Abstract: A method of determining if phase separation into an upper layer of a first fluid and a lower layer of a first fluid has occurred in a tank containing a first fluid, the method including determining a first density of the first fluid adjacent a top surface of the first fluid, determining a second density of the first fluid adjacent a bottom of the tank, and comparing the first density of the first fluid to the second density of the first fluid to determine if the first fluid has separated into the upper layer of the first fluid and the lower layer of the first fluid separated by a phase separation boundary.

Abstract: A densitometer suitable for fluid measurements in remote, hostile environments comprises one or more pairs of matched weight masses housed within a tube and having respectively different densities. When immersed in the subject fluid, the buoyancy differential between the masses is converted to a proportional torque oriented about an axis aligned substantially parallel with a pipe bore. The torque is transferred through a calibrated environmental isolation cylinder to an electric property sensor positioned in a protected environment. A proportionalized electric property signal is transmitted to a value reading station.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for detecting a change in a specific gravity of a fluid surrounding the apparatus wherein the fluid moves upwardly and downwardly with respect to the apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing having a top and a plurality of openings for allowing the fluid to enter the housing. A first floatation device is provided having a first specific gravity and being located within the housing. The first floatation device includes a magnet. A second floatation device is provided having a second specific gravity and located within the housing adjacent said first floatation device. The said second floatation device includes a magnet aligned to have the same polarity as the magnet of the first floatation device. A switch fixedly attached to said top, the switch having an open state and a closed state where when one of said magnets is in proximity to the switch, the switch is in a closed state and wherein when both of said magnets are in proximity to said switch, the switch is in an open state.

Abstract: A material is laced with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags at a known concentration of RFID tags per unit of material. Subsequently, if an interrogation of the RFID tags reveals a reduced concentration of RFID tags in the material, then a conclusion is drawn that the material has been diluted.

Abstract: A fluid level probe for use in a tank containing a first fluid, including a probe shaft, a first float with a first magnet that is slidably disposed for movement along the probe shaft and adapted to float at the top surface of the first fluid, a second float with a first magnet that is slidably disposed for movement along the probe shaft beneath the first float and adapted to float within the first fluid, and electronics adapted to determine a first distance between the first magnet of the first float and the first magnet of the second float which is used to determine a first density of the first fluid.

Abstract: A detector and detection method for identifying unknown chemical solutions following chemical spills includes a specific gravity detector including a detector column having an inlet end operable to collect a sample of a solution, wherein the detector column is formed of an optically transparent material to allow visual observation of the sample in the detector column. At least a first plurality of specific gravity floats including a first specific gravity float is located and moveable within the detector column, wherein the first specific gravity float has a density to float in liquids having a specific gravity of greater than a first density level. At least a second specific gravity float is located and moveable within the detector column, wherein the second specific gravity float has a density to float in liquids having a specific gravity greater than the first density level. A sample of an unknown solution from a site of a chemical spill is introduced into the detector column.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for detecting a change in a specific gravity of a fluid surrounding the apparatus wherein the fluid moves upwardly and downwardly with respect to the apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing having a top and a plurality of openings for allowing the fluid to enter the housing. A first floatation device is provided having a first specific gravity and being located within the housing. The first floatation device includes a magnet. A second floatation device is provided having a second specific gravity and located within the housing adjacent said first floatation device. The said second floatation device includes a magnet aligned to have the same polarity as the magnet of the first floatation device. A switch fixedly attached to said top, the switch having an open state and a closed state where when one of said magnets is in proximity to the switch, the switch is in a closed state and wherein when both of said magnets are in proximity to said switch, the switch is in an open state.

Abstract: A concentration detector is adapted to detect the concentration of a liquid fuel in a container. The concentration detector comprises a rotating mechanism positioned underneath the level of the liquid fuel and having a rotational center. A first float having a specific gravity less than the specific gravity of the liquid fuel, a volume equivalent to “V” and a mass equivalent to “M”. The distance between the mass center of the first float and the rotational center is “L”. A second float connected with the first float and having a specific gravity less than the specific gravity of the liquid fuel, a volume equivalent to “V” and a mass equivalent to “r*M”. The distance between the mass center of the second float and the rotational center is “L. The mass center of the second float, the rotational center and the mass center of the first float constitute an included angle of 120°.

Abstract: A concentration detector is disclosed, which is adapted to detect a concentration of a liquid fuel in a container. The concentration detector includes a rotating means positioned underneath a level of a liquid fuel and rotatable at an angle ? on a X-Y plane. The rotating means includes at least three floating objects connected with each other. Each floating object has a specific gravity less than a specific gravity of the liquid fuel ?. The floating objects are balanced according to a torque equation, F(?,?)=0, such that the rotating means is still under the level of the liquid fuel. While a concentration of the liquid fuel is changed and the angle ? of the rotating means is detected, the specific gravity of the liquid fuel ? is obtained from the torque equation, F(?,?)=0, and thereby computing the concentration of the liquid fuel.

Abstract: A fluid density measurement device includes a float (12) and a weight (14), each mounted on links (16) for essentially vertical movement. A crank (22) is mounted above the float and weight and is connected to them,by a float link (24) and a counterweight link (28) to convert the forces from the float and the forces from the weight to rotational forces on the crank acting in opposite directions. The position adopted by the crank will be dependent upon the density of the fluid in which the instrument is immersed. The links (16) are arranged so that a good approximation to straight line motion is obtained at the centre of the float and the weight.

Abstract: In order to keep a patient from being administered an incorrect anaesthetic, an erroneous concentration of an anaesthetic or a mixture of anaesthetics, an anaesthetic system can be equipped with a device for identifying anaesthetics in anaesthetic system. The device identifies anaesthetics by determining a parameter related to a physical property, such as density, of liquid anaesthetics. A floating body can be immersed in the anaesthetic fluid. The floating body then sinks to a depth which depends on the fluid's density. The identity of the anaesthetic can then be read off a measurement stick arranged on the floating body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device used to verify the identity of a selected fluid before permitting the selected fluid to be introduced into a storage vessel containing a liquid of known specific gravity. The device includes a container constructed from connecting walls to form a chamber having an opening through which a selected fluid may be introduced; a first float switch positioned in the container for generating a first signal when contacted by a fluid having a specific gravity greater than a first predetermined amount; a second float switch positioned in the container for generating a second signal in the presence of a fluid having a specific gravity greater than a second predetermined amount, where the first predetermined amount is less than the second predetermined amount, and the second float switch is responsive to the first signal from the first float switch.

Abstract: An oil spill detection system to detect and track oil spills and transmit data to a remote monitoring center comprising a buoyant detection platform including at least one detection sensor to detect the presence of hydrocarbons in the water adjacent the buoyant detection platform and generate a detection signal in response thereto and a communication system operatively coupled to the detection sensor to receive the detection signal and to generate a data signal in response to the detection signal and to transmit the data signal to the remote monitoring center, the data signal including a discrete platform identification signal corresponding to the buoyant detection platform, and a deployable free floating tracking buoy to be deployed when the detection signal is generated to indicate the direction and speed of travel of the oil slick created by the oil spill.

Abstract: A disposable specific gravity tester of liquids such as urine comprising a form-maintaining, flexible or resilient, transparent plastic pipet-type tube, one end of which is integrally closed to form a self-contained bulb, the other normally open end of which is fixedly closed with a solid liquid-permeable plug permitting inward passage there through of the liquid to be tested, and at least one floatable solid testing body in the tube with a predetermined specific gravity at or approximating the expected or normal specific gravity of the liquid; and its method of use, comprising squeezing the bulb while the other plugged end is below the surface of the liquid, releasing the squeezing force to suck up into the tube sufficient liquid to float the testing body or bodies, and observing if and/or which body or bodies sink, float or remain suspended in the liquid.

Abstract: A hydrometer for determining coolant fluid antifreeze concentration includes a housing having a pair of spaced openings for inflow and outflow of coolant fluid into and from the housing, a transparent view dome mounted in flow communication with the housing, a pair of identical sets of float balls of different specific gravities, a pair of longitudinal channels defined along opposite portions of the view dome in flow communication with the interior thereof and containing the sets of float balls for longitudinal movement relative to the view dome and for visual observation from the exterior of the view dome, and a dam defined in the housing between and spaced from the flow openings thereof and capable of obstructing the path of coolant fluid flow directly between the openings of the housing so as to cause deflection of coolant fluid flow into the transparent view dome and the channels therein.

Abstract: A rotameter comprises a vertically disposed flow passage with cross sectional area progressively increasing from the lower inlet to the upper outlet thereof, and a float suspended in the flow passage and guided by a plurality of ridge-like float guides disposed parallel to and axisymmetrically about the central axis of the flow passage, which float guides keep the float suspended in the fluid stream in a coaxial relationship to the flow passage, wherein a float position indicator disposed within an elongated groove included in one of the float guides following the guiding edge thereof moves with float in vertical directions due to the magnetic attraction therebetween created by a permanent magnet included in either the float or the float position indicator, and provides an electrical signal representing the vertical position of the float, from which the flow rate of the fluid moving through the flow passage is determined.

Abstract: A fluid sensor for heat exchanger system includes a supporting device such as a tubular hose fitting for mounting the sensor in the system so that heat exchanging fluid circulated in the system comes into contact with the sensor. A window or sight glass is mounted in the supporting device along with corrodible separating means interposed between the sight glass and the heat exchanging fluid. A visual indicator such as a movable flap or a colored ball can be viewed through the sight glass when the separating means is ruptured or broken by corrosion. The viewing of the indicator provides an indication that the heat exchanging fluid has reached a certain corrosive state and requires replacement or treatment. In a preferred embodiment, the separating means is a metal diaphragm spaced from the sight glass.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-freeze monitor for monitoring the capability of the vehicle's coolant mixture in the cooling system of the vehicle to resist freezing. The monitor includes a light emitting diode, a reed switch for coupling the indicator to a source of electricity and for selectively activating and deactivating the indicator. Also included is a float for submersion into the vehicle's coolant mixture. The float includes a buoyant body and a magnet which activates the reed switch when the vehicle's coolant mixture is in a safe condition against freezing and deactivates the reed switch when the coolant mixture is in an unsafe freezable condition.

Abstract: A battery condition readout device is disclosed. A series of slides of varying densities float or sink according to the amount of charge. An optical system permits slide position to be seen at a point external to the battery.

Abstract: A comparative temperature compensating specific gravity test apparatus is disclosed including an indicator float element that has a predetermined specific gravity and is freely suspended in a homogeneous test liquid. The float element includes pliable, sealed container that is substantially free of contained gas and a reference liquid that fills the container. The reference liquid has a thermal expansion characteristic which is substantially the same as that of the test liquid. The container has a mass which is negligible relative to the mass of the reference liquid. The float element is monitored in the test liquid such that floating of the float element indicates that the test liquid has at least the predetermined specific gravity and sinking of the float element indicates that the test liquid has less than the predetermined specific gravity.

Abstract: A device (10) for testing samples of aviation fuel drained through a drain valve of an aircraft fuel system is disclosed including a pin (22) upstanding from the bottom (18) and extending concentrically with the sidewall (16) out of and above the inlet (20) of a container (12). Thus, the fuel draining from the drain valve is caught and collected by the inlet (20) and is contained in the container (12) for visual observation for particulate contamination and liquid separation. Device (10) further includes specific gravity floats (32, 34) having densities to float in water but not in jet fuel and gasoline and to float in water and jet fuel but not in gasoline, respectively. Thus, by observing the condition of the floats (32, 34), the pilot can quickly, accurately, and clearly determine whether the sample is gasoline, jet fuel, or water.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the position of an object in a vertical column includes a sighting window mounted on a slide movable along a vertical rail. An endless chain extends around a pair of cogged wheels rotatably mounted on rotating shafts at opposite ends of the rail and is connected to the slide so that vertical movement of the sighting window rotates the wheels. One of the wheels is connected to an optical encoder which converts rotation of the wheel to units corresponding to the vertical linear movement of the sighting window. The optical encoder converts the units to an electrical signal which can be delivered to a computer for providing a desired measurement reading base on the position of the object in the column detected by the apparatus. The rail may be mounted on horizontal tracks for movement along a plurality of horizontally spaced columns.

Abstract: A box-like housing which is enclosed to form a chamber. The chamber is partitioned by wall-like structure and further forms a plurality of channels in which a plurality of balls having various densities are contained within the channels. Measuring fluid flows through one end of tubular element mounted on the top of housing and into the channel, and the number of floating balls indicates the specific gravity of fluid and the freezing and boiling point of the fluid.

Abstract: A hydrometer that measures the specific gravity of fluid in channels (36) of a hydrometer body (10). The specific gravity is determined according to the buoyancy of balls (40) that are located in each channel. Lenses (42) are provided in body (10) to aid in observing the position of balls (40). Pedestals (38) are provided in each channel to maintain balls (40) out of sediment accumulated at the bottom of the channels.

Abstract: A combined hydrometer for measuring the specific gravity of a radiator fluid and a battery fluid including a fluid chamber having a transparent front window, a substantially horizontal axis in the chamber, an upper battery fluid scale having readings corresponding to the specific gravity of a battery fluid and a lower calibrated scale having readings corresponding to the freezing temperature of a radiator fluid. An indicator float and a second float are mounted eccentrically in the fluid chamber for pivotal movement about the axis, the indicator float having a relatively smaller specific gravity than the second float and being mounted on the axis between the second float and the front window. The indicator float normally rests with a tip end therof facing a lowermost point on the radiator fluid scale and the second float normally rests with a tip end thereof facing a lowermost point on the battery fluid scale.

Abstract: A hydrometer unit permanently connected in an engine coolant line enables an immediate visual check on the adequacy of the anti-freeze constituent, such as ethylene glycol, in the system. The hydrometer includes a coolant receiving chamber having a transparent viewing portion and a number of variously colored float elements within the chamber provide an accurate indication of anti-freeze strength based on specific gravity. No manipulation of the hydrometer is required to enable a checking of the strength or weakness of the anti-freeze.

Abstract: The oil detecting switch includes a light oil float switch, a water float switch and a heavy oil float switch. When the light oil float switch is closed, a relay is activated energizing a light oil indicator light and its associated coil. The coil is part of a relay which inhibits pumping action. When the water float switch is activated, the inhibiting relay is bypassed so that pumping action can continue. When the heavy oil float switch is activated and closed, a relay is activated which energizes a heavy oil indicator light and its associated coil. The coil is part of a relay which inhibits pumping action. The light oil indicator light, its associated coil and the water indicator light are bypassed when the heavy oil float switch is activated. The status of the float switches is monitored by an analog-to-digital converter associated with a Remote Monitoring System Transmitter.

Abstract: A specific gravity indicator used for measuring the specific gravity of an aqueous liquid, which is a shaped article comprising a styrene homopolymer and a styrene-butadiene elastomer and having a specific gravity of 1.005 to 1.035. By the specific gravity indicator, the specific gravity of an aqueous liquid such as urine at a standard temperature can be measured with a high accuracy at an arbitrary temperature.

Abstract: A ball case for storing and organizing gage balls of a plurality of predetermined sizes. The ball case has a housing including a base member having at least one and preferably three sloping surfaces. A plurality of partial spherical cavities are formed in the base surface for engagement of the gage balls, the cavities being proportioned appropriately such that a single predetermined horizontal plane above the base member is tangential to each of the gage balls.

Abstract: A device for measuring the density of fluids comprises two float elements of unequal density distribution pivotally mounted on a common axis about which they rotate in opposite directions with change of density of the fluid in which they are immersed. The density is indicated by the position of an index carried by one element relative to a scale carried by the other element. Scale range is increased and scale linearity is improved by having the elements respond respectively differently to density changes in the upper and lower density ranges. Temperature compensation is effected by the choice of materials for the float elements relative to the thermal expansion characteristics of the fluid, and by the manner in which the relatively more dense and relatively less dense portions of each float element are mounted with respect to the axis.

Abstract: A method for determining the efficiency of float-sink raw material separation units which achieve separation by specific gravity sorting of raw material in particle form introduced to a liquid bath. The efficiency is determined by introducing to the bath, with the raw material in particle form for separation, prepared particles of determined size and specific gravity and detecting the separation location of these prepared particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for carrying out simultaneously multiple analyses in a liquid medium. The device comprises a compartment for introducing liquid, communicating through a distribution channel with separate analysis compartments. Each analysis compartment is provided with valve-forming means, such as a ball, isolating the liquid contained in the analysis compartment from the liquid remaining in the distribution channel. The device is particularly suitable for microbiological analyses.

Abstract: A device for indicating changes in the specific gravity of a liquid comprises first and second floats adapted to float on the surface of the liquid, the float having different shapes and/or densities so that the depth of the floats in the liquid varies in accordance with the specific gravity of the liquid and means for producing an electrical signal dependent upon the depth to which the floats are immersed relative to one another.

Abstract: A specific gravity tester for antifreeze solutions including a transparent tube, a bulb on one end, and a sample-collecting hose on the other end; the transparent tube being of molded plastic and defining an interior guideway with broad, flat surfaces having projecting ribs to maintain the floats in spaced relation to the surfaces, the sidewalls of the tube having flat inner surfaces defining the guideway and rounded convex exterior surfaces to provide the sidewalls of the transparent tube with a magnifying lens characteristic.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the density of a flowing fluid and controlling the flow thereof. The apparatus comprises at least one vertical tube, having an inlet at the bottom and an outlet at the top for establishing a fluid flow through the tube. A movable member, having a weight to volume ratio substantially equal to the density of the fluid, is disposed to move freely in the tube between the inlet and outlet, and adapted to close either the inlet or outlet when the density deviates substantially from said ratio. Closing of the inlet or outlet is used to stop the fluid flow.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for disposing of radioactive waste materials by placing them into a steel drum together with cement and water, mixing the contents, and then storing the drum for a period of time to permit partial decay of radioactive materials. Also disclosed are a decanting tank for forming a dispersion of radioactive resin particles and water in predetermined proportions, said tank having an internal mixer to effect stirring, means for sensing the levels of the water and the resin particles, and means for removing excess water by decanting.