Abstract: A self calibration system is provided for a fuel tank in which a method is applied to dynamically determine the relationship between the remaining fuel in the tank and the measured depth of that remaining fuel. It is not necessary to provide the specific volume-to-depth relationship prior to operation of the marine vessel. Based on initial estimation of this relationship, which can be a linear estimation, the actual relationship is determined based on measured fuel depth changes and measured fuel consumptions which are contemporaneous with the measurement of the depth changes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for detecting and cross-checking faulty sensors in liquid level indicators and controllers. A liquid level indicator and controller in which one embodiment of the present invention operates includes a control unit for controlling the other components of the liquid level indicator and controller, sensors electrically connected to the control unit for sensing the level of a liquid in a vessel, and an indicating device electrically connected to the control unit for displaying the liquid level. The control unit includes a monitor and a fault detector. In operation, the liquid level indicator and controller has two (2) basic modes. The first mode is a monitor mode. In this mode, the liquid level indicator and controller, under the control of the monitor, senses the liquid level in the vessel using the sensors and displays the liquid level on the indicating device. The second mode is a fault detection mode.

Abstract: A computer (20) adapted to communicate with a measuring apparatus (12) for receiving liquid level measurements and delivering a calibrated fuel quantity output (24) to a readout instrument (14). The computer (20) has an input interface (34) with a first input (22A) for accepting a first liquid level measurement signal from said measuring apparatus (12). A first bias circuit (30A) provides an adjustable offset bias to minimize voltage errors due to input bias current received in the first liquid level measurement signal (26A). Computer(20) also has a calibrating circuit (36) for calibrating the first liquid level measurement signal to provide a calibrated fuel quantity output signal (24) that can be read by readout instrument (14) through output interface (42).

Abstract: A system and a method of automatically and periodically checking the integrity of a mechanical level sensor system for a storage tank are provided. These mechanical sensors employ a magnetic mechanism to lift the displacers or floats to the full travel of the level sensor in order to simulate a level alarm condition. A timer and activation module periodically energizes the magnetic lift mechanism. An array of indicators and logic provides an indication to the operator of normal operation, a satisfactory test, an unsatisfactory test, and a genuine alarm condition.

Abstract: An apparatus 100 for providing information concerning a condition of a vessel such as a steam drum 12 which segregates steam and liquid from one another includes a liquid contact assembly 102, a signal generator element 130, and a housing 112 and a conduit 114 for enclosing the signal generator element 130 in a substantially leak proof manner within the vessel space. The liquid contact assembly 102 is disposable at a first vessel location in the steam drum 12 and has a vibration component 108 operable to vibrate at natural frequencies which vary as a function of a predetermined characteristic of the liquid at the first vessel location and a support component 110 for supporting the water contact assembly 102 in contact with the liquid at the first vessel location. The signal generator element 130 generates a signal indicative of a natural frequency of the vibration component 108.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a fluid level is disclosed, which includes a coaxial sensor having a pair of conducting tubes positioned with respect to each other in spaced coaxial arrangement, a coaxial transmission line connected to the sensor, a means for injecting a standing wave into the coaxial sensor, a summer for summing the injected wave and a reflected wave connected to the sensor, a means for adjusting the frequency of the injected wave in response to the voltage and phase of the summed signal, and a processor for processing and displaying the frequency as a representation of the level of the fluid. A method for detecting the fluid level is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for resetting vehicle engine oil sensors includes determining whether a vehicle hood is opened. If the hood is opened, an oil sensor disposed in an oil pan is awakened and instructed to monitor the oil level. If, while the hood is opened, an oil parameter is altered a predetermined amount, the sensor and a corresponding output device are reset.

Abstract: A liquid detection device attached on a liquid container for detecting a liquid consumption status of the liquid contained in the liquid container, the liquid detection device including a vibrating section symmetrical about a center thereof, and at least one electrode electrically connecting with said vibrating section.

Abstract: An edge banding apparatus (21) for adhesively securing banding material (28) to an edge of a board (27). The apparatus (21) includes a board support structure (22) formed to support a board (26) in a near vertical orientation with the edge (27) to be banded in a downwardly facing orientation. An adhesive applying assembly (23) is positioned relative to the board support structure (22) and is formed to apply adhesive (54) to the downwardly facing edge (27) during relative motion between the board (26) and the adhesive applying assembly (23). The apparatus (21) includes a banding material applying assembly (24) positioned downstream of the adhesive applying assembly (23) and formed to apply a banding material (28) to the edge after the adhesive (54) is applied and a cutoff assembly (25) which cuts off the banding material (28) as the banded board (26) passes the cutoff device (25).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for detecting and cross-checking faulty sensors in liquid level indicators and controllers. A liquid level indicator and controller in which one embodiment of the present invention operates includes a control unit for controlling the other components of the liquid level indicator and controller, sensors electrically connected to the control unit for sensing the level of a liquid in a vessel, and an indicating device electrically connected to the control unit for displaying the liquid level. The control unit includes a monitor and a fault detector. In operation, the liquid level indicator and controller has two (2) basic modes. The first mode is a monitor mode. In this mode, the liquid level indicator and controller, under the control of the monitor, senses the liquid level in the vessel using the sensors and displays the liquid level on the indicating device. The second mode is a fault detection mode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the viscosity of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids over a range of shear rates, especially low shear rates, by monitoring two rising columns of fluid (Newtonian or non-Newtonian) that pass through respective capillaries having different lengths. Furthermore, a specialized column monitor is provided that uses multiple interrogation sources (e.g., lasers) and a single detector (e.g., a charge-coupled device (CCD) array) to continuously monitor both columns of fluid substantially simultaneously. In particular, the system includes a Y-connector to form two flow paths and wherein each flow path includes a tube that includes a riser tube, a capillary tube of predetermined dimensions and a valve in each for controlling the fluid flow in each path.

Abstract: The present invention provides a syringe comprising a syringe barrel having a plurality of non-volumetric measuring indicia thereon. The present invention also provides a container comprising: at least one chamber; a plurality of non-volumetric measuring indicia on the at least one chamber; and an opening control device in the at least one chamber for allowing liquid contained in the at least one chamber to be withdrawn from the at least one chamber.

Abstract: A blood viscosity measuring system and methods for measuring blood viscosity monitors the change in height of one of two, oppositely-moving, columns of blood from the circulating blood of a patient and, given the dimensions of a capillary tube through which the blood flows and by detecting a single blood position of the other oppositely-moving column, determines the blood viscosity over a range of shears, especially low shears. The system includes a tube set (disposable or non-disposable) that includes a pair of riser tubes, a capillary tube of predetermined dimensions that is coupled between the riser tubes (or that forms a portion of one riser tube) and a valve mechanism for controlling the circulating flow of blood from the patient into the riser tubes.

Abstract: Determination is made of the amount of liquid housed within a vessel subject to intermittent dynamic forces wherein the liquid in the vessel may be being discharged intermittently. The fluid in the vessel has a liquid level above which is a vessel headspace. A sensing tube of substantially less volume than the vessel is provided. This tube also is subject to the intermittent dynamic forces. The tube has tube headspace that is held at the same pressure as the vessel headspace, e.g., atmospheric pressure. The sensing tube is fitted with a sensor assembly for measuring the level of liquid therein. The tube is in fluid communication with the vessel through an orifice in the vessel whereby the fluid level in the vessel is the same as the fluid level in the tube. The size of the orifice is such that the tube fluid level measured by the sensor assembly is substantially unaffected by the intermittent dynamic forces.

Abstract: A water based level measuring system including a water containing container with a base portion, a bottom and an upright defining chamber for containing water. The water containing chamber has a lower portion with an access opening communicating with the water and having an upper end portion. A measuring indica mechanism is operably linked to the water containing container. The measuring indica mechanism has a housing with a front element and a back element with the front element having a retaining recess for a moveable marked indicator element. The back element of the measuring indica mechanism is configured having a pair of retaining grooves for receiving and retaining a corresponding pair of retaining edges in the front element of the measuring indica mechanism. A tube connects the access opening of the fluid containing container and the measuring indica mechanism.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting interactions in the circulating blood of a living being caused by external factors by analyzing the viscosity of the living being's circulating blood. The method utilizes a blood viscosity measuring system that monitors the change in height of two, oppositely-moving, columns of blood from the circulating blood of a patient and, given the dimensions of a capillary tube through which the blood flows, determines the blood viscosity over a range of shear rates, especially low shear rates. The system includes a tube set that includes a pair of riser tubes, a capillary tube of predetermined dimensions that is coupled between the riser tubes and a valve mechanism for controlling the circulating flow of blood from the patient into the riser tubes.