Abstract: An electric measuring arrangement having at least one measuring sensor and an evaluation circuit which makes possible a continuous measurement of not only the level of a conductive liquid in a container but, also, enables evaluation of as much other physical data relating to the liquid as possible, such as its inclination, the position of a movable body in the liquid, linear or rotational acceleration, and speed. Each measuring sensor is designed as a stray field sensor with two measuring electrodes that are at a specific lateral distance from one another, and the container, together with the liquid placed in it, form a part of the measuring arrangement.

Abstract: A fuel gauge system is disclosed, which includes a first device capable of visually indicating the amount of the mixed fuel in the container; a second device for detecting a real amount of the fuel in the container; a third device for detecting the mixing ratio of compositions in the mixed fuel; a fourth device for determining a critical effective amount of the mixed fuel in accordance with the fuel mixing ratio detected by the third device; a fifth device for judging whether the real amount is less than the critical effective amount or not; a sixth device for determining, based on the fuel mixing ratio detected and the real amount, a value corresponding to a calorific power possessed by the mixed fuel in the container; and a seventh device for controlling the first device in such a manner that, when the real amount is less than the critical effective amount, the first device indicates the value corresponding to the calorific power possessed by the mixed fuel in the container, and when the real amount is not

Abstract: A material level sensing device for detecting when the level of unprocessed material has reached a predetermined threshold includes a contact-type probe extending from a housing into a retaining bowl where unprocessed material is collected before processing. Within the housing is disposed a proximity sensor. The housing itself is suspended from an overhanging support. When the material level reaches the predetermined threshold, the material displaces the material level sensor, which displacement is sensed by the proximity sensor. The proximity sensor then sends a signal to an external system indicating that the material has reached the threshold.

Abstract: In a pressure instrument with depth/altitude and time display, a measurement time period from a starting instant up to a stopping instant of the time measurement is measured by measurement-time counting means, and also another measurement data is acquired by detecting pressures from the starting instant up to the stopping instant of the pressure measurement. After the measurements are taken and when a measurement stop signal is outputted, a determination is made whether or not the measured time periods are longer than a predetermined time period. If the measured time period is longer than a predetermined time period, this dive is regarded as one for which it is required to store a record, and then the measurement data acquired between the starting instant and the stopping instant of the measurement are stored in a memory.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the level of concrete in a concrete mixer comprising the steps of contacting the exterior of concrete mixing drum with a strip of thermal color sensitive material and observing the interface on the color sensitive material produced by the temperature differential between the concrete and the air above. This level can then be lined up horizontally with a graduated volume indicator, to yield the concrete volume in the truck to aid in determining an effective amount of additive to be added to the concrete.

Abstract: The height of a liquid level from the bottom of a storage tank or the like is accurately determined by using a probe with dual isolated channels to measure the time for an acoustic signal to travel between fixed submerged points and from a transducer in one of the channels to the surface of the liquid. Elapsed time measurements are converted to liquid volume using predetermined velocity-temperature values to compensate for temperature variations in the tank.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a sensor head which senses liquid conductivity as well as liquid level. An optical prism is configured to provide two internal reflections of light entering on a first-axis alignment of 45.degree. incidence for the first internal reflection, and exiting the prism on a second-axis alignment that is parallel to and spaced from the first-axis alignment. The internal reflections may occur in a conical-prism configuration having a geometric apex angle of 90.degree., or in a triangular-prism configuration wherein two surfaces converge at 90.degree.. In either case, these internal reflections occur substantially in the single geometrical plane that is defined by the first and second axes. As a matter of structural practicality, each of these prism alternatives has greater body bulk, on both sides of this single geometric plane, than is needed for the indicated internal relfections.

Abstract: A vehicle fuel tank gauging apparatus is disclosed comprising sensor means for measuring the amount of fuel in the tank, electronic memory means for storing a signal indicative of the amount, inclinometer means for detecting whether the vehicle is level, and a microprocessor which allow the fuel amount signal to be transmitted to a fuel gauge when the vehicle is level within a predetermined tolerance. The fuel level information is stored in the memory of the microprocessor and displayed on the fuel gauge only when the vehicle attains the next level condition. Thus, the fuel gauge reading is not effected by vehicle tilt or acceleration. Alternatively, the degree to which the vehicle is askew to the reference plane is measured, and a correction factor corresponding to the degree of tilt is applied to the fuel amount signal to calculate a corrected fuel amount signal.

Abstract: Novel display scheme for decompression data is herein presented which can be animated by various types of decompression computers and permits the use of new, highly advantageous procedures in many aspects of diving, notably: (1) no-decompression diving, (2) decompression diving, and (3) repetitive diving. It allows a diver to choose his margin of safety, lending itself to use by divers predisposed to DCS, or by divers working under arduous conditions. It consists of graphical and digital display elements which accesses the contents of a microprocessor or other information source as to a diver's tissue's state of saturation with inert gas. This information is presented to a diver in a simple, straight forward and non-confusing manner which allows him/or to use the new highly advantageous procedures.

Abstract: The level of the surface of a bath of molten metal beneath a fluid layer of slag in a metallurgical vessel is measured by a detector which is moved through the slag layer into the metal bath and then withdrawn. To improve accuracy and to avoid the need for a separate measurement the detector used comprises an oxygen concentration sensor which emits signals indicating the boundary between the molten metal and the slag, whereby the height of said boundary is determined.

Abstract: A processor controlled supervisory apparatus for a liquid level controller of a feedwater heater obtains DCA characteristics and breakpoints thereof in a programmed manner. A plurality of DCA characteristics are obtained for a plurality of load conditions, and the breakpoints and other operating parameters are stored in a database correlating operation parameters with load conditions. Equations describing the relationship between the parameters and the load conditions are determined by the programmed processor and additional data points determined therefrom to provide load-responsive control for liquid level setpoint. A retrofitting apparatus retrofits the inventive supervisory control apparatus onto existing liquid level controllers.

Abstract: A battery condition readout device is disclosed. A series of slides of varying densities float or sink according to the amount of charge. An optical system permits slide position to be seen at a point external to the battery.

Abstract: The invention provides novel chemical compositions for use in primary, optical/capacitance hygrometric devices. It also provides methods for using these compositions as sensors for the precise measurements of the humidity of gases as well as the apparatus. The chemical compositions, which of themselves sense the change in water vapor pressure, are birefringent, translucent, and anisotropic at a first water vapor pressure/temperature, but non-birefringent, optically clear, and isotropic at a second vapor pressure/temperature. Optical changes which accompany these phase changes may be amplified. Some compositions, exhibit abrupt and large increases in their dielectric constant coincident with the optical changes which occur at the phase shift point. Others show a large and precisely linear change in dielectric constant over many decades of relative humidity (RH), but the optical shift occurs at a precise point within the range.

Abstract: A device and process to measure the water content of a material or the water permeability of a membrane by stably humidifying a carrier gas stream and passing it through calcium carbide to convert the water content of the stream to acetylene, then producing a spectrographic or equivalent trace establishing the stable acetylene value of the carrier gas, then passing carrier gas into contact with the material whose water content is to be measured to evaporate water from it and passing the carrier gas through the calcium carbide whereby the water content of the material is represented by the area between the stable acetylene value and the spectrographic trace caused by the added water.

Abstract: A liquid level indicating device such as the fuel gauge 10 in a motor vehicle is of the type which does not return to zero when the ignition 24 is switched of. In order to prevent false readings arising when the fuel in the tank sloshes about, a tilt switch 22 is provided in series with the ignition switch to depower the fuel gauge 10, which then continues to register the previous reading, if the motion or attitude of the vehicle changes. The tilt switch will close when the vehicle returns to a low level of acceleration and a level attitude operating state and power will be restored to the gauge. The gauge then reverts to direct reading of the signal from a sender unit 28 in the fuel tank.

Abstract: A filter centrifuge has a feeler arm which contacts the free surface of the centrifuge contents to signify by the angular displacement of the arm, the thickness of the layer of contents in the filter drum. On the contact surface of the filter arm, at least one sensor is provided which is responsive to a characteristic of the material constructed by the arm for signalling the nature of the material.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for displaying the level of liquid in the fuel tank of an automotive vehicle. A liquid-level detector 1 and a display device 3 for indicating liquid level are included in the device. The measurement values of the liquid level are provisionally stored at predeterminable time intervals and compared with the instantaneous measurement values. During travel, increasing measurement values determined by the comparison are not displayed.

Abstract: The flow rate of liquid being fed to a point of use is continuously monitored as is the liquid level in the feed tank by detecting the level in a liquid gauge member at two successive locations while feed from the tank is blocked, so that such detected data can be employed in a computer to output the flow rate and tank level.

Abstract: A system for dispatching a refilling vehicle to a tank updates a prior collected average level of substance in the tank. It continuously determines values of differential pressure within the tank and in accordance with the values of differential pressure, calculates the instantaneous level of substance within the tank. A prior collected average level is stored and is compared with each of the instantaneous values of level thus obtained. On the basis of this comparison a relative weighting factor is determined which weighs the relative contribution of the collected and instantaneous values in determining a new collected value. In one embodiment a remote location may interrogate to determine the rate of usage over a predetermined time window. In another embodiment when the new collected average falls below a set point a selected one of a plurality of remote locations is signalled to dispatch a refilling vehicle. A remote location may be selected in accordance with the time of day or the substance in the tank.

Abstract: Novel display scheme for decompression data is herein presented which can be animated by various types of decompression computers and permits the use of new, highly advantageous procedures in many aspects of diving, notably: (1) no-decompression diving, (2) decompression diving, and (3) repetitive diving. It allows a diver to choose his margin of safety, lending itself to use by divers predisposed to DCS, or by divers working under arduous conditions. It consists of graphical and digital display elements which accesses the contents of a microprocessor or other information source as to a diver's tissue's state of saturation with inert gas. This information is presented to a diver in a simple, straightforward and non-confusing manner which allows him/or to use the new highly advantageous procedures.

Abstract: A dipstick assembly for an internal combustion engine comprises a first tube arranged to extend from an engine sump and housing a conventional dipstick, a second tube secured about a portion of the first tube and extending within the sump and a sensor at the end of the second tube remote from the first tube. Between the sensor and the first tube, the second tube is deformed so as to lie substantially on one side of the dipstick and the deformed portion of the second tube accommodates electrical connections to the sensor.

Abstract: Ultrasonic apparatus for measuring and remotely displaying the amount of liquid in a tank, the amount of water in the tank and the velocity of sound through the liquid in the tank is described with special application to a buried tank containing gasoline with the possibility of water in the bottom of the tank. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic transducer at a fixed distance above the bottom of the tank, a plurality of submerged reflectors vertically arranged at fixed distances above the transducer and a remote console, containing a computer, for activating the transducer and receiving signals of ultrasonic reflections developed by the transducer. Methods are disclosed utilizing the apparatus for computing the height of the liquid (gasoline) level, the depth of the water, if any, the velocity of sound through the gasoline and through the liquid as a whole, and for computing average temperature of the liquid in the tank.

Abstract: The computer based remote tank telemetry system uses a method for updating a prior collected average level of substance in a tank. It continuously determines values of differential pressure within the tank and in accordance with the values of differential pressure determines the instantaneous level of substance within the tank. A prior collected average level is stored and is compared with each of the instantaneous values of level thus obtained. On the basis of this comparison a relative weighing factor is determined which weighs the relative contribution of the collected and instantaneous values in determining a new collected value. The new collected average is compared against a predetermined setpoint to determine whether the level of substance in the tank is too low. The results of this comparison can be displayed locally, and using a modem, communicated to a remote display. The method for determining the relative weighing factor has three tiers.

Abstract: In fluid level measurement apparatus a pressure vessel is tapped into a fluid container the fluid level in which is to be measured such that fluid level in the vessel is representative of fluid level in the container. A plurality of fluid detecting sensors are mounted in the vessel with unequal spacing to compensate for level errors due to density differences between the fluid in the vessel and container.

Abstract: A combined heading and depth sensor for acquisition of both compass heading and depth data and transmission of the combined data over a two wire communication link as a single packet of information to a remote data acquisition unit. The sensor includes a remote reading compass assembly, a depth sensor and circuitry to interface the compass and depth sensors to the communication link. A communication protocol is defined permitting addressable interrogation of a plurality of combined heading and depth sensors over the two wire link.

Abstract: A programmable calculator (20) is connected to a pumping sampler (12) by an interface circuit board (22). The calculator has a sediment sampling program stored therein and includes a timer (60) to periodically wake up the calculator. Sediment collection is controlled by a Selection At List Time (SALT) scheme in which the probability of taking a sample is proportional to its estimated contribution to total sediment discharge, or according to accumulated predicted sediment weight. Stage height is also measured and is recorded according to a set scheme.

Abstract: A device for detecting sealing defects and for measuring the leakage rate of gaskets placed in parallel relationship on the lateral surface of a gate separating the compartments of a storage pool for nuclear fuel elements has a small volume of free space between the gaskets. This volume is connected by means of a tube with two leakage level detectors placed at different levels which emit a signal when a predetermined water level is attained in the tight volume.

Abstract: A wet cell battery monitor developed to monitor both electrolyte fluid level and electrolyte fluid charge (specific gravity) of a single cell. The monitor includes a probe and appropriate circuitry. The probe is adapted for insertion into a cell for monitoring and is connected to two circuits which are interconnected. Both include resistors, preferably variable, and include induction coil type relay switches. Blocking diodes are preferably used to maintain the independent integrity of each of the two circuit, one which warns of fluid level drop off and the other of a decrease in electrolyte fluid charge. The two circuits each drop off independenly in response to specific gravity (state of charge) and to fluid level, respectively, setting off alarms, e.g. visual or audio signals.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus, including a measuring device; a measuring element secured at one of its ends to the measuring device; a measuring body secured on the free end of the measuring element; a pendulum capable of oscillating the measuring element; a positioning motor for actuating the measuring device; and a logic control unit actuating the pendulum.

Abstract: The computer based remote tank telemetry system uses a method for updating a prior collected average level of substance in a tank. It continuously determines values of differential pressure within the tank and in accordance with the values of differential pressure determines the instantaneous level of substance within the tank. A prior collected average level is stored and is compared with each of the instantaneous values of level thus obtained. On the basis of this comparison a relative weighing factor is determined which weighs the relative contribution of the collected and instantaneous values in determining a new collected value. The new collected average is compared against a predetermined setpoint to determine whether the level of substance in the tank is too low. The results of this comparison can be displayed locally, and using a modem, communicated to a remote display. The method for determining the relative weighing factor has three tiers.

Abstract: A device incorporates pressure transducers to measure the ambient water pressure and the pressure of the air in the tank and uses a microprocessor to combine those measurements with a time measurement. The microprocessor provides a digital readout of the tank pressure, the water depth, and the amount of air remaining in the tank calibrated in minutes of air remaining for the particular diver using the tank under the particular circumstances.

Abstract: A liquid level determining and sampling device which takes the form of a transparent elongated tubular member which has a sealing plug attached at the lower end thereof. Fluid conducting openings are located about the sealing plug to permit liquid to be conducted past the sealing plug to within the tubular member. A sleeve is threadably engaged to the lower end of the tubular member. The sleeve interiorly includes a sealing plate within which is formed a hole. The sleeve is to be movable with respect to the tubular member so the sealing plug can either be spaced from the hole or tightly engaged with the wall of the hole. Fluid conducting openings are formed through the side wall of the sleeve adjacent the outer end thereof to permit liquid to be conducted through the hole, through the fluid and into the tubular member. The outer end of the sleeve includes a resilient ring which is to frictionally engage with the bottom of the tank which contains liquid the level of which is to be measured.

Abstract: A device for detecting the amount of liquid in a vessel, such as a fuel tank of an automobile, using a torsion support member such as a torsion bar arranged between the vessel and the body of the automobile. The torsion displacement of the member corresponding to the amount of the liquid is detected in a detection circuit and processed in an electronic unit which includes a portion for generating a pulse width signal corresponding to the amount of the liquid on the basis of signals from the detection circuit, a portion for generating a signal having a pulse number proportional to the pulse width on the basis of the generated pulse width signal, and a portion for averaging at predetermined intervals the value corresponding to the pulse number of the signal from the pulse width detection portion using timing pulses generated at predetermined intervals and for displaying the average amount of the liquid digitally on a display portion.

Abstract: A compactability system measures the compactability of granular material such as sand as used in a sand casting foundry system. The compactability is displayed on a meter, recorded by a chart recorder, and used for controlling plows to insure that unacceptable sand is not fed into molding machines. The compactability is determined by initially determining density by passing gamma radiation through the granular material as it moves on a conveyor belt. The attenuation of the gamma radiation is dependent upon the density of the granular material and the depth of the granular material. A plow is used to insure that the depth of the granular material is controlled such that the radiation and attenuation will be an accurate indication of the sand density of the loose or uncompacted sand. This sand density is subtracted from an empirical value representative of the density of the compacted sand, and the difference is thereby divided by the empirical value, thereby deriving a compactability signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting perforations in an underground fuel storage tank, employs the creation of a partial vacuum in the tank and a pressure difference across the tank wall, to cause air to pass through the perforation, and a hydrophone to sense the acoustic waves produced by the formation of air bubbles in the fuel. The acoustic waves of the bubbles caused by the air passage are sensed by a hydrophone and processed to provide an electrical signal indicative of the presence of the perforation. A water level sensor is also used to detect the level of water beneath hydrocarbon fuel in the tank. The method and apparatus can also be used with above ground fuel storage tanks and other types of above and below ground storage tanks.

Abstract: A conductive multilevel liquid sensor uses conventional integrated circuits such as inverters and voltage comparators as signal detectors, and a flat cable having corrosion-resistant probe conductors of different lengths as the sensing probe assembly. The binary encoded outputs of the signal detectors identify the sensed liquid level. A continuous level control is realized by the addition of timing logic, and sensor operation range is improved by having the voltage at one comparator input be adaptive to the change in liquid conductivity.

Abstract: A depth monitoring device monitors the period of a diver's maximum depth. A aximum depth display is coupled to the depth monitor to enable the diver to quickly determine, at any given time during the period, his maximum depth of submergence. When the diver reaches a preselected critical maximum depth, an audio alarm coupled to the depth monitor is activated to alert the diver.

Abstract: An electronic time-counter for diving including a device ensuring its automatic switching on under the action of the water during its immersion and a unique control element manually operable and arranged in such a way that its operation produces the reset to zero of the display device so as enable the diver to measure the intermediary time durations between the beginning and the end of a dive. This counter includes moreover a first memory circuit recording the time which has elapsed between the automatic switching on of the counter at the moment of its immersion and the first operation of the control element. This counter further includes second memory circuit recording the total duration of the dive between the automatic switching on of the counter at the moment of its immersion and its automatic releasing or switching off at the moment of its emersion.

Abstract: A supply pipe having its inlet end adapted for communication with a source of a liquid under pressure in excess of that of the ambient medium and its outlet end communicating via a nozzle with a shroud adapted to communicate with a vessel containing therein a fluid, at a level being monitored. The variation of the hydrodynamic condition of the flow of the liquid through the nozzle is registered dependent on the mixing of this liquid flow with the fluid being monitored. The shroud has at least one cross-section of which the ratio of the maximum size of the internal contour to the spacing of this cross-section from the outlet section of the nozzle is less than of 0.35:1. The inlet portion of the shroud is a structure wherein the internal contour of the cross-section of this portion encompasses therein the contour of the outlet section of the nozzle.

Abstract: There is disclosed a new and improved combined liquid level indicator and hydrometer which includes a light transmitting member having an indicating surface and a reflector surface. The reflector surface is adapted to be submerged in liquid for reflecting light to the indicating surface when the liquid is below a predetermined level. The liquid level indicator and hydrometer further includes a chamber aligned with and partially receiving the reflector surface. The chamber confines and positions a float member relative to the reflector surface for being viewed through the indicating surface responsive to the relative specific gravity of the liquid. A connection means carried by the chamber supports the light transmitting member and aligns the reflector surface with respect to the chamber. The chamber is initially formed in an open condition adapted for accepting the float member therein and is lockable thereafter for capturing the float member within the chamber.

Abstract: To measure liquid flow through channels with various cross sections, detectors of liquid level and velocity are placed in proximity to the liquid to measure flow in terms of the product of the cross sectional area of the fluid and its velocity. Adjustable switches are employed to provide input signals to the computation circuitry which are constants while the detectors provide the data signals which result from the dynamic measurements.

Abstract: The monitor has means for automatically initiating a counter which displays accumulated bottom time and surface interval and means for preventing resetting until a safe surface interval has elapsed.

Abstract: An optical device comprises a pair of contrastingly-colored sources of light, means for adjusting the brightness of the sources of light relative to each other, and a mixing element formed with a light-entrance portion to permit entrance into the mixing element of light emanating from the sources and with a display surface that communicates optically with the entrance portion and facilitates viewing of the light entering the mixing element through the entrance portion and propagated through the mixing element to the display surface, the light as displayed having a color that depends on the relative brightness of the sources. The mixing element has at least in part generally the shape of a cylinder formed with an axial bore so that the mixing element has an outer surface and an inner surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for detection of the level of a liquid metal is disclosed. The apparatus has a liquid level detecting probe provided with an exciting coil wound in a closed bottom non-magnetic sheath over the approximately whole length thereof, a level detecting coil wound in the sheath in an upper part thereof, and a temperature compensating coil wound in the sheath in a lower part thereof; a temperature control for maintaining the coils at a constant temperature; a drive circuit for supplying the exciting coil with an alternating current of a determined frequency and amplitude; and a signal processing circuit for subjecting output voltages induced in the liquid level detecting coil and in the temperature compensating coil to linear detection and then determining the ratio of the thus detected outputs, thereby detecting the level of the liquid metal.

Abstract: A magnetic current meter adapted to sense the flow of liquid through an open channel to produce a mean flow velocity signal that is independent of fluctuations in the level of liquid in the channel. The meter includes a tube of insulation material so positioned in the channel that its longitudinal axis is normal to the direction of flow. Disposed in the tube is a rod having a coil wound thereon, the coil being excited by a low-frequency alternating current to produce an external magnetic field. A pair of electrodes are mounted on opposite sides of the tube on the outer surface thereof whereby the flow of liquid which intercepts the external field induces a voltage signal in the electrodes proportional to the mean flow velocity. The height of the meter exceeds the depth of the channel and is higher, therefore, than the liquid level regardless of fluctuations therein.

Abstract: A liquid sensor for sensing a level of liquid contained in a tank as well as the presence or absence of water remaining at the bottom of the tank is disclosed. The liquid sensor comprises a housing mounted at the bottom of the tank, a liquid level detecting element mounted on the housing, a pair of electrodes arranged at the bottom of the tank to detect water remaining at the bottom of the tank and an indicator operated in response to signals developed by the liquid level detecting element and the pair of electrodes.

Abstract: A portable, automatic liquid level monitoring and recording instrument is disclosed for use in measuring the capacity of soils to absorb water. A self-contained power source, timer and vertically biasable recording probe are housed as a cylindrical package disposed for placement in a shallow bore hold and connected to a reserve water supply. The probe, carrying an ink filled stylus, scribes a graph lining the inside of the cylinder during excursions initiated by timer actuation, the direction of probe traverse being reversed by completion of a circuit when the probe contacts water. Water is replenished to the borehole to datum level automatically after completion of the downward traverse of the probe.

Abstract: A device for calculating decompression plans prior to an underwater dive, and for monitoring the depth of a diver during an actual dive and continuously computing a safe decompression plan. The many tissues of a diver which absorb and eliminate inert gas are approximated by a single tissue having different time constants of uptake and elimination of inert gas. These time constants and discrete values of supersaturation ratio may be chosen to allow calculating of diving plans which approximate diving schedules determined empirically.

Abstract: A device for indicating the specific gravity and/or the level of the electrolyte in a wet storage battery with the device having a magnetically actuated switch which is energized by a magnet on a floatation member which senses both specific gravity and the electrolyte level. An adjustable bias magnet is provided to modify the magnetic force applied by the first magnet on the switch to accommodate for manufacturing tolerances in the device and also to accommodate for dimensional differences in battery construction.

Abstract: A combined visual and electronic liquid indicator which may be used as a battery hydrometer is disclosed. An outer housing of a generally cylindrical shape receives a centrally located elongated light transmitting viewing rod. The lower portion of the rod extends into a channel at the lower end of the outer housing. A float is retained in the channel by a retaining cage. A second generally cylindrical inner member which fits over the rod and into the outer housing has a light sensor and a light detector secured at its lower end across diametrically opposite portions of the float channel, and the outer housing and the inner member are then sealed together.