Abstract: A method and system for predicting performance of a fluid filled electrical device are provided. The system includes a sensing unit operable communicating with a fluid level estimation system. The sensing unit includes one or more sensors physically mountable on and/or around the electrical device, recording temperature data associated with the fluid and the ambient environment. The fluid level estimation system determines temperatures of the fluid and a an ambient temperature, generates feature vectors for one or more of the temperatures based on their correlation with the ambient temperature, and estimates a fluid level inside the electrical device and thereby the performance, based on the feature vectors and a probability density function derived from a distribution constructed using historical temperature gradient data associated with the electrical device.

Abstract: Provided is a gas supply apparatus for supplying a gas compound obtained by vaporizing a liquid compound to a target location, the gas supply apparatus comprising: a storage vessel capable of storing the liquid compound; a gas compound supply pipeline, one end of which is connected to the storage vessel, and another end of which is capable of being disposed at the target location; and a temperature control device configured to adjust a temperature of the gas compound or the liquid compound within the storage vessel to be equal to or lower than a surrounding temperature of the gas compound supply pipeline.

Abstract: In some examples, a liquid container comprises a chamber forming a volume containing a liquid, an elongated strip extending into the volume containing the liquid, a plurality of heaters supported by the strip along the strip, and a plurality of temperature sensors supported by the strip along the strip. The temperature sensors output signals indicative of dissipation of heat from the heaters to indicate a level of the liquid in the volume.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices for detecting the fill level of media in containers. The devices are distinguished, in particular, by a simple and reliable detection of the fill level. For this purpose, multiple measuring points, each consisting of a series circuit of a resistor and a p-n junction, are spaced apart from one another. Each measuring point is connected, on the one hand, to an input of a multiplexer. On the other hand, the measuring points are connected to a reference potential. The output of the multiplexer is connected to a control device, wherein the control device is a control device periodically supplying a voltage to the measuring point connected to the control device via the multiplexer and measuring the voltage drop, a control device determining the medium from the temperature-dependent forward voltages resulting from the different thermal properties of the medium and a control device ascertaining the fill level from the consecutive measuring points.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus (13) that is able to be put together from an assembly kit, wherein the assembly kit has at least two sensor units (1), which are each fashioned for measuring different variables, and at least two communication units (6), which each have different interfaces for data transmission, and each of the sensor units (1) is detachably connectable to each of the communication units (6) of the assembly kit by a mechanical coupling (7).

Abstract: A liquid level indicating device includes a moving member which is arranged in a liquid tank storing a cooling liquid and moves vertically in conjunction with variation in a liquid level of the cooling liquid, a string member having one end portion connected to the moving member, the string member being configured to be bendable and non-extendable in a longitudinal direction, an indicator connected to the other end portion of the string member and which indicates a height position of the moving member as a remaining amount of the cooling liquid by operating in conjunction with movement of the moving member through the string member, and a tube member which is configured to be bendable and non-extendable in the longitudinal direction, has the string member passed therethrough, and connects the liquid tank and the indicator.

Abstract: An example printing cartridge includes a fluid container, a sensing die including a plurality of sensing locations in thermal contact with the fluid container, and a voltage comparator to output time-based information by comparing a sensed voltage generated at a selected sensing location of the plurality of sensing locations to a threshold voltage, the time-based information representative of whether a fluid is present at the sensing location.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor body with a proximal end and a distal end. The sensor body includes a radially extending flange positioned between the proximal end and the distal end. The radially extending flange of the sensor body includes a flange surface. A sleeve is positioned radially outward from the sensor body surrounding the proximal end of the sensor body. The sleeve has a radially extending end flange with an end surface configured to contact the flange surface of the radially extending flange of the sensor body to transfer a load between the sleeve and the sensor body.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a heat dissipating system for a light can include: a light source comprising an LED; a reflector adjacent the LED; a housing around the LED module; and a flexible conductive connector attached at one end to a heat sink and at another end to the light source, and configured to conduct heat away from the light source and to the heat sink. The heat sink is located remote from the light source. In an embodiment, a method of dissipating heat away from a LED module can include: conducting heat from the LED module through a flexible conductive connector to a heat sink, wherein a lamp comprises the LED module, a housing, and a reflector, and wherein the heat sink is located external to the LED housing.

Abstract: A melting vessel for performing an electro-slag melting method and such a method are presented. Measuring devices measuring a temperature at different heights allow conclusions about position and height of a slag zone in the melting vessel during the method.

Abstract: Climate control devices and methods are disclosed. One climate control device includes a housing, an evaporative medium port, a liquid level sensor, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine a change in the level of liquid in the housing, calculate an efficiency of an evaporative medium received by the evaporative medium port based on the change in the level of liquid, and provide an evaporative medium efficiency indication when the efficiency of the evaporative medium falls below a predetermined value. Another climate control device includes a housing, an evaporative medium port, a pump, a first conduit, and a controller. The controller configured to determine an evaporation rate of an evaporative medium received by the evaporative medium port, and operate the pump to pump liquid through the first conduit to the evaporative medium port at varying liquid flow rates dependent on the evaporation rate of the evaporative medium.

Abstract: A multifunction probe for primary references for an aircraft, an associated measuring system, aircraft and method for obtaining physical quantities are disclosed. In one aspect, the multifunction probe includes a base designed to be fastened on the cockpit of an aircraft, a plurality of static pressure taps arranged through the base and connected to pressure measuring devices and an optical window transparent to laser radiation and positioned in the base for the passage of laser radiation through the base. The multifunction probe further includes at least one laser anemometry optical head positioned to take laser anemometry measurements through the optical window and a static temperature probe mounted on the base.

Abstract: A fluid filtration system may include a fluid filter assembly that includes a filter element configured to filter a fluid and a sensor probe incorporated into the fluid filter assembly. The sensor probe may include a chemically reactive material sensitive to at least one property of the fluid and at least a portion of the sensor probe may be exposed to the fluid.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining fluid inflow to a well are described. In one example, a method comprise determining a first fluid flow velocity profile from slug tracking and determining a second fluid flow velocity profile from an estimate of fluid inflow at each of a plurality of perforations in a well. The first and second fluid flow velocity profiles are combined to provide a combined velocity profile. An indication of fluid inflow at least one perforation is derived from the combined velocity profile.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the level of a liquid. The apparatus comprises an elongated, thermally conductive probe with an upper region to be disposed above the surface of the liquid, a lower region to be disposed below the surface of the liquid, and a middle region. A heater adds heat to the probe, and temperature sensors may measure the temperature of the probe in the upper and lower regions. An actuator may introduce a vibration into the probe at a first location, and a vibration sensor senses the arrival of the vibration at a second location. Electrical circuitry controls may be used to receive signals and make measurements. The liquid level may be computed by electrical circuitry controls via an equation.

Abstract: A detector configured to indirectly monitor a level of liquid within a container is provided. The detector includes a temperature sensor and a heat producing element proximate to the temperature sensor. A shell is disposed around the temperature sensor and heat producing element, the shell is configured to be disposed within a container and to provide a barrier between liquid disposed within the container and each of the temperature sensor and heat producing element. The heat producing element is configured to transfer heat generated therein to the shell, and the sensor is configured to measure a surface temperature of the heat producing element.

Abstract: A thermal well temperature monitoring assembly with high dielectric strength capability is disclosed consisting of a low relative dielectric constant material in a continuous structure that does not have any air voids or pockets. The low relative dielectric constant structure of the thermal well has at least one internal cavity having an end region. A thermal sensor is at least partially located within the at least one internal cavity. The thermal sensor has one or more wires extending out of the end region of the internal cavity. A first low relative dielectric constant potting material encapsulates at least a portion of the thermal sensor within the internal cavity to remove air voids that decrease dielectric strength. A second low relative dielectric constant potting material fills at least a portion of the end region of the internal cavity to provide mechanical ruggedness and environmental sealing.

Abstract: A device for quantifying a useful thermal energy available in a tank for storing a heated or cooled fluid or solid includes: a plurality of thermoelectric converters configured to be distributed in plural locations of the storage tank; an electric circuit interconnecting the thermoelectric converters; a device measuring a single electrical variable of the electric circuit; and a converter converting a single measurement of the single electrical variable into a value for quantification of the useful thermal energy available in the storage tank.

Abstract: An in-shoe monitoring system has a shoe insert including a flexible substrate, force sensors secured to the flexible substrate, a position sensor and a motion sensor. A microcontroller is secured to the flexible substrate and is operational to receive sensor data from the force sensors, the position sensor, and the motion sensor. A wireless transceiver on the flexible substrate is operational to transmit sensor data from the force sensors, the position sensor, and the motion sensor. A portable computing device is operational to receive the sensor data from the wireless transceiver.

Abstract: A method for indicating the level of a liquefied gas in a cryogenic tank having a resistance temperature detector (1). The controller applies a heating pulse to the detector and performs a single resistance measurement after the heating pulse. The overheating of the sensor and the time interval for the measurement are found in a separate set of test experiment. As a result, for temperature sensors with negative temperature coefficient, the resistance of the sensor in gas is below some unique characteristic value, which can be used like a threshold criterion to distinguish between the liquid and the gas in a wide temperature range. For sensors with positive temperature coefficient, the resistance of the sensor in gas is larger than some unique characteristic value, which can be used like a threshold criterion to distinguish between the liquid and the gas in a wide temperature range.

Abstract: A fluid (oil) storage tank is often in a remote place. A temperature sensor strip is affixed vertically down the outside of the tank. Each sensor sends its electronic signature and temperature to a local microprocessor. Various types of computations yield an accurate level indication on a local display, all powered by a car battery, solar panel or power supply. Data can be sent remotely as well. For explosive environments only a small processor is powered adjacent the tank. Then a second processor has the power to compute and analyze the raw temperature data and display it at a safe distance from the tank with only a twisted pair of low volt wires reaching the tank. Other non-explosive tanks such as a water tank can use a signal processor adjacent the strip for all data collection, computing and display functions.

Abstract: A water absorption property of a concrete surface of an actual structure is measured in situ for clarification and evaluation of causative factors and so forth related to densification of surface layer concrete. An apparatus for a water absorption test has a position-fixing device, a detecting device and a measuring device. A device for water absorption test having vent means is positionally fixed on the concrete surface by the position-fixing device, with use of negative pressure or a mechanical connection. The detecting device detects an amount of water held in a chamber, and results detected by the detecting device are input into the measuring device. A water absorption rate is measured by the detecting device and the measuring device. On the basis of the water absorption rate measured at predetermined elapsed time, identification or comparison of causative or evaluative factors related to densification of the surface layer concrete is carried out.

Abstract: A method for determining a fluid level value in a fluid tank of an internal combustion engine equipped with a discrete level sensor is provided. The discrete level sensor is configured for generating a first electrical signal when a fluid level is above or equal to a first predetermined fluid level threshold value and generating a second electrical signal when the fluid level is above or equal to a second predetermined fluid level threshold value. The second predetermined fluid level threshold value is greater than the first predetermined fluid level threshold value. The method includes monitoring a number of occurrences of the first electrical signal and of the second electrical signal over a time interval. The fluid level in the fluid tank is calculated as a function of the number of occurrences of the first and of the second electrical signals over the time interval.

Abstract: Provided is a apparatus for sensing a liquid level reliably based solely on an analog process even if a liquid held in a container boils, causing the liquid level to fall.

Abstract: A liquid replenishment system includes a reservoir, a first temperature sensor positioned in the reservoir at a full level, a second temperature sensor positioned in the reservoir at an add level, and a controller. The controller is connected to both the first and second sensors. The controller receives temperature signals from the first and second temperature sensors at first and second times. The controller sends an add liquid signal if temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor is substantially different at the first and second times and if temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor is substantially different at the first and second times. The controller sends a full signal if temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor is substantially the same at the first and second times and if temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor is substantially the same at the first and second times.

Abstract: A fluid level sensor system includes a thermal path component disposed at least partially within a fluid containing volume, the thermal path component including a heat source operably coupled thereto and a control temperature sensor for sensing a control temperature of the thermal path component. Also included is a reference temperature sensor for sensing a reference ambient temperature. Further included is a controller in operable communication with the control temperature sensor, the heat source and the reference temperature sensor, wherein the controller maintains a predetermined temperature difference between the control temperature and the reference ambient temperature by controlling the heat source, wherein an energy level required to maintain the predetermined temperature difference is converted to a fluid level within the fluid containing volume.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member which bears an electrostatic latent image, a development device which includes a developer bearing member conveying developer, a developing container containing the developer, and a stirring member stirring the developer inside the developing container. In addition, a first detecting portion detects information regarding humidity of the developer, a second detecting portion is disposed at a different position from the first detecting portion and detects information regarding humidity of the developer, and a controller starts image forming after driving the stirring member for a predetermined period after receiving an image forming signal. The controller controls to extend the predetermined period when a difference between the detecting result from the first detecting portion and the second detecting portion is larger than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A compressor may include a shell, a compression mechanism, first and second temperature sensors, and a control module. The shell may define a lubricant sump. The compression mechanism may be disposed within the shell and may be operable to compress a working fluid. The first temperature sensor may be at least partially disposed within the shell at a first position. The second temperature sensor may be at least partially disposed within the shell at a second position that is vertically higher than the first position. The control module may be in communication with the first and second temperature sensors and the pressure sensor and may determine whether a liquid level in the lubricant sump is below a predetermined level based on data received from the first and second temperature sensors.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the temperature and level of liquid food in a container is provided. The device includes an upper base and a lower elongate housing member. A plurality of temperature sensors are located along the length of the elongate housing member. The device may include a retaining lip which allows the device to be hung over the edge of a food container, with the elongate housing member extending down into the liquid food. Signals received from the individual sensors can be used to determine both the temperature of the liquid and the level or volume of the liquid in the container, using the known distances between the individual sensors. Information regarding the liquid temperature and level can then be transmitted from the monitoring device to an external receiver. The device may also comprise an energy harvesting device which converts heat energy from the liquid into electrical energy.

Abstract: The aim is to achieve a particularly robust and reliable embodiment of a filling level sensor with several thermoelements for measuring the filling level of a liquid in a receptacle. This is achieved in that the thermoelements are arranged in parallel with one another and extend from the bottom upwards. The thermoelements are of different heights so that, depending on the filling level, one part of the thermoelements is flooded and another part is not. This can be used to derive information regarding the filling level.

Abstract: Provided is a apparatus for sensing a liquid level reliably based solely on an analog process even if a liquid held in a container boils, causing the liquid level to fall.

Abstract: A multifunctional fluid level and quality sensing device including a fluid level sensor and a capacitive sensor for detecting fluid level, fluid quality, errors in the sensing device, and issues in a fluid delivery system. In detecting fluid level, impedance of the capacitive sensor is used in improving sensing performance of the fluid level sensor, while in detecting fluid quality and errors in the sensing device, an expected impedance range with an upper boundary value and a lower boundary value is calculated, and a fault is generated when the measured impedance value is out of the expected impedance range. The fluid level and quality sensing device can also be used in a fluid delivery system for detecting system issues, and the results can be used for further isolating errors in the system. Operating status of higher level system provides more information for this purpose.

Abstract: Methods and systems for inferring a fuel level in a fuel tank based on temperature changes in a carbon canister are disclosed. In one example approach a method comprises, indicating a fuel level in a fuel tank based on a temperature change of adsorbent in a carbon canister during refueling.

Abstract: A gauge for indicating whether the oil level in an oleo-pneumatic shock absorber requires modification. The gauge comprises a substrate for positioning relative to the oleo-pneumatic shock absorber. The substrate has a first region arranged to encompass a range of possible oil levels within the shock absorber, a second region corresponding to a range of possible extension states of the shock absorber and a third region comprising one or more traces. Each trace corresponds to a temperature value and is indicative of an optimum relationship between the oil levels and the range of extension states at the respective temperature value associated with the trace.

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

Abstract: A two-wire system for monitoring fluid level and temperature including a pair of electrical interconnect wires bridged by a fluid level switch and a thermal sensing element. One of the fluid level switch or the thermal sensing element bypasses the other during a trigger event.

Abstract: A sealing device for a device for measuring a fill level in a fluid container, particularly in a pressure container of a nuclear facility, includes at least one thermocouple which is connected by a pressure pipe to the pressure container and a pipeline connected to the pressure pipe to an evaluation unit. The pressure pipe and the pipeline are connected to each other by a pipe screw connection including a central part having two threaded pieces. One threaded piece is connected by a screw connection to a pipe sleeve and the other threaded piece is connected by a further screw connection to the pressure pipe.

Abstract: This asphalt loading arm is for dispensing fluids from a storage tank to a receiving tank. The loading arm includes an overfill probe to prevent overfilling during transfer from one tank in loading lanes at asphalt terminals. The overfill probe is a rapid temperature response probe. The rapid response temperature probe that has a very fast response time. Placing a transmitter on the probe uniquely allows a PLC to collect data from the probe.

Abstract: A fill-level measuring device with a membrane, which is placed in such a manner on one of the two end region of a tubular housing that it seals the housing on such end region. An oscillatable unit is placed on the side of the membrane facing away from the housing, with a driver/receiver unit, which is composed of a plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged in a stack. The driver/receiver unit is placed via a pressure screw unit in such a manner in the housing that it oscillates in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the housing between the membrane and the pressure screw unit. The driver/receiver unit excites the oscillatable unit via the membrane to execute oscillations, with a control/evaluation unit, which evaluates amplitude, frequency and/or phase of the oscillations of the oscillatable unit and with a temperature sensor for determining temperature of the medium.

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

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a main body, a sensor, and a filler. The main body includes an outer surface having a continuously-variable radius of curvature in at least one portion. A sensor in thermal communication with a region of that surface having relatively low radius of curvature is disposed in the assembly recessed from the outer surface. Liquid droplets adhered to the outer surface in this region tend to migrate to a distant location having a higher radius of curvature. The main body has low thermal conductivity. The filler has a relatively higher thermal conductivity and, in embodiments, fills an opening in the outer surface of the main body, providing a thermally-conductive pathway between the sensor and the surrounding environment via the opening. A probe having a plurality of such sensors, and methods of detecting the presence of liquid and phase transitions in a predetermined space are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid level sensor system includes a thermal path component disposed at least partially within a fluid containing volume, the thermal path component including a heat source operably coupled thereto and a control temperature sensor for sensing a control temperature of the thermal path component. Also included is a reference temperature sensor for sensing a reference ambient temperature. Further included is a controller in operable communication with the control temperature sensor, the heat source and the reference temperature sensor, wherein the controller maintains a predetermined temperature difference between the control temperature and the reference ambient temperature by controlling the heat source, wherein an energy level required to maintain the predetermined temperature difference is converted to a fluid level within the fluid containing volume.

Abstract: A device and a method are used for measuring the filling level of a fluid for monitoring a dispense/aspirate process in reaction vessels, including at least one cavity for dispensing and aspirating the fluid, where the cavity is provided with a filling level sensor whose signals, transmitted to an evaluation unit, are evaluated to determine the filling level, the at least one cavity is assigned a receiving body which is closed at the bottom and is separated from the cavity for receiving the fluid, the filling level sensor is at least one thermistor extending along the outside of a wall of the receiving body without coming in contact with the fluid, the evaluation unit evaluates the temperature influence of the thermistor in dispensing, aspirating and in retention of the fluid in the receiving body to detect the filling level, in this way the process monitoring in washing the reaction vessels is improved.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the liquid level of molten metal including an image measuring device (5), a measuring probe (6), a lifting mechanism (1), a displacement sensor (11), an data processing system (4) and a correction marker(7). The lifting mechanism (1) is fixed to the molten metal container (10) or is independent of the molten metal container, the image measuring device (5) and the measuring probe (6) are installed on the lifting mechanism (1) or are independent of the lifting mechanism, and the optical axis of the image measuring device (5) is set at an angle with the geometric axis of the measuring probe (6), the measuring probe (6) is located within the field of view of the image measuring device (5), the image measuring device (5), the lifting mechanism (1) and the displacement sensor (11) are connected to the data processing system (4) respectively. A method for measuring the level of molten metal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid replenishment system includes a reservoir, a first temperature sensor positioned in the reservoir at a full level, a second temperature sensor positioned in the reservoir at an add level, and a controller. The controller is connected to both the first and second sensors. The controller receives temperature signals from the first and second temperature sensors at first and second times. The controller sends an add liquid signal if temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor is substantially different at the first and second times and if temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor is substantially different at the first and second times. The controller sends a full signal if temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor is substantially the same at the first and second times and if temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor is substantially the same at the first and second times.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the fill level of a liquid in a liquid container, in particular for monitoring the coolant fill level in a reactor pressure vessel of a pressurized water reactor system, wherein a determination is made about the drop in the liquid level below the installed height of a heated thermal element by way of the temperature difference measured between said heated thermal element and an unheated thermal element associated therewith, both of said elements being disposed in the liquid container, said method comprising the especially reliable triggering of an alarm with a short response time while maintaining a low level of physical and controls engineering complexity when the liquid level to be monitored falls below a critical value.

Abstract: A detector configured to indirectly monitor a level of liquid within a container is provided. The detector includes a temperature sensor and a heat producing element proximate to the temperature sensor. A shell is disposed around the temperature sensor and heat producing element, the shell is configured to be disposed within a container and to provide a barrier between liquid disposed within the container and each of the temperature sensor and heat producing element. The heat producing element is configured to transfer heat generated therein to the shell, and the sensor is configured to measure a surface temperature of the heat producing element.

Abstract: A fluid level sensor and drain fitting is provided that includes a fitting body having a first annular end, a second external-threaded end with an opening therein, and a passage extending from the opening to the first annular end. The drain fitting further includes a plurality of sensors forming an array on the second external-threaded end radially spaced around the opening such that at least one sensor is above the centerline of the opening regardless of the rotational position of the fitting. Each of the sensors are configured to provide an output that changes in response to contact with water. The plurality of sensors are configured to detect a water level relative to the opening in the fitting body based on the number of sensors in the array that provide an output indicative of contact with water.

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

Abstract: A sensor device and a related method for measuring the flow of a fluid and/or for detecting the presence of a substance have such respective structural and functional features as to allow reliable measurements at very reduced costs. The sensor device includes at least a temperature difference sensor based on the Seebeck thermoelectric effect and integrated in a sensor device support, together with a heating element also integrated in this support. A method for measuring the flow of a fluid and/or the presence or the level of a substance uses the sensor device.