Abstract: An apparatus includes a probe configured to be mounted in a tank for at least partial immersion in a liquid. The probe has a body disposed inside the fuel tank. A capacitance-to-digital (CDC) circuit is disposed on the probe in the tank, such that the CDC is disposed inside the fuel tank and is operably connected to the body.

Abstract: A fluid measurement system utilizes one or more digital probes that communicate over a digital bus to a fluid gauging computer. The digital probes incorporate a capacitance to digital circuit that converts probe capacitance to a digital value. The digital value is communicated to the fuel gauging computer via a data bus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a beverage maker having an in-line heating assembly for heating water to make hot beverages such as coffee and tea. The heating assembly defines a flow path that runs past a plurality of heaters for heating water to a desired temperature. In this manner, the beverage maker heats water as it travels, alleviating the need for a water tank or vessel, resulting in increased savings in weight and size, as well as reducing brew time. Additionally, an optical sensor assembly is provided to detect when a serving container of the beverage maker has a prescribed capacity of liquid within it. The sensor assembly includes at least one light source aligned to shine into the container and at least one detector aligned to detect light reflected off the liquid surface within the container. A drainage assembly is also provided that can drain liquid through either a connector port into an airplane's wastewater system or through a drainage port into a drainage sump.

Abstract: A fluid measurement system utilizes one or more digital probes that communicate over a digital bus to a fluid gauging computer. The digital probes incorporate a capacitance to digital circuit that converts probe capacitance to a digital value. The digital value is communicated to the fuel gauging computer via a data bus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a beverage maker having an in-line heating assembly for heating water to make hot beverages such as coffee and tea. The heating assembly defines a flow path that runs past a plurality of heaters for heating water to a desired temperature. In this manner, the beverage maker heats water as it travels, alleviating the need for a water tank or vessel, resulting in increased savings in weight and size, as well as reducing brew time. Additionally, an optical sensor assembly is provided to detect when a serving container of the beverage maker has a prescribed capacity of liquid within it. The sensor assembly includes at least one light source aligned to shine into the container and at least one detector aligned to detect light reflected off the liquid surface within the container. A drainage assembly is also provided that can drain liquid through either a connector port into an airplane's wastewater system or through a drainage port into a drainage sump.