Abstract: One embodiment provides a flow meter including an airfoil movably secured in the airflow path of a fan in an electronic system. The airfoil is configured to generate a lift component in response to the airflow. A sensor engages the airfoil and generates a signal in relation to the movement of the airfoil. Airflow parameters such as volumetric airflow rate and turbulence may be identified by an analysis of the movement of the airfoil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tap for mounting on a container containing liquid, such as a wine box, a container containing medicine or a chemical, which tap comprises a sensor arranged on or in the tap for determining the outflow of liquid as a function of dispensing time and outflow characteristics. A display indicates the remaining amount of liquid in the container.

Abstract: Improved methods and systems for estimating material weight, mass and volume in real-time are disclosed. The amount of material in the container is measured. An estimate of the amount of material in the container is then obtained using the measured amount of material in the container, a desired rate of change of material, and a container system model. The estimate of the amount of material in the container is then adjusted based on the difference between the estimated and measured amount of material in the container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method improve the accuracy of measurements taken with a capacitance-type sensor. In addition to the sensor the apparatus comprises a measurement circuit and a microprocessor. One of the sensor or a calibration capacitor with a known and fixed capacitance is connectable to the measurement circuit by a switch that has its position controlled by the microprocessor. The microprocessor sends measurement signals to the measurement circuit and receives data therefrom. According to the disclosed method, the measurement circuit is programmed to determine an error between measured calibration data and the known capacitance and to use this error to calculate a correction value, which it applies to the measured sensor data to calculate corrected sensor measurements.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to a system for monitoring a fluid dispensing system having a storage tank and a piping system having a maximum output flow rate threshold. The system includes a dispenser configured to dispense fluid from the fluid dispensing system during a dispensing time interval, a metering device in fluid communication with piping system, the metering device configured to measure a plurality of sample flow rates over time in response to fluid passing through the metering device, a gauge for measuring a volume of fluid dispensed from the storage tank during the dispensing time interval and a processor for executing a monitoring application which generates an alert within a substantially real-time period in response to an event of interest, the monitoring application comparing the maximum output flow rate threshold to the plurality of sample flow rates over time to generate the alert when one of the sample flow rates exceeds the maximum output flow rate threshold.

Abstract: A circuit compliance compensated volume control system in a patient respiratory ventilation system and method, including: a circuit compliance estimator, to provide a relationship between a circuit volume and a differential pressure between a circuit pressure and a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of the respiratory circuit, a circuit volume estimator, operative to provide an estimated circuit volume based on the relationship between the circuit volume and the differential pressure, a patient volume observer, operative to provide an estimated patient volume by subtracting the estimated circuit volume from a measured machine delivered net volume, and a volume delivery controller, operative to update the machine delivered net volume based on the estimated patient volume and a set tidal volume.

Abstract: A container level sensor assembly for sensing level of liquid remaining in a container.

Abstract: A field device for determining or monitoring a process variable in process automation. The field device includes: a sensor, which works according to a defined measuring principle; and a control/evaluation unit, which conditions and evaluates the measurement data delivered by the sensor; wherein the control/evaluation unit is embodied at least partially as a reconfigurable logic chip FPGA having a plurality of dynamically reconfigurable function modules; wherein an interface is provided, via which the control/evaluation unit receives sensor- and application-specific information concerning a defined sensor type in a defined process application; and wherein the control/evaluation unit so configures the function modules corresponding to the sensor- and application-specific information, that the field device is optimally adapted to the process variable to be ascertained, or to be monitored, and to the current process application of the field device.

Abstract: An apparatus for metering the delivery of an aerosol. The apparatus has a variable acoustic source and a microphone, both acoustically coupled to a volume having a fluid region and an air region. The apparatus may also include a processor to determine a volume of the air region based on signals received from the microphone and the variable acoustic source. A fluid valve is coupled to the processor, and is configured to allow an amount of fluid to exit the fluid region associated with the volume of the air region. An atomizer, coupled to the fluid region, is configured to aerosolize at least a portion of the fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, apparatus and systems for automating or metering fluid recovered at a well. According to one example, a system is described for automating the fluid recovery of oil wells using a pump jack or oil extractor. A communications device is installed with each system to allow remote bi-directional communications to monitor, control, and diagnose problems with the device or system.

Abstract: Method of estimating the volume (Vtk) of a tank (1), comprising: a first step of determining the quantity (ntk(ti)) of gas contained in the tank (1) at a first time (t=t1); then a step of transferring a checking stream of gas from a source (S1, S2, S3, . . . , Si) into the tank (1), the checking stream flowing over a discrete period (t2?t1); a step of determining the quantity (Q=ntk(t2)?ntk(t1)) of gas transferred from the source (S1, S2, S3, . . .

Abstract: Computer based CAE FSI models for simulating the physical behavior of diapers, and/or diaper materials, and/or diaper machines during diaper manufacturing processes.

Abstract: Analyzing the pressure profile generated during a predetermined period of time prior to the end of an aspiration or dispensing process and comparing a pressure reading to predetermined values to determine if the aspiration or dispensing pipette was free of clogs.

Abstract: A fuel measurement system and method that can determine the fuel level in a vehicle fuel tank, even when the fuel is sloshing, splashing, or experiencing other dynamic conditions. Generally speaking, the system and method use different fuel measuring techniques to address different fuel tank conditions. For example, during normal conditions a traditional fuel level sensor may be used. During dynamic conditions, such as when the vehicle is experiencing significant acceleration, maneuvering, inclination, yaw rate, etc., the system may employ other measuring techniques that are better suited to address such an environment. One measuring technique that may be used is a consumption-based technique that uses fuel usage signals from one or more fuel injector sensor(s) to determine the amount of fuel consumed, and then subtracts that amount from a previous fuel level reading.

Abstract: A method for measuring the volume of a liquid dispensed inside a container with the aid of a suction/discharge device included in an analysis automaton, said method comprising: positioning said suction/discharge device plumb with said container; triggering the continuous measurement of the values of electrical capacitance between the end of the needle of the suction/discharge device and the assembly consisting of the container, the chassis of the analysis automaton; triggering the dispensing of the liquid into the container with the aid of the suction/discharge device; measuring the period t during which the values of electrical capacitance between the end of the needle of the suction/discharge device and the assembly are greater than a threshold value S; and calculating the volume of liquid dispensed into the container.

Abstract: High resolution liquid level gauge includes a float member with a buoyant, free end, and an opposing end rotatably attached to an interior surface of a reservoir such that the float member is free to rotate about an axis of rotation. A single magnet defining a single magnetic field is attached to the pivoting end such that the magnetic field is centered on the axis of rotation and rotates with the float member. A magnetic rotary encoder chip configured to detect angular position of the magnetic field is positioned to be aligned with the axis of rotation on the exterior of the reservoir at a distance from the magnet to detect the magnetic field. The encoder is configured to provide a signal representative of the angle of the magnetic field. A computer processor determines the liquid level within the reservoir based upon the signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the filling time for filling at least one material separator (1) provided with a fill level sensor (12) and a requirement sensor (11) in delivery systems made of at least one reservoir (4) with bulk material. In the beginning, with empty lines (3, 6) and an empty material separator (1), the bulk material is delivered out of the reservoir (4) from the time the requirement sensor (11) is triggered until the fill level sensor (12) is triggered, and said delivery time (TREF1) is measured and stored. If the requirement sensor (11) is triggered again, the delivery is carried out again until the fill level sensor (12) is triggered, and said delivery time (TREF2), which corresponds to the delivery time for filling the material separator (1), is measured and stored, whereby bulk material is present in the lines (3, 6) from the first delivery.

Abstract: This invention is a method for determining the quality of lubrication oil added to a quantity of used oil in an operating engine or mechanism such as occurs during an oil change or when additional oil is added to maintain the vehicle manufacturer's specified total volume of oil. The method is based on identifying the electrical resistivity characteristics of the oil addition, representative of both the base oil formulation and its additive package, and, through comparison with previously-generated resistivity data on multiple oils identifying the oil addition. The added oil may then be compared with manufacturer specifications for the specific application to determine whether it meets recommended manufacturer requirements.

Abstract: A method includes transmitting wireless signals toward material in a tank. The method also includes receiving first return wireless signals reflected off a surface of the material and identifying a level of the material in the tank using the first return wireless signals. The method further includes receiving second return wireless signals reflected off a bottom of the tank and determining whether the material has been adulterated using the level of the material in the tank and the second return wireless signals. Determining whether the material has been adulterated could include determining a dielectric constant of the material, determining a density of the material using the dielectric constant of the material, and comparing the determined density of the material against a specified density. Determining the dielectric constant of the material could include using a time between peaks associated with the first and second return wireless signals.

Abstract: To provide a simpler and less expensive system for multipoint level measurement, a level measurement system with at least two sensor devices operating in accordance with the pulse-echo principle and being connected via a communication network to a central signal processing device is provided. The computation-intensive evaluation of echo profiles for calculating distances or ranges is thus shifted from the sensor devices at the measurement locations or sites to the central signal processing device.

Abstract: A digital multi range liquid level detector to verify and maintain a predetermined level in a container. The level is measured by a capacitive sensor located above or in the liquid to be maintained. The capacitive sensor is composed of a pair of probe connected to a signal converter chip to obtain a digital data. The digital data is then compared to a reference value obtain during the initial calibration. The present invention is composed of two paired components, a capacitive digital sensor and a fluid control valve that can be installed at different locations. The sensor determines the liquid level and then transmits the acquired data to the fluid valve control receiver via wire or radio frequency (RF). The sensor and valve are programmable in order to evaluate different possibilities such as water level, water activities and recurring low level demands. They can also be reprogrammed.

Abstract: Several aspects of the volume gauge may be implemented with a pressure sensing system and/or a motion sensing system. The pressure sensing system for volume measurements may include a chamber, a pressure changing device, a pressure sensing device, and a processor. The motion sensing system for volume measurements may include a container, a flexible seal, a heating device, a sensing device, and a processor.

Abstract: In a method for determining the gas volume flow in gas recirculation at a filling station, by means of a thermal throughflow sensor which is installed in the gas recirculation system of a gasoline pump, measurement values are detected, which represent the mass flow of the gas recirculated during refuelling operations from the respective tank of the motor vehicle to be refuelled into a storage tank of the filling station. Furthermore, information on the composition of the recirculated gas is detected, for example by means of a vapor-pressure curve or a thermal-conductivity measurement cell. The mass flow is determined from the measurement values obtained by the thermal throughflow sensor and the information on the composition of the recirculated gas, calibration data being used. This mass flow is converted into a gas volume flow characteristic of the region of the gasoline pump valves of the gasoline pump.

Abstract: A non-invasive liquid level sensing system for monitoring the amount of liquid in at least one container includes a platform for supporting the at least one container, at least one holder associated with the at least one container supported by the platform, a source for generating a radio frequency signal, circuitry in communication with the at least one holder for transmitting the radio frequency signal through the at least one holder into the at least one container and receiving a portion of the radio frequency signal reflected at a liquid-air interface in the at least one container, and circuitry for processing the reflected radio frequency signal and determining the amount of liquid in the at least one container.

Abstract: A liquid measurement system detects a surplus status of a liquid fuel in a fuel cell. The liquid measurement system includes a storage device, two electrodes, a charging and discharging circuit, and a processing unit. The storage device has a containing space for storing the liquid fuel and disposed between the electrodes. The electrodes are oppositely disposed on the outer surface of the storage device to form a capacitor. The charging and discharging circuit is electrically connected to the electrodes to cyclically charge/discharge the capacitor between a first voltage and a second voltage to generate an output signal. The processing unit is electrically connected to the charging and discharging circuit to receive the output signal and obtains a wave number of the output signal within a specific time interval to determine the surplus status of the liquid fuel in the containing space.

Abstract: A method and equipment are provided for determining the level/height, of one or more interfaces between two or more fluid phases of different density that are contained in a vessel, tank or the like. The position of the different interfaces in a tank is determined by measuring the pressure thereby determining the density of the fluid over the height of the tank by using a pressure measuring rod, equipped with pressure sensors, positioned in the tank. A mathematical model or algorithm is used which calculates how the density and hence the pressure vary over the height of the tank as a function of the fluid properties of the respective fluids in the tank, the interface, on the basis of the density being the same within each layer of the respective fluid, as a respective point at which the density changes from one layer to the next in the tank.

Abstract: A level sensor includes a first transducer generating a first signal, a second transducer generating a second signal, and a processor configured to switch operation between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the first transducer generates the first signal and the second transducer senses a reflection of the first signal from a surface. In the second mode, the second transducer generates the second signal and the first transducer senses a reflection of the second signal from a reference target. The processor determines a distance to the surface.

Abstract: A field device for measuring the filling level, the pressure or the density of a medium in a container is described. The field device comprises two processors that are separate from each other. The first processor corresponds to a lower safety standard while the second processor corresponds to a higher safety standard. Functions of the field device that are directed towards safety are carried out in the second processor. Functions that are less critical to safety are carried out in the first processor. Data exchange between the two processors is controlled by way of an operating system.

Abstract: A method for monitoring fuel freshness in a vehicle includes the steps of determining a measure of time that the fuel has been in the vehicle and initiating a remedy if the measure of time is greater than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: (EN) The invention relates to a method for estimating the characteristic parameters of a cryogenic tank (1), in particular geometric parameters, including: a step comprising the measurement of the pressure differential between the upper and lower parts of the tank prior to filling DPmes—before; a step comprising the measurement of the pressure differential between the upper and lower parts of the tank after filling DPmes—after; a step comprising the determination of the mass of liquid delivered (mdelivered) during filling; and a step comprising the calculation of a first geometric parameter (R) of the tank, namely the radius (R) which is calculated from equation (I), wherein g is the Earth's gravitational acceleration and MAVO is a density coefficient that is a function of the density of the liquid and the gas in the tank and optionally in the pressure measuring pipes (11) when the pressure differential is measured by at least one remote pressure sensor connected to the upper and lower parts of the tank via r

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for monitoring the levels of propane or other consumable liquid in remotely located storage tanks and coordinating delivery of liquid to those tanks, including an improved method of using the remote monitoring data to identify out-of-ordinary conditions at remote tanks, optimally schedule purchases or deliveries, improve safety, and more efficiently operate a propane dealership. More accurate and timely information concerning the status of customer tanks serves to improve operational efficiencies and increase safety. Data received from remote sensors can be collected and organized so that it is easily understood and utilized through the implementation of a user interface accessible via the Internet that allows the information to be presented in an efficient graphical and contextual fashion.

Abstract: A system includes a probe configured to be raised and lowered in a tank capable of receiving a material. The system also includes a connector coupled to the probe and having at least one type of coding encoded on the connector. The system further includes a main unit configured to raise and lower the probe using the connector, digitally capture information associated with the at least one type of coding on the connector, determine a level reading identifying a level of the material in the tank using the captured information, and wirelessly transmit the identified level reading. The main unit could also be configured to determine a confidence level or interval associated with the identified level reading and wirelessly transmit the confidence level or interval. The connector could include a tape, and the at least one type of coding could include visible markings, perforations, and/or magnetic codes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the real-time determination of the filling level of a cryogenic tank (1) intended to house a two-phase liquid/gas mixture, in which at least one of the following variables is calculated for the liquid and optionally for the gas at each time step (t, t+ ?t . . . ), namely: the level, volume or mass contained in the tank (1), whereby, at each time step, the method includes the measurement of the pressure differential (DP=PB?PH) (in Pa) between the upper and lower parts of the tank and at least one of the pressures (PH, PI) of said differential. The invention is characterised in that the method includes the following steps: use of a thermal model at each time step (t, t+ ?t . . . ) to calculate the average temperatures of the liquid (Tl) and the gas (Tg) in the tank (1) on the basis of the measured pressure differential (PB?PH) and at least one of the pressures (PH, PI) of said differential; calculation of the change over time (t, t+ ?t . . .

Abstract: In needle-based dispensing systems, the target amount of liquid to be dispensed is in many cases very well controlled. However, the amount of liquid that is actually reaching the receiving well may show a discrepancy, because part of the liquid leaving the inner needle space remains on the outer surface of the dispense needle, and so a small amount of liquid is “lost” in the dispensing act. A sensor arrangement according to the present invention is suitable for detecting the presence of any liquid from the aspiration reservoir that is left behind on the outside of the dispense needle, before the dispense step is actually started. The “lost” volume can also be measured very accurately by inserting the tip of a dispense needle into a hollow metallic cylinder, forming a capacitor, whereby the capacitance value depends on the volume of the “lost” dispense volume.

Abstract: A material is laced with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags at a known concentration of RFID tags per unit of material. Subsequently, if an interrogation of the RFID tags reveals a reduced concentration of RFID tags in the material, then a conclusion is drawn that the material has been diluted.

Abstract: A fuel supply includes a fuel container having an interior chamber for containing fuel, and a pressure sensing unit disposed within the interior chamber of the fuel container. The pressure sensing unit is configured to provide an output signal indicative of an amount of fuel remaining in the fuel container.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for determining a volume of liquid product in a manifold set of tanks. The method includes identifying a plurality of book volumes of liquid product in the manifold set of tanks. The method further includes identifying a plurality of measured physical volumes of liquid product in the manifold set of tanks, each measured physical volume being associated with one book volume of the plurality of book volumes. Following collecting the volumes, the method includes determining a variance between each measured physical volume of the plurality of measured volumes and each book volume of the plurality of book volumes and then using those variances to generate an expected variance to each of the plurality of measured physical volumes, the combination of the expected variance and the measured physical volume being the volume of the liquid product in the manifold set of tanks.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and kit for precisely and accurately determining the volume of a liquid aliquot which can be used to calibrate a liquid delivery device. Two dye-containing solutions, a sample solution and a diluent solution, are prepared such that each solution contains a different dye, with the solutions having different absorbance values at a first wavelength and at a second wavelength. The absorbance value of a known volume of diluent solution is measured at both wavelengths. Either one aliquot of sample solution is added to the diluent solution and then absorbance measurements are made at both wavelengths, or multiple aliquots of sample solution are mixed serially into the diluent solution and then absorbance measurements are made at both wavelengths after each aliquot is added. The volume of any single aliquot is calculated by using a two-step formula which is based on the Beer-Lambert law.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, comprising: providing an aerial platform having an outer shell; disposing a gas containment system within the outer shell; attaching the aerial platform to an object using a tether system; and inflating the aerial platform and lifting a payload; wherein the aerial platform is configured such that it may be completely collapsed when deployed.

Abstract: A fill level measurement device senses the fill level of an object within a container. A fill level measurement sensor provides a sensed fill level signal indicative of the level within the container. A signal processing device is responsive to the sensed fill level signal and includes a first removable and replaceable component that includes a first memory device. The signal processing device also includes a second removable and replaceable component that includes a second memory device containing component customer parameter data. The second removable and replaceable component transmits the component customer parameter data to the first removable and replaceable component via a data link that electrically isolates the first and second removable and replaceable components, and the first removable and replaceable component stores the received component customer parameter data into the first non-volatile memory device.

Abstract: Described is a method for automatically initiating an update of a parasitic echo storage device in a fill level meter operating according to a runtime method. In this method individual echoes of echo curves of different ages are allocated, according to their typical echo characteristics, to global echo groups so that subsequently, after examining the behaviour over time of the echoes of the respective global echo curves, it can be judged whether the echoes of the respective global echo curves are useful echoes or parasitic echoes. Starting from this classification, the parasitic echo storage device is then updated with the oldest echoes of the corresponding global echo groups. Apart from the method for updating a parasitic echo storage device described is also an evaluation device for implementing the method as well as to a computer program and a computer program product for carrying out the method.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention may incorporate a physics based approach (hereinafter “model”) to determine the level of the liquid. The model may incorporate the physical properties of the fluids within the container, and measurements of the fluid under consideration. The model may also incorporate data from measuring devices, such as, but not limiting of, a delta-pressure (DP) transmitter. The model may then calculate, within a reasonable level of accuracy, the level of the fluid within the container.

Abstract: Method for determining the amount of warm water in a water tank, comprising: pre-determining various situation graphs, each graph describing the variation of the water temperature as a function of time, in one specific operational situation of the system; dividing each of said graphs in a plurality of sections; determining for each graph section the percentage of warm water in the tank; storing in a memory said graph sections, and the corresponding percentage of warm water in the tank; during the operation of the heating system, sampling periodically the. temperature in the tank; for each sequence of samples, finding the most similar graph section, and the percentage of warm water that corresponds to said graph section; and displaying to the user said present percentage of warm water in the tank.

Abstract: A layer height measuring system in one embodiment has a transmission line including a probe for measuring a height of a first layer within a tank and a cable that connects the probe to an electronics unit. The electronics unit cyclically transmits interrogation pulses to the probe and receives reflections therefrom for time domain reflectometric measurement of the height of the first layer.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and system for predicting the availability of hot water for bathing. One or more parameters corresponding to the operation of a water heater are monitored over time and/or a temperature distribution of water in a hot water tank measured. Data corresponding to the monitored parameters and/or temperature distribution are processed to determine a rate at which hot water is being consumed by filling a bath and/or due to other hot water consumers and/or to determine a current hot water availability condition. Based on a hot water consumption rate and/or determination of a current hot water availability condition, a projection is made to whether there will be adequate hot water to fill the bathtub to a desired level or volume at a desired temperature.

Abstract: An acoustic sensor detects presence and/or absence of fluid in a fluid delivery medium. The acoustic sensor detects fluid absence based on the difference of the speed of sound between air and a fluid. For example, the acoustic sensor may detect fluid absence based on a phase shift between acoustic signals transmitted through the fluid delivery medium when fluid is present as compared to acoustic signals transmitted through the fluid delivery medium when fluid is absent, e.g., when air or bubbles are present in the fluid delivery medium.

Abstract: A fuel measurement system and method that can determine the fuel level in a vehicle fuel tank, even when the fuel is sloshing, splashing, or experiencing other dynamic conditions. Generally speaking, the system and method use different fuel measuring techniques to address different fuel tank conditions. For example, during normal conditions a traditional fuel level sensor may be used. During dynamic conditions, such as when the vehicle is experiencing significant acceleration, maneuvering, inclination, yaw rate, etc., the system may employ other measuring techniques that are better suited to address such an environment. One measuring technique that may be used is a consumption-based technique that uses fuel usage signals from one or more fuel injector sensor(s) to determine the amount of fuel consumed, and then subtracts that amount from a previous fuel level reading.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for measuring and controlling an amount of flow and volume of liquid fluid and/or electrical energy consumed by an electro-pump. The method and system obtains a plurality of values for electrical parameters of the electro-pump including voltage value, currents value and active/reactive energy value; calculates the plurality values; and determines and controls the amount of instant flow and volume of said liquid fluid based on said calculated values. The system/method gathers these two measuring and controlling features (i.e. measuring and controlling the volume of liquid and amount of energy) in one casing, thereby, where applicable, provides a secure reference for policy making of both two parameters at the same time (e.g. for underground water resources).

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a height of liquid in a liquid storage tank is provided, the apparatus includes a first rotatable element rotatable in response to a change of a liquid level in a liquid storage tank and including a first magnetic component having a first magnetic field, and a second rotatable element rotatable in response to the rotation of the first rotatable element and including a second magnetic component having a second magnetic field. The apparatus further includes a sensor assembly which includes a first sensor component located within range of the first magnetic field and structured to be effective in providing a first signal indicative of a position of the first magnetic component, and a second sensor component located within range of the second magnetic field and structured to be effective in providing a second signal indicative of a position of the second magnetic component.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods for detecting fluid flow into or out of a port chamber or a reservoir of an implantable medical device utilizing a pressure sensor and calculating the fluid status of the reservoir. The system detects characteristic pressure profiles associated with fluid flowing into the medical device, out of the medical device, and also whether one or both of the port chamber or reservoir are substantially empty or substantially full. In addition, the present invention may generate a sensory cue to a clinician to indicate the fluid status.