipes in the hierarchy and comparing the result with a measured flow value in the related pipe on the next highest level, a leak can be detected in one of the lower-order pipes. In addition, the invention also concerns a process for detecting a leak in such a pipe network (10) and a process for determining—with the aid of a computer—the operating life theoretically remaining for a renewable power source for at least one flowmeter in such a pipe network.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor comprising a thermistor probe and a power source connected to the thermistor probe to heat the thermistor probe. A cover encases the thermistor probe and includes openings allowing liquid to enter and exit an interior of the cover and contact the thermistor probe. A detector detects a liquid level in response to a voltage at the thermistor probe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aspirating a liquid (e.g., blood) from a container uses an electrically biased thermistor element, mounted proximate the tip of a liquid-aspirating probe, to determine that the probe is safely submerged within a body of liquid to be aspirated at all times during the aspiration process. Also disclosed are different aspiration probe assemblies that are useful in the method and apparatus of the invention.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method of operating any structural configuration of a heater and array of temperature sensors to measure with high accuracy, the level of stratified liquids like water and oil or water and gasoline and non-stratified liquids, liquid temperature, and other liquid properties and detect ice formation on aircraft surfaces. Thin and narrow strips of dissimilar material will be used for the heater, array of temperature sensors, mount, and coating. The connecting wires to and from the apparatus will be from the same material. Simultaneous measurements from all the temperature sensors, before and after heat is applied, will be used to generate accurate temperature profiles for the entire configuration and not just from two adjacent temperature sensors. Different features of the temperature profiles will determine accurately the liquid level, liquid temperature and other liquid properties. Apparatus of the invention may also be used to detect ice formation.

Abstract: A method and device for determining fluidity of fluid in a pack that is moving without breaking and opening the pack by locating at least two measurement points on the surface of the pack filled with the fluid, measuring the surface temperatures of the measurement points by non-contact type temperature sensors, and managing the measured values using an arithmetic control unit.

Abstract: A method for determining the relative humidity of a volume V of air having a temperature of 100° C. or greater. The method comprises the steps of measuring the temperature TV of the volume of air and determining from that temperature the saturation vapor pressure psat(V) of the volume of air; collecting from the volume of air a sample volume S of air and cooling it to a temperature TS below 100° C., but above the dew point of the sample volume of air; determining from the temperature TS the saturation vapor pressure psat(S) of the cooled sample volume of air; determining the relative humidity RHS of the sample volume of air from TS and from the wet bulb temperature of the sample of air; and performing the calculation RHV=RHS×psat(S)/psat(V) to obtain a relative humidity RHV of the volume of air.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining a change in the viscosity of a fluid, the apparatus including means for heating a portion of the fluid so that the heated portion will rise within the fluid, means for determining the heated portion's rise time, means for determining the heated portion's average velocity as it rises through the fluid and means for determining the viscosity of the fluid based on the rise time and/or average velocity of the heated portion. The method allows for permitting the temperature and agitation of the fluid to stabilize prior to heating a portion of the fluid so that it will rise within fluid. The rise time and/or average velocity of the heated portion is determined and the viscosity of the fluid may be determined the rise time and/or average velocity to a baseline rise time and/or average velocity. An output signal may be generated that is indicative of whether there has been a change in the fluid's viscosity and/or whether the fluid should be changed.

Abstract: A method to calculate a fuel driveability index (DI) value is provided from a sample of fuel in a container as tested by the industry standard ASTM D86 test providing particular temperature data at various percentages of evaporation as the container is heated. The particular temperature data provides a DI value. The same sample of fuel is tested on a sensor capable of retaining a predetermined volume of fuel. Temperature data is monitored at the same percentages of evaporation as the sensor is being heated. Correlation equations are mathematically calculated between the temperature data from the sensor relative to the particular temperature data from the ASTM D86 test and stored in the engine controller of a vehicle. The fuel from the fuel tank is tested by heating a similar on-board sensor having the predetermined volume of fuel and measuring the temperature data as a function of the remaining fuel in the sensor.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooking thermometer which can measure a temperature in contact with foodstuffs directly or around foodstuffs during the cooking process. Particularly, the present invention relates to a cooking thermometer which inhibits the proliferation of bacteria on the surface of the thermometer and is coated with an antibacterial compound such as titanium dioxide.

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

Abstract: Thermal image data of at least a region of a face of a person is provided. The thermal image data is transformed to blood flow rate data and may be used to determine whether the person is deceptive or non-deceptive based on the blood flow rate data, e.g., deceptive with respect to an elicited response from the person.

Abstract: A method of determining a thermal coefficient of expansion of a substance, the method including providing a first liquid holder containing a solution including the substance, and a second liquid holder containing a liquid in which the substance is not present; applying a pressure perturbation to the solution in the first liquid holder and to the liquid in the second liquid holder at a known temperature; determining a differential heat effect between the first and second liquid holders in response to the pressure perturbation; calculating, from the differential heat effect, the heat effect of the substance in response to the pressure perturbation; and determining, from the calculated heat effect, the thermal coefficient of expansion of the substance at the known temperature.

Abstract: A measuring device for calculating the depth of a liquid in a container comprises a dipstick, a plurality of indicia on the dipstick and a thermometer on the elongate member which measures the temperature of the liquid in the container such that the temperature and depth of the liquid is measured. A method of measuring liquid providing an elongate member inserted within a container of liquid such that the elongate member engages a bottom surface of the container. Providing a temperature sensor on the elongate member such that the temperature sensor is submerged in the liquid and reading the temperature of the liquid on a display which displays the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor. Removing the elongate member from the container, locating an imprint from the liquid and reading the level of liquid in the container on a plurality of indicia on the elongate member.

Abstract: A foam detector apparatus has a detector probe for detecting the presence of foam in a test sample, with the probe held above the test sample surface and indicating foaming when foam rises from the test sample surface and contacts the detector probe. The probe has a low thermal mass measuring surface for detecting contact with foam, with the measuring surface heated to a temperature above the tempering temperature of the test sample. When the liquid portion of the foam contacts the heated measuring surface, the temperature of the low thermal mass surface quickly drops to the tempering temperature of the sample, thereby indicating foam.

Abstract: A device for measuring the velocity of flow of a fluid, with at least one thermocouple (10), whose junction point is arranged in the fluid, with an a.c. power source (11) heating the thermocouple to a working temperature higher than the temperature of the fluid and with an evaluating circuit (12, 13) processing the thermocouple voltage, is to be improved such that the temperature dependence of the heat conductivity of the fluid to be investigated is compensated in a simple manner. To accomplish this object, the temperature coefficient of the ohmic resistance of the thermocouple (10) is adapted to the temperature dependence of the heat conductivity of the fluid such that the heating power converted in the thermocouple (10) during a change in temperature and unchanged current varies by exactly the same amount as the amount of heat released to the fluid due to the changed heat conduction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for metering evaporation. According to the invention the temperatures (T.sub.k, T.sub.m, T) are defined for a comparing piece (6) in an essentially non-evaporating state, for a comparing piece (8) in an essentially evaporating state and for the metered object (1). Based on a mutual comparison of the obtained temperature values (T.sub.k, T.sub.m, T) the evaporation index (n) dependent on the amount of liquid evaporated will be defined.

Abstract: An atmometer includes a chamber having arranged in an interior region thereof a medium in fluid communication with a liquid source and adapted for releasably retaining liquid. The chamber also has at another region an opening to the surrounds over which a gas permeable medium is arranged. In one mode of use, the atmometer is positionable such that ambient air moving over the gas permeable medium causes at least a portion of any evaporated liquid in the chamber to diffuse through the gas permeable medium.

Abstract: A system capable of measuring the heat and moisture transfer characteristics of thin materials such as clothing materials and the like simultaneously and accurately so as to obtain data for evaluating the suitableness of such material, for clothing. The sample 50 is set to partition the spaces 56 and 57, then the first and second types of air 1 and 2 which have been adjusted to the desired temperature and humidity flow into the temperature and humidity variation measurement section 53 in the desired amounts, respectively. The airs 1 and 2 are brought into contact with the temperature sensor 58 and the humidity sensor 59 at the inlet and outlet port of the section 53. An exchange of heat and moisture takes place between the air 1 and the air 2 through the sample 50. By measuring the temperature and humidity of the airs 1 and 2 at the inlet and outlet ports of the section 53, it is possible to understand the heat and moisture transfer characteristics of the sample 50.

Abstract: Sensors for measuring the flow rate of a fluid and for monitoring heat transfer. An induction-heated temperature-responsive sensor in contact with and cooled by the fluid, changes temperature in proportion to the quantity of heat removed by the fluid thereby providing a basis for determining flow rate or heat transfer. A flow modulation method and apparatus for improving the precision of flow rate measurement is also presented.

Abstract: Apparatus for sample volatilization and collection has a housing which includes volatilization and collection equipment mounting adaptation(s) and a pressure gage for monitoring internal pressure of such equipment. The housing can contain power and/or power line(s) to include for heating the equipment and/or providing a vacuum for the equipment, and/or a device for providing an internal vacuum for the equipment; additional condition monitoring gage(s), and so forth. The apparatus can include the equipment, which can be especially adapted for Noack-type testing.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method of operating any structural configuration of a heater and array of temperature sensors to measure with high accuracy, the level of stratified liquids like water and oil or water and gasoline and non-stratified liquids, liquid temperature, other liquid properties and detect ice formation on aircraft surfaces. Thin and narrow strips of dissimilar material will be used for the heater, array of temperature sensors, mount, and coating. The connecting wires to and from the apparatus will be from the same material. Simultaneous measurements from all the temperature sensors, before and after heat is applied, will be used to generate accurate temperature profiles for the entire configuration and not just from two adjacent temperature sensors. Different features of the temperature profiles will determine accurately the liquid level, liquid temperature and other liquid properties. Apparatus of the invention may also be used to detect ice-formation.

Abstract: A liquid level indicator has a transparent vessel for retaining hot water therein and a thermo-sensitive tape (thermo-tape) attached at a side wall of the vessel with the sensing side of the thermo-tape facing the side wall of the vessel. The thermo-tape first exhibits black, then turns white after the hot water is poured into the vessel. When the thermo-tape is pressed against a partially filled liquid container, the thermo-tape turns black at one side of a boundary and turns white at the other side of the boundary that defines the liquid/gas interface in the container. This occurs because the liquid in the container cools the thermo-tape more rapidly than the gas in the container does. The boundary is observed through the walls of the transparent vessel and the hot water to detect the liquid level within the container.

Abstract: Acoustic-wave sensor apparatus and method for analyzing a normally liquid petroleum-based composition for monitoring deposition-point temperature. The apparatus includes at least one acoustic-wave device such as SAW, QCM, FPM, TSM or APM type devices in contact with the petroleum-based composition for sensing or detecting the surface temperature at which deposition occurs and/or rate of deposition as a function of temperature by sensing an accompanying change in frequency, phase shift, damping voltage or damping current of an electrical oscillator to a known calibrated condition. The acoustic wave device is actively cooled to monitor the deposition of constituents such as paraffins by determining the point at which solids from the liquid composition begin to form on the acoustic wave device. The acoustic wave device can be heated to melt or boil off the deposits to reset the monitor and the process can be repeated.

Abstract: An improved cooler with level sensor for measuring variation in the liquid refrigerant level of a refrigerant within the cooler, comprises a cooler shell for holding the refrigerant, heat exchanger tubes for carrying the liquid to be cooled, and a liquid refrigerant level sensor comprising a probe extending to a point above the heat exchanger tubes, one or more thermistors; and a heating element. When the probe is totally within the vapor refrigerant above the heat exchanger tubes, the heater raises the temperature of the thermistors above the saturation temperature of the refrigerant. As the liquid refrigerant level begins to rise, the liquid refrigerant comes in contact with the outside of the probe. Since the heat transfer coefficient of the liquid refrigerant is significantly higher than that of the vapor refrigerant, the probe in that area is quickly cooled to the saturation temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is an indicator (15, 35) for determining the level of contents in an opaque, plastic container (10, 30, 40). The container (10, 30, 40) is filled with a solid chemical (11), such as a detergent. A spray of warm or hot water (19) impinges upon the eroding surface (16) of the solid chemical (11) to produce a chemical solution. The container (10, 30, 40) is provided with a thermo-chromatic strip (15, 35) or thermo-chromatic surface (41) for detecting the level of solid chemical (11) within the plastic capsule (10). A method of manufacturing the dispensing container (10, 30, 40) is also disclosed.

Abstract: Vapors are removed from a vessel by a sweeping of a carrier gas gently above and/or across the surface of a solid or liquid sample and upward to an exit orifice. With an apparatus of the invention employed in a version of the sample volatility and vapor retrieval test, for example, the precision of high-yield vapor collection from lubricating oil samples at low pressure can be increased significantly and in some cases generally by an order of magnitude.