Abstract: A system and method for determining a liquid level in a storage tank includes the use of a laser range finding device. The laser range finding device emits a signal that is reflected off of a top surface of the liquid and then detected by a sensor. The time between the signal emission and detection is utilized to determine a distance to the surface of the liquid. This distance is then utilized to determine an amount of liquid in the tank. The liquid may comprise any liquid with sufficient reflectivity to reflect the signal from the range finding device. The system and method is particularly suited for determining the amount of milk in storage tanks associated with dairy operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for opening a communications port for communication over a wireless communication network. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention discloses a method for opening a virtual communications (VCOM) port that is configured with a particular profile over a Bluetooth network. After an attempt to open the VCOM port is received from a first application at a first electronic device, the process is suspended until a communication path is established over the Bluetooth communication network between the first electronic device and a remote electronic device within a Bluetooth network. The remote electronic device may be selected by a user from a list of available devices. In another embodiment, a user may pre-configure the VCOM port for a specific functional profile and pre-configure a remote electronic device to the VCOM port.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for interfacing legacy applications with a wireless communication network. Specifically, the present invention discloses an integrated hardware device that creates and manages a virtual serial communication port. The virtual port is presented to legacy applications and an operating system in a computer system as a serial communication port having a UART device. An interface application ensures legacy application compatibility with the wireless communication standard, including a Bluetooth communication standard. The interface application converts outgoing data from the legacy application into a format associated with the Bluetooth communication standard. The interface application converts incoming data from a format compatible with the wireless communication standard to a format compatible with a bus and the legacy application located on the computer system.