Abstract: A unit for the treatment of electrophoretic strips mounted on a frame comprises at least one pair of basins (10a, 10b) and a feed, forced circulation and emptying circuit comprising as many tanks (23, 24) as there are different treatment liquids, a single tank (25) containing a rinsing liquid, a single tank (26) for discharging the treatment liquids and at least one pair of pumps (29, 30).

Abstract: A quick disconnnect connection for a bulk chemical supply container in an automatic refill system for a liquid chemical temperature controller is provided wherein replenishing liquid chemical is automatically supplied from the bulk chemical supply unit to a bubbler ampule in the liquid chemical temperature controller. The quick disconnect connection has shutoff valves that isolate the bulk chemical supply container to prevent depth contamination of the replenishing chemical upon connection and disconnection of the bulk supply chemical container from the automatic refill system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a back-flow prevention device for use with a water supply for supplying water to dental instruments within a dental clinic for preventing bacteria contamination of a water source feeding water supply. The device provides no mechanical connection between the water source and the water supply.

Abstract: An automatic refill system for a liquid chemical temperature controller is provided wherein replenishing liquid chemical is automatically supplied from a chemical bulk supply to a bubbler ampule in the liquid chemical temperature controller based on sensed level depths in a manner that avoids contamination of the replenishing chemical.

Abstract: A portable self-contained surge level controller detects the liquid level in a vessel, such as by neutron backscatter, and adjusts inlet or outlet flow to compensate for incoming surges while minimizing outgoing flow disturbances.

Abstract: A hydroelectric system is disclosed which is designed to run intermittently to compensate for a low flow source. A float system is employed to control the operating points of the turbine by opening an inlet valve at one predetermined pond level and closing the inlet valve at a lower predetermined level. A novel entrance to the turbine inlet pipe is also disclosed which eliminates problem turbulence when the pond level is near the lower predetermined limit.

Abstract: A supply unit 1 is provided for maintaining a desired level of a viscous liquid in a supply tank 2. The liquid is supplied through an inlet passageway 5 down to a horizontal portion 8 and then to a vertical portion 9 communicating with one side of a valve piston 11. When the tank 2 is full of a liquid, this liquid will be drawn up through a passageway 14 in a body 6 by a gear pump 15 which pumps the liquid through a supply line 18 to act on the other face of the piston 11. When the level of liquid within the supply tank 2 falls so that it cannot be drawn up through the passageway 14, the pressure on the upper face of the piston 11 will be relieved and the inlet pressure of the liquid in the inlet passageway 5 will then cause the piston valve 11 to open to allow the liquid to pass through an outlet passageway 13 leading into the supply tank 2.

Abstract: A water level and temperature detector alarm device and more particularly to an alarm device which includes a buoy type detector to alternately detect water level or water temperature so as to provide an audio alarm signal through a buzzer when water level or water temperature reaches the predetermined range. The detector is connected to the expansible end of a conduit and includes a sleeve having set therein two reed switches and a thermswitch and having mounted thereon a body which includes therein a circular magnet. An alarm device is connected to the other end of the conduit which is having a movable positioning rack mounted thereon for positioning of the whole assembly. Following the rising of water level, the magnet of the buoy alternatively drives the reed switched to turn on the alarm device to buzz or, when water temperature reaches the predetermined range, the thermoswitch will be turned on to drive the alarm device to buzz.

Abstract: A liquid regulator device has a buoyant body which is anchored to a side of the vessel by an electrical conductor. The body contains a movable ballast in the form of a ball and an attitude sensitive switch connected to the electrical conductor. The buoyant body floats in the liquid with one end in the uppermost position. Changing the liquid level tensions the electrical conductor causing the body to tumble. When the body has tumbled through a predetermined angle, the ballast moves from one end of the body to the other to cause the body to rapidly assume the reverse orientation. This causes the attitude sensitive switch to change state, which is used to control the liquid level.

Abstract: An electronic control and dosing system for desalinators (10) has a baffle, disposed between the evaporation and condensation chambers, fitted with probes (70, 71) which detect the presence of liquid created by entrained bubbles, that pass through the holes in the baffle. A control circuit (72), connected to the probes (70,71), closes a solenoid valve (62) to shut off the supply of feed water to the desalinator (10) until the threat of entrainment has passed. A foaming and/or scale inhibiting polymer, contained in a tank (64), is periodically introduced to the feed water inlet line (63) by a solenoid valve (65) controlled by a timer circuit (66).

Abstract: A water faucet is disclosed that is automatically turned on and off in response to the proximity of the user's hand or other object to the faucet. An ultrasonic transducer is located in the faucet near the water outlet and transmits bursts of ultrasonic waves. When a wave reflects off a user's hand and creates an echo signal, the echo is detected by the ultrasonic transducer. Circuitry connected to the ultrasonic transducer determines when an object is within a predetermined distance of the faucet by measuring the time elapsed between the transmission of the burst and the reception of the echo. Once an object is within this predetermined distance, the circuitry causes a valve to open and water is supplied by the faucet. Additionally, there is an embodiment wherein the level to which the receptacle is to be filled can be selected by the user and the fill system automatically fills the receptacle to that level.

Abstract: In a drainage system for maintaining a swimming pool cover drained of accumulated precipitation, a pump with its intake is disposed in a fluid trap defined by an upper surface of the swimming pool cover. A discharge port of the pump is disposed outside of the fluid trap. A sensor is disposed in a flow path of the pump for detecting the presence of fluid flow therethrough, while a clock unit is operatively connected to the pump for periodically operating the pump for a ten-second interval. A control circuit continues to operate the pump beyond the ten-second interval upon the detection by the sensor of fluid flow through the pump at the end of the ten-second interval. In that case, operation of the pump is terminated only upon a cease of fluid flow through the pump.

Abstract: A fluid level controller having a thermal expansion element in the form of cylinder made from polytetrafluoroethylene. The cylinder is located in a container which is connected to a supply of cryogenic fluid by a ball valve. When the cryogenic fluid in the container reaches the level of the cylinder and cools it, the cylinder shrinks and causes a lever to close the ball valve. When the cryogenic fluid falls below the level of the cylinder, the cylinder expands and the lever opens the ball valve and permits cryogenic fluid to flow through the valve and into the container. The cylinder has a heating element disposed in its interior to hasten the response of the cylinder to a change in the fluid level.

Abstract: A monitor and filler assembly providing an easily observable reading as to the fluid level in a reservoir such as an automatic transmission or crankcase of an automobile. The filler may be integrally formed with the monitor to allow for easy replenishing of the reservoir fluid to ensure proper operation of the automobile.

Abstract: A dip tube, being a branch line from a gas pressure line, extends into a liquid in a vented bubble pot. The bubble pot comprises a precision bore vessel containing a displaceable body with an actuator, preferably a stepping motor, for moving the body arranged outside the pot. Displacement of the body changes the liquid level in the vessel to thereby regulate the pressure in the gas pressure line.

Abstract: A liquid lubricant sump level management system which includes a scavenge pump circuit communicating with the lubricant sump. A centrifugal deaerator is provided in the circuit. A liquid reservoir is in liquid communication with the deaerator. A sensor is operatively associated with the deaerator for sensing the liquid level condition in the deaerator, and providing for passage of liquid from the deaerator to the reservoir in response to a high liquid level condition and for passage of liquid from the reservoir to the deaerator in response to a low liquid level condition.

Abstract: Acoustic signals are transmitted through the fluid flow of a fuel delivery pump to a tank to be filled. From reflection signals the fluid level in the tank is detected and a timely disconnection of the pump can be effected in order to prevent fuel losses.

Abstract: An overfill sensing system uses a capacitive sensor (12) on the interior of a tank for sensing the presence of a liquid to cease the filling process. The capacitive sensor (12) includes a sensing capacitor (16) and a reference capacitor (18) on separate arms of a bridge circuit (22). An oscillator (28) supplies an AC signal to the bridge circuit (22) divided by a variable resistor (30 ) to balance the bridge (22). A comparator (24) receives the output on each arm of the bridge (22) to sense a differential therebetween. When a liquid reaches the sensing capacitor (16), the capacitance changes from a predetermined capacitance, thereby changing the differential. A control circuit (14) is responsive to the differential at the output of the comparator (24) for visually indicating the status of the filling process and ceasing the filling process from the filling facility when a liquid has been detected.

Abstract: A control apparatus responsive to the difference between liquid levels, and a method of controlling a liquid flow regulator by use of the apparatus is disclosed. The control apparatus may comprise a transducer responsive to the back-pressure maintained in a bubbler system including a pair of interconnected gas bubblers, one positioned upstream and one downstream of a flow restriction, such as a trash screen protecting the inlet to a hydroelectric turbine. The mouth of the downstream bubbler is positioned at a pre-selected elevation below that of the mouth of the upstream bubbler so that the pressure head of water at the mouth of the upstream bubbler sets the system back-pressure. When the downstream water level drops sufficiently below that of the upstream water level, the reduced water pressure head at the mouth of the downstream bubbler sets the system back-pressure. A flow regulator, such as a turbine wicket gate, is operated in response to the control apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary evaporator for carrying out a processor-controlled distilling operation. A rotary flask (5), a condenser (8) and a distillate collector receptacle (10) of the rotary evaporator (1) are continually kept under vacuum.According to the invention, the automatically controlled supply of a sample solution to the rotary flask is accomplished by means of a metering receptacle adapted to have the sample solution supplied thereto from a supply container for temporary transitory storage therein prior to transfer of the solution to the vacuum system, or the rotary flask (5), respectively. For discharging the distillate from the distillate collector receptacle (14), an outlet valve associated therewith is operable to connect the collector receptacle to a vacuum conduit (26) for the discharge of the distillate. This provision offers the advantage of permitting substantially discharge of the distillate without requiring the vacuum system to be vented.

Abstract: Fluid flow apparatus comprising a housing defining a chamber, a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet for the flow of liquid therethrough, a level sensor providing a control signal having a magnitude related to the level of liquid in the chamber, and a valve hydraulically connected to control flow into the inlet or out of the outlet, and controller operably connected to alternately open and close the valve in a duty cycle responsive to the magnitude of the signal.

Abstract: The liquid tank comprises a container (1) containing a level gauge (3), an element (9) indicating the position of the gauge (3) and located outside the container (1), and a filling duct (2) for the container (1) fitted with an electro-magnetic sluice gate (10), a container (1) with a float (3) which modifies the resistance (9) as a function of its level. The value of the resistance (9) is monitored as a function of the time starting from the start of the filling operation so as to detect any fault inside the container (1).

Abstract: A safety valve for compressed liquid gas fuel tanks that has no man-movable parts and is completely automatic during the filling procedure. A movable piston within the valve body is responsive to pressure developing within an expansion chamber. The expansion chamber is connected to a 20% valve associated with the fuel tank and when liquid gas is detected the liquid expands and cools causing a thermal operated valve to transfer. Transferring of the thermal valve closes a port and prevents venting of the expansion chamber. Pressure building up in the expansion chamber causes the piston to automatically move, thereby shutting off the flow of fuel from the supply to the fuel tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling liquid level, comprising containment means for containing and dispensing liquid, flow varying means operable for varying flow of liquid into the containment means, stepper motor means for operating the flow varying means, sensor means for sensing level of liquid in the containment means, and PDD controller means connected between the sensor means and the stepper motor means for controlling liquid level.

Abstract: For detecting small level changes in an aquarium, there is proposed a sensor which, in the operable condition, comprises a substantially enclosed sensor container (18), into which aquarium water can be sucked from the surface via an overflow edge (56) and from the aquarium interior via a suction port (46) with a downstream overflow tube (52). The sucking of the water over these two paths is effected by a circulating pump (26) of the aquarium filter system via an outlet port (32) of the sensor container (18). The liquid level in the sensor container is monitored by a level sensor (64). The upper edge of the overflow tube (52) is located beneath the overflow edge of the container wall by a specified distance. If water losses from the aquarium arise, the water surface in the sensor container drops to a considerably greater extent than the water surface in the aquarium external chamber does.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for irrigating plants in a controlled manner. The method includes the alternate steps of moving the irrigating liquid from a reservoir containing the liquid to a plant-accommodating container situated at a level higher than that of the reservoir by using pressurized air to displace the liquid from the reservoir, and then of terminating the flow of displacing air to permit excess liquid to return from the container to the reservoir under gravity. These alternate steps are carried out automatically in accordance with a predetermined cycle.

Abstract: The safety hole is placed between equipments for forming a gaseous product preventive siphon. The safety hole comprises a vat, a cover closing the vat and being centrally provided with a vertical partition wall having a bottom portion placed at a determined height from bottom of the vat. The vat is filled with a neutral liquid at a level substantially higher than the bottom portion of the vertical partition wall thus forming an aqueous compartment and a downstream compartment.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for monitoring a liquid level in a first vessel and for effecting the transfer of liquid to the first vessel from a second vessel upon the liquid level in the first vessel reaching a predetermined minimum point. The device comprises a pressure sensitive appliance which is in contact with a gas in a first and in a second chamber. The pressure sensitive appliance is movable between a first position and a second position. The second position is towards the first chamber and occurs when the pressure in the first chamber is lower than the pressure in the second chamber. The first chamber is vented to an ambient atmosphere. A conduit is also provided which is in gas communication with the first chamber and with the interior of the second vessel.

Abstract: A storage system with 100% secondary containment includes a rigid outer vessel, a flexible cell inner vessel and a spacer layer therebetween. The region between the outer and inner vessels is monitored for leakage through either the rigid outer vessel or the flexible inner vessel. A number of expandable positioning rings keep the inner vessel substantially inflated regardless of the amount of fluid within the inner vessel. Outlet openings are formed in the outer and inner vessels to permit the passage of fluid into and out of the inner vessel. To retrofit a rigid vessel in use, the vessel is emptied, a manhole opening is cut, the vessel is inspected and conditioned as necessary, and the inside surface is covered with a coating layer. A spacer layer is mounted to the coating layer to cover the inside surface of the outer vessel. Fluid detectors and a suction tube are mounted within channels formed in the spacer layer. The flexible inner vessel is placed into position within the rigid vessel and is inflated.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for filling containers with a required liquid to a predetermined level are disclosed. The apparatus includes a main valve means for controlling the flow of liquid through the apparatus and into the container; a fluid amplifier means for receiving at least a portion of the liquid from the main valve means and for generating a pressure signal until such time as the liquid within the container reaches the predetermined level; and pilot valve means for maintaining the main valve means open in the presence of the pressure signal from the fluid amplifier and for closing the main valve means in the absence of the pressure signal. The system includes the aforesaid apparatus together with liquid supply conduit and valve means.

Abstract: A flow compensated controller for use in automatically controlling the water level in an open channel is disclosed. An electrical signal received from a transducer at a measuring location and corresponding to the actual water level in the channel at that location is amplified and compared with an amplified signal corresponding to the desired water level. An error signal corresponding to the difference between the two signals is fed into a proportional amplifier and also into an automatic reset unit. The outputs of the proportional amplifier and the automatic reset unit are fed into a summing amplifier. The output of the summing amplifier is fed into a motor modulation driver whose output is connected to a pair of gate operator relays, one relay connected for sending a control signal to the gate operator to move the gate in one direction and the other relay connected for sending a control signal to the gate operator to move the gate in the other direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for filling beverage tanks comprising a liquid manifold and a gas manifold for counter-pressurizing the liquid as it fills the tank. Supply conduits connect the tank with the manifolds. The gas supply conduit contains a coupling device for connection to a fill-height tube on the container. This coupling device includes an optical sensor embodying a prism which reflects light from a light source when the tank has liquid below a predetermined level and directs light onto a photo-conductor. When the liquid reaches a predetermined upper level in the tank and is forced into the coupling device through the fill-height tube, the prism changes its reflective characteristics, and light passes through the prism without reflection. The change in reflective conditions is brought about by the liquid covering adjacent sides of the prism. The photo-conductor correspondingly changes an electrical signal that is utilized to operate a solenoid valve for shutting off the liquid to the tank.

Abstract: An automatic flow system for an Automixer which provides preset amounts of developer and fixer ingredients to the Automixer on a continuous basis. A plurality of containers are provided with each container having a predetermined volume in accordance with the desired mixing proportions. Control valves respectively control the flow between the containers and the Automixer. A plurality of storage drums are interconnected to the containers by means of additional control valves. The low level signal from the Automixer causes the containers to supply the predetermined volumes to the Automixer. The high level signal from the Automixer causes the storage drums to replenish the supply to the containers.

Abstract: A system for filling containers with liquid and the like which reflects ultrasonic pulses from the surface of the liquid as it rises in the container being filled. Range gates at predetermined fill levels control throttling down and/or shut off of the filling liquid.

Abstract: Spent hydrochloric copper chloride etching solution used in production of printed circuit boards for etching non-galvanized printed circuits is continuously or cyclically regenerated by spraying spent etching liquid from an interconnected etching machine, as with mist projectors, into an upper area of an enclosed regeneration housing, which is also provided with an oxidating gas selected from oxygen, chlorine and a mixture of oxygen and chlorine. The chemical regeneration reaction takes place within the falling mist and a regenerated etching liquid falls to the bottom of the regeneration housing from where it is pumped back to the connected etching machine or station.

Abstract: Circuitry for automatically controlling the water level of swimming pools with a multi-level detecting sensor for directly sensing the pool water. A low voltage oscillator in the input portion of the circuitry detects the presence of water above or below each level sensing electrical contact of the sensor by a change in oscillator amplitude in response to impedance from the contact to ground. Signal threshold circuitry changes in output signal in response to the amplitude of the oscillator signal. Delay circuitry integrates the output of the threshold signal to avoid responding to spurious changes in water level, such as wave action in the pool. Monitor circuitry disposed between the delay circuitry and the water fill, water dump, and pump control circuitry monitors signals received from the sensor or generated by the input circuitry to detect any malfunctions in the sensor or the control circuitry, such as improper sequence of the water level signals, to disable further filling of the pool.

Abstract: A water level control system for a reservoir includes steps of detecting water level, outflow rate and inflow rate of the reservoir detecting modified water level corresponding to the reservoir's content depending on the actual water level, the outflow rate and the inflow rate, and controlling the outflow rate of the reservoir in response to a deviation value between a set reference and the modified water level, thereby reducing the influence of undesirable water level fluctuation.

Abstract: An autoreferencing liquid level sensing apparatus and method determines the presence of a liquid by observation of the convective cooling rate of a heated temperature sensor. The temperature measured by the temperature sensor is compared with an adapting temperature reference whose initial value is determined from the initial measured temperature and whose value increases during the heating at a rate proportional to the rate of heating of the temperature sensor and the initial temperature. This comparison enables discrimination of whether the convective cooling rate of the temperature sensor is above or below a predetermined level. Because the rate of convective cooling depends in large part on the thermal capacity of the fluid surrounding the sensor, the convective cooling rate determination allows discrimination of whether the temperature sensor is surrounded by a gas or a liquid, or surrounded by one of two immiscible liquids having differing thermal properties.

Abstract: An apparatus to control a liquid level in a carburetor with a fuel chamber formed in a main body of the carburetor. A level detecting element, i.e., thermistor, in the upper portion of the main body produces an electrical signal in response to liquid level, opens and closes an electromagnetic valve. Inflow of the fuel to the chamber is thereby controlled. A small chamber is formed in the fuel chamber by a partition for insertion of the detecting element.

Abstract: To provide a precise determination and/or control of a filling level in containers, two vibrator elements (10, 12; 48, 52) are arranged one on top of the other and/or coaxially to each other, and at least partially encompass themselves in spaced relation to each other. They are configured like rotary vibrators having the same resonance frequency and are excited to vibrations of opposite sense of rotation for determining the filling level, whereby only one vibrator element comes into direct contact with the filling material in the container. This results in no vibration energy being transmitted to the container walls and thus the quality of the measurements is increased.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the level of liquid in a vessel, e.g., storage tank comprises a plurality of indicators at varying heights along the vessel acting to indicate the presence of the liquid level at a given height; a controller to receive signals from the indicators and translate such signals into liquid level height; a memory device to store information from the controller for future use; and a display system to receive signals from the controller and provide a visual display of the liquid level height in the vessel. Preferably, the apparatus also includes a central monitoring station where signals from a plurality of controllers are received so that the liquid levels in a plurality of vessels can be displayed.In additional preferred embodiments, the controller can collect information regarding vessel liquid temperature and/or the status of pumps, valves and the like which can change the liquid level in the vessel.

Abstract: Liquid level in tanks is gauged an can be controlled as follows. Liquid communication is provided from near the bottom of the tank to a liquid reservoir containing a liquid which is of different density and immiscible with the tank liquid. The reservoir is in liquid communication with a vertically elongated vessel having a relatively small horizontal area compared to the tank, communication being near the top of the reservoir if the reservoir liquid is less dense than the tank liquid and being near the bottom of the reservoir if the reservoir liquid is more dense than the tank liquid. The elongated vessel, which can be transparent or translucent so that the liquid level therein corresponding to the liquid level in the tank can be readily determined, can contain a float containing a proximity sensor triggering element.

Abstract: A supply pipe having its inlet end adapted for communication with a source of a liquid under pressure in excess of that of the ambient medium and its outlet end communicating via a nozzle with a shroud adapted to communicate with a vessel containing therein a fluid, at a level being monitored. The variation of the hydrodynamic condition of the flow of the liquid through the nozzle is registered dependent on the mixing of this liquid flow with the fluid being monitored. The shroud has at least one cross-section of which the ratio of the maximum size of the internal contour to the spacing of this cross-section from the outlet section of the nozzle is less than of 0.35:1. The inlet portion of the shroud is a structure wherein the internal contour of the cross-section of this portion encompasses therein the contour of the outlet section of the nozzle.

Abstract: A vapor delivery system is disclosed comprising a bubbler 12 is adapted to generate and deliver vapors from a vaporizable liquid contained therein, and a reservoir 30 in fluid communication with the bubbler 12 from which liquid may be continuously fed into the bubbler to replenish liquid vaporized within and withdrawn from the bubbler. The system further comprises means for sensing the level of vaporizable liquid in the bubbler and means for providing a gaseous head pressure in the reservoir of variable magnitude dependent upon the level of vaporizable liquid sensed by the sensing means to maintain the level of liquid in the bubbler substantially constant.

Abstract: A heat exchange system is provided which transfers the heat from a fluid discharged from a device that utilizes a heated fluid, to fresh fluid in order to increase the temperature of the fresh fluid prior to feeding it into a heating tank. Thus, less energy is required to heat the fluid in the heating tank prior to its introduction into the device which utilizes heated fluid. After the heat has been exchanged, the discharged fluid is then expelled from the system. A fluid trap controls the fluid level in the heat exchanger to assure maximum heat transfer capability. An antisiphon valve is provided in the fresh fluid input of the heat exchange coil in order to prevent discharged fluid from contaminating the fresh fluid source in the event of a rupture in the heat exchance coil.

Abstract: System for controlling flow rate in pipelines connecting a plurality of reservoirs is disclosed. Flow rate Q.sub.ij (t) of fluid flowing from one reservoir (i) to another reservoir (j) is first calculated from the water levels H.sub.i (t), H.sub.j (t) of both reservoirs (i), (j) and then water level H.sub.j (t+1) of the reservoir (j) at the time (t+1) is calculated from its inflow and outflow taking into account the predicted amount of demand Q.sub.je (t).If the water level h.sub.j (t+1) is below or over the predetermined lower or upper limitation, manipulated variables for valves and pumps installed in pipelines are regulated to control inflow of the reservoir (j) so that the required fluid-feed is satisfied while maintaining the scheduled water level of the reservoir (j).

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a continuous flow of fluent particulate material suspended in a gaseous stream from a bulk source. The pneumatically powered and controlled apparatus includes a material receiving chamber intermittently replenishing a second chamber operable to maintain a third or material dispensing chamber adequately charged at all times. The apparatus controls are responsive to the material level sensing means in the second chamber to initiate a recharging cycle when the material therein falls below a predetermined level.

Abstract: The disclosure is a two-solution tray, each a substantial duplicate of the other, and each illustrating the principle of a chicken feeder supply, an overflow control that doubles as a drain cock and a sealed system drain container for ecologically safe disposal of spent chemicals.

Abstract: A used water reuse system includes a gray water holding tank to which gray water is supplied up to a maximum level through a filter and gray water drain line. Gray water sources such as kitchen and bathroom sinks, clothes and dishwashers, tubs and showers, and the like have drains connected through valves to the gray water drain line and to a conventional sewer line. Gray water is transferred, upon demand, from the gray water holding tank to noncritical water use devices, such as a toilet tank, for reuse and subsequent discarding. A sensor detects achievement of a maximum level in the gray water holding tank and causes the valves at the gray water sources to disconnect the latter from the gray water drain line, so as to discard any further gray water from the sources to the sewer line, and also closes a fail-safe valve to preclude flow from the gray water line to the gray water holding tank. Upon reduction of tank water level the sensor reopens the valves.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly automated agricultural production system which comprises, as essential components:1. A sensing subsystem comprising direct and indirect sensing means in an agricultural production area. The direct sensing means are generally ground or plant mounted. The indirect sensing means are remote from the area being sensed. The direct and indirect sensing means are adapted to jointly generate data on all important parameters in the homogeneous agricultural production area;2. A data transmitting subsystem for forwarding data generated by the direct and indirect sensing means to computing means and for transmitting instructions from the computing means via interfacing means (controllers) to various devices (field effectors) in the agricultural area to perform various functions;3. A computing subsystem linked by way of said data transmitting subsystem to said indirect and direct sensing means in a pattern of many feedback loops.