Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved methods, devices, and systems for eye surgery. In some embodiments, the invention may provide new and/or improved devices, systems, and methods for detecting surgical fluids in a fluidics cassette, particularly cassettes which are used to couple an eye treatment probe to an eye treatment console. Rather than relying on internal reflection by a gas-liquid interface, the fluid detection techniques described herein may make use of the changes in propagation of light through a portion of the holding tank when the portion varies between empty and full. Other aspects of the invention may provide devices, systems, and methods for producing different types of fluidics cassette using a single cassette body type.

Abstract: An apparatus for optically monitoring a fluid level of a container comprises a light emitter(s), a plurality of optical detectors, and a control system. The light emitter(s) is configured to emit light toward a target surface when positioned, at a fluid threshold level, on the outside of the container. Upper and lower optical detectors are configured to receive light reflected from the target surface when positioned on the outside of the container above and below the fluid threshold level. The control system detects, based on measured reflectance received by the upper and lower optical detector, whether the upper optical detector is above the fluid level and whether at least a portion of the lower optical detector is above the fluid level, and determines, based on these detections, whether the level of fluid within the container has dropped below the fluid threshold level.

Abstract: A syringe assembly for the delivery of medications or other liquid contents including an elongated hollow body at least partially formed by transparent material and including an indicia assembly for indicating volume measurement of and/or the existence of a void within the contained liquid. The indicia assembly includes a first indicia section and a second indicia section extending along a common wall portion, wherein a segregating section is disposed between the first and second indicia section and is structured to visually segregate the visual markings of the first and second indicia sections while being sufficiently contrasted in appearance to facilitate the independent viewing thereof. The first and second indicia sections are disposed and structured to be independently viewed along different lines of sight. One or more indicators may also be disposed on the syringe body to facilitate the determination of voids with the body interior.

Abstract: An arrangement for measuring fill levels of fill substances located in containers with a single fill-level measuring device operating according to the travel time principle, and arranged removed from the measuring locations at which a fill level is to be measured and having an antenna for directed sending of microwaves and for receiving microwaves.

Abstract: Reflective level indicator comprising a central support piece (10) extending in the vertical direction (Z-Z), a glass element (30) extending in the vertical direction (Z-Z), a pair of flanges (40) situated opposite each other for closing the indicator, seals (20;120) arranged between the glass element (30) and the support piece (10) and the closing flanges (40), wherein said flanges (40) have a C-shaped central body (41) with short arms (42) extending in the longitudinal direction (X-X) along a section with a length such as to project above, in the same direction (Y-Y), by an amount smaller than the width of the glass element (30) in the longitudinal direction, and a foot (43) which extends from one of the two arms (42) of the central body (41) in the transverse direction (Y-Y) and the free end of which has a flange (43a) bent inwards and provided with holes (43b).

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: A medical hub for connecting a tubular member to a fluid source has a first structure for connecting to the fluid source, a second structure for connecting to the tubular member, and a transparent portion formed between the first and second structures. The transparent portion in one embodiment has a generally spherical shape that allows visual monitoring of a fluid flowing through the hub from a wide viewing angle. The transparent portion can be formed of clear plastic or other suitable optical material that magnifies an image of the fluid flowing through the hub. Other embodiments are described in which the transparent portion has a cylindrical shape, a square shape, a multifaceted shape, and a combination of such shapes. The tubular member can be a catheter or other intravenous tubing.

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 biological specimen collection and transfer system, comprises a biological sample container configured for storing a biological fluid sample, and a fluid level regulator configured to determine a fluid level in the biological sample container and to dispense a fluid into the container if the determined fluid level is less than a desired fluid level. A method of regulating a fluid level of a biological fluid sample in a container during a process of transferring biological matter in the fluid sample to a specimen slide, the method comprises monitoring a pressure of an interior chamber of a specimen filter, the chamber coupled to a vacuum source and having one end submerged in the fluid sample, determining a fluid level of the fluid sample in the container based on a detected change in pressure of the specimen filter chamber, and adding a liquid to the container if the determined fluid level is less than a desired fluid level.

Abstract: An armored sight gauge assembly of the type having a sight tube that is placed between first and second spaced apart fittings to show a liquid level comprising an elongated main body positioned between and permanently connected to the first and second fittings. The main body incorporates a flanged U-shaped frame member to which there is removably affixed a transparent sight tube shield. A sight tube assembly substantially surrounded by the flanged U-shaped frame member on three sides and is insertably captured by the first and second fittings. A valve assembly and ball check shutoff is incorporated within the internal portion of each of the first and second fittings as is a misalignment union which is removably attached to each fitting.

Abstract: A washing agent dispenser is described, for a household washing machine, namely a dishwasher, said dispenser including a tank for containing a liquid washing agent, to which a device is associated for the visual control of the level of said liquid washing agent. According to the invention, said control device has a plurality of elements of a substantially transparent material, which are inserted in respective passages extending between said tank and the outside of the body of the dispenser. The parts of each one of said transparent elements which are visible outside said body form the steps of a scale indicating the level of said liquid washing agent contained in the tank.

Abstract: A sight glass apparatus has a liquid level indicator for identifying the level of a clear to slightly translucent liquid in tube by a change in color of the indicator. The indicator has a transparent body with a convex lens, and a concave lens at opposite ends of the body, and V-grooves open to opposite sides of the body. A moisture indicating medium on the body functions to identify the presence of water in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.

Abstract: An oil-gauge for the axle-end of a vehicle includes a transparent or translucid lid (15) for inspecting the level of oil in a chamber (13) housing the wheel-mounting bearings. A disk partition (23) is bolted to the inside of the lid to form a shallow subchamber (25). The disk is provided with orifices for oil level in the subchamber to follow the oil level in the main chamber. The visible surface (29) of the disk is painted white and the subchamber houses one or more loose elements (31) to wipe the inside of the lid clean.

Abstract: A sight glass apparatus has a liquid level indicator for identifying the level of a clear to slightly translucent liquid in tube by a change in color of the indicator. The indicator has a transparent body with a convex lens, and a concave lens at opposite ends of the body, and V-grooves open to opposite sides of the body. A moisture indicating medium on the body functions to identify the presence of water in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.

Abstract: A package assembly is formed by applying flux to a device and/or a substrate and inspecting the applied flux to determine whether the amount applied is within a predetermined range. Embodiments include applying a rosin based flux on a laminate substrate and measuring the thickness of the applied flux with an interferometer.

Abstract: A low ink sensing system is combined with an ink cartridge detection system to enable a more efficient ink jet printer. An ink container which supplies ink to an associated printhead is modified by the incorporation of two light directing elements, in the preferred embodiment, a faceted prism and a roof mirror, into a transparent wall of the container housing. The cartridge, comprising the ink container and associated printhead, is mounted on a scan carriage. Periodically, the carriage is conveyed to a sensing station comprising a pair of light sources and a commonly used photosensor. A first light source is energized and a beam of light is directed to a location where the roof mirror, would be positioned if the cartridge is present. If the cartridge is absent, lack of a reflected return signal is sensed, indicating a cartridge has not been inserted. Print operation is halted until a cartridge is inserted.

Abstract: A container for carrying and dispensing liquid and semi-liquid products includes an inner product tank received within an outer protective tank. The inner tank receives the liquid or semi-liquid product to be transported from one location to another, while the outer tank protects the inner tank from punctures and other damage during transport of the container, and during discharge and refill of product in the inner tank. The outer tank has downwardly extending support legs, which enable separate containers to be stacked atop each other. The support legs of the outer tank transfer the stacking load from the top surface to the bottom surface of the outer tank legs and for reducing load stresses on the inner tank holding the liquid or semi-liquid product. The inner and outer tanks cooperate with each other to facilitate drainage and cleaning of the inner tank, and for protection of a product pump including a discharge hose, while one or more tanks are stacked atop each other during transit.

Abstract: An oil level sensor device for sensing and controlling the level of oil in the crankcases of refrigeration compressors, each compressor having a crankcase with a housing for oil that accumulates during the compression operation and each housing having an opening with a prism member mounted in it, the prism members having two angularly relating surfaces exposed to the oil in the crankcase and a light source and a light sensor mounted adjacent to the prism on the outside of the crankcase housing such that the light from each light source impinges on one of the angularly related prism surfaces and is reflected thereby to the second angularly related surface and then back to the light sensor. Each light sensor has an output which is connected to the input of the control circuit which operates to energize a solenoid valve to add oil to the crankcase from a remote source when the oil level in the crankcase as sensed is below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A device for determining the level of water and/or steam in a boiler is disclosed. The device is a liquid level gauge (10) of the Blackburn type and utilizes an optical fiber cable (44) to intercept the light that passes in a relatively straight path through a cross passage (16) in the body (12) of gauge (10). Due to the difference in the indices of refraction of steam and water, the optical fiber cable (44) intercepts the light when steam is present in the gauge (10) but does not intercept the light when water is present.

Abstract: A small bore plastic syringe body is disclosed with improved visual amplification of interface surfaces between a light transmissive liquid and air within the syringe bore using a solid reflective colored strip on the syringe tube and located on one side thereof. An assembly including the syringe body provides a plunger and piston received within the tube to define an expansible chamber. The strip is narrower between its side edges than the outer tube diameter, yet is of sufficient width dimension that an image of the strip, when viewed through liquid in the expansible chamber, appears brightly and as wide as the tube. Where air is present in the expansible chamber, a diffused image of the strip will appear through the tube walls that is narrower than the actual strip width dimension.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine including a cabinet having therein a spin tub rotatably disposed within a stationary drain tub, and an additive liquid dispensing system comprised of a multi-load reservoir of additive liquid connected hydraulically through a pump to a liquid ejector nozzle. The reservoir comprises a liquid-tight housing which is vertically elongated and has a triangular cross-sectional shape for fitting into an elongated corner portion of the cabinet adjacent a front defining wall thereof. A side of the housing adjacent the front defining wall has a vertically elongated transparent portion disposed coextensively in alignment with a vertically elongated window in the front defining wall of the cabinet. The transparent portion of the housing may comprise a vertically extending tubular member disposed in communication with additive liquid in the housing such that the level of liquid in the tubular member is an indication of the level of liquid in the housing.

Abstract: A tubular housing is provided at one end thereof with a protective glass prism facing an observation opening in a pressurized reactor. The other end of the housing is closed and the intermediate part thereof supports an inclined mirror. A viewing tubular piece is arranged transversely to the tubular housing to receive light rays reflected from the mirror. The free end of the viewing piece is also provided with a protective glass prism.

Abstract: A device for detecting the liquid level in a tank. The device inlcudes a dioptric element having faces and a base immersible in the liquid. A bundle of optical fibers is operationally arranged with the dioptric element so that the dioptric element is disposed at one plane end of the optical fiber bundle while the other plane end of the optical fiber bundle provides an observation face. The bundle of optical fibers and the dioptric element are arranged and adapted to provide two separate and distinct zones in the observation face which are directly viewable in the surface of the observation face. One zone provides a signal zone which receives a larger quantity of light from a dioptric element when the element is not immersed than when it is immersed. The other zone provides a reference zone which receives a constant quantity of light from the dioptric element whether or not the dioptric element is immersed in the liquid.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a device for the detection of imminent gas depletion of a liquified gas tank, comprising a bundle of fiber optics (22), one end of which, forming an observation surface is visible from the outside of the tank, and other end of which, placed inside of the tank, is in optical contact with a flat surface of a transparent element (20), comprising, on its opposite surface, at least one dioptricelement (26). According to the invention, the lateral walls of the element (26) form with said surface an angle, preferably obtuse, the dimensions of which are such that it is capable, as long as there is liquid gas remaining in the reservoir, of being covered, almost totally, by a mensicus formed of a liquid gas condensate, which thus prevents any total reflection on said surface, of the rays directed by the fiber beams.

Abstract: An optical liquid level sensor utilizing both a prismatic member for the light refraction when immersed in and surrounded by a liquid and its effects for the indication of the presence and absence, selectively, of the liquid level. This level indication is provided in the subject case through a target plate bearing letter codes and legends, respectively, which are recognized and standardized in this trade and which become visible at the onset and for the duration of an acceptable liquid level situation; otherwise; a messageless image appears in the sensor. The illuminated target plate allows also for the observation of the color and any color change of the liquid and the taking of remedial actions.

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 liquid level control responsive to the level of liquid in a vessel having visual verification of fluid level including a tubular body for attachment to an opening in a vessel, the body having aligned openings in opposite sides receiving a pivot shaft, a control box mounted on one side and receiving an extension of the pivot shaft, an arm having one end attached to the pivot shaft and extending out the end of the body into the vessel and having a float on the end which is responsive to the level of liquid within the vessel, a control system within the box actuated by rotation of the pivot arm, and a transparent sight glass sealably closing the end of the tubular body so that the operator can observe the liquid level in the vessel through the sight glass.

Abstract: A humidifier (10) used in respiratory therapy is disclosed where the surface tension of a light probe (32) used therewith is maintained greater than the surface tension of the aqueous liquid used in the humidifier (10). Maintaining the surface tension of the light probe (32) greater than the surface tension of the aqueous liquid generally avoids erroneous indication of aqueous liquid level in the humidifier (10). Erroneous indications of liquid level can be caused by gas bubbles adhering to submerged portions of the light probe (32) or liquid droplets adhering to unsubmerged portions of the light probe (32).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for monitoring liquid stock in a storage tank. A prism connected by optical fibers is located at a fixed position in a tank, the volume of liquid at the fixed position being determined. A computer receives data relating to the liquid dispensed, and the liquid received, and calculates an amount of liquid in the tank at the moment the liquid passes the fixed prism. The calculated data is compared to the exact volume data received from the prism.

Abstract: A level indicator for a portable toilet comprises a visible indicator on the exterior of the toilet's holding tank, a float mechanism on the tank's interior operable to sense the level of liquid material in the tank, and a magnetic coupling between the float mechanism and the indicator for causing the indicator to be operated to a position corresponding to the level of liquid material sensed by the float mechanism. The indicator is in the form of a wheel journaled on a receptacle in the top wall of the holding tank. A magnet mounts on the wheel in radially spaced relation to its axis. The float mechanism comprises an arm which is operated along an arc in response to changes in the level of liquid material in the tank. The arm has a magnet which swings in a corresponding arc and which confronts the wheel magnet so that the wheel is rotated about its axis as the float arm is operated about its own axis.

Abstract: A rod-like apparatus for determining the existing level of liquids in containers, channels or the like has a lightguide 1 to be arranged in a container and comprising a core of a transparent material with a first refractive index and also a transmitter 14 and a receiver 15 for light to be sent through the lightguide 1. In order to be able to measure changes in the filling height in the container in a quasi-analog or analog manner, the lightguide 1, which may have a cladding, is wound about a rod-shaped carrier body of non-uniform cross-section. The non-uniform regions of the carrier body 5 have a form such that the lightguide 1 is shaped so that at the particularly curved regions 10 the conditions for total reflection hold when ambient air is present, while on wetting with liquid the conditions fall below those for total reflection so that light emerges into the liquid.

Abstract: A magnifying indicator for a thermometer or similar columnar instrument, said indicator consisting of a one-piece body of transparent plastic formed with a cylindrical base block and an upstanding lens on the front portion of the base block. Opposite the lens the base block is formed with a rearwardly-facing vertical V-groove in which the columnar instrument is receivable. A U-shaped wire spring is anchored at one side of the groove and transversely overlies the groove. The spring is arranged to allow the columnar instrument to be slipped into the groove so as to engage against the flat sides thereof and thereafter to clamp the instrument in the groove to prevent angular disorientation of the lens relative to the columnar instrument, while permitting sliding adjustment of the magnifying indicator along the instrument scale.

Abstract: An improved brake fluid reservoir is disclosed. The reservoir is made from polymethylpentene and includes 10-20% by weight glass fibers as an opacifying agent. A translucent reservoir is obtained which has the highly desirable feature of visibility of the fluid level in the reservoir without providing a clear view of the fluid.

Abstract: A viewing rod in which a visual change in color at the transmitting end of the rod indicates that the level of the liquid within a receptacle has reached the transmitting end.

Abstract: In the preferred form, the present invention is directed to a water gauge which indicates the amount of water in the reservoir of a pressing iron. The gauge is so positioned with respect to the reservoir and the contents thereof that the indication function is provided both when the iron is in a horizontal or ironing position and when the iron is in the vertical or heel rest position.

Abstract: An indicator in use with a lead storage battery comprising a case and battery elements disposed in said case, said battery elements including electrolyte and a set of plates, said indicator adapted to indicate the overdischarge of said storage battery and also the lowered level of said electrolyte beyond minimum allowable level. The indicator comprises a cylindrical hollow body of transparent material with the upper end of the body exposed to the top of the case and with the lower end of the body positioned substantially at the minimum allowable level of the electrolyte, said lower end of the body communicating the electrolyte within the case. A colored float is disposed within the cylindrical body for vertical movement therein, said float having a specific gravity less than that of the electrolyte when the storage battery is charged at predetermined degree and greater than that of the electrolyte when the storage battery is discharged beyond the minimum allowable degree of charging condition.