Abstract: A dispenser wherein a predetermined amount of a dispensing material within a syringe barrel is dispensed from a nozzle thereof by sliding axially a plunger to a prescribed distance toward the nozzle, the plunger being housed in an axially displaceable manner within the syringe barrel, a magnet is fitted to the plunger, and a magnetic proximity sensor detects an axially displacement position of the magnet within the syringe barrel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for detecting dissolved contaminants in an alcohol-gasoline mixture used for fueling an internal combustion engine and then indicating that the fuel mixture is of substandard quality when the degree of contamination reaches an unacceptable level. The resistivity of the fuel mixture, which varies as a function of the degree of contamination, is measured using a sensor positioned in the engine fuel supply line. When the measured resistivity of the fuel decreases below a threshold amount, an indication of substandard fuel quality is provided. The threshold amount may be a fixed constant, or its value may vary depending upon the proportion of alcohol to gasoline in the fuel mixture. The composition of the fuel mixture is determined by using a capacitive sensor to measuring the fuel dielectric constant.

Abstract: The invention is an electronic sensor for producing an indication of fluid level in a hose or tube and an electronic indicating circuit that uses the sensor's indication of fluid level for asserting one of three indicators depending upon whether the fluid level is above a reference by a small distance, within the small distance of the reference, or below the reference by the small distance. A float retaining a core having a relative magnetic permeability significantly greater than one is supported by fluid near three vertically disposed coils. The center coil is excited by a source of alternating current and the position of the core above or below the center coil determines the voltages present in the top and bottom coil. The voltages present in the top and bottom coils are rectified and added in polarity opposition to produce an indication of fluid level. A plurality of voltage comparators, supplied by the indication of fluid level and fixed voltages, are used to assert the appropriate indicator.

Abstract: A reservoir, provided with a device for warning when the level of an operation fluid to be supplied to a fluid pressure master cylinder drops below a given level, comprises a fluid tank for storage of the operation fluid and a float chamber with an upper wall provided on the side portion of the fluid tank. A reed switch for the fluid level drop warning device is provided at the lower portion of the float chamber, and a float having a magnet is retained in the float chamber. A partition for restricting the movement of the float is detachably mounted at the communicating section between the fluid tank and float chamber. This arrangement facilitates the mounting and replacement of the float and reed switch.

Abstract: A flood stopper system is used to prevent movement of fluid from a floor drain system out onto a floor that is being cleared by that drain system. The flood stopper system includes a balloon-like inflatable element that is automatically inflated to occlude the drain system in the event of a flood situation. The stopper system is located in the drain in a stand-by configuration and includes a float that covers a fluid-sensor and is only moved when a potential flood situation is present. Movement of the float permits fluid to contact the sensor and upon such contact, the sensor generates a signal that is used to fluidically connect a source of pressurized gas to the inflatable element to occlude the drain system.

Abstract: A liquid level indicator for storage tanks including a cover member for covering an opening at the top of the storage tank, a central rod extending downwardly from the cover member into the storage tank, and a float movably disposed on the central rod. A vertically movable first rod assembly is connected to an upper portion of the central rod, and a vertically movable second rod assembly is connected to a lower portion of the central rod, with the float being disposed therebetween so that the float contacts and moves the first rod assembly when the storage tank is substantially filled, and the float contacts and moves the second rod assembly when the storage tank is near empty. Switches are associated with each of the first and second rod assemblies to activate signal members when either of the first and second rod assemblies are vertically moved to indicate when the storage tank is substantially filled or when the storage tank is near empty.

Abstract: A fuel level gauge provided with a remaining-amount warning apparatus is arranged so that an indicating needle for indicating the amount of fuel remaining in a fuel tank operates in accordance with a change in the resistance of a resistor device consisting essentially of a resistance plate having a resistor and a sliding element capable of sliding on the resistor in accordance with a liquid level change in the fuel tank. A warning means for issuing a warning when the amount of remaining fuel reaches a predetermined amount also operates by utilizing the resistor device. In such a fuel level gauge, the warning means is activated by a circuit disposed to connect a remaining-amount warning point and the warning means, the remaining-amount warning point being the position on the resistor at which the sliding element is positioned when the amount of remaining fuel reaches a predetermined amount which requires issuance of a warning.

Abstract: A sewer alarm is provided for warning of overflow conditions in a house trap installed in a sewer line, the sensing mechanism consisting of a magnetic float switch with no moving parts other than the float itself and with the magnetic activating switch sealed from the hostile environment found in a house trap. The alarm cap member housing the magnetic float switch has physical dimensions similar to a typical cap installed in an unalarmed house trap and substantially has only wires protruding from its exterior face.

Abstract: An elongated hollow body is provided with a mid-length transverse partition and one end of the body is mountable from a sewer pipe in lieu of a cleanout plug thereof and contains a buoyant mercury switch tethered to the partition through the utilization of thin, flexible and relatively insulated conductors passing through the partition in fluid tight sealed engagement therewith and electrically connected to spaced contacts within the mercury switch. The other end of the body on the side of the partition remote from the buoyant mercury switch supports a battery, a momentarily actuatable test switch and an electrically actuated signal generating device, the mercury switch, signal generating device and battery being electrically connected in a loop-type circuit. A bypass circuit is provided for bypassing the mercury switch and the test switch is serially connected in the bypass circuit.

Abstract: A writing instrument with ink quantity or level detecting function which has an ink tube containing ink, and a float so arranged in intimate contact with the rear end surface of the ink in the ink tube as to be driven in contact with the rear end surface of the ink upon decrease of the ink in the ink tube. Further, a magnetic sensor is further provided externally at the writing instrument, while the float is formed of magnetic material. Thus, lack of the ink in the ink tube of this writing instrument can be readily detected.

Abstract: A system and sensor for remotely monitoring the state of the condition of the electrolyte within each of the battery cells of a power supply is disclosed. The system includes a sensor having a dual ball-float and track arrangement for shuttering a pair of light sources and so as to independently detect and differentiate predetermined low electrolyte specific gravity and a low level of the electrolyte. Two multiplexing units receive the sensor signals and display separate indications of each battery and the states detected. The detector uses a gravity responsive ball disposed within a track that shutters one light source at a predetermined low specific gravity and a second level responsible ball within a second track located above the gravity track and ball. The level ball has a specific gravity which is less than that of the specific gravity responsive ball and shutters the second light source at a predetermined low electrolyte level independently of changes in the specific gravity of the electrolyte.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor connects a buoyancy device in a vessel to an end of one member of a two piece mechanical linkage projecting through a flexible pressure sealed opening in the closed end of the sensor body with the outer ends of the two members overlapping and connected by a pivot point. The second member is rigidly secured to a sensor body and defines a fluid pressure receiving passage which connects with a diametrically disposed bore within which a poppet valve is mounted. The poppet valve normally prevents the flow of pressure through the diametrical bore and outward through a radial outlet in the sensor body to actuate an alarm. Upon a deviation of the liquid level in the vessel from the desired level, the buoyancy device produces vertical pivotal movement of the one member of the two piece mechanical linkage which forces the poppet valve to a position permitting pressured fluid to flow therethrough and to energize an alarm.

Abstract: A reservoir, for retaining liquid such as coolant of a radiator of an automobile comprises a container having an opening and a deep portion. A switch case extends in the container, which has a flange at an end portion and a float cover at the other end portion. The flange is mounted on the periphery of the opening so as to suspend the switch case in the container. A reed switch is contained in the switch case. A float having a device for turning one and off the reed switch is slidably contained in the float cover. A tube extends into the container through the flange, through which tube the liquid is supplied into, and removed from the container. A holder is fixed on the float cover, which holds the tube in a fixed position. The flange of the switch case is positioned such that the tip portion of the tube is located at the deepest portion of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for checking the workability of a float assembly used to determine the level of liquid in a vessel is disclosed and comprises: a float extension associated with the float of the float assembly and movable when the float assembly is in working order in response to the movement of the float caused by changing the level of liquid in the vessel; a sensor located in spaced relation to the float extension and acting to provide a signal when the float extension is in a predetermined position; and a checking system capable of being activated to move the foat extension into the predetermined position without regard to the level of liquid in the vessel when the float assembly is workable.

Abstract: The device is of the type comprising a magnet carried by a float and a magnetically actuable electric contact carried by a support element which also performs the function of guarding the float. The most important characteristic of the device is that of providing positioning means which maintain the float constantly centered with respect to the support element during excursions of this latter caused by the hydrostatic thrust exerted by the liquid.

Abstract: A water level indicator useful for signalling a plurality of different water levels within a bathtub. The device has clamping means for removably securing the indicator to the tub, a depending float chamber for projecting into the tub and a battery operated sound alarm system. A float and rod assembly are housed within the float chamber. The rod projects through an opening in the top of the indicator and is provided with a plurality of metallic bands which will complete an electrical circuit to sound the alarm.

Abstract: An oil gauge accessory for automotive vehicles and the like having a float switch disposed in a casing adapted to be mounted for vertical adjustment alongside the crankcase oil pan and to be connected by suitable tubing at the bottom thereof to the drain opening of the oil pan so that crankcase oil and the float switch rises in the casing to the same level as in the oil pan. Signal means such as different colored lights and a normally open manually operable switch in-circuit with the float switch and a suitable power source, are mounted so as to be visible to and operable by the driver of the vehicle. The casing is adjustable so that when the manual switch is closed, the float switch energizes either one of the signal means which indicates a proper level of oil in the crankcase or the other signal means which indicates that the oil level in the crankcase is low and needs to be replenished.

Abstract: An audible low-fuel alarm (50) for a pressurized propane fuel tank is disclosed. A Hall-effect sensor (57) is mounted in relation to a magnet (35) which is rotated in response to the level of fuel within the propane tank. When magnet (35) is rotated to a position to indicate a low fuel condition, the Hall-effect sensor (57) activates a buzzer 53. A mercury switch (55) prevents false low fuel alarms and conserves battery power during inflation of the balloon envelope.

Abstract: An improved buoyant alarm device which provides an indication of a disturbance to a quiescent level of a body of water. The device includes a cover assembly and a buoyant body. The cover assembly includes a cover member and a support member. The support member provides a subassembly support for electrical components which are mounted thereto and for forming, with the cover member, an enclosed water-tight chamber for housing the electrical components.

Abstract: An optical fluid level indicator comprising a light transmitting member having a longitudinal axis, an upper end, and a lower end adapted to extend into a fluid container, the lower end including a first surface having a shape, and a portion projecting downwardly from the first surface and forming a second surface spaced beneath the first surface and having a shape, and a float member having mounted thereon a light reflecting disc and being connected to the lower end of the light transmitting member for movement relative to the light transmitting member in the direction of the longitudinal axis and between a first position wherein the light reflecting disc is adjacent the second surface so that light transmitted to the second surface is reflected by the light reflecting disc, thereby causing appearance at the upper end of the light transmitting member of a light area having the shape of the second surface surrounded by a dark area having the shape of the first surface, and a second position wherein the light

Abstract: A battery cap indicator has a transparent cap which permits the viewer to read both electrolyte level and density simultaneously, the indicators also giving the viewer the ability to determine whether the readings are at the higher or lower end of an acceptable range. The float assemblies of the indicator are configured for minimum friction with the guiding structure of the indicator body.

Abstract: A water treatment container for utilization in a tank of a toilet bowl having an upper chamber through which water may circulate; an intermediate wall separating the upper chamber from a lower chamber, the intermediate wall carrying water treatment material which may be used up and if necessary a ballast material, the lower chamber being sealed to be buoyant. The weight of the water treatment material and, if necessary, the ballast, is such as to hold the container in the tank in an orientation where the air chamber is the lower one standing on the bottom wall of the tank. An additional chamber at the bottom of the container having an opening extending to the bottom wall is provided, said additional chamber carrying a water coloring material.

Abstract: A fill gauge is provided which may be used in connection with a storage container to inform an operator of the relative status of a filling operation. A multiplicity of indicia are progressively displayed to provide an initial warning when the filling operation is nearly completed, and to signal when the filling should be terminated, such as when a desired air-gap has been established. Further indicia may also be provided relating to, for example, an overfilled condition. The fill gauge is reusable and inexpensive, and may be sealed for safe storage. Adjustments for use with fluids of differing density are possible.

Abstract: A direct indicating automatic stop fill valve is mounted to the inlet to an LPG tank whereby inlet ports to the tank volume are covered by a slidably mounted cylinder which is raised through contact with a float/cam arrangement until the tank level reaches a predetermined level. The cylinder is then driven into a sealing position to stop the flow into the tank by a differential pressure force resulting from the inlet pressure being higher than tank fluid pressure. The cylinder also supports a drive magnet for actuating a gauging mechanism to visibly indicate the open or closed status of the stop fill valve.

Abstract: In a dry seal gasholder cylindrical storage tank with a vertically-movable piston, an improved piston leveling system includes a vertically-movable weight outside the tank and connected by equal-length cables to spaced-apart support points on the piston at different distances from the weight. An array of guide sheaves on the tank define equal-length cable paths. The cables are pivotally coupled to spaced-apart points on a coupling plate to which a pair of attachment plates on the weight are also pivotally connected. Apertures in the attachment plates and the coupling plate are disposable in registry with one another for receiving a pin therethrough when the cable attachment points are in horizontal alignment, thereby to indicate equal tension in the cables.

Abstract: A flow indicator for a positive displacement pump is connected to a liquid supply reservoir below the liquid level in the reservoir. The indicator has a first passage through which liquid is supplied from the reservoir to the inlet of the pump. The first passage has an inlet below the liquid level in the reservoir and an outlet coupled to a supply conduit in turn coupled to the pump inlet. A restrictor is positioned in the first passage adjacent the inlet to partially restrict fluid flow through the passage. A secondary passage is coupled in fluid communication with the first passage downstream from the restrictor. A transparent tube is coupled to the secondary passage and extends upwardly alongside the reservoir to a location above the liquid level in the reservoir. A float is slidably positioned in the transparent tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for checking and measuring the momentary value of a variable physical magnitude, such as a volume of liquid in a container or tank, or a temperature, viscosity, or velocity, for example. The invention comprises a transducer free to follow without friction the variations of the physical magnitude, such as for example the level of a liquid fluid in a reservoir, the transducer having a portion of progressively varying cross-section displaceable as a function of the changes in the physical magnitude disposed in alignment with a sensor normally positioned in a reference position out of contact from the transducer.

Abstract: A tank level indicator having a mounting sleeve and a floating indicator rod slidably mounted in the sleeve. The sleeve has an inner wall from which projects inwardly a series of circumferentially spaced guide pads with gaps therebetween. The pads guide and space the indicator rod with respect to the inner wall. The remainder of the sleeve interior is free of such pads to leave a substantial clearance space between the inner wall of the sleeve and the indicator rod.

Abstract: A liquid meter with an enlarged range of indication mechanism for indicating a residual quantity provided with a fuel sender gage fitted with a float working to detect the quantity of liquid. The float has a suitable number of contacts arranged thereon to change the effective resistance values of resistors built in the fuel sender gage as the float lowers with a decrease in the quantity of liquid. The meter ranges are changed over two stages or three stages automatically and the current to a fuel meter connected to the fuel sender gage, comprising an ammeter, is controlled. Changeover of the meter ranges is indicated through a lamp to enable an enlarged indication of the residual quantity to be made.

Abstract: A signaling means to indicate levels in a liquid receiving compartment of a watercraft. The compartment contains a float which is connected to a piston by a vertical piston rod. The piston rises in a cylinder when the float rises in response to admission of liquid into the compartment whereby the piston effects two timely spaced compressions of a confined gas which actuates a pilot valve for a flow regulating valve when the pressure of confined gas reaches a preselected value. The regulating valve then admits compressed air to a device which furnishes visible signals and to a device which furnishes audible signals. The first set of signals warns the attendant that the compartment is about to be filed, and the second set of signals informs the attendant that the compartment is full. The attendant then closes a shutoff valve in the pipe which admits liquid into the compartment, and this results in automatic reduction of the pressure of confined gas.

Abstract: A water collection indicator device includes a cuplike collector telescopingly receiving a signal member, a spring biasing the signal member away from the collector, and an actuator having an arm engaging the signal to prevent movement of the signal member away from the collector and a float movable with rising water collected in the collector, the actuator being pivotally supported in the collector such that movement of the float pivots the arm to disengage the signal member and permit the spring to move the signal member away from the collector to produce a visual signal indicating the collection of a predetermined amount of water. The actuator arm has a series of vertically spaced teeth extending therefrom for engaging the signal member, and a pivot pin is carried by the actuator and adapted to be received in a plurality of vertically spaced detents in a support mounted in the collector to permit the water collection indicator device to be triggered at various predetermined water levels.

Abstract: A float valve on the bottom of a submerged purging tube in a liquid storage tank detects water in the bottom of the tank below a liquid therein of a lesser specific gravity. When such water or other heavier liquid is detected by the float valve, the purging orifice leading to the purging tube is closed and further pressurizing of the purging tube will result in an associated gage registering the presence of water in the tank.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetically actuated fluid-level indicator for indicating the level of a fluid contained in a vessel having a gauge tube attached thereto and having a magnet-containing float floating in the gauge tube, the indicator comprising a plurality of interlocking elements united with one another, wherein each element comprises a support body and a magnetically actuated indicator means supported thereon.

Abstract: An irrigation signal which has a cylindrical body to receive a cylindrical elongated float, the body having an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion being adapted to extend below the bottom of the irrigation ditch in which it is installed in order to form a well in which irrigation water may enter in order to raise said float a substantial distance above the top of the ditch to signal that irrigation water has been present or is present in said ditch. The irrigation signal has a removable plug at the lower end of the body so that when the plug is in place irrigation water will be retained in the body and keep the float in a signalling position, or in which, when the plug is removed, the water will drain from the lower end of the body so that the signalling float will be in signalling position only when there is water in the irrigation ditch.