Abstract: A redundant level measuring system comprises comprising a chamber for fluidic coupling to a process vessel whereby material level in the vessel equalizes with material level in the chamber. A float including a magnet in the chamber interior space rises and falls with material level in the chamber. The float comprises an inner cylindrical wall defining an elongate through opening. A magnet actuated visual indicator is mounted to the chamber for indicating level of the magnet in the chamber. A level measurement instrument includes a measurement circuit and a coaxial probe having an inner rod and a coaxial outer tube. The probe defines a transmission line and the coaxial outer tube has a through opening so that material level in the chamber equalizes with material level in the coaxial outer tube. The instrument is mounted atop the chamber with the probe directed downwardly to the chamber interior space and extending through the float through opening.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a compressor, a turbine, and an engine shaft coupled to the compressor and the turbine; a gear assembly including a driveshaft and an accessory gearbox, the driveshaft rotatable by the engine shaft and the accessory gearbox rotatable by the driveshaft, the accessory gearbox including an AGB output, and the gear assembly defining a first overall gear ratio between the engine shaft and the AGB output; and a phasing gearbox coupled to the accessory gearbox and including a PGB output, and the phasing gearbox defining a second overall gear ratio between the AGB output of the accessory gearbox and the PGB output, wherein the second overall gear ratio is an inverse of the first overall gear ratio.

Abstract: A measuring vessel (1) for determining the accuracy with which a liquid fuel dispenser dispenses liquid fuel comprises a neck (4) of transparent material. A primary arcuate panel (16) having three primary graduated scales (14) corresponding to three different kinds of liquid fuels is secured to the neck (4). Primary graduations (17) of the respective primary graduated scales (14) indicate the level to which the meniscus of actual volumes of the respective liquid fuel dispensed at the temperatures corresponding to the primary graduations (17) should rise so that the energy content of the actual volumes of the respective liquid fuels dispensed is equal to the energy content of a predefined calibration volume of the corresponding liquid fuel at a predefined reference temperature typically of 15° C.

Abstract: An improved fluid level verification apparatus which may be manufactured or otherwise fabricated as a kit and assembled at a remote location for use on liquid filled containers and configured to reduce inherent mechanical stresses on the inspection tube and resists leakage due to environmental, chemical, thermal or mechanical expansion cycles by using internal grooves and entrapped o-rings. The improved fluid level verification apparatus having at least one adjustable end to provide adjustable spacing between the fluid level verification apparatus inlet and outlet.

Abstract: A container (101) has a constant wall thickness vessel (102) with a valve (103) crimped on at a neck (104) in the vessel. The valve has a dispensing stem (105). The vessel is circularly cylindrical and formed with an groove (106) extending parallel with the length of the vessel, from a base (107) to the neck (104). When the container is lain on its sidewall (108), it will roll, changing its orientation, until the groove (106) is at the surface as shown in FIG. 7, with the groove in effect floating on the surface of the liquid, providing an indication of the actual quantity of content in the container.

Abstract: A fluid container (10) with a hollow body (12) for containing a fluid such as beverage (22) with a surrounding sidewall (16) extending between a top (18) and a bottom (20) provided with a flexible sensing strip (14) with discrete modular fluid characteristic sensing elements mounted to the sidewall (16) of a hollow body (12) for sensing an actual physical parameter of the fluid, a control module (24) and a detachable interface (26) between the sensing strip (14) and the control module (24) to enable sensing signals to be passed from the sensing strip (14) to the control module (24) has a detachable interface enabling tool-less disconnection of the control module (24) from the sensing strip (14) to enable replacement with another control module for repair or servicing. The individual sensing elements may also be toolessly disconnected from the strip for replacement or repair.

Abstract: A liquid level indicator including a liquid level calm portion that is provided with a liquid introduction inlet that communicates with a portion below the liquid level in an oil tank and a gas vent that communicates with a portion above the liquid level; and a sight glass for observing a liquid level in the liquid level calm portion, having a liquid introduction tube provided with an extension portion that communicates with the liquid introduction inlet and extends toward the bottom portion of the oil tank, and a distal end portion that communicates with the extension portion and opens in a direction other than the downward direction below the liquid level.

Abstract: An improved fluid level verification apparatus which may be manufactured or otherwise fabricated as a kit and assembled at a remote location for use on liquid filled containers and configured to reduce inherent mechanical stresses on the inspection tube and resists leakage due to environmental, chemical, thermal or mechanical expansion cycles by using internal grooves and entrapped o-rings. The improved fluid level verification apparatus having at least one adjustable end to provide adjustable spacing between the fluid level verification apparatus inlet and outlet.

Abstract: A particulate material monitoring system for efficiently monitoring the level of particulate material within a container. The particulate material monitoring system generally includes a flange defining a front opening, a viewing cover attached to the flange covering the front opening, a viewing wall connected to the flange and a rear opening extending through the viewing wall.

Abstract: A fluid level sensor for determining an amount of first fluid in a system is provided including a first substantially transparent sight glass mounted outside and fluidly coupled to a portion of the system. A level of first fluid in the first sight glass is indicative of the amount of first fluid in the system. A second substantially transparent sight glass has an independent closed loop containing a second fluid. The second sight glass is positioned adjacent outside the system. A plane of the second sight glass is arranged adjacent to a pivot point of the first fluid within the system. A level of second fluid in the second sight glass is indicative of the amount of first fluid corresponding to normal operation of the system. A comparison of the level of first fluid in the first sight glass and the level of second fluid in the second sight glass indicates if the amount of first fluid in the system requires adjustment.

Abstract: A particulate material monitoring system for efficiently monitoring the level of particulate material within a container. The particulate material monitoring system generally includes a flange defining a front opening, a viewing cover attached to the flange covering the front opening, a viewing wall connected to the flange and a rear opening extending through the viewing wall.

Abstract: A gearbox for an engine-driven mechanism comprises a gearbox housing having opposing walls. A first bearing bore is defined in one of the opposing walls and adapted for receiving an input shaft. A second bearing bore is defined in the other opposing wall and aligned with the first bearing bore. Each bearing bore mounts a bearing for supporting the input shaft which extends through the first bearing bore and into the gearbox. The second bearing bore includes an associated transparent and/or translucent lens to define a sight window for monitoring the level of oil in the gearbox. A sight window of this nature is particularly well suited for retrofitting older gearboxes which lack a sight window.

Abstract: A fluid level sensor to determine the level of fluid into a container used in negative pressure wound therapy. The sensor includes an array of conductive plates to produce electric field lines through the container and fluid within, the plates serving as the plates of a capacitor. The plates (1-4), are located close to the wall of the container, and are connected to a circuit board, electronics and software to determine the fluid level in the container based on the relative changes of capacitance between the plates. The capacitance is converted into a voltage signal representative of the change. The algorithms are designed to check the fluid level over predefined time periods to indicate the fluid level at more than one point and also track the fluid level. The fluid sensor can be used in the vertical, horizontal or other position of the container as desired.

Abstract: A sight assembly may include a body portion configured to couple between a first fluid transport segment and a second fluid transport segment. The body portion may define an aperture configured for fluid flow through an interior of the body portion. The sight assembly may also include a light source disposed within the body portion. The light source may be configured to provide illumination of the interior of the sight assembly. The light source may be disposed within the body portion approximately between an outer edge of the body portion forming the aperture and an external surface of the body portion.

Abstract: A marine steering fluid system sight gauge comprises a hollow body having an annular first end, a second end, and a substantially transparent intermediate portion. The annular first end is externally threaded and screws into and sealingly engages against a threaded aperture of a marine steering fluid system. The second end is internally threaded and sealingly receives the threaded cylindrical plug of a marine steering fluid system cap. The hydraulic fluid level is periodically inspected by viewing the level of fluid in the transparent intermediate portion of the sight gauge.

Abstract: A process-liquid supply part includes: a supply tank configured to contain a process liquid; a level gauge pipe connected to the supply tank, the level gauge pipe being provided with level sensors for detecting a remaining amount of the process liquid contained in the supply tank; and a measuring part configured to measure a remaining amount of the process liquid based on signals from the level sensors provided on the level gauge pipe. Connected to the supply tank are a process-liquid supply pipe configured to drain the process liquid contained in the supply tank, and a process-liquid return pipe configured to introduce the process liquid drained through the process-liquid supply pipe to the supply tank. A connection pipe, in which an openable and closable valve is provided, disposed between the process-liquid supply pipe or the process-liquid return pipe and the level gauge pipe.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention may incorporate a physics based approach (hereinafter “model”) to determine the level of the liquid. The model may incorporate the physical properties of the fluids within the container, and measurements of the fluid under consideration. The model may also incorporate data from measuring devices, such as, but not limiting of, a delta-pressure (DP) transmitter. The model may then calculate, within a reasonable level of accuracy, the level of the fluid within the container.

Abstract: A vessel comprising a fluid-confining surface, a basal surface disposed below the fluid-confining surface, and a light guide. The light guide includes a first window partly defining the basal surface and a second window partly defining the fluid-confining surface, where the second window is disposed above a lowest region of the fluid-confining surface. In other embodiments, an isolating structure is provided that substantially surrounds the light guide between the first and second windows.

Abstract: Filling level indicator having an explosion-proof housing comprising a glass and a metallic frame, wherein the glass is fused into the frame.

Abstract: A marine steering fluid system sight gauge comprises a hollow body having an annular first end, a second end, and a substantially transparent intermediate portion. The annular first end is externally threaded and screws into and sealingly engages against a threaded aperture of a marine steering fluid system. The second end is internally threaded and sealingly receives the threaded cylindrical plug of a marine steering fluid system cap. The hydraulic fluid level is periodically inspected by viewing the level of fluid in the transparent intermediate portion of the sight gauge.

Abstract: A shock assembly includes a first tube having a cylindrical wall with an inner surface and an outer surface. A second tube is received within the first tube and includes a cylindrical wall having an inner surface and an outer surface. A piston assembly is received within the second tube and includes a piston rod and a piston that is selectively movable relative to the first tube and the second tube. A height-sensing device is disposed within the first tube between the inner surface of the first tube and the outer surface of the second tube.

Abstract: A sight glass with a flow directing assembly is used to detect the presence of entrained liquids in natural gas during spot sampling procedures. The flow directing assembly directs at least a portion of the gas flow to impinge upon a first transparent window and swirl around in a chamber of the sight glass which may cause droplets of liquid to form on the inside of the window and may cause a fog to form inside the chamber, all of which make it easier to see the existence of liquids in the natural gas. At least one embodiment of this sight glass also acts as a fluid separator, collecting the liquids in the chamber which may then be periodically drained.

Abstract: A liquid separator with at least one flow passageway is used to detect and remove the presence of entrained liquids from natural gas during spot sampling procedures prior to analysis of the sample by a gas chromatograph. In one embodiment, the at least one flow passageway directs at least a portion of the gas flow to impinge upon the inside surface of a sight glass and swirl around in a chamber which may cause droplets of liquid to coalesce on the inside of the sight glass and may cause a fog to form inside the chamber, all of which make it easier to see the existence of liquids in the natural gas. The at least one flow passageway is less expensive to fabricate that some prior art flow directing elements.

Abstract: The invention provides a combined fluid level sight gage and ultrasonic sensor featuring a fluid level sight gage having a housing for containing a fluid and having a sight glass for viewing the level of the fluid therein, and an ultrasonic sensor coupled to the housing, responsive to the level of fluid in the housing, for providing an ultrasonic sensor signal containing information about the level of fluid in the housing. In operation, the sight glass provides a visual verification that the ultrasonic sensor is working correctly in relation to the fluid visible in the sight glass. The ultrasonic sensor signal may be used to automatically annunciate alarms or warnings either locally at the equipment or by wired or wireless electronic means. In some embodiments according to the present invention, the housing has a centerline for indicating a normal fluid level therein. The ultrasonic sensor may be arranged in the housing on the centerline, or slightly below the centerline, or slightly above the centerline.

Abstract: A container for holding liquids. The container has a body having an interior for holding a liquid, an exterior surface, and an upper portion defining a central opening and a spout. A handle is attached to the body at a first predetermined location. A liquid level indicator is attached to the body at a second predetermined location that is a predetermined distance from the first predetermined location. The liquid level indicator has a liquid passageway therethrough which is in fluid communication with the interior of the body. The liquid level indicator has a first end attached to the body, a second end attached to the body, and a substantially transparent portion between the first and second ends. The substantially transparent portion is spaced apart from the exterior surface of the body by a predetermined distance. In one embodiment, the body has a generally circular shape and the liquid level indicator is about 90° from the handle.

Abstract: Sight glass assemblies, pipe assemblies including the same, and methods for assembling pipe assemblies are disclosed. Sight glass assemblies may include an annular body of a transparent material. The annular body may include a peripheral surface, an interior surface defining at least a portion of a fluid path, first and second parallel planar annular surfaces spaced a first distance apart, and at least one passage extending through the annular body from the first planar annular surface to the second planar annular surface between the peripheral and interior surfaces. In some examples, a sight glass assembly may include at least one spacing element, which may include first and second bearing surfaces. The first and second bearing surfaces may be spaced a second distance at least as large as the first distance. In some examples, the interior surface may be chemically resistant to at least one predetermined fluid.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a sand reservoir includes: (a) a sand reservoir carried on an off-highway vehicle; and (b) at least one sand level indicator carried by the sand reservoir which provides a visual display external to the sand reservoir indicative of the quantity of sand within the sand reservoir.

Abstract: A crankcase having a mounting structure configured to receive an oil level sight glass fitted on a lower outer portion of the crankcase in a through hole formed therein, and a retainer member clamped to an outer surface of the crankcase to prevent the oil level sight glass from falling off. An outwardly protrudingly rib is formed on the outer portion of the crankcase which is engaged with a cut formed on the retainer member to securely position the retainer member on the crankcase. The retainer member includes a scale mark provided thereon, and the oil level sight glass permits visual observation for checking an oil level of oil held in an oil reservoir disposed at the lower portion of the crankcase.

Abstract: A wave guide probe for use with direct-read tank level gages to provide electric signal output is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a translucent tube, a wave guide probe, and an electronics assembly. The translucent tube is for containing a fluid interface. The wave guide probe is positioned in the translucent tube. The electronics assembly is operably associated with the wave guide probe for actuating the wave guide probe and producing an electrical output signal representative of a location of the fluid interface in the translucent tube. The apparatus provides both electronic and optical level indications and is well suited for tank applications.

Abstract: A container for holding liquids. The container has a body having an interior for holding a liquid, an exterior surface, and an upper portion defining a central opening and a spout. A handle is attached to the body at a first predetermined location. A liquid level indicator is attached to the body at a second predetermined location that is a predetermined distance from the first predetermined location. The liquid level indicator has a liquid passageway therethrough which is in fluid communication with the interior of the body. The liquid level indicator has a first end attached to the body, a second end attached to the body, and a substantially transparent portion between the first and second ends. The substantially transparent portion is spaced apart from the exterior surface of the body by a predetermined distance. In one embodiment, the body has a generally circular shape and the liquid level indicator is about 90° from the handle.

Abstract: A top reading liquid sight level indicator mounts above a liquid contained in a liquid vessel comprises a measuring surface mounted to the liquid vessel that penetrates an upper surface of the contained liquid at a cant from normal to the liquid surface so that the points along the measuring surface that penetrate the liquid surface are visible from above the liquid vessel and represent the level of the liquid in the liquid vessel.

Abstract: Level indicator or pressure-measuring device with a cup-shaped housing cover (1), having a cylindrical lateral wall (10) and an,inspection glass (4) fixed to the base, such that the inspection glass (4) is held in place by a bayonet fitting.

Abstract: Apparatus (20) for measuring a volume of a fluid (38) in a container (24) having a length and a circumference. The apparatus includes one or more gauges (28A, 28B, 28C, 28D) that are configured for coupling to the container. Each gauge includes a hollow, at least partially transparent structure (30, 32, 34) containing a lumen, which is segregated from contact with the fluid in the container and which extends along at least a part of the length and around at least a part of the circumference when the gauge is coupled to the container. A measurement liquid, contained in the lumen, in an amount selected so that a level of the measurement liquid provides a tilt-invariant measurement point (36A, 36B, 36C, 36D) indicative of the volume of the fluid in the container.

Abstract: A sight glass apparatus providing visual information concerning the presence of absence of liquid in a refrigeration system has a sight glass with a pair of clear glass bodies secure to a housing having a chamber for the liquid. The bodies have angled prismatic surfaces. One body includes a convex lenses that directs light to a colored member that reflects a colored toroid image when the chamber is full of liquid. A moisture sensing element is mounted on the sight glass to identify the presence of water in refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

Abstract: A clogging indicator for a fish tank or aquarium comprising a transparent vertical tube with a float positioned therein. The indicator is designed to sit on the outside of the tank and the filter itself. The water level in the tube is lowered and raised according to the amount of water with a rear chamber of the filter. Indicating marks are located on the tube to visually display normal or clogged operation. Backup water from a clogged filter will raise the water level in the rear chamber and thus also the indicator tube. As the water level rises, the float raises toward a warning indicator mark to indicate the need for filter changing.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiment is a reservoir for use with a cigarette lighter has a chamber for containing gas and liquid fuel and a lens made of a transparent material and having an internal surface adjacent the chamber. The internal surface allows optical transmission of visible light into and from the liquid fuel when in contact therewith, but denies the transmission of light into the gas when in contact therewith. The internal surface is contoured such that the transmissions are facilitated by optical refraction, and the denial is facilitated by optical reflection. The transmissions facilitate comparisons of the relative amounts of the liquid fuel and the gas in the chamber. The chamber has within a non-transparent object viewable through the lens during the transmissions and non-viewable through the lens during the denial. The object is a planar panel disposed substantially parallel to and displaced from the internal surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the level of fluid in a vessel including a sight glass for showing the level of the fluid and a valve which includes a ball valve passageway having a ball check valve, a bypass passageway for bypassing the ball check valve and a rotatable passageway for selecting the ball valve passageway or the bypass passageway.

Abstract: A method and device which provides visual means to confirm the level of liquid in an opaque container, by operating an adjacent transparent gauge tube which is in correspondence with the liquid on the inside of container, notwithstanding the pressurized condition of the liquid, while maintaining the pressure above the liquid in the gauge tube at the same level as the pressure above the liquid in the container.

Abstract: Generally, a fuel tank sight glass cleanable without disassemble. Specifically, a fuel tank sight glass in which a sight glass cleaner element travels to remove deposition material from the surface of the surface of a sight glass.

Abstract: The invention provides a combined fluid level sight gage and ultrasonic sensor featuring a fluid level sight gage having a housing for containing a fluid and having a sight glass for viewing the level of the fluid therein, and an ultrasonic sensor coupled to the housing, responsive to the level of fluid in the housing, for providing an ultrasonic sensor signal containing information about the level of fluid in the housing. In operation, the sight glass provides a visual verification that the ultrasonic sensor is working correctly in relation to the fluid visible in the sight glass. The ultrasonic sensor signal may be used to automatically annunciate alarms or warnings either locally at the equipment or by wired or wireless electronic means. In some embodiments according to the present invention, the housing has a centerline for indicating a normal fluid level therein. The ultrasonic sensor may be arranged in the housing on the centerline, or slightly below the centerline, or slightly above the centerline.

Abstract: A wave guide probe for use with direct-read tank level gages to provide electric signal output is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a translucent tube, a wave guide probe, and an electronics assembly. The translucent tube is for containing a fluid interface. The wave guide probe is positioned in the translucent tube. The electronics assembly is operably associated with the wave guide probe for actuating the wave guide probe and producing an electrical output signal representative of a location of the fluid interface in the translucent tube. The apparatus provides both electronic and optical level indications and is well suited for tank applications.

Abstract: A vessel (1) of a portable handheld work apparatus is provided for liquid operating substances such as fuel, oil or the like. The vessel (1) has a vessel wall (2) of injection-molded plastic and a viewing window (3) integrated into the vessel wall (2). The viewing window is provided for viewing the fill level. The vessel wall (2) and the viewing window (3) are configured as a two-component injection-molded part. Mutually adjoining edges (4, 5) of the vessel wall (2) and the viewing window (3) have a tongue-and-groove connection (6) with at least one groove (7) and at least one tongue (8).

Abstract: The aircraft tank and gauge system of the present invention provides a fuel tank with a gauge chamber located generally aligned with the tank center of gravity and that has a general vertical orientation when the aircraft is level. The gauge chamber extends from the top of the tank to a height generally equivalent to a high collection point on the tank and/or extends from the bottom of the tank to a height generally equivalent to a low collection point on the tank. As the aircraft pitches and rolls, fuel within a complex-shaped tank, will be measured by a sensor in the gauge chamber. In order to prevent any type of vapor blockage in the gauge chamber, a first vent extends from the bottom of the gauge chamber to the low collection point of the tank and a second vent extends from the top of the gauge chamber to the high collection point of the tank.

Abstract: A top reading liquid sight level indicator mounts above a liquid contained in a liquid vessel comprises a measuring surface mounted to the liquid vessel that penetrates an upper surface of the contained liquid at a cant from normal to the liquid surface so that the points along the measuring surface that penetrate the liquid surface are visible from above the liquid vessel and represent the level of the liquid in the liquid vessel.

Abstract: A crankcase having a mounting structure configured to receive an oil level sight glass fitted on a lower outer portion of the crankcase in a through hole formed therein, and a retainer member clamped to an outer surface of the crankcase to prevent the oil level sight glass from falling off. An outwardly protrudingly rib is formed on the outer portion of the crankcase which is engaged with a cut formed on the retainer member to securely position the retainer member on the crankcase. The retainer member includes a scale mark provided thereon, and the oil level sight glass permits visual observation for checking an oil level of oil held in an oil reservoir disposed at the lower portion of the crankcase.

Abstract: A pipe joint assembly including a transparent quill; an outer quill having at least a first view port, and having at least a first outwardly extending pipe coupling thread which extends longitudinally along and helically about the outer quill, the transparent quill being slidably received by the outer quill; a pair of baffles; and baffle mounting helical threads interconnecting the baffles and the outer quill, the baffle mounting helical threads positioning the baffle so that they extend radially inward from the outer quill, the baffle mounting helical threads further positioning the baffles for resisting longitudinal sliding and counter-sliding motions of the transparent quill.

Abstract: A liquid quantity visual confirmation device comprises a first reservoir-forming member, and a second reservoir-forming member forming a liquid reservoir in combination with the first reservoir-forming member. The second reservoir-forming member is at least partially transparent to allow visual confirmation of the internal liquid level from an outside thereof. The second reservoir-forming member has a liquid-feeding port for feeding the liquid into the liquid reservoir. The quantity of liquid in the liquid reservoir can be confirmed by looking at the internal liquid level in the second reservoir-forming member from the outside. It is also possible to reliably feed the liquid into the liquid reservoir from the liquid-feeding port while confirming any rising of the liquid level through the transparent portion.

Abstract: A fuel overflow alarm system sounds a buzzer or other alarm when a fuel level in a fuel tank of a vehicle or other machine approaches an overflow state, thereby alerting a user that fueling should be halted. The device is activated when a fuel cap or fuel cap cover on a filler inlet tube to the fuel tank is opened and is de-activated when the filler inlet tube is closed. Thus, electrical current drawn by the system can be limited to time periods when the fuel tank is being filled, thereby sparing the electrical system of the vehicle or machine from being depleted during periods of non-use.

Abstract: A system of liquid level detection has a vessel, a sight glass in fluid communication with the vessel, a float positioned in the sight glass, a proximity switch affixed exterior of the sight glass for transmitting a signal relative to a sensing of the float in proximity to the proximity switch, a timer cooperative with the proximity switch for measuring a period of time relative to the signal from the proximity switch, and an indicator cooperative with the timer for producing a humanly perceivable indication when the period of time is at a predetermined limit. The proximity switch can be positioned so as to detect a low level of liquid in the vessel or a high level of liquid in the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for electronically and non-invasively sensing liquid level in a boiler or other liquid-containing vessel. The apparatus, comprising a sensor and sensor integrated circuit can be uniquely designed for external attachment to any commercially available gauge glass used for visually determining liquid level in a boiler and other liquid-containing vessels. The apparatus, which employs proximity level-sensing technology, is suitable for determining liquid level provided the liquid-containing boiler or vessel is metallic and the liquid is electrically conductive, for example water and other aqueous solutions. The apparatus can additionally comprise at least one, preferably two externally located electrical pushbutton switches, for example “water feed” and “test”, for manually adding water to the boiler and for testing the apparatus' proper working condition with a simulated low water condition, respectively.