Abstract: A reaction bottle which includes a container, container top, container interior a bottle cap removeably attachable to the container top, the bottle cap having a cap top and a cap cavity; a septa attached to the bottle cap and configured to releasably seal the container when the bottle cap is attached to the container top; a needle holder attached to the cap top; a hollow needle attached to the needle holder and located in the cap cavity; a needle conduit in fluid communication with the hollow needle; wherein the septa is configured to deform from an at rest state into a punctured state when pressure within the container interior reaches a first threshold value and the septa deforms into the cavity and is punctured by the hollow needle.

Abstract: A dewatering system includes a selective calibrating sensor circuit configured to receive sensor readings from an electronic sensor, to determine if the electronic sensor is immersed in water, and to generate a control output signal accordingly. The selective calibrating sensor circuit periodically performs a self-calibration when the electronic sensor is not immersed in water to cancel the effect of potential contaminants deposited on the electronic sensor over its operating life. The selective calibrating sensor circuit inhibits calibration when the electronic sensor is immersed in water.

Abstract: A residential fuel measurement system for optimizing the fuel delivery including a sensor and transmission system with methods of use. The sensor includes a photo sensitive sensor for measuring the position of the existing fuel tank indicator. A transmission system transmits the position to central receiving station. Receiving station receives information, and other related information from third party sources and calculates a plurality of reports including fuel delivery routing, calibration, alarms and billing information.

Abstract: A system for calibrating a transmission includes a slip generation module, a volume determination module, and a calibration control module. The slip generation module generates transmission slip. The volume determination module, after the transmission slip has been generated, applies a torque converter clutch (TCC) and determines a volume of the TCC based on a period for the TCC to fill with hydraulic fluid. The calibration control module generates a calibrated volume based on the determined volume and calibrates a control module based on the calibrated volume, wherein the control module controls the transmission.

Abstract: A sensor diagnostic system comprises first, second, and third dosing agent sensors and a control module. The first, second, and third dosing agent sensors indicate whether a dosing agent is present at first, second, and third volumetric levels of a dosing agent tank, respectively. The second volumetric level is greater than the first volumetric level and the third volumetric level is greater than the second volumetric level. The control module selectively diagnoses a sensor fault in at least one of the first, second, and third dosing agent sensors based on the indications of the first, second, and third dosing agent sensors.

Abstract: A testing device is provided which is able to distribute a liquid sample to a plurality of reaction sections by a simple operation without using a tip dispenser, and also achieves individually independent reaction systems without causing reaction sections to be in communication with each other due to a liquid sample. The testing device has a transparent molded body which includes: a storage chamber for injecting/holding a liquid sample; a reaction chamber for causing a reaction of the sample; a receiving chamber for sucking and receiving the sample, with the storage chamber and the reaction chamber being in communication with each other via a distributing flow path, and the reaction chamber and the receiving chamber being in communication with each other via a sucking flow path; and a liquid reservoir between the reaction chamber and the receiving chamber.

Abstract: A system that control levels of liquids in reservoirs may include a control component that causes a compressor to pump gas through a tube extending in a liquid in a reservoir to an air bell for a predetermined amount of time responsive to a pump pumping portions of a liquid from the reservoir. The control component may also cause the compressor to pump gas through the tube for a predetermined amount of time responsive to the control component determining that a predetermined amount of time has passed since the compressor was previously operated. The control component may also cause the compressor to pump gas through the tube for a predetermined amount of time, responsive to the control component determining that a pressure sensor component in fluid communication with the tube indicates a possible decrease in the liquid level to at least a predetermined level.

Abstract: A fill level sensor is magnetically coupled to a hopper of an agricultural implement to provide a signal indicative of product fill level in the hopper relative to a fill line. The sensor can be positioned at various heights to provide variability in the height of the sensed fill line. The fill level sensing components are contained within a sensor housing. A magnet for magnetically mounting the sensor may be coupled to an exterior surface of the sensor housing or enclosed within the sensor housing.

Abstract: A method for ascertaining and monitoring the fill level of a medium in a container the method utilizes a fill-level measuring device, wherein, according to the technique of time-domain reflectometry, high-frequency measuring signals are guided via at least one measuring probe in the direction of the medium, reflected on at least one interface of the medium as wanted echo signals or on disturbance locations as disturbance echo signals, and received. A current echo curve is formed from a produced, reference echo signal, wanted echo signals and disturbance echo signals, wherein, at least from a first disturbance echo signal and the reference echo signal, which are caused in a measurement-inactive region of the fill-level measuring device, a base point is located in the current echo curve, and wherein the fill level is ascertained from the distance between the base point and the wanted echo signal formed in a measurement-active region of the fill-level measuring device.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing-side calibration of a measuring device for capacitive fill level measurement of a medium, wherein at least one probe unit of the measuring device is activated with an electrical, alternating voltage of a predeterminable frequency. As a function of the frequency of the activating signal, a conductivity range is determined, within which the fill level measurement is essentially independent of a change of the electrical conductivity of the medium; for such conductivity range, at least a first reference matching between a predeterminable, first fill-level value and a first capacitance value belonging to the first fill-level value is produced; and the first reference matching between the first fill-level value and the first capacitance value is recorded. Additionally, the invention relates to a corresponding measuring device.

Abstract: A canopy is removably secured to the container body, is respectively fitted with: a base of a water level indicator for detecting a remaining amount of liquid reducing agent; a base of a densitometer for detecting a concentration of a liquid reducing agent; and a heat exchanger which surrounds detection portions respectively suspended from the bases of the water level indicator and the densitometer, and through which is circulated engine coolant, to perform heat exchange with the liquid reducing agent, and a supply port and a return port for the liquid reducing agent are respectively formed in the canopy. The water level indicator, the densitometer, the heat exchanger, and the supply port and the return port for the liquid reducing agent are formed integrally with the canopy, so that the water level indicator and the densitometer can be dismounted together with the canopy at the same time.

Abstract: A rationality diagnosis method and a rationality diagnosis apparatus for a sensor inside a tank are provided. The rationality diagnosis method and the rationality diagnosis apparatus can accurately and easily perform a diagnosis to determine whether rationality of all sensors is maintained. The rationality diagnosis method for the sensor inside the tank performs a rationality diagnosis of a concentration sensor, a liquid level sensor and a temperature sensor that are provided inside the tank that stores liquid. The rationality diagnosis method is characterized by diagnosing whether the rationality is lost in one of the concentration sensor, the liquid level sensor and the temperature sensor by determining whether there exists any contradiction between respective sensor values of the concentration sensor, the liquid level sensor and the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that receive a signal representing a reflection of an electromagnetic wave from a liquid and from one or more reference pins in a storage tank. A sensed distance to the liquid and one or more sensed distances to the pins are calculated from the signal, and the sensed distances to the pins are compared to one or more reference distances. A correction factor is calculated based on the comparison of the sensed distances and the reference distances, and a corrected distance to the liquid is calculated based on the correction factor and the sensed distance to the liquid. While the storage tank is empty, a reference signal representing a reflection of an electromagnetic wave from the reference pins may be obtained and reference sensed distances to the reference pins calculated and stored as the reference distances.

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: An apparatus for measuring a rate of liquid flow through a spray nozzle includes a container with an opening in a top thereof adapted to receive a liquid discharge from a spray nozzle. A level sensor comprises an electrical capacitor oriented substantially vertically in the container and configured such that as liquid rises in the container, a capacitance of the capacitor changes. A processor circuit is connected to the capacitor and is operative to measure the change in capacitance of the capacitor and convert the change in capacitance into a rate of liquid flow into the container, and a display is operative to display the rate of liquid flow. The apparatus is applicable to an agriculture or industrial application whereby an operator can periodically check the flow to determine wear or plugging of a spray nozzle.

Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle is provided. The method includes, in one example during a first a rate of change of an inclination of the vehicle, adjusting a fuel level indication based on the inclination and a level of fuel within the fuel tank; and during a second rate of change of the inclination different from the first rate of change, adjusting the fuel level indication based on actual fuel consumption of the engine. In this way, it is possible to provide an accurate fuel level indication based on the inclination when the inclination is not changing too quickly. However, when inclination is changing quickly and may give degraded level readings, it is still possible to provide an accurate fuel level by transiently estimating fuel usage and using, for example, a previous fuel level reading from when the inclination was not changing too quickly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention contemplate an apparatus that determines gas sorption properties of a large number of material samples simultaneously, by sequentially measuring the pressure in a plurality of sample chambers until all chambers have reached equilibrium pressure. In most applications, it is most useful to quantify the sorption capacity of a material under specific conditions, i.e., at a certain temperature and pressure. Because sorption capacity is determined by bringing a material sample to an equilibrium state with a dosing gas, detailed kinetic data related to the sorption properties of a material are not absolutely necessary. Therefore, complete pressure-time curves are not typically necessary, and only the equilibrium pressure of a material sample for a given quantity of dosing gas is required.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium, and includes a sensor unit, a feedback electronics and a supplemental electronics. The sensor unit, feedback electronics and supplemental electronics form a first oscillatory circuit, which oscillates with at least one resonance frequency (?1) and/or with a resonance frequency (?res) within at least one resonance frequency range. The feedback electronics and the supplemental electronics form a second oscillatory circuit, which oscillates at a resonance frequency (?cablebreak), which differs from the resonance frequency (?res, ?1) of the first oscillatory circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to the method and apparatus for forming the calibration chart used to measure the amount of fuel inside the fuel tanks (1) which comprises at least one laser distance measurement device (2) positioned inside said fuel tank (1) and measuring the distance between itself and the inner wall of said fuel tank (1) at separate points, at least one main shaft (14) providing said distance measurement device (2) with rotational movement circularly in the direction of B through up to 360 degrees and in the upward-downward direction of A through up to 270 degrees and at least one inclinometer (4) positioned on the surface (9) and measuring the angle X between said fuel tank (1) and the ground on which it is located.

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: A diagnostic system and method for detecting failures in a fuel system of a vehicle includes a fuel level monitoring module that determines a first change in a first fuel level of a first fuel tank based on data received from a first fuel level sensor and determines a second change in a second fuel level of a second fuel tank based on data received from a second fuel level sensor. A sensor diagnosing module evaluates operation of the second fuel level sensor based on the first change in the first fuel level.

Abstract: A method for checking proper functioning of a fill-level measuring device working according to the travel time principle. For this purpose, in predetermined or selectable time intervals (ta), a current measured value curve at a current fill level (hactual) is ascertained; on the basis of the current measured value curve, a current wanted echo signal is determined. Subsequently, on the basis of the current wanted echo signal, an expected value (E) for quality of a wanted echo signal at least one predetermined fill level (hdesired) is ascertained. The ascertained expected value (E) for quality of the wanted echo signal at the predetermined fill level (hdesired) is compared with a predetermined critical value for quality, and an error condition is diagnosed, when the ascertained expected value falls below the critical value for quality.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a fluid-level measurement system is provided. A first response of the system is recorded when the system's sensor(s) is (are) not in contact with a fluid of interest. A second response of the system is recorded when the system's sensor(s) is (are) fully immersed in the fluid of interest. Using the first and second responses, a plurality of expected responses of the system's sensor(s) is (are) generated for a corresponding plurality of levels of immersion of the sensor(s) in the fluid of interest.

Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating a dispense head to provide substantially uniform droplets on a substrate are described.

Abstract: A liquid cartridge for supplying liquid to an external device connected therewith is provided with a casing, a partition member movably fitted in the casing, which partitions the casing into a first chamber and a second chamber, an outlet port communicating between the first chamber and the external device and a pressure unit housed in the second chamber, which presses the partition member so as to discharge the liquid out of the outlet port.

Abstract: A method includes retrieving at least one first measurement associated with material in a tank from a memory at a level gauge. The method also includes comparing the at least one first measurement to at least one second measurement associated with the material in the tank. The method further includes determining whether a difference between the at least one first measurement and the at least one second measurement exceeds a threshold. In addition, the method includes identifying a current level of the material in the tank in a first manner if the difference does not exceed the threshold or a second manner if the difference does exceed the threshold. The first manner could include correcting a level measurement using the difference between the at least one first measurement and the at least one second measurement. The second manner could include identifying an offset value based on differences between pairs of level measurements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for testing the measuring value of at least one filling level sensor arranged in a fuel tank. A plurality of measurements are taken by the filling level sensors and are each compared with a physical variable to determine whether the measurements are plausible. If, based on the comparison, the measurements from the sensors are not plausible, a warning signal is fed to a warning device and a warning information item is triggered by the warning device.

Abstract: A method includes lowering a sensor unit in a tank, where the tank is capable of receiving a material. The method also includes determining a first distance between the material and the sensor unit and determining a second distance between the sensor unit and a main unit that lowers the sensor unit. In addition, the method includes determining a level of the material in the tank using the first and second distances. The method could further include calibrating the sensor unit to compensate for variations in a medium within the tank, where the sensor unit transmits wireless signals through the medium to determine the first distance. Determining the first distance could include using an ultrasonic measurement technique, and determining the second distance could include using a non-contact servo measurement technique.

Abstract: A processor of an apparatus in one example makes a determination of an environmental characteristic based on an average of a plurality of concomitant values that correspond to the environmental characteristic.

Abstract: A method for improving the accuracy or precision of a metered fluid includes: estimating a fluidic property of the fluid being metered; and adjusting one or more control parameters based on the estimated property to improve the accuracy or precision of a metered fluid. Preferably, the estimating the property of the fluid being metered includes: monitoring a physical event during the metering operation to collect sensed data; extracting features from the sensed data; and using the features to estimate fluid properties. In another preferred embodiment, the estimated fluidic property is viscosity and the sensed data is a pressure profile during a fluid aspiration. In another preferred embodiment, the method includes a diagnostic analyzer which includes a metering probe having a hard probe or a probe having a disposable tip and wherein the fluid is a body fluid sample.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that receive a signal representing a reflection of an electromagnetic wave from a liquid and from one or more reference pins in a storage tank. A sensed distance to the liquid and one or more sensed distances to the pins are calculated from the signal, and the sensed distances to the pins are compared to one or more reference distances. A correction factor is calculated based on the comparison of the sensed distances and the reference distances, and a corrected distance to the liquid is calculated based on the correction factor and the sensed distance to the liquid. While the storage tank is empty, a reference signal representing a reflection of an electromagnetic wave from the reference pins may be obtained and reference sensed distances to the reference pins calculated and stored as the reference distances.

Abstract: On an upper surface of a container body, there are disposed at least a base portion of a concentration meter configured to detect the concentration of a liquid reducing agent based on a heat transmission characteristic between two spaced points, and a heat exchanger configured to permit the engine coolant to circulate therein and arranged to surround a detecting section of the concentration meter, which hangs from the base portion of the concentration meter via a supporting column thereof, to thereby perform the heat exchange with the liquid reducing agent, and also, a protector or an encasing element of substantially box shape is arranged to surround a lower portion of the heat exchanger and the detecting section of the concentration meter, and further, a visor is attached on the supporting column of the concentration meter, which is positioned above the protector by a predetermined interval.

Abstract: Continuous volume detection for a reservoir in a fluid circuit of a medical system is described. Volume detection is based on a pressure measurement that is manipulated via application of fluid mechanics. Next-generation medical system controllers may use this data to control the volume contained in the reservoir.

Abstract: There is provided a method of calibrating a measurement system for measuring a position (h) of a meniscus of a liquid fuel included within a marine fuel tank and therefrom generating a corresponding content signal indicative of a proportion of the tank filled with fuel.

Abstract: A pipette guide for a standard well plate provides improvements over conventional guides. The improvements include: reference characters to signify a columns of wells exposed, an aperture for viewing those characters, a angled slot and open ended isolator for improved ergonomic function and visibility, a multilevel slide to help prevent contamination and a bi-directional selection assembly for selecting a 96 or 384 well plate.

Abstract: An automated coordinate measuring system comprising a measuring arm used for acquisition of geometry data that incorporates an exoskeletal structure resilient to physical perturbations including thermal changes and vibrations which may affect coordinate data acquisition. The system may be adapted to a portable platform allowing for convenient positioning and alignment of the measuring arm in a wide variety of environments.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a rate of liquid flow through a spray nozzle includes a container with an opening in a top thereof adapted to receive a liquid discharge from a spray nozzle. A level sensor comprises an electrical capacitor oriented substantially vertically in the container and configured such that as liquid rises in the container, a capacitance of the capacitor changes. A processor circuit is connected to the capacitor and is operative to measure the change in capacitance of the capacitor and convert the change in capacitance into a rate of liquid flow into the container, and a display is operative to display the rate of liquid flow. The apparatus is applicable to an agriculture or industrial application whereby an operator can periodically check the flow to determine wear or plugging of a spray nozzle.

Abstract: A sensor diagnostic system comprises first, second, and third dosing agent sensors and a control module. The first, second, and third dosing agent sensors indicate whether a dosing agent is present at first, second, and third volumetric levels of a dosing agent tank, respectively. The second volumetric level is greater than the first volumetric level and the third volumetric level is greater than the second volumetric level. The control module selectively diagnoses a sensor fault in at least one of the first, second, and third dosing agent sensors based on the indications of the first, second, and third dosing agent sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a level of a liquid in a tank is provided. The apparatus comprises a probe and electronics. The probe passes into the tank and is immersed in the liquid. The probe includes a fiducial in spaced relation with a distal end. The electronics are operably coupled to the probe. The electronics include a signal generator propagating a signal along the probe and a signal receiver receiving the signal propagated along the probe. The electronics determine a velocity of propagation and/or an amount of time for the signal to travel between the fiducial and the distal end. The level of the liquid in the tank is then determined using the velocity of propagation and/or amount of time.

Abstract: A canopy is removably secured to the container body, is respectively fitted with: a base of a water level indicator for detecting a remaining amount of liquid reducing agent; a base of a densitometer for detecting a concentration of a liquid reducing agent; and a heat exchanger which surrounds detection portions respectively suspended from the bases of the water level indicator and the densitometer, and through which is circulated engine coolant, to perform heat exchange with the liquid reducing agent, and a supply port and a return port for the liquid reducing agent are respectively formed in the canopy. The water level indicator, the densitometer, the heat exchanger, and the supply port and the return port for the liquid reducing agent are formed integrally with the canopy, so that the water level indicator and the densitometer can be dismounted together with the canopy at the same time.

Abstract: A water moisture sensor calibration apparatus, comprising: a moisture sensor probe whose surface is marked with graduated lines, text or other markings, whereby the probe may be inserted to calibrate the sensitivity or the dry/moist threshold value of the sensor to a defined level.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting a liquid level, including a measurement capacitor, a reference capacitor, an integrating capacitor, a calibration capacitor, a controller, an amplifier, a comparator, and a complementary calibration capacitor. The controller implements operations, over accumulation periods and for given target and discharge capacitors, of a target capacitor charging, a charge transfer, a decision, a conditional discharge, and a return. The target and discharge capacitors given at each period are taken from pairs of capacitors, including the measurement and calibration capacitors and the reference and complementary calibration capacitors. A method estimates the liquid level using the sensor in a vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a capacitance sensing apparatus equipped with self-calibrating capacity and method of use thereof. The disclosure contemplates the determination using a secondary means of precise fluid levels according to five possible embodiments, and the use of the determined fluid level to recalibrate the capacitance sensing apparatus along its continuous analog level, namely, a variation of the thickness of the insulation of a capacitance sensing apparatus, the variation of the surface geometry of the capacitance sensing apparatus, the use of a dual-probe sensor including a probe with a varied surface geometry, the use of an electromagnetic sensor adjoining the capacitance sensor, and the variation of the electromechanical sensor to serve as a capacitance sensing apparatus. The disclosure also contemplates methods for using the sensing apparatus previously disclosed to measure a fluid level using a self-calibrating capacitance sensing apparatus.

Abstract: A system for measuring the height of bin content includes a transmitter for transmitting an acoustic pulse towards the upper surface of the content, a non-collinear receiver array for receiving an echo of the pulse and producing signals in response to the echo, and a processing apparatus for computing one or more directions of arrival of the signals from the upper surface to the array along with corresponding measured distances. Preferably, the receivers are transducers that also serve as transmitters. Two or more such measured distances constitute a map of the upper surface for estimating the quantity of the bin content. Preferably, the system includes a pulse shaper and repeater for optimizing the pulse shape relative to the signals.

Abstract: A calibrating system for measuring amounts of sprayed material has an array of nozzles for dispensing a sprayed material and a capture apparatus positioned to receive the dispensed sprayed material from the array of nozzles. The capture apparatus has aligned channels configured for receiving the dispensed sprayed material.

Abstract: A method for calibration of a system for determining the amount of fuel in a fuel tank includes a first step of initiating a start of the calibration, a second step which includes detection of a level of a fuel-level sensor and detection of a point in time at which the level was detected, and further steps corresponding to a periodical repetition of the second step. The calibration is carried out during addition of fuel to the fuel tank at a generally constant flow velocity. An arrangement for such a calibration is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for functionally testing a filling level sensor which measures the filling level of a liquid in a tank, in which method a change in filling level that is measured by the filling level sensor is compared with a calculated change in filling level. According to the invention, the calculated change in filling level is determined from a measured change in temperature of the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dishwasher, by which an appropriate quantity of water can be stably supplied. The present invention includes a sump storing water therein, a floater received in a chamber having a predetermined volume, the floater ascending according to a rise of a water level of the sump, a switch preventing the water from being oversupplied to the sump, a pushing member lifted by the floater to turn on the switch by pushing the switch, and an off-delay part delaying the switch to be turned off on a descent of the floater.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor system actuated by a column pressure includes a hollow member having a distal open end adapted to be positioned into a liquid reservoir to a depth below a liquid surface level, and a sensor head unit. The sensor head unit is responsive to the column pressure to provide an indication of a liquid level in the reservoir.

Abstract: In one aspect, a conductance catheter is provided for measuring the volume of a fluid. The conductance catheter comprises a series of electrodes and a circuit to compensate for variations in sensitivity of the electrodes in the catheter. In another aspect, a resistivity sensor is provided for determining the resistivity of a fluid. The sensor comprises a series of electrodes spaced such that the total distance between endmost electrodes does not exceed the diameter of the catheter deploying the sensor.