Abstract: A measuring device is for determining a separating layer or a mixing ratio in a container. The measuring device comprises two fill-level measuring apparatuses that acquire the echo curves in a standpipe and outside the standpipe, respectively. Solely from these two echo curves the position of a virtual boundary layer or the mixing ratio of the two different liquids can be determined.

Abstract: A quartz glass liquid level sensor includes a support frame, a light masking plate, a quartz glass tube, and a sensor module. The light masking plate is movably mounted on the support frame. The quartz glass tube is movably mounted to the support frame. One end of the quartz glass tube is securely fixed to the light masking plate. The sensor module is mounted on the support frame, for sensing a position of the light masking plate relative to the support frame.

Abstract: An inexpensive and simple-to-operate ice safety device is provided for deployment in a body of water. Once deployed, the ice safety device can be activated to check whether ice has formed to a predetermined thickness around the ice safety device. If ice has not formed to the predetermined thickness, the ice safety device indicates an unsafe condition. The ice safety device can be moored to a fixed location.

Abstract: The filling noise generated inside a pressurized container when liquid is injected into the container is detected at the outer end of a vent tube which extends into the container. When the level of liquid in the container reaches the lower end of the vent tube, the filling noise detected at the outer end is abruptly diminished. This abrupt change is detected and used to automatically terminate filling of the tank.

Abstract: The liquid depth sensing and identification system determines both the pressure head or depth, and therefore the quantity, of a liquid in a tank, as well as determining the characteristics of the liquid at the bottom of the probe. Two principles of operation are disclosed herein. The system may use a gas bubble collector about the outlet end of the purge tube, with the difference in height of the collector and purge tube mouths defining the very small difference in pressure head required to resolve the bubble emission characteristics produced in different liquids. Alternatively, the system incorporates a mass flow sensor capable of detecting minute changes in mass flow as bubbles are emitted from the purge tube in order to determine the type and characteristics of the liquid. The system operates using an open loop principle of operation, with no feedback provided to control the purge pump.

Abstract: A fuel level gauge includes a measuring pipe configured as a riser pipe that has a fuel inlet opening at one end region defines a measuring distance. The fuel level gauge also includes a fuel level sensor associated with the measuring pipe and disposed the vicinity of the fuel inlet opening and having a measurement-sensitive sensor area for purposes of measuring the fuel filling height in the measuring pipe. A fuel-permeable, thin-walled enveloping element surrounding the measuring pipe tightly so as to seal it in a first area of the measuring pipe and enclosing a second area of the measuring pipe at a predefined distance over a large surface. The second area encompasses at least the fuel inlet opening and the measurement-sensitive area of the fuel level sensor, and forms a large-volume antechamber upstream from the fuel inlet opening in the second area between an inside of the enveloping element and an outside of the measuring pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the current filling level of a liquid, preferably a calibrating, quality control, or cleaning fluid, or waste water, in a container, for example of an analyzer, where an immersion pipe is dipped into the liquid in the container to be filled or drained. The immersion pipe is connected to a pumping device via a tube system. The pressure p in the tube system is measured and increased, starting from the ambient pressure p0, until a first discontinuous pressure change occurs at pressure p1 due to the liquid column in the immersion pipe being forced out of the pipe, and/or the pressure p in the tube system is decreased until the liquid column in the immersion pipe reaches a change in cross-section of the immersion pipe, which change is situated above the maximum filling level of the liquid, such that a second discontinuous pressure change occurs at pressure p2 due to the liquid column reaching the change in cross-section.

Abstract: A system and method for method for measuring the vertical level of fluid in a container is provided. According to one aspect of the invention, a method for measuring the vertical level of fluid in a container includes moving air downward along the inside of a bubble tube at an angle of about 5 degrees to about 85 degrees from vertical into the fluid. According to another aspect, the method includes injecting a mixture of air and steam into fluid in a container via a bubble tube. Aspects of the present invention further provide a differential pressure bubbler system that includes a bubble tube mounted to a tank at an angle of about 5 degrees to 90 degrees. Aspects additionally provide a bubble tube having a diameter of about 1 inch to about 6 inches. Further aspects include a bubble tube having pressurized air and steam inputs.

Abstract: A fluid storage container provides a visual display of a fluid level therein. The container has a plurality of capillary tubes attached thereto, correlating to predetermined fluid levels within the container, and which may be visually observed upon inspection of the capillary tubes. Each of the capillary tubes has an inlet at a lower end thereof, and the inlets are located at different vertical levels from one another. When fluid in the container is at a level above an inlet of a given capillary tube, the capillary tube automatically fills with fluid, providing a visual signal of the fluid level.

Abstract: The invention concerns bubble level meter having a pneumatic tube connected to a gas generator and to a pressure sensor. A deflecting valve is interposed along the pneumatic tube, for deflecting the air outlet at a predetermined height from the usual lower outlet of the tube. A control circuit controls the deflecting valve and the gas generator based on predetermined set values, processes the pressure measurements obtained from the pressure sensor, checks the calibration of the sensor on the basis of the measurements and the differences in height between the tube outlet, and generates level data based on the processed pressure measurements and a calibrating coefficient. Another valve interposed between the sensor and the tube and monitored by the circuit control, enables to take into account the possible drift of the sensor.

Abstract: Method for controlling the level of a liquid (2) contained in at least one vessel (3), which comprises the following operative steps: inserting a measure tube (1) in the liquid (2); arranging an auxiliary duct (6; 21) inside or outside the vessel (3); measuring the pressure in said measure tube (1); measuring the pressure in said auxiliary duct (6; 21); determining the difference between the pressures in the measure tube (1) and in the auxiliary duct (6; 21); determining the value of the density or the specific weight of the liquid (2) in the vessel (3); dividing said pressure difference by said value of the density or specific weight of the liquid (2). The present invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out said method.

Abstract: A nozzle 21 is arranged in an ink pan 11 containing ink I, and air A is discharged from an opening 21A of the nozzle 21 into ink I. Back pressure P1 in the nozzle 21 is detected by a sensor 25, and by detecting changes in the back pressure P1, a liquid level is detected. The opening 21A of the nozzle 21 is opened in a direction inclined with respect to the axial direction of the nozzle 21, and by holding the nozzle 21 generally vertically, the opening 21A is set in a way of being inclined with respect to the liquid level L.

Abstract: A water depth measuring method comprises steps of making a bundle of reference water column pressure measuring tubes of a U character form of the number of n≧2 at a same length with a water depth measuring tube in order to compensate for a total error of a water depth measurement; filling an amount of water into the reference water column pressure measuring tubes to form water columns therein; measuring the water pressure in the reference water column pressure measuring tube by a pressure transducer before measuring a water depth; subtracting previously known water column pressure values derived from the measured water pressure values to calculate total error values; calculating a total error based on the total error values, in which the total error was generated upon measuring of the bubble generating pressure in the water column pressure measuring tubes; subtracting the total error from the bubble generating pressure, dividing the calculated water column pressures by the water column pressure in the refe

Abstract: Method for controlling the level of a liquid (2) contained in at least one vessel (3), which comprises the following operative steps: inserting a measure tube (1) in the liquid (2); arranging an auxiliary duct (6; 21) inside or outside the vessel (3); measuring the pressure in said measure tube (1); measuring the pressure in said auxiliary duct (6; 21); determining the difference between the pressures in the measure tube (1) and in the auxiliary duct (6; 21); determining the value of the density or the specific weight of the liquid (2) in the vessel (3); dividing said pressure difference by said value of the density or specific weight of the liquid (2). The present invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out said method.

Abstract: Upward variations of a molten metal level in a container for melting metallic material shall be carried out by detecting variations of a liquid level inside a detector connected to a gas-pipeline, wherein a rise in the pipeline pressure causes the liquid level to move down. Communication is established by means of a gas-pipeline 13 for inert gas between that portion of a container for melting metallic material which is above a molten metal surface 15a and that portion of a detector 16 comprising a transparent tubular container 18 which is above a liquid surface 17a. Variations of the liquid level 17a inside the detector 16 due to a rise in the pressure inside the above-mentioned gas-pipeline 13 are detected as upward variations of the level of the molten metal surface.

Abstract: Upward variations of a molten metal level in a container for melting metallic material shall be carried out by detecting variations of a liquid level inside a detector connected to a gas-pipeline, wherein a rise in the pipeline pressure causes the liquid level to move down. Communication is established by means of a gas-pipeline 13 for inert gas between that portion of a container for melting metallic material which is above a molten metal surface 15a and that portion of a detector 16 comprising a transparent tubular container 18 which is above a liquid surface 17a. Variations of the liquid level 17a inside the detector 16 due to a rise in the pressure inside the above-mentioned gas-pipeline 13 are detected as upward variations of the level of the molten metal surface.

Abstract: A container level sensor is disclosed comprising an elongate strip member for mounting in a container in a generally upright orientation. The strip member has a measurable capacitance that changes as the level of material stored in the container changes. Two insulated conductive strips, held apart by magnetic forces or resilient spacers, can be used to form a capacitor, with the force of material in the container against the sensor pushing the strips together and thereby changing the capacitance. This change can be measured by a circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously monitoring fluid level in an oil well, by measuring changes in the weight of the oil well tubing which result from changes in the buoyancy of the tubing caused by the rise and fall of fluid level within the oil well. In the apparatus of the invention, a transducer is either affixed to the downhole tubing of the oil well, or alternatively, is affixed to the drive head support structure of a well having a progressive cavity well pump. The transducer continuously senses changes in the weight of the tubing as the buoyancy of the tubing changes in proportion to the rise and fall of fluid level within the well. The transducer is preferably connected to a control unit which, in turn, is connected to the pump motor and which functions to automatically control the pump motor as a function of fluid level within the well.

Abstract: An oil level indicator having an oil container and an indicator tube extending therefrom. The indicator tube is inserted through a dip stick tube of an engine into the oil pan.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for determining the thickness of a layer of a first liquid above an interface formed by the first liquid and the second liquid underlying the first liquid in a subterranean formation. The apparatus includes an elongated metal rod having a sharpened distal end. An electrode is provided adjacent the sharpened distal end to indicate when the interface formed by the two liquids has been reached. A lengthwise running elongated slot is provided in the outer surface of the body of the metal rod and contains an indicator strip. The indicator strip is adapted to undergo a color change upon contact with the first liquid. By measuring the length of the indicator strip which has undergone a color change, the thickness of the layer of the first liquid can be determined.

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: 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 sensing device for determining the amount of liquid in an oil crankcase of a vehicle. A hollow dipstick, closed at one end and having a metering hole therein, is inserted into the crankcase of a car. The other end of the dipstick is connected by flexible tubing to a suction diaphragm and sensing diaphragm in a sensing module. The suction bellows and sensing diaphragm are linked together and to the dipstick by branches of a T-tubing. An opposed end of the suction diaphragm is connected to a piston of a solenoid. The sensing diaphragm is mounted to move in response to the amount of oil suctioned into the dipstick. An electrical circuit is formed between a push button, a solenoid, ground, and the car battery, such that, when the push button is closed, the solenoid becomes excited, drawing in the piston to thereby move the suction diaphragm. Movement of the suction diaphragm draws oil into the dipstick.

Abstract: Apparatus for admitting a cleaning agent into the vacuum line of an animal milking installation has a reservoir the lower portion of which communicates with an intake portion of the vacuum line, a metering device having a vessel which is installed in the upper portion of the reservoir, valved conduits which connect the vacuum line with a source of water and with the upper part of the vessel, a source of cleaning agent which is connected to and admits into the vessel cleaning agent when the vessel is connected to the vacuum line, a buoyant valve element which floats on the supply of cleaning agent in the vessel and seals the vessel from the vacuum line when the supply of cleaning agent in the vessel rises to a predetermined level, and a valve which allows the supply of cleaning agent to flow into the reservoir when the pressure differential between the interior of the vessel and the reservoir decreases to a predetermined value subsequent to sealing of the vacuum line from the interior of the vessel.

Abstract: A sensing device for determining the amount of liquid in an oil crankcase of a vehicle. A hollow dipstick, closed at one end and having a metering hole therein, is inserted into the crankcase of a car. The other end of the dipstick is connected by flexible tubing to a suction bellows and a sensing bellows in a sensing module. The suction bellows and sensing bellows are linked together and to the dipstick by branches of a T-tubing. An opposed end of the suction bellows is connected to a piston of a solenoid. The sensing bellows is mounted to move in response to the amount of oil suctioned into the dipstick. An electrical circuit is formed between a push-button, a solenoid, ground and the car battery, such that when the push-button is closed, the solenoid becomes excited, drawing in the piston to thereby expand the suction bellows. Expansion of the suction bellows draws oil into the dipstick. An electrical circuit coupled to the sensing bellows indicates if oil is sampled by the dipstick.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting the presents of an interface between two fluids with a conventional interface detection apparatus, located remote from the interface, in a tube are disclosed. The apparatus and method utilize a driving fluid introduced into the tube to cause one or the other of the fluids forming the interface to flow from an end of the tube through the tube to the remote detection apparatus, permitting the latter to test the fluid in the tube to determine whether the interface is above or below the end of the tube.

Abstract: A flat plate manometer includes a rectangular mercury column having calibration scales and a plurality of closely spaced stainless steel contacts disposed along the column. The mercury closes a circuit between a common contact and the column contacts as the mercury rises. The manometer is fabricated from acrylic plastic to provide a lightweight, low cost device. The input and output ports include microporous filters to prevent accidental loss of mercury.

Abstract: A device for pneumatically scanning the level of liquid in a container, such as small housings for electronic components which are to be filled with casting resin, has a pneumatic scanning nozzle disposed above the component housing for directing an extremely low pressure air stream at the liquid surface in the housing. The nozzle has a branch conduit leading to a piston movable to actuate a proximity switch for providing a signal to cease the supply of liquid to the container. When a pre-determined liquid level is attained in the container, the back pressure through the conduit moves the piston against a spring bias to actuate the proximity switch. The liquid level is thus determined in a contact-free manner so that the measuring system remains untouched by the casting resin.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for obtaining samples from within a multiple liquid container, e.g. a tank within an oil tanker, at various levels in such container and for determining the level of the interface of the different liquids in such container. The apparatus operates in cooperation with a sampling bob which can obtain liquid samples from within the tank, at whatever level it is located. The apparatus is attachable to a hatch which leads into the tank, and initially fixes the level at which the sampling bob takes a sample, usually at the tank bottom. Then, the apparatus enables the sampling bob to be shifted to a different level by movement of a positioning slide through a measured interval, so that the sampling bob can take a sample at this second level. Continued sampling at different levels enables the user to determine the location of the interface of two liquids, such as oil and water, in such a container.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the level of at least one fluid includes an elongated transparent tubular member open at both ends, one of the ends being vertically insertable into the fluid to a reference point below the fluid surface to establish a column of the fluid in the tubular member having a length generally equal to the distance between the reference point and the fluid surface, a stiff tether slightly longer in length than the tubular member and threaded therethrough, a plug connected to one end of the tether for closing at least the inserted end of the tubular member prior to withdrawing it from the fluid to contain the column of the fluid in the tubular member for measurement after the tubular member is withdrawn from the fluid, and a grip connected to the other end of the cable for remotely controlling the plug to close the inserted end of the tubular member.

Abstract: A flexible diaphragm can be moved to line opposite surfaces of a tank vehicle so that incompatible fluids alternately can be transported in the vehicle without the need for cleaning it. The diaphragm is prevented from entering a manway on the vehicle, and an outage gauge is confined entirely within the manway to prevent damage to the diaphragm.

Abstract: An arrangement for regulating the introduction of substances into chambers is disclosed and is particularly well-suited for the feeding of coal into coke ovens. The arrangement includes a chamber which is to be filled to a predetermined level and a feeding device is provided for feeding material into the chamber. The feeding device has a switch which stops the introduction of the material to the chamber when the level of the material reaches the predetermined level. The switch for the feeding device is electrically connected with a differential pressure switch which is actuated upon the generating of a predetermined pressure differential across it. The requisite pressure differential is generated by introducing pressurized gas into the chamber and an air compressor may be provided for this purpose. A sensing conduit, which is connected with one terminal of the differential pressure switch, extends into the chamber and has an end positioned at the predetermined level to which the chamber is to be filled.

Abstract: A combined service valve and outage indicator for a liquified gas tank, consisting of a valve body engagable in the neck of a liqufied gas container. The valve body has a main screw valve element engagable in a seat in the body to control the flow of gas from the container to a service outlet. The valve element has an operating knob with an indicating pointer overlying a volume scale disc secured on the valve body. Secured to the inlet end of the valve body is a depending cylindrical chamber closed at its bottom end and having spirally arranged holes. A tubular sleeve is rotatably and sealingly engaged in the cylindrical chamber and has a vertical slot or recess registrable progressively with the holes. The top end of the tubular sleeve communicates with a cavity in the chamber leading to a vent passage in the valve body controlled by a screw valve.