Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring or determining the level or amount of multiple immiscible liquids of different densities in containers utilize multiple floats, with each float having a density less than the density of the liquid to be measured but greater than the density of the next less dense liquid (or fluid) in the container. In this fashion, the position of each float can be determined and used to determine the levels of the various liquids using a single three-terminal potentiometer. A method includes measuring first and second electrical signals corresponding to first and second locations of actuation of the potentiometer. A system includes a three terminal potentiometer capable of magnetic actuation at two locations, a first float configured to magnetically actuate the potentiometer at a first location, and a second float configured to magnetically actuate the potentiometer at a second location that differs from the first location.

Abstract: A touch-controlled apparatus of the type in which two parts of a circuit component are selectively brought into contact, which includes plural circuit components. In one embodiment the two components (at least one of which must be a potentiometer) are co-planar and longitudinally aligned. In another embodiment two co-planar potentiometers are disposed in parallel side-by-side relation so as to be simultaneously actuated by the same touch pressure. In a third embodiment two or more components are disposed in two different stacked layers for simultaneous or sequential operation. An improved sample and hold output circuit includes only a parallel capacitor, or a series resistor and parallel capacitor, connected to one part of a circuit component. The component may be formed as three folded sections of a single sheet-like member, the sections being foldable into a three-tiered stack.

Abstract: A touch controlled membrane device producing an output signal which is a function of any dual coordinate location resulting from an applied pressure in a two dimensional resistive field. In one preferred embodiment a single resistive film is spaced from a coextensive conductive film. First and second source voltages are alternately applied across orthogonal axis directions of the resistive film to establish voltage gradients in both directions. Pressure applied to the conductive film brings the conductive and resistive films into contact so that a unique two component output signal appears on the conductive film which defines the X and Y coordinates of the location of the applied pressure. In a second embodiment, two resistive films are mounted opposite to two conductive surfaces applied onto opposite sides of an insulative film, and voltage is applied to the resistive films in orthogonally related directions.