Abstract: Reductions in energy consumption and maintenance requirements for operating a wastewater treatment plant are achieved by controlling the operation of pumps at pump stations along a force main in a systematic fashion. The operation of the pumps is controlled to manage the flow of wastewater along the force main to minimize energy consumption, to eliminate sediment, to manage peak pressures encountered by smaller pumps and to avoid septic conditions.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are related to systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring and controlling energy usage. Alert notifications may be generated based on a current power status of an energy-consuming device and location information of a mobile device associated with the energy-consuming device.

Abstract: A capacitance-type liquid measuring probe 10 includes two concentric metallic tubes 12 and 14 extending downwardly into a tank of oil. The concentric metallic tubes 12 and 14 form the plates of a capacitor. The probe 10 measures the oil level in the tank during jet engine testing by detecting a change in electrical capacitance between the two concentric metallic tubes 12 and 14, the capacitance change being caused by a change in the level of the oil. The measuring circuitry 30 includes thermal compensating resistors and a temperature-stabilized detector. The measurement electronic circuit package is separately-housed and connected to the probe 10 via a cable 44 so that the circuitry 30 can be located remotely from the hot environment in which the probe 10 operates.

Abstract: A portable dispensing device is provided having a container configured to be moved to a plurality of locations. An access point at an opening of the container controls access into and out of the container. A scale is coupled to a bin within the container and is configured to measure a weight of the bin and contents of the bin. A computing device is in electrical communication with the access point and the scale and configured to allow or deny access to the container as well as receive the measured weight from the scale to determine a number of items in the bin. The computing device further associates an item removed from the bin with the individual or credits an item returned to the bin with the individual when the individual exits the container.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is an apparatus including an alarm for alerting an operator to recharge a humidifier, wherein such alarm is generated other than through the use of a humidity sensor. In one embodiment the total work performed during heating and hydrating an insufflation gas is measured and an alarm generated when the total work performed exceeds a particular threshold. In another embodiment, a flow meter is used to measure the total flow of insufflation gas so that when the total flow of insufflation gas reaches a predetermined level an alarm is activated.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper guard and monitoring assembly is provided for protecting the bumper area of a vehicle, monitoring the surrounding area, and providing an alert upon detection of contact with the bumper guard. The assembly includes a sheet having opposed ends. The sheet is configured for conforming to a bumper of a vehicle. A plurality of hooks is coupled to and extends from the sheet. Each hook is configured for securing to the vehicle whereby the sheet is positioned over the bumper of the vehicle. A plurality of sensors is coupled to the sheet. Each sensor is configured to detect contact or imminent contact between an object and the bumper of the vehicle. A transmitter is operationally coupled to the sensors to transmit an alert signal when contact is detected between the object and the bumper of the vehicle.

Abstract: Discussed herein is a shelf assembly that allows efficient discharge and collection of fluids out of fluid containers. In embodiments, the shelf assembly includes one or more racks that allow for placement of fluid containers in an inverted position. The shelf assembly further includes a collecting tray adjacent to (e.g., below) each rack to collect the fluids dripping out of the racks. The collecting tray discharges the fluids from the tray to a discharge station via outlets and/or connecting spouts. The discharge station allows for collection of the discharged fluids and subsequent disposal of the discharge. Such disposal is in accordance with EPA or other local regulations.

Abstract: A level detector or sensor for a dust collection system has a threaded housing that seats in a penetration in the lid of a dust collection drum or other container, and can be adjusted mechanically in its mounting. The sensor has an adjustment to control the distance at which it picks up light off the collected material. An elongated flexible cable connects the sensor with an alarm strobe, which may be a low-power LED device, and can be positioned at a convenient location remote from the drum.

Abstract: A system includes a first sensor that provides an output indicative of a sensed temperature of a liquid refrigerant line that is within or extending from an outlet of a condenser coil of an air conditioner or heat pump unit. The system includes a second sensor that provides an output indicative of a sensed pressure in the liquid refrigerant line. A controller is configured to determine at least one target pressure value from the output indicative of the sensed temperature of the liquid refrigerant line. The controller is configured to determine if the level of refrigerant charge is at, above or below an acceptable level based on a comparison of the output indicative of sensed pressure to the at least one target pressure value. The system includes a display that displays an indication of whether the level of refrigerant charge is at, above or below an acceptable level.

Abstract: A device which detects or senses liquid level in a beverage containment vessel, and produces either light, audio or a data output based on the liquid level being equal to or less than a predetermined level. The device, in practice, preferably retains the shape of the beverage containment vessel (e.g., cylindrical), and have an outer housing of opaque or semi-translucent material. The device is either integrated into a new beverage containment vessel, or retrofitted to existing vessels. The device is powered by battery, and can be switched on, off, or into various operating modes by internal switching mechanism.

Abstract: A diagnostic system and method for a home appliance is provided. When the home appliance outputs product information as a sound signal, a service center remotely performs fault diagnosis of the home appliance by receiving the sound signal, detecting the product information from the sound signal, checking the state of the home appliance using diagnostic data included in the product information to determine whether the home appliance is out of order, diagnosing, when water supply malfunction including a water supply error or a water level sensor error has occurred, a cause of the water supply malfunction, and deriving a solution to the water supply malfunction. Upon deriving a diagnosis result through the fault diagnosis of the home appliance, the service center immediately notifies the user of the diagnosis result and may dispatch a service technician or may provide the user with a solution to allow the user to easily fix the fault without dispatching a service technician.

Abstract: A vehicle fuel tank is provided. The vehicle fuel tank includes a housing defining an interior region, a fuel level sensor coupled to the interior region, the fuel level sensor responsive to a fuel pressure, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) device electronically coupled to the fuel level sensor configured to wirelessly transmit a signal indicative of a fuel level in the fuel tank.

Abstract: A wastewater holding tank sensor probe for use in determining the presence of a conductive liquid held within a wastewater holding tank in a recreational vehicle is disclosed. The probe is less sensitive to the presence of conductive residue as a result of an improved geometry and/or choice of materials that reduce the leakage currents between the probe tip and the sensor probe attachment surface, typically the wall of the tank. This reduction in sensitivity to conductive residue buildup can be measured by a geometrically determined resistivity factor between the probe tip and the mounting surface of the probe. The reduction in sensitivity can also be measured by the length of the path through the conductive residue between the probe tip and the mounting surface of the probe. A variety of geometries and material choices to reduce the sensitivity of electrical conductance based sensor probes to conductive residue are disclosed.

Abstract: A radiator detecting device of the present invention includes a radiator cap, a sensing unit, a circuit device, a warning device, and an adjusting means. One end of the sensing unit connects to the radiator cap, and another end extends toward a direction away from the radiator cap. The circuit device has a circuit board. The circuit board includes a control circuit for detecting a state of the sensing unit, and the sensing unit selectively makes the control circuit generate a suggestion signal. Once receiving the suggestion signal generated by the control circuit, the warning device generates a warning signal. The adjusting means is used for adjusting a length of the sensing unit received in the radiator. Said sensing unit can be moved with respect to the radiator between a first position and a second position. Thereby, the sensing unit can fit different depths of different radiators.

Abstract: An air freshening device is provided for detecting water leaks and protecting surfaces from water damage due to leaks. The device includes: a tray, configured for being placed upon a surface located under a water pipe; a removable and replaceable liner placed upon the tray, the liner comprising a material configured for releasing an air freshening substance into air, and for increasing the release rate of the substance upon contact with water. The increase of the release rate of the substance leads to an intensifying of the scent of the substance in air, and indicates the presence of a leak from the water pipe. The tray prevents water leaking from the water pipe from touching the surface.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a level of product in a tank to detect one of a delivery and a drain operation is provided. The system comprises a monitor and a data center. The monitor is operably coupled to the tank and adapted to detect the level of product in the tank at a first rate and at a second rate. The data center is in communication with the monitor and adapted to receive a user inputtable threshold level of change. The monitor detects the level of product in the tank at the first rate until the threshold level of change is detected. Thereafter, the monitor detects the level of product in the tank at the second rate. The data center generates an alarm signal to indicate that one of the delivery and the drain has occurred.

Abstract: A system and method effective to monitor an amount of material in a portable container. The system may comprise a material and sensor in a container. The sensor is effective to detect a first level of the material when the container is at a first location and to generate a first data signal in response. The sensor is effective to detect a second level of the material in the container when the container is at a second location and to generate a second data signal in response. The sensor is further effective to send the first and second data signal to a processor. The processor is effective to receive the first and second data signal and generate a report based on the first and the second data signal, the report relating to an amount of the material in the container.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclose a liquid level detecting device and method, which comprises: a control unit configured to output control instructions corresponding to environmental information according to the environmental information of a location of a sampling needle; an amplifying unit configured to set a gain according to the control instructions; a converting unit configured to receive and convert a capacitance signal from the sampling needle to a voltage signal; the amplifying unit receives the voltage signal and amplifies the voltage signal according to the gain; the control unit receives the amplified voltage signal and compares the amplified voltage signals with a preset voltage threshold to determine whether the sampling needle contacts the liquid level. Some embodiments further disclose a sample application system. Various embodiments consider both sensitivity and reliability of a detection system and is adaptable to various detection environments.

Abstract: A method of determining the number of doses and the types of a treating chemistry available in the bulk dispensing system, and providing an indication of the determination on a user interface.

Abstract: A method of determining the number of doses and the types of a treating chemistry available in the bulk dispensing system, and providing an indication of the determination on a user interface.

Abstract: A system and method for directing when and where an agricultural vehicle should refill a container thereof may comprise a sensor for detecting an amount of material in the container, a location determining device, and a processing device communicably coupled with the sensor and the location determining device, as well as a display, a speaker, and/or an automated steering system. The processing device may use information regarding the amount of material in the container, the location of the agricultural vehicle, and a variety of other factors to determine when the container needs to be refilled and to determine a refill location at which the agricultural vehicle should refill. The processing device may send these refill instructions to the display, the speaker, and/or the automated steering system. The processing device may also alert a refill vehicle to travel to the determined refill location, if necessary.

Abstract: A dewatering system includes a selective calibrating sensor circuit configured to receive sensor readings from an electronic sensor, to determine if the electronic sensor is immersed in water, to allow a user to adjust a pump down time in the field, and to generate a control output signal accordingly. The selective calibrating sensor circuit periodically performs a self-calibration when the electronic sensor is not immersed in water to cancel the effect of potential contaminants deposited on the electronic sensor over its operating life. The selective calibrating sensor circuit inhibits calibration when the electronic sensor is immersed in water. In some applications with multiple electronic sensors, the selective calibrating sensor circuit disconnects from one of the electronic sensors before performing the self-calibration.

Abstract: An inexpensive and simple-to-operate ice safety device is provided for deployment in a body of water. Once deployed, the ice safety device can be activated to check whether ice has formed to a predetermined thickness around the ice safety device. If ice has not formed to the predetermined thickness, the ice safety device indicates an unsafe condition. The ice safety device can be moored to a fixed location.

Abstract: A method for determining the adequacy of the refrigerant charge in an air conditioning system based upon both the instantaneous degree of subcooling present in the liquid refrigerant in the refrigerant line at a location whereat only liquid refrigerant is present and a calculated average subcooling value based upon accumulated instantaneous subcooling values. The adequacy of the refrigerant charge in the system may be indicated by an alert indicating “check charge” or by a series of lights including a first indicator light indicating that the refrigerant charge is low, a second indicator light indicating that the refrigerant charge is high, and a third indicator light indicating that the refrigerant charge is correct.

Abstract: A signal transmitter for a filling level sensor has two sliding contacts which are manufactured integrally with a holder and with spring elements. This leads to the manufacturing costs of the signal transmitter being particularly low. The sliding contacts are arranged on spring tongues and are connected to one another via a link. The spring tongues and the spring elements are therefore arranged in a row and allow the sliding contacts to be prestressed particularly uniformly against sliding tracks of the signal transmitter.

Abstract: A system and method of managing product at a location in which an echolocation RFID tag or a weight-sensing RFID tag is utilized to determine the quantity of material in a container and then this information is read by an RFID reader and then transmitted to a data storage repository and processing program for further handling of the data. The data storage repository and processing program may be near the RFID reader or may be remotely located with respect to the RFID reader.

Abstract: A valve malfunctioning detection system for use in a vacuum sewer system including a vacuum pit in fluid communication with a vacuum station is provided. The vacuum pit includes a vacuum sewer valve that is moveable between an opened position and a closed position. The valve malfunctioning detection system may include a radio unit adapted to be carried by the vacuum pit, a gateway radio in communication with the radio unit, a hub radio in communication with the gateway radio to receive a signal transmitted by the gateway radio, and a server in communication with the hub radio. The signal transmitted by the radio unit may include an indication of a status of the vacuum sewer valve.

Abstract: A wireless tank monitoring system for remotely monitoring a plurality of storage tanks is provided. This tank monitoring system utilizes wireless communication from individual tank level monitors to a single SatComm Gateway. The SatComm Gateway then utilizes a low-Earth Orbit satellite constellation to transmit information to a central data collection center. The data collection center then provides access to this information to clients. These clients also have the capability of controlling individual monitors via the bi-directional communications path through the satellite link to the SatComm Gateway to the individual monitors. The SatComm Gateway packages the information from each of the monitors to optimize the communications through the satellite link to decrease the cost of transmission. Intrinsic safety is provided by each of the individual tank level monitors.

Abstract: A vending machine has at least one sensor to record at least one capacitive variable. The at least one sensor is formed as a wireless signal transmission chip, particularly a RFID chip (Radio Frequency Identification). Thus, a particularly precise and reproducible record of measurement results is possible, while permitting reduced cabling needs in view of the wireless signal transmission.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for monitoring fuel usage and/or remaining run time of backup power sources. In one embodiment, a method includes tracking run time of a backup power source; determining a current fuel level associated with the backup power source; and providing a fuel level warning. In another embodiment, a system includes a fuel monitoring system including logic that obtains a current run time corresponding to a backup power source; logic that determines a current fuel level based at least in part upon the current run time, the current fuel level corresponding to a fuel source supplying the backup power source; and logic that provides a fuel level warning based upon the current fuel level and a predefined fuel level threshold.

Abstract: A communication system for a water softener system that includes a controller configured for communicating with the water softener assembly and a remote display configured for sending and receiving at least one signal to and from the controller to a remote location.

Abstract: A level detector or sensor for a dust collection system has a threaded housing that seats in a penetration in the lid of a dust collection drum or other container, and can be adjusted mechanically in its mounting. The sensor has an adjustment to control the distance at which it picks up light off the collected material. An elongated flexible cable connects the sensor with an alarm strobe, which may be a low-power LED device, and can be positioned at a convenient location remote from the drum.

Abstract: A vehicle fuel tank is provided. The vehicle fuel tank includes a housing defining an interior region, a fuel level sensor coupled to the interior region, the fuel level sensor responsive to a fuel pressure, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) device electronically coupled to the fuel level sensor configured to wirelessly transmit a signal indicative of a fuel level in the fuel tank.

Abstract: An acoustic sensor detects presence and/or absence of fluid in a fluid delivery medium. The acoustic sensor detects fluid absence based on the difference of the speed of sound between air and a fluid. For example, the acoustic sensor may detect fluid absence based on a phase shift between acoustic signals transmitted through the fluid delivery medium when fluid is present as compared to acoustic signals transmitted through the fluid delivery medium when fluid is absent, e.g., when air or bubbles are present in the fluid delivery medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a level indicator (100) for measuring the fill level of a container, with an electronic control and evaluation system (132, 232) and an interface (133, 233), that are positioned in a housing (131, 231); a sensor unit with a sensor and attachments; a signal cable (110, 210) for connecting the electronic control and evaluation system (132, 232) and the sensor unit; and a connecting device (120, 240), which produces both a mechanical connection between the sensor unit and the housing (131, 231) of the electronic control and evaluation system (132, 232), and an electrical connection between the interface (133, 233) of the electronic control and evaluation system (132, 232) and the signal cable (110, 210), such that both the mechanical and electrical connections produced by the connecting device (120, 240) are separable. The invention also relates to a process for assembling a level indicator (100) having a control and evaluation unit (130).

Abstract: An air freshening device is provided for detecting water leaks and protecting surfaces from water damage due to leaks. The device includes: a tray, configured for being placed upon a surface located under a water pipe; a removable and replaceable liner placed upon the tray, the liner comprising a material configured for releasing an air freshening substance into air, and for increasing the release rate of the substance upon contact with water. The increase of the release rate of the substance leads to an intensifying of the scent of the substance in air, and indicates the presence of a leak from the water pipe. The tray prevents water leaking from the water pipe from touching the surface.

Abstract: A remote system for sensing a process fluid parameter comprises a cavity, a tuner and a signal coupler. The cavity is configured to resonate at a central frequency that shifts in response to the process fluid parameter. The tuner is configured to tune the central frequency. The signal coupler is configured to receive a query signal, and to transmit an echo signal when the query signal matches the shifted central frequency.

Abstract: A fluid volume alarm system is presented. The alarm system has a container for storing fluid, and alarm module coupled to the container for notifying a user or observer that the fluid within the container has reached a predetermined level. The container has at least one exterior wall and defines an interior volume for at least temporary storage of fluid. In one aspect, there are at least two electrodes disposed on an interior portion of the exterior wall of the container and positioned at a position thereon an interior portion of the exterior wall corresponding to a predetermined fluid level at which it is desirable to receive an alarm. The system also has an alarm module configured to alert the practitioner that the fluid has met or has exceeded the predetermined level.

Abstract: Disclosed are portable, easy-to-install apparatuses for detecting and containing fluid leaked or otherwise discharged from a fluid-filled device and for facilitating testing and maintenance of the apparatus and fluid-filled devices. In one aspect of the disclosed invention, upon sensing a fluid discharge, the apparatus activates audible and/or visual alarms and directs the discharged fluid to a predetermined drainage area to prevent damage to areas surrounding the fluid-filled device. In another aspect of the present invention, no plumbing or electrical wiring is required to install the apparatus, thereby allowing an unskilled individual to easily and inexpensively install the apparatus. In yet another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus may be easily located since it is not dependent on gravity or a drainage pipe for discharge of the fluid. Furthermore, the apparatus optionally includes an integral leveling mechanism to accommodate leveling of the apparatus when placed on uneven surfaces.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide devices and methods for monitoring the waste output of one or more individuals. Embodiments provide a waste receptacle equipped with one or more cameras capable of imaging the contents of the waste receptacle and optionally a scale that is capable of measuring the weight of the waste receptacle or the weight of the contents of the waste receptacle. The waste receptacle optionally communicates wirelessly with a base station that is able to store images of the contents of the waste receptacle and communicate automatically with remote caregivers. Algorithms are provided that are capable of providing a signal to a caregiver to alert the caregiver if the waste receptacle is not in use.

Abstract: A vehicle fuel tank is provided. The vehicle fuel tank includes a housing defining an interior region, a fuel level sensor coupled to the interior region, the fuel level sensor responsive to a fuel pressure, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) device electronically coupled to the fuel level sensor configured to wirelessly transmit a signal indicative of a fuel level in the fuel tank.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided for monitoring a volume of fluid in a flexible fluid bag. A flexible fluid bag according to the invention may include a first and second side wall opposing each other, an outlet through which fluid contained in the fluid bag is evacuated, a signaling tag carried by the first side wall, and an inducer carried by the second side wall. The signaling tag and inducer may be positioned such that when a volume of fluid in the fluid bag is less than a predefined threshold, the signaling tag and inducer come into sufficient proximity due to flexation of at least a portion of the sidewalls of the fluid bag as fluid is evacuated from the fluid bag to trigger a state of a signal emitted by the signaling tag to change.

Abstract: A radio-type transmitting device capable of transmitting information other than information in an internal memory is provided. A RFID tag includes a encoding circuit for digitalizing receiving sensitivity of a radio wave sent from an external transmitting/receiving apparatus and then sending the digitalized receiving sensitivity to the external transmitting/receiving apparatus. Thus, the external transmitting/receiving apparatus can obtain a distance between the external transmitting/receiving apparatus and the RFID tag based on received sensitivity information.

Abstract: A fill level sensor is magnetically coupled to a hopper of an agricultural implement to provide a signal indicative of product fill level in the hopper relative to a fill line. The sensor can be positioned at various heights to provide variability in the height of the sensed fill line. The fill level sensing components are contained within a sensor housing. A magnet for magnetically mounting the sensor may be coupled to an exterior surface of the sensor housing or enclosed within the sensor housing.

Abstract: A liquid level detecting apparatus includes a liquid level sensor of a variable resistance type which includes a sliding contact and a resistor, and which detects a resistance change corresponding to a change of a liquid level of a liquid in a tank and outputs a detection signal based on the change of the liquid level when the liquid level sensor is energized and a controlling unit which controls to supply energization pulses periodically to the liquid level sensor, and controls a displaying portion to display a remaining amount of the liquid in the tank, on the basis of the detection signal output from the liquid level sensor. The controlling unit changes a number of the energization pulses supplied to the liquid level sensor in a predetermined time, on the basis of the detection signal output from the liquid level sensor.

Abstract: A device to accurately identify the wheel position where each tire has a radio wave transmitter installed without special means or operation during application by using a simple and compact configuration. This TPMS has sensor modules 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D on the transmission side equipped by tires 12FL, 12FR, 12RL, 12RR installed on automobile 10 and main device 16 on the receiving side loaded in automobile 10. Main device 16 is comprised of a group of two antennas 18, 20, receiver 22, and display 24. Two antennas 18, 20 are arranged appropriately to receive the radio waves transmitted by each of sensor modules 14A-14D with a phase difference between them.

Abstract: The present technology relates to protocols relative to utility meters associated with an open operational framework. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to protocol subject matter for advanced metering infrastructure, adaptable to various international standards, while economically supporting a 2-way mesh network solution in a wireless environment, such as for operating in a residential electricity meter field. The present subject matter supports meters within an ANSI standard C12.22/C12.19 system while economically supporting a 2-way mesh network solution in a wireless environment, such as for operating in a residential electricity meter field, all to permit cell-based adaptive insertion of C12.22 meters within an open framework. Cell isolation is provided through quasi-orthogonal sequences in a frequency hopping network.

Abstract: A fluid detection system comprises a liquid sensor, an air pump and an atmospheric pressure sensor encased within an air and water permeable casing defining an enclosed air space. The pressure sensor acquires pressure samples within the casing, the air pump expelling additional gas into the casing. In response to determining a flood-status or a non-flood-status state of the fluid detection system and comparing the samples, a failure of the fluid detection system or an immersion of the fluid detection system in fluid is determined. In some embodiments, failure is determined if a second sample is greater than a first sample in a non-flooded state, and in others immersion is determined if a second sample is greater than a first sample value and the determined state is flooded. In some examples, gas is expelled across a liquid detection surface and a third sample value is acquired.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a gas turbine engine (20) to predict maintenance requirements. Particles suspended in a gas flow (24, 32) of the engine (20) are monitored and quantified to predict a particle accumulation rate. Monitoring may be done using particle flow sensors (61-63) in a diverted portion (33) of the working gas flow (24), such as in the cooling gas flow (32). Particle sampling (S1-S3) may be done to determine particle size and composition distributions. Particle mass flow rates may then be continuously monitored per engine operating condition, and compared to predetermined values such as a normal upper limit per engine operating condition. An integrated particle mass flow may be used in conjunction with an instantaneous mass flow rate to predict a maintenance requirement. Multiple locations (L1-L3) may be monitored to recognize a maintenance requirement by flow section or component.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the level or amount of a material within a container is provided. The system includes a detection mechanism that can be a direct detection mechanism or any of a number of indirect detection mechanisms. When the detection mechanism senses an upper level of the substance in the container that is below a predetermined lower limit for the substance, the mechanism operates an alarm mechanism to emit an audible and/or visible alarm to alert an individual to the low level of the substance within the container. The alarm mechanism can be integrally formed with the detection mechanism, or can be spaced from the detection mechanism in order to provide a more accessible point for the viewing or hearing of the alarm emitted by the alarm mechanism.