Liquid Level Responsive Or Maintaining Systems Patents (Class 137/386)
  • Patent number: 7189365
    Abstract: In a liquid treating equipment to maintain a small amount of liquid to a desired liquid level with constantly supplying an additional liquid into a small capacity vessel, a storage vessel 13 to store the small amount of liquid, an injection tube 16 to inject the small amount of liquid into the storage vessel 16, liquid supplying apparatus 23–25 to supply the small amount of liquid into the storage vessel through the injection tube, a flow path 15 of which one end is joined with the storage vessel, a discharge vessel 14, joined with the storage vessel 13 via the flow path, having a larger surface area than that of the storage vessel, a discharge tube 17 of which the discharging inlet is positioned at the same level position as a desired liquid level of the small amount of liquid in the storage vessel and liquid discharging apparatus 27–29 to discharge the liquid from the discharge vessel through the discharge tube are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignees: Riken, Fuence Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Yamagata, Tsunehiko Ozaki, Victor Morozov, Kozo Inoue
  • Patent number: 7129832
    Abstract: A high/low level alarm controller having ability to interface with level sensing equipment and instrumentation in a manner that isolates the controller from downstream components is presented. The controller accepts power, logic and transduced level inputs; output from the controller is available to drive relays, solenoid valves, motors, pumps, alarm horns, etc. The high/low level alarm controller is ideal for existing/retrofit applications and new installations alike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Daniel Sabatino
  • Patent number: 7042362
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus thereof for monitoring leakage of process cooling water (PCW) in a furnace. In the method, a bellows used to deliver the process cooling water is covered by a protecting tubing, so as to protect the bellows from being corroded by the process environment and to control the flow direction of the cooling water leaking from the bellows, thus avoiding the cooling water sprinkling. In addition, a tray is installed under the bellows to receive the leaking cooling water, so as to prevent the leaking cooling water from spilling on wafers. Besides, sensors are installed in the tray to send a signal while the cooling water falling on the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jiun-Rong Pai, Yung-Hsin Lo, Hong-Chih Wu
  • Patent number: 7004185
    Abstract: An improved method for loading propellants into separate tanks on a reusable launch vehicle (RLV) uses three innovative methods. The liquid loading provides three liquid transfer methods, integrated and coordinated to provide less complicated loading and unloading operations, transfers, and cools and controls the liquids to provide a safe, cost effective solution to reusable vehicle tanking and de-tanking under commercial conditions. To insure the density of the propellant is maximized by cooling in a quick liquid loading environment, pre-cooling may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Kistler Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: George E. Mueller
  • Patent number: 6964278
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for electronically and non-invasively sensing liquid level in a boiler or other liquid-containing vessel. The apparatus, comprising a sensor and sensor integrated circuit can be uniquely designed for external attachment to any commercially available gauge glass used for visually determining liquid level in a boiler and other liquid-containing vessels. The apparatus, which employs proximity level-sensing technology, is suitable for determining liquid level provided the liquid-containing boiler or vessel is metallic and the liquid is electrically conductive, for example water and other aqueous solutions. The apparatus can additionally comprise at least one, preferably two externally located electrical pushbutton switches, for example “water feed” and “test”, for manually adding water to the boiler and for testing the apparatus' proper working condition with a simulated low water condition, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas Tschanz
  • Patent number: 6938633
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for supplying process liquid s for a machine tool, which are able to reduce the consumption power and power factor of the pump 21 to a large extent in comparison with prior arts while maintaining the effects of process liquid s according to prior arts. The invention is embodied so that process liquid s such as coolant or cleaning fluid is supplied to necessary points by causing the process liquid s to flow down, which is stored in a sub tank 20 installed at a suitable height in a machine tool, by a gravity action when intermittently supplying the process liquid s such as coolant or cleaning fluid to the necessary points such as a workrest 2 and a workpiece w fixed thereon; the supplied process liquid s is collected into a main tank 19 on the other hand; and the process liquid s stored in the main tank 19 is transferred into the sub tank 20 by the pump 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Horkos Corp.
    Inventors: Shinsuke Sugata, Tadashi Makiyama, Takanori Miyata
  • Patent number: 6932097
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for controlling the composition and/or volume of a fluid within a reservoir. The device includes a reservoir adapted to contain at least one fluid, a means for monitoring a characteristic of the fluid contained in the reservoir, and a means for introducing additional fluid into the reservoir according to the fluid characteristic monitored by the monitoring means. The device also includes an acoustic generator for generating acoustic radiation. A dispensing means may be provided as well. Other devices and methods that use acoustic radiation to control the composition and/or volume of a fluid within a reservoir are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Picoliter Inc.
    Inventors: Richard N. Ellson, Mitchell W. Mutz
  • Patent number: 6910498
    Abstract: A liquid level control system for detecting and responding to changes in the level of liquid in a container. The system includes a transmitter in radio communication with a receiver, which is in turn connected to a valve assembly. The transmitter unit is programmable to respond to changes in the level of liquid in a container and to emit a radio signal receivable by the receiver unit, which controls the release of liquid to the liquid container via the valve assembly. The signal may be suppressed by a timing circuit in the transmitter circuitry unless and until a liquid level change is sufficiently sustained. The receiver is also programmable to keep the liquid control valve open a predetermined amount of time or to close the valve upon receipt of a high liquid level signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Inventor: Michael L. Cazden
  • Patent number: 6868861
    Abstract: A level control system for controlling the thickness of a work material in a slurry form cast upon a moving belt includes a fluid reservoir disposed above the belt, a sensor lens assembly for sensing the slurry height within such reservoir, and a control valve for adding slurry to the reservoir. A lens disposed near the moving belt and above the reservoir is coupled by fiber optics to a remote sensor amplifier for detecting the height of the slurry. A control circuit responsive to the light sensor regulates the flow rate of the slurry through the control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Credence Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: James Edward Ellis
  • Patent number: 6837262
    Abstract: A refueling system for vehicles including a dual valve receiver connected in fluid communication with the fuel tank, and a jet sensor inside of the fuel tank and in fluid communication with the receiver. The refueling system further includes a relief valve vent in fluid communication with the fuel tank to vent the fuel tank and to relieve pressure that may otherwise build up inside the fuel tank during refueling. When refueling with an automatic shutoff nozzle, the sensor detects when a desired fuel level has been reached, and then informs the receiver to prevent fuel flow into the tank. When this occurs, the pressure inside the receiver and automatic shutoff nozzle increases, causing the nozzle to shut off automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Adel Wiggins Group
    Inventors: Jose Cortez, David Wicke
  • Patent number: 6837263
    Abstract: A liquid level control system including a tank; a source of liquid in communication with the tank; a pressure fluid actuated valve for controlling the flow of liquid to the tank from the source; a pressure sensor disposed in the tank to monitor the hydrostatic pressure determined by the quantity of liquid in the tank. A source of pressure fluid is provided which is normally vented to the atmosphere. A pressure fluid amplifier is coupled to the pressure fluid actuated valve and to the source of pressure fluid. When the pressure sensor sensed an increase of pressure caused by an increase in the liquid level in the tank, the pressure fluid amplifier is effective to actuate the valve to close and militate against flowing into the tank to maintain the liquid at a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: DistaView Corporation
    Inventor: Richard H. Kramer
  • Patent number: 6799471
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detection of susceptibility to moisture damage for asphalt mixes. A sample of asphalt mix is placed inside a chamber, which is partially filled with water. An increased air pressure is applied to the chamber. A controlled evacuation of the water from the chamber takes place while the increased pressure is maintained in the chamber. Pressure is released from the chamber and water is returned to the chamber. The cycle is repeated a predetermined number of times. Changes in conductivity and turbidity of the water may be monitored to indicate mixture stripping. When a chosen number of cycles of a pressurized emptying and filling of the chamber is complete, the asphalt sample is removed from the chamber and tested against a controlled sample. The test procedure adapts itself readily to a dual chamber design so that two samples may be tested simultaneously. A vacuum may also be applied to the chamber in addition to pressurizing the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: InstroTek, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Regimand, Lawrence H. James, Peter D. Muse, Tianging He
  • Publication number: 20040084065
    Abstract: A system and method of selectively extending a wash cycle duration of a warewasher beyond a set minimum duration provides suitable cleaning of wares while at the same time seeking to increase the number of wash cycles per unit time. A system and method for detecting water level in a wash chamber or other tank provides the ability to identify a progressively fouling electrode. A system and method of automatically priming one or more chemical feed lines of a warewasher is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: David Charles Edelmann, Richard W. Cartwright, Gary V. Hoying
  • Patent number: 6684902
    Abstract: An accumulator for collecting a volume of a liquid, which includes controls to permit the liquid to rise in a container to a preset upper level, at which level a drain valve is opened causing liquid to flow out of the accumulator. The accumulator utilizes two opened bottom pipes, which are connected through check valves to a controller. The controller is sensitive to the pressure at its inlet port. The pipes are interconnected so that when the liquid reaches an upper level, the pressure at the controller is sufficient to open the drain valve, and once the accumulator is almost empty, the drain valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: AcornVac, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Zinn, Enrique P. Loreto, Ron Hahn
  • Patent number: 6591862
    Abstract: A closed &Dgr;Pstat-installation is disclosed for the potential-independent control of the pressure difference for continuous column tests under high hydrostatic pressure, as well as a pressure difference control process useful in particular for carrying out migration tests in pressure columns. By coupling two potential bottles into a closed vessel system, the gas or fluid pressure required to carry out the continuous column tests can be regulated at any desired height independently of outer influences. The pressure difference required to move the liquid is adjusted by setting the potential bottles at predeterminable heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: UFZ-Umweltforschungszentrum Leipzig-Halle GmbH
    Inventors: Detlef Lazik, Thomas Schneider
  • Publication number: 20030037819
    Abstract: An improved method for loading propellants into separate tanks on a reusable launch vehicle (RLV) uses three innovative methods. The liquid loading provides three liquid transfer methods, integrated and coordinated to provide less complicated loading and unloading operations, transfers, and cools and controls the liquids to provide a safe, cost effective solution to reusable vehicle tanking and de-tanking under commercial conditions. To insure the density of the propellant is maximized by cooling in a quick liquid loading environment, pre-cooling may be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: George E. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20030024859
    Abstract: There is described a novel fluid level control system, particularly useful for controlling the level of water flowing in an open channel. The fluid level control system comprises a gate having a flap portion interconnected to a lever portion. The flap portion is rotatable about a first pivot point and comprises a first weight. The system further comprises a frame which is fixed with respect to the flap portion. A linkage interconnects the flap portion and the lever portion, and is connected to the frame at a second pivot point different than the first pivot point. Under changing flow conditions in the channel, the present system operates by both: absolute movement of the lever portion and the flap portion, and (ii) relative movement between the lever portion and the flap portion. A fluid treatment system comprising the fluid level control system and a method for controlling the level of a flowing fluid are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Dusko Antonio Kezele, Jason J. Cerny, Alan J. Royce, Fariborz Taghipour, George Traubenberg, Edward P. Kambulow
  • Publication number: 20020078995
    Abstract: A liquid level control system including a tank; a source of liquid in communication with the tank; a pressure fluid actuated valve for controlling the flow of liquid to the tank from the source; a pressure sensor disposed in the tank to monitor the hydrostatic pressure determined by the quantity of liquid in the tank. A source of pressure fluid is provided which is normally vented to the atmosphere. A pressure fluid amplifier is coupled to the pressure fluid actuated valve and to the source of pressure fluid. When the pressure sensor sensed an increase of pressure caused by an increase in the liquid level in the tank, the pressure fluid amplifier is effective to actuate the valve to close and militate against flowing into the tank to maintain the liquid at a predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Richard H. Kramer
  • Publication number: 20020046844
    Abstract: A pressure maintenance assembly for a domestic water well system. The assembly comprises a pressure maintenance valve having an inlet side and an outlet side, a pressure tank in fluidic communication with the outlet side, and a calibrated bypass. When the valve is closed, the calibrated bypass provides fluidic communication between the inlet side and the outlet side. The size of the calibrated bypass and the pressure tank are adapted and constructed to permit a flow rate between the inlet side and the outlet side that will fill the pressure tank in a time interval less than twice the time required to pump a volume of water that will dissipate heat generated by the pump when it is turned on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: Gerard Duggan, Robert Lombari, David van Houten
  • Publication number: 20010037937
    Abstract: For a process for producing high-purity liquids, particularly liquid chemicals, by distillation it is proposed that the liquid to be purified (1) is heated by microwave radiation (5) preferably in the uppermost layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventor: WERNER LAUTENSCHLAGER
  • Patent number: 6311711
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of regulating the level in a buffer tank (4). By means of conduits (2, 6), the tank (4) is connected to different parts in or peripheral to a process (1). There is an inflow F1 in the incoming conduit (2) and an outflow F2 in the outgoing conduit (6). The method comprises periodic measurements of the inflow F1 and also of the level L of the product which is held in the tank (4). The method also encompasses calculated and indicated level norm values which are indicated such that the level norm value is high when the outflow F2 out of the tank (4) is slight and the level norm value is low when the outflow F2 out of the tank (4) is great.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Tomas Skoglund
  • Patent number: 6305404
    Abstract: A device for checking the contents of a container (5) for a supply substance (8) that is not self-leveling. The device includes a stirring blade (2) that is rotatable about an axis of rotation (D) for the delivery of the supply substance (8) to a consumer (21), for example, the suction chamber (2) of a lubricating pump, and for freeing the supply substance (8) of air inclusions, with a mechanism for scraping off the supply substance (8) from the stirring blade (2) and with a measuring unit (22) for measuring the fill level of the supply substance (8) in the container (5). The region of the container bottom (9) has openings (18) for transferring the supply substance (8) in a direction toward the consumer (21) and at least one radial stationary flank (1) is disposed, at least locally, in the region of the container center and is spaced from the container bottom (9) such that the stirring blade (2) can be at least partially rotated under the radial stationary flank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Lincoln GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Steiger
  • Patent number: 6303005
    Abstract: For a process for producing high-purity liquids, particularly liquid chemicals, by distillation it is proposed that the liquid to be purified (1) is heated by microwave radiation (5) preferably in the uppermost layers. To implement this process a device with a liquid container (3), with a heat source (5) acting on the liquid container and with a condensation device (8, 9) connected to the liquid container is proposed, which is distinguished in that the heat source (5) in the form of a microwave radiation source is arranged above the liquid to be purified (1) in such a way that preferably the uppermost layers of the liquid (1) are heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Mikrowellen-Systeme MWS GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Lautenschlager
  • Patent number: 6208943
    Abstract: An apparatus for calculating fluid flow in a channel including a very low profile probe which detects fluid depth in the channel; a mechanism for measuring average fluid velocity in the channel; a mechanism for correcting the detected fluid depth based upon the measured average fluid velocity to account for drawdown; and a mechanism for calculating average flow rate based upon the average fluid velocity measurement and the corrected fluid depth value. The probe has a height to width ratio of less than 0.52.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: American Sigma, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary L. Randolph, Donald F. Kaiser, John Liebe, David W. Lyndaker, Michael D. Steen, Anthony J. Tavano
  • Patent number: 6155107
    Abstract: An engine oil level detector, which includes a casing, a cover covered on the casing and defining two communicated air chambers, a diaphragm covered on the air chambers of the cover, the diaphragm having first and second tubular coupling portions, an electromagnetic valve mounted in the casing and controlled to reciprocate the first tubular coupling portion, a solenoid switch controlling a signal lamp, a magnet moved with the second tubular coupling portion to turn on/off the solenoid switch, and a suction tube connected between the first air chamber and the engine oil tank in a vehicle engine, wherein the magnet is moved with the second tubular coupling portion of the diaphragm toward the solenoid switch, causing the solenoid switch to be turned off when the oil level in the engine oil tank drops below the suction tube and the electromagnetic valve is turned on; the magnet is moved with the tubular coupling portion of the diaphragm away from the solenoid switch, causing the solenoid switch to be turned on wh
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Chung-Ho Liang
  • Patent number: 6123765
    Abstract: A delivery system and method for providing a gaseous chemical is provided. The system comprises a single bubbler 12 having a chamber 13 for containing a liquid chemical, at least one inlet tube 14 for providing a carrier gas to said chamber, and one outlet tube 16 for providing the gaseous chemical. A liquid chemical supply line 25 conveys the liquid chemical to said chamber. A bubbler is in contact with weight measuring device 24 for weighing the bubbler and generating an output signal responsive to the measured weight. A liquid chemical controller 20 is operatively coupled to said bubbler and said supply line for filling and continuously maintaining a preselected level of the liquid chemical in said chamber responsive to said output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Silicon America
    Inventors: Drew Sinha, Jack Harlan Coker, Subramania Krishnakumar
  • Patent number: 6085652
    Abstract: An ink fountain with an ink-duct roller in the inking mechanism of printing presses, with a device for filling printing ink into the ink fountain, is described. The device for filling ink is mounted on a sled so that it can be moved back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the ink fountain. A sensor is fastened to the sled, and when the ink level is too low, the sensor controls the ink feed. Thereby, a precise regulation of the amount of ink added can be achieved by means of a downstream dosing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Jurgen Deschner, Andreas Schulz
  • Patent number: 6026843
    Abstract: A valve manifold box system and method in which one or more dispense units dispense chemical to a plurality points of use. A fluid circuit is provided with valve manifolds connected in series by double walled conduits known as containment pipes. The fluid circuit is either in the form of a loop of a series of valve manifolds alternating with double walled piping so that each valve manifold is fed with chemical at opposite ends. Alternately, two dispense units could be connected to the end of an in-line type of fluid circuit. The valve manifolds are contained within valve boxes and the ends of the containment pipes are connected to the valve boxes. In this manner a leak in either the valve manifolds or the containment pipes collects within the valve boxes. Leak detectors are provided in the valve boxes and upon the sensing of a leak, the potentially leaking valve manifold as well as the associated, adjacent containment pipes feeding such valve manifold are isolated by isolation valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter M. Pozniak, Benjamin R. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6019114
    Abstract: A bubbler container assembly particularly adapted for use in vapor generating systems comprising a main outer vessel, an inner bubbler vessel, a carrier gas inlet and a vapor outlet such that the inner bubbler vessel is contained within the main outer vessel and the bubbler container assembly is constructed so as to self-meter an incoming supply of vaporizable liquid during the introduction of a carrier gas and extraction of resulting vapor. Preferably, the system further provides for magnetic induced centering and positioning of the inner buoyant bubbler vessel, fluid temperature sensing and control, connection of a fluid makeup supply, carrier gas inlet supply, and vapor extraction outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Icon Dynaamics, LLC
    Inventor: Donald B. Rodgers
  • Patent number: 5992447
    Abstract: A device for filling a swimming pool having a liner and a shell includes a water supply valve to control the flow of water into said swimming pool; a vacuum pump to evacuate air from the space between the liner and the shell as the swimming pool is being filled; a probe for generating a signal when the water in the pool reaches a predetermined height; and a controller responsive to the signal from the probe to shut off said water supply valve and the vacuum pump when water is detected by the probe. A current sensor monitors the current to the vacuum pump and shuts off the water supply valve when the vacuum pump ceases operation. A bypass switch allows the current sensor to be disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventors: Russell Miller, Michael Oyer
  • Patent number: 5966311
    Abstract: A fail-safe fluid transfer control apparatus has full redundancy in the response to various inputs such as overfill probe signals, ground detection signals, and the like. Independent microprocessor controllers independently evaluate the inputs and each output control signals to close a respective relay when the inputs indicate that fluid transfer may commence. The relays are arranged in series such that both must be closed for a fluid transfer to commence. The control signals from each controller include a static signal and an alternating signal, both of which must be properly output to close its respective relay. Each controller monitors the state of each relay, and discontinues its control signals if either relay appears to be malfunctioning. Each controller runs an different, independently written firmware program to process the detected inputs to prevent a common firmware error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Scully Signal Company
    Inventors: Francis V. Stemporzewski, Jr., Arthur W. Shea, Gary R. Cadman, Richard O. Beaulieu, Stephen F. Tougas
  • Patent number: 5921428
    Abstract: A bubbler container assembly particularly adapted for use in vapor generating systems comprising a main outer vessel, an inner bubbler vessel, a carrier gas inlet and a vapor outlet such that the inner bubbler vessel is contained within the main outer vessel and the bubbler container assembly is constructed so as to self-meter an incoming supply of vaporizable liquid during the introduction of a carrier gas and extraction of resulting vapor. Preferably, the system further provides for magnetic induced centering and positioning of the inner buoyant bubbler vessel, fluid temperature sensing and control, connection of a fluid makeup supply, carrier gas inlet supply, and vapor extraction outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Icon Dynamics LLC
    Inventor: Donald B. Rodgers
  • Patent number: 5904169
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating a substrate with a predetermined treatment liquid includes: a first storing portion for storing the treatment liquid; a supplying device for supplying the treatment liquid stored by the first storing device to the substrate located at a predetermined position; a receiving portion for receiving the treatment liquid supplied to the substrate after applied to the substrate; a second storing portion for storing the treatment liquid received by the receiving device; an introducing system for introducing the treatment liquid stored by the second storing portion to the first storing portion; and a controlling device for controlling the introducing system so as to prevent bubbles included in the treatment liquid stored by the second storing portion from introduction to the first storing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuaki Yoshitani
  • Patent number: 5881753
    Abstract: A fluid level controller which replaces fluid lost from a container thus maintaining the fluid level in the container. It is comprised of the following major pieces: an airtight reservoir (10) with cap (14), fill stem (12), feed lube (16), and tube attachment fittings (18a and 18b); several lengths of fluid conduit, (22a,b) and a u-bend (26) which form a siphon such that one end reaches into the bottom of reservoir (10) and the other reaches into the container below the desired fluid level; a length of conduit, (22c) which forms an air return line allowing air into reservoir (10); a stand (8) atop which sits the reservoir; a tubing clip (24); and a shut-off valve (20). The u-bend (26) allows the controller to preserve the initial prime of the system so that it only needs to be primed once. The shut-off valve (20) allows easy refilling of the controller once the fluid reservoir empties. These two features make the controller extremely easy to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: Alan P. Bowling
  • Patent number: 5671773
    Abstract: An automatic fluid-supply apparatus for a boiler system automatically controls an amount of fluid being supplied to a fluid tank of the boiler system. The automatic fluid-supply apparatus is provided with a flux detecting portion which comprises a rotor assembly disposed inside a fluid-supply pipe to rotate in proportion to the flux of the fluid flowing from a fluid-supply source to the fluid tank and a HALL sensor disposed close to the rotor assembly at an outer surface of the fluid tank. The HALL sensor is intermittently turned ON/OFF in response to permanent magnets provided to the rotor assembly. A controller compares the ON/OFF frequency with a preset ON/OFF frequency range and transmits an ON/OFF signal to a solenoid valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae-Gyeong Park
  • Patent number: 5578994
    Abstract: A piezoelectric liquid level switch is provided which can be made immune to standing wave effects and provides an unequivocal response to liquid contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Milltronics Ltd.
    Inventors: Bogdan Cherek, John E. Gillis
  • Patent number: 5575303
    Abstract: A process for controlling a variable in respect of material in a series of interconnected vessels of a plant includes monitoring a variable in respect of each vessel. The monitored value of the variable is compared with a set point value of the variable. The differences between the monitored values and set point values of the variable resulting from at least one disturbance are summed. When such a disturbance in any one vessel results in a signal representative of the summed value being generated, each of a plurality of actuators of the plant are manipulated in a predetermined direction from the one vessel to cause rapid reduction of the disturbance. The invention extends to a control system for controlling a variable in respect of material in a series of interconnected vessels of a plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Mintek
    Inventor: David G. Hulbert
  • Patent number: 5553794
    Abstract: A sewage grinder pump system for use in moving sewage, having a vertically oriented cylindrical pump motor housing, a bottom plate affixed to and closing the pump motor housing, a motor supported by the bottom plate within the pump motor housing, the motor having a shaft extending through an opening in the bottom plate, a grinder pump supported to a lower end of the bottom plate and connected to the motor shaft, a closure member affixed to the pump motor housing top end and having a level detector receiving portion providing a liquid level detector opening therein externally of the pump motor housing, an elongated liquid level detector having an upper end received within the liquid level detector opening, and a circuit connecting the liquid level detector to control the motor to thereby drive the grinder pump in response to detected liquid level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Tarby Inc
    Inventors: Darrel S. Oliver, Deborah C. Wynn
  • Patent number: 5541575
    Abstract: A leakage detection system is provided having a plurality of locally distributed integrated units with a leakage sensor, preprocessing unit, and evaluation unit which connects with the individual integrated units or with a group of integrated units via a serial bus line. In each preprocessing unit, the value measured by the leakage sensor is subjected to a temperature compensation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Inventor: Ulrich Virnich
  • Patent number: 5519638
    Abstract: An automatic system is disclosed which monitors and replenishes hazardous liquids in their holding tanks, as such liquids are typically used in manufacturing processes. The inventive system and method obviate the need for manual surveillance and handling of the hazardous liquids during the detection and replenishment maintenance tasks. In prior practice, maintenance personnel were subjected to dangers from the hazardous liquids and their noxious gases, while the work area (e.g., clean room) in the vicinity of the liquid tanks was also subjected to contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corporation
    Inventor: Kuo-Chen Tiao
  • Patent number: 5506564
    Abstract: A marine craft fuel alert system is operative during a given time period, to compare actual fuel capacity measurements with selected fuel tank capacity reference values, to permit timely intervention. Used with a relatively high reference value and operative during fuel loading, the system and methodology gives a warning to a fuel input agent (i.e., person controlling fuel loading) in sufficient time for the agent to terminate fuel loading and prevent environmental pollution by fuel overfill spillage. Conversely, the system and methodology, with appropriate modifications, can be used to sense and warn of predetermined low fuel level conditions. The system can be integrally incorporated into an original equipment marine craft system or retrofit thereto. Electrical interconnections may extend to marine craft ignition system interdiction during operation of the fuel loading monitoring and warning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: Thomas S. Hargest
  • Patent number: 5349994
    Abstract: A system for controlling the loading of fuel into a multi-compartmented transport tank interrupts loading of fuel when the level of fuel in any compartment is above a given upper level and prevents loading when the level of fuel is above a given lower level. Fail safe operation is provided by top and bottom liquid level sensors which generate a "dry" signal to indicate that the liquid level is below the upper and lower levels in each compartment. A "dry" signal from the bottom sensor is required to initiate loading of a compartment. Once initiated, a substitute signal permits continued loading of the compartment. The "dry" signal is a pulsing electrical signal which cooperates with a multivibrator to generate a signal for each compartment indicating that loading of fuel is appropriate. Indicia lights are provided for each compartment to indicate the level of fuel in each compartment. Diagnostic means enable these lights to identify the failure of a sensor or a faulty electrical connection therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Dover Corporation
    Inventor: Robert C. Koeninger
  • Patent number: 5285812
    Abstract: A jet level sensor used for controlling the liquid level in a tank such as a fuel tank. The sensor includes a nozzle and receiver supported within a bracket so that the nozzle and receiver and the associated conduits are freely rotatable with respect to the bracket. A manifold is coupled to the receiver for providing a plurality of output pressure signals indicative of the liquid level within the tank. The sensor is connected to a system which includes a main inlet valve and redundant relay valves which are fluid pressure responsive and which shut off responsive to the absence of a pressure signal from the sensor when the liquid within the tank reaches a predetermined desired level. Also provided are shut-off valves connected to be responsive to a tank and nozzle failure over-pressure condition at the inlet or within the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: HR Textron, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald A. Morales
  • Patent number: 5239285
    Abstract: A low salt level sensor comprising a float within a brine tank, apparatus for detecting whether the float has risen in response to the addition of a predetermined amount of water to the brine tank to a height such that an adequate supply of salt is present in said brine tank and apparatus for indicating if the float has not risen high enough. A method of detecting whether the salt level is low in the brine tank of a water treatment system is also described. According to this method, brine is removed from the brine tank and a predetermined amount of water is added. A determination is then made as to whether the brine level has reached a height such that an adequate supply of salt is present in the brine tank and an indication is provided if the brine level is below this height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Culligan International Company
    Inventor: Stanley F. Rak
  • Patent number: 5160216
    Abstract: In a drainage system wherein drain water is collected from a drainage path including a small river, guided to a plurality of drainage pump facilities, and drained into a destination river, a drainage distribution amount is determined for each of the plurality of drainage pump facilities in accordance with an actual precipitation or estimated precipitation, a river water level at a drainage point of each of the plurality of drainage pump facilities is estimated in accordance with the drainage distribution amount and a change in a detected water level at an upstream of the destination river, and the drainage distribution amount for each of the plurality of drainage pump facilities is corrected so as to make the estimated river water level have a value equal to or smaller than an upper limit of the river water level at the drainage point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunio Takada, Kenji Otani, Akira Manabe
  • Patent number: 5129413
    Abstract: A self washing water storage tank has a floor, a cylindrical, generally upright, peripheral concrete wall which sits on the floor and extends around and defines a water storage chamber, and a concrete roof that is mounted atop the wall in substantial covering relationship to the chamber. The roof is essentially flat and has an internal surface which faces the chamber. The tank is arranged such that during the fill cycle the water level rises to a high water level which is above the interior surface of the roof so that such surface is washed during each fill cycle to prevent damage from corrosive gases which may escape from the water and accumulate on the interior surfaces of the tank above the water level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: The Crom Corporation
    Inventors: Hugh E. Puder, Charles S. Hanskat
  • Patent number: 5128652
    Abstract: A fluid status detection system includes a plurality of probes connected to a controller. The controller includes a microprocessor, a digital memory, relays, and progammed so that selected alarm and relay latching conditions may be stored, and alarms activated and relays latched according to the alarm and latching conditions. The microprocessor is programmed to provide an alarm acknowledgement signal upon the alarm being acknowledged. An operator may select one or more release conditions individually for each relay from a plurality of possible relay release conditions and store the conditions in the memory. The possible relay release conditions include: the condition that the probe signal indicates that the event that caused the alarm has cleared; the condition that the alarm acknowledgment signal has been provided; the condition that the probe signal indicates that the event that caused the alarm has cleared and the the alarm acknowledgment signal has been provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Laurence S. Slocum
  • Patent number: 5121768
    Abstract: A valve apparatus in which moisture sensitive material controls the opening size of a water valve. The moisture sensitive material is placed in an evaporative pad of an evaporative cooler. As the material dries, the moisture sensitive material constricts to open a valve draining a timing reservoir so as to hasten the refreshing of moisture to the evaporative pad. In an alternative embodiment, this moisture sensitive material located in the evaporative pad is balanced against an identical moisture sensitive material located in a constantly moisturized pad. This balancing of the materials permits fine control of the moisture content in the evaporative pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Planetary Design Corporation
    Inventor: Tommy L. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5092707
    Abstract: Several panels are pivotably mounted on top of a dam spillway for movement by air pressure provided through bladders downstream of these panels. The bladders are made from an elastomeric sheet that is folded so that edge portions overlap one another. A clamping bar secures these overlapping portions to the dam spillway. The sheet is also secured to the panel and defines the pivot or hinge joint for the panel. Abutments or stops on the clamping bar engage a strap, that also secures the bladder to the panel, so that the panel will not move upwardly beyond a limit position. An air operating system is disclosed for moving the panels in response to changes in the height or head of water upstream of the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Inventor: Henry K. Obermeyer
  • Patent number: 5048557
    Abstract: An improved apparatus used in a system for filling containers with a required liquid to a predetermined level are disclosed. The apparatus includes an improved main valve means for controlling the flow of liquid through the apparatus and into the container. This improved main valve means includes an improved main valve, an improved main valve seat, and a main valve support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Flow-Rite Controls, Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel N. Campau