Abstract: A remote seal system includes a remote diaphragm having a first side configured to be exposed to a process fluid. A conduit is coupled to the remote diaphragm and includes a fill fluid in fluidic communication with a second side of the remote diaphragm. A temperature sensor is thermally coupled to the conduit and configured to sense a temperature of the fill fluid. In one alternative example, a remote sensing assembly includes a flexible elongate conduit having a first end coupled to a remote diaphragm in fluidic communication with a process fluid and a second end extending a length from the first end to a process fluid pressure transmitter. A substantially incompressible fill fluid is disposed within the flexible elongate conduit. The process fluid pressure transmitter is configured to generate an output value indicative of pressure in the process fluid based on a corresponding pressure in the fill fluid.

Abstract: A pressure transducer assembly comprises a pressure transducer, a cable, an expandable member, and a vented connector. The cable includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a vent tube. The proximal end is operatively connected to the pressure transducer. The expandable member is operatively connected to the vent tube proximate the distal end. The vented connector is operatively connected to the distal end, and the vented connector is configured and arranged to allow exposure of the vent tube to atmospheric conditions when in a disconnected configuration and to prevent exposure of the vent tube to atmospheric conditions when in a connected configuration. The expandable member accommodates changes in air pressure within the vent tube when the vented connector is in the connected configuration.

Abstract: A vessel with a cavity for measuring level is disclosed. The vessel includes a differential pressure sensor having a first port and a second port, a reference tube that connects the first port of the differential pressure sensor to a bottom portion of the cavity, and an impulse tube that connects the second port of the differential pressure sensor to an impulse tube ending. At least a portion of the impulse tube extends through the cavity and ends at a fluid inlet. The fluid inlet is located at a level above the reference tube.

Abstract: A remote seal connection includes an outer sleeve, configured to be inserted through a penetration in a wall and having an outer surface. A capillary is within the outer sleeve and carries a fluid configured to communicate a pressure from a remote seal to a pressure transmitter. A space is provided about the capillary and is positioned between the capillary and the outer sleeve.

Abstract: A pressure transmitter assembly for measuring a process pressure of an industrial process includes a pressure sensor configured to sense the process pressure. A process coupling couples the pressure sensor to the industrial process. In one example configuration, a phase change material carried in the process coupling is configured to reduce heat transfer from the industrial process to the process variable sensor by changing phase in response to heat from the industrial process. In another example configuration, a thermocouple electric cooling element is coupled to the process coupling and configured to conduct heat away from the coupling in response to an applied electric current.

Abstract: A pressure transmitter assembly for measuring a process pressure of an industrial process includes a pressure sensor configured to sense the process pressure. A process coupling couples the pressure sensor to the industrial process using an elongate housing with a fill fluid capillary. In one example configuration, at least one thermoelectric element is included within the elongate housing to apply heat to, or conduct heat away from, the process coupling in response to an applied electric current or signal, allowing fill fluid to be preheated to facilitate cold startup or calibration, and providing cooling of the process coupling during high temperature operation.

Abstract: A liquid level switch is provided having a first elongated substrate having one, two or three or more pairs of elongated electrical conductors thereon, a second elongated substrate having one two or three or more electrically conductive areas thereon, each electrically conductive area being positioned over an associated pair of electrical conductors positioned on the first elongated non-electrically conductive substrate for enabling electrical bridging contact between conductors of the pairs of electrical conductors, and a substrate coupler is provided for coupling the first and second non-electrically conductive substrates together for providing separation of the non-electrically conductive substrates in the absence of hydrostatic pressure thereon, and for causing contact between the first and second non-electrically conductive substrates in the presence of hydrostatic pressure thereon, producing the electrical bridging contact between pairs of conductors on the first non-electrically conductive substrate, i

Abstract: An organic light emitting display device includes a plurality of first sub-pixels arranged adjacent to each other along a first direction, each of the first sub-pixels includes a first emission region configured to emit light of a first color and a first transmission region configured to transmit external light, the first emission regions of at least two of the first sub-pixels are adjacent to each other; and a plurality of second sub-pixels arranged adjacent to each other along the first direction and adjacent to corresponding ones of the plurality of first sub-pixels along a second direction crossing the first direction, each of the plurality of second sub-pixels includes a second emission region configured to emit light of a second color and a second transmission region configured to transmit external light, the second emission regions of at least two of the sub-pixels are adjacent to each other.

Abstract: A system for determining liquid level in containers. According to one embodiment, the system is configured for use with a single container. The system includes a tube having a distal branch and two proximal branches. The distal branch is sized to extend from inside the container to a remote location. One proximal branch is coupled to a pressure transducer for emitting a signal in response to the sensed fluid pressure head in the container, and the other proximal branch is coupled through a check valve to a gas displacement device used periodically to blow debris from the distal branch. A processor coupled to the transducer uses the fluid pressure head signal to determine the liquid level. A display coupled to the processor displays the determined liquid level. In another embodiment, the system may be used to determine the liquid level in any, some, or all of a plurality of containers.

Abstract: A storage tank and method for monitoring thereof is provided. The tank includes a first panel that defines a mounting surface for carrying a heating element. The heating element extends into the tank for heating liquids stowed therein. A sidewall interconnects the first panel and a spaced-apart second panel. A support extends from a bottom-facing surface of the second panel for supporting the tank in a spaced-apart relation from a nearby surface. The support further defines an upward-facing pocket for receiving a portion of the heating element. A control system may monitor the storage tank and alert a service provider of operative conditions thereof.

Abstract: A bin level monitoring system uses one or more monitoring devices (10) to measure a material (23) level in a bin (34). The monitoring devices (10) each have a frame (11) with at least two rigid frame members (12, 13) extending in a longitudinal direction with a space (14) between the frame members. A flexible material (22) covers the frame members (12, 13) and encloses the space (14) there between. A first resistive element (24) and a second resistive or conductive element (30) extend in the longitudinal direction of the device (10) and are arranged to move into contact with each other between the first and second frame members (12, 13) when pressure is applied by bulk material (23) in the bin (34) pressing against an outer surface of the flexible covering (22). An electric circuit (35) connected to the monitoring device (10) measures a total resistance of the free, non-contacted portion of at least one of the first and second elements (24, 30) to provide a measurement of the material level in the bin (34).

Abstract: Level sensors for a metering system container are provided that facilitate determining material level within the container despite dusty or damp conditions. In an exemplary embodiment, a material metering system includes a first sensor assembly disposed within a lower portion of the container and a second sensor assembly disposed within an upper portion of the container. Each sensor assembly is configured to output a signal indicative of contact with the material. The material metering system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the first and second sensor assemblies and configured to engage a transfer of material to the container in response to the signal from the first sensor assembly indicative of contact with the material and to disengage the transfer of material to the container in response to the signal from the second sensor assembly indicative of contact with the material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the real-time determination of the filling level of a cryogenic tank intended to house a two-phase liquid/gas mixture, in which at least one of the the level, volume or mass contained in the tank is calculated for the liquid or the gas at each time step. The method includes the use of a thermal model at each time step to calculate the average temperatures of the liquid and the gas in the tank on the basis of the measured pressure differential and at least one of the pressures of said differential; calculation of the change over time in at least the density of the liquid on the basis of the average temperature of the liquid and the pressures in the tank.

Abstract: A storage tank and method for monitoring thereof is provided. The tank includes a first panel that defines a mounting surface for carrying a heating element. The heating element extends into the tank for heating liquids stowed therein. A sidewall interconnects the first panel and a spaced-apart second panel. A support extends from a bottom-facing surface of the second panel for supporting the tank in a spaced-apart relation from a nearby surface. The support further defines an upward-facing pocket for receiving a portion of the heating element. A control system may monitor the storage tank and alert a service provider of operative conditions thereof.

Abstract: A fluid level indicator strip measures the level of water in a closed receptacle containing a volume of fluid within an impermeable liner. The strip is a flexible, thin and impermeable elongate strip having a first pressure sensing part disposed vertically within the receptacle on the surface of an inside wall and a second visual display part disposed on the same wall outside surface. The first and second parts are connected by a third horizontal part. Each pressure sensor is electrically connected to a direct opposite and corresponding visual display. In one embodiment the pressure sensors are piezoresistive. In another embodiment the visual displays are LEDs.

Abstract: A fluid level indicator strip measures the level of water in a closed receptacle containing a volume of fluid within an impermeable liner. The strip is a flexible, thin and impermeable elongate strip having a first pressure sensing part disposed vertically within the receptacle on the surface of an inside wall and a second visual display part disposed on the same wall outside surface. The first and second parts are connected by a third horizontal part. Each pressure sensor is electrically connected to a direct opposite and corresponding visual display. In one embodiment the pressure sensors are piezoresistive. In another embodiment the visual displays are LEDs.

Abstract: A fuel tank is allowed to hold any of types of liquid fuels and currently hold one type of liquid fuel. A light emitting element outputs a light beam of a predetermined emission spectrum to the liquid fuel of the fuel tank. The liquid fuel changes the light beam to a reflected light beam of a reflection spectrum according to spectral characteristics of the liquid fuel. The reflection spectrum is peculiar to the type of the liquid fuel of the fuel tank. A light receiving element detects the reflection spectrum, and a control circuit receives the detected reflection spectrum from the light receiving element. The control circuit collates the detected reflection spectrum with a referential reflection spectrum corresponding to each fuel type and identified the type of the liquid fuel of the fuel tank according to a collation result.

Abstract: A tank level detection apparatus for indirect measurement of a liquid level in a tank is disclosed. The apparatus includes a second liquid at least partially stored in a reservoir and a one-way valve, which communicates between the reservoir and the tank. A sensor is used to determine a physical characteristic of second liquid from which the level of the liquid in the tank can be determined.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus includes a condensing chamber (CC) that maintains a volume of a condensate obtained from vapor emitting from a vessel, for example a reactor pressure vessel (RPV). The condensing chamber is connected to a reference leg (RL), a variable leg (VL) and a vapor or steam leg (SL). RL connection provides a flow path for the CRD drive water system backfill to flow into the CC and overflow into the VL. The excess backfill and/or condensate will be returned to the vessel, typically at a point below the liquid level within the vessel. Non-condensable gases will thereby be returned from the CC to the RPV in a substantially continuous manner, thereby tending to prevent the introduction of non-condensable gas enriched liquid from the CC into the RL and improving the tolerance and reliability of the level measurements and/or reducing thermal stresses on the various CC connections.

Abstract: Water measurement auto-networks and methods of operation are disclosed herein. An exemplary method may include determining a water level at a first water measurement station in an auto-network. The method may also include reducing power to at least a transmitter at the first water measurement station to conserve battery power during an inactive state. The method may further include increasing power to the transmitter only at predetermined times to communicate the water measurement data to a second water measurement station in the auto-network.

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

Abstract: The mounting structure for mounting the piezo-electric device (106) used to detect the consumption condition of the liquid in the liquid container (1) to the liquid container (1), having the receiving portion (363) to which the piezo-electric device (106) is to be mounted and the mount portion (363) to be mounted to the liquid container (1). The mounting structure can appropriately mount a piezo-electric device (106) for detecting the consumption condition of a liquid in a liquid container (1) to the liquid container (1).

Abstract: A liquid level sensor for standard bottles containing highly viscous materials such as gels so that the bottles may be inserted into an appliance to alert a user when the bottle is empty. The holder conveniently locates the bottle in the holder which includes insert molded contacts, wire harness and seal piercing mechanism. The bottle holder will universally fits into most appliances and machines. The invention enables the use of standard bottles are liquid reservoirs such that the bottle can be discarded when empty.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid level gauge for sensing the level of fluid in a dispenser. The level gauge includes an inlet port communicating with the fluid and a check valve in communication with the inlet port. The check valve includes a membrane which allows air to pass. The level gauge further includes a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the check valve. The fluid level gauge may be used in connection with a beverage dispenser.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment, the present technique relates to a fuel sensor for determining operational fuel level (hnew) in a fuel tank (14). In the exemplary embodiment, an isolated airspace (44) is created. By monitoring the pressure conditions in the isolated airspace 44 as well as the pressure and temperature conditions in the remainder (42) of the tank (14), the operational fuel level (hnew) may be determined.

Abstract: A system and method of managing fuel vapor pressure in a fuel system. The direction of air flow between first and second ports on either side of a chamber is controlled by a liquid that divides the chamber into first and second portions. A leak detection test, excess vacuum venting, and pressure blow-off of the fuel system are controlled by displacement of the liquid.

Abstract: A dedicated liquid level detection method having a sensor positioned into the casing of a groundwater well. The detector is in the form of an elongated thin film sensor tape that extends along the fill length of the well casing which detects the level, thickness and volume of both groundwater and any light or dense non-aqueous phase liquid that may be present. This is accomplished through the use of a conductive and hydrostatic resistive circuit measuring the level of liquids in a groundwater well at one hundredths of foot resolution or greater. Once the elongated sensor is installed, liquid levels can be gauged from the surface. The data is stored using a battery operated hand held digital display temporarily connected at the top well section casing. Since a sensor probe is not lowered into the well, cross contamination between wells is eliminated.

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

Abstract: A level gauge (1) for measuring the amount of liquid in a tank, such as a ground tank (19) containing fuel (21, is disclosed. The level gauge (10 comprises a probe (2) having a pressure sensor based on registration of hydrostatic pressure differential between the liquid and the tank atmosphere. The probe (2) is submersed in the liquid and is located adjacent to the bottom of the tank. The probe (2) is in tank atmospheric communication with an air trap (4), which is located in the tank atmosphere above the surface of the body of liquid.

Abstract: A liquid level and weight sensor utilizes a pressure sensor of any type positioned at the base of the liquid or weight. A second pressure sensor is positioned external to the liquid or weight to measure the ambient pressure. Ambient pressure is subtracted from the total pressure indicated by the base positioned pressure sensor to determine the actual pressure exerted by the liquid or weight on the base positioned sensor. The actual pressure is then utilized in the calculation of liquid level or weight. The determination of liquid level requires that both the pressure and density of the liquid be known. When the density of the liquid is not known, a third pressure sensor is inserted in the tank at a known level above the first. The differential pressure and differential level are determinative of the liquid's density.

Abstract: An improved pressure activated control apparatus is provided for sensing fluid pressure and triggering one or more switches in response to the fluid pressure, as desired. The apparatus is designed to be placed within a fluid of a reservoir. The apparatus includes a first resilient member, such as a pliable rolling diaphragm or bellofram, having an outer surface exposed to the fluid and responsive to the fluid pressure. The pressure activated control apparatus includes a second resilient member, such as a spring with a chosen spring constant, k, that provides a biasing force against the diaphragm that is opposite the fluid pressure. A transducer is operative to monitor changes in pressure of gases within the apparatus causes by movement of the diaphragm. A controller is responsive to the transducer and selectable fluid level thresholds to activate pumps and/or valves for adjusting the level of the fluid in the reservoir.

Abstract: The invention concerns a microwave level measuring device for measuring of material levels in containers, suitable for operation at extreme container conditions, comprising high temperatures, high pressures, and/or chemically aggressive substances.

Abstract: A well water level sensing apparatus using a pressurized air column in contact with the water at its distal end to derive a correlated value dependent upon the length of the air column which is converted for retrieving stored water levels from memory and displaying the retrieved water levels on a visual display. The water level sensing apparatus may be manually initiated or programmatically controlled for continual monitoring.

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

Abstract: An improved pressure activated control apparatus is provided for sensing fluid pressure and triggering one or more switches in response to the fluid pressure, as desired. The apparatus includes a first resilient member, such as a pliable rolling diaphragm or bellofram, having an outer surface exposed to the fluid and responsive to the fluid pressure. A force translation and switching mechanism responds to the force exerted by the pressure of the fluid on the outer surface area of the first resilient member to trigger one or more switches mounted on an adjustable switch track assembly within the apparatus housing. The pressure activated control apparatus includes a second resilient member, such as a spring with a chosen spring constant, k, that provides a biasing force against the force translation and switching mechanism. In an embodiment, a plurality of microswitches are each adjustably and removably connected on the switch track assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle oil level monitoring system for verifying the amount of oil in an engine without requiring the user to access the engine compartment. The vehicle oil level monitoring system includes a vehicle with an engine and a fuel port, a dipstick, a sensor coupled to the dipstick for sensing the level of oil in the engine, and a monitoring assembly.

Abstract: The device for monitoring the storage level of a product contained in a tank includes a device for measuring the storage level of the product, a central processing unit for utilizing the level read off by the measurement device, a memory for holding at least one storage level threshold, a device for comparing a level value output by the central processing unit with the threshold, a device for triggering a restocking command and controlled by the comparison device, and a device for transmitting the restocking command to a restocking center. It furthermore includes a device for receiving at least one time of information which is issued by the restocking center in response to the transmission of the restocking command.

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 hydrostatic pressure equalizer device is attached to the lower submerged end of a gas supply line. A hollow housing forms an internal cavity having a closed upper end and a lower end, and an end plate extends over at least part of the lower end to leave a gap for liquid flow into the cavity. The gas supply line extends through the end plate and upwardly into the cavity to terminate at a raised position which will be in an air pocket above the liquid level in the cavity. A pressure monitoring instrument connected to the line detects pressure in the air pocket, which in turn is equal to the hydrostatic pressure in the cavity and the surrounding liquid.

Abstract: A cross axis acceleration or roll angle insensitive angle sensor is constructed as a tubular body defining a closed tubular chamber with annular sensing plates soldered to each end. The tubular chamber is partially filled with partially electrically conductive liquid such that the resistance between the annular sensing plates and the tubular body is a function of the immersed area of the sensing plates. A variation in the inclination of the sensor causes a corresponding variation in the fluid level on the surface of the sensing plates and thus a variation in the electrical resistance between each sensing plate and the tubular body. The monitoring circuit for the angle sensor comprises a detecting means for sensing variations of the resistance between each sensing plate and provides an indication of any deviation from level position of the fluid within the tubular chamber.

Abstract: A fail-safe fluid transfer control apparatus has full redundancy in the response to various inputs such as overfill probe signals, ground detection signals, and the like. Independent microprocessor controllers independently evaluate the inputs and each output control signals to close a respective relay when the inputs indicate that fluid transfer may commence. The relays are arranged in series such that both must be closed for a fluid transfer to commence. The control signals from each controller include a static signal and an alternating signal, both of which must be properly output to close its respective relay. Each controller monitors the state of each relay, and discontinues its control signals if either relay appears to be malfunctioning. Each controller runs an different, independently written firmware program to process the detected inputs to prevent a common firmware error.

Abstract: An installation and method for determining the level and density of a liquid in a tank. A reference probe leads into the tank, above the liquid. A single bubble probe is connected by a valve to the reference probe. The bubble probe extends into the tank and has a widened section disposed in the liquid. Compressed air is injected into the reference probe and the bubble probe. In an initial state, the valve is opened and there is no pressure difference between the reference probe and the bubble probe. The valve is then closed and the pressure difference between the reference probe and the bubble probe is measured. The level and density of the liquid is determined from measured values of the pressure difference.

Abstract: The apparatus measures the liquid volume of a liquid or liquids held in one or more containers. This apparatus has no moving parts and includes an open-ended dynamic pressure tube standing in each container with its open tube end at the lowest point of the container on the bottom surface of it and a pressure measurement converter closing the other tube end so as to form an air column between the pressure measurement converter and a liquid level in it. The apparatus also includes an electronic analyzing device (3,4) including an electronic circuit (3) connected electrically to the pressure measurement converter and producing an electronic signal characteristic of a liquid volume in the container and a digital meter for displaying a volume reading.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intake-and-gauging device for the fuel in a motor vehicle, the device comprising a fixing base designed to be fixed on a wall of a fuel tank and carrying an intake assembly provided with a reserve receptacle and a gauging assembly, wherein the gauging assembly is slidably mounted in a generally vertical direction on the reserve receptacle and is resiliently urged towards the bottom of the relative to said receptacle.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining when the depth of molten (18) poured into a vessel (12) has reached a selected level. A conduit (22) connected to a source of pressurized gas and having an orifice (43) at its distal end (38) restricts the flow of gas out of the conduit which is positioned at a selected level in the vessel. A drop in pressure in the conduit (22) resulting from escape of compressed gas when the distal end (38) is melted by the rising molten metal is detected and signalled to a visible, audible indicator or directly to an electronic controller to discontinue pouring of metal (18) into the vessel (12).

Abstract: An improved flowmeter sensor for measuring the level of liquid flowing in a conduit, pipe or open channel, characterized by an initially air-filled pressure transmitting passage which affords communication between a pressure port contained in the bottom of the sensor body, and a pressure transducer contained in the sensor body. The passage includes a vertical portion communicating at its lower end with the pressure port, and a horizontal portion connected with the transducer, whereby hydraulic pressure forces liquid into the passage to compress the air therein and thereby exert on the pressure transducer a pressure corresponding to the level of liquid in the conduit. The cross-sectional area and high surface energy of the material used to form the passage prevent liquid in the passage from migrating to the pressure transducer.

Abstract: This invention aims to efficiently assemble a pressure sensor 10 to a connector for a fuel tank. A connector adapted to be connected to electrical devices for the fuel tank is attached to a base plate 1 which closes an opening in the tank. A connector housing 4 is provided with an accommodating chamber 11 in which the pressure sensor 10 is secured. It is possible to assure to provide a space for a pressure sensor 10 in an existing connector, to prevent an increase in the number of connectors, and to decrease costs.

Abstract: An automatic system is disclosed which monitors and replenishes hazardous liquids in their holding tanks, as such liquids are typically used in manufacturing processes. The inventive system and method obviate the need for manual surveillance and handling of the hazardous liquids during the detection and replenishment maintenance tasks. In prior practice, maintenance personnel were subjected to dangers from the hazardous liquids and their noxious gases, while the work area (e.g., clean room) in the vicinity of the liquid tanks was also subjected to contamination.