Abstract: A method for gauging liquid in a container, the method comprising: a) assigning a local three axis coordinate system for the container; b) dividing the container into a plurality of regular volumes; c) disposing a first pressure sensor at a predetermined coordinate proximate the bottom surface of the container, with the pressure sensor producing an output related to detected fluid pressure at the predetermined coordinate; d) assigning to each of the volumes a corresponding volume location coordinate; e) numerically determining, for each of the regular volumes, a corresponding liquid mass value therein based on a relationship between the detected pressure at the predetermined coordinate and a calculated pressure at each of the volume location coordinates; and f) summing all of the numerically determined liquid mass values corresponding to the regular volumes to produce a total fluid mass for the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting relative displacement includes a first magnet for producing a first magnetic field along an axis; a second magnet for producing a second magnetic field along the axis; the first and second magnetic fields interacting to produce a position-dependent magnetic field along the axis; a sensor disposed for detecting the position-dependent magnetic field; and a movable element for causing relative displacement between the position-dependent magnetic field and the sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor is a magneto-optic sensor.

Abstract: 057238701Apparatus for detecting fluid level in a container, comprises a housing adapted to be disposed in the container; a float with an associated magnetic element, the float position corresponding to fluid level in the container; a magnetostrictive sensor disposed inside the housing; and a stick gauge disposed inside the housing; the magnetostrictive sensor and the stick gauge each being operable to determine the float position.