Abstract: Apparatus and methods for monitoring a characteristic of fluid flow through a fluid dispenser that permit adverse flow conditions to be monitored, analyzed and displayed to an operator. The monitor samples either the static or firing pressure a predetermined number of times and calculates an average static and firing pressure over the sampling period. The average pressure values are compared to high and low warning and alarm limits and warning and alarm error codes are produced as a function thereof. In addition, individual sampled values are compared to the high and low warning and alarm limits and pressure values exceeding the limits during a sampling period are counted. Warning and alarm error codes are produced as a function of the counted values exceeding predetermined count values.

Abstract: An system is provided which, in one embodiment, utilizes an identification unit to identify the contents of a container and to transmit a coded identification signal to a remote receiver unit, thereby allowing emergency personnel or other interested persons to ascertain the contents of the container at an accident site. The identification unit includes a sensor positioned within the storage cavity of the container to detect whether a predetermined unsafe temperature or pressure condition exists therein. If the condition is detected, a coded identification signal, which may be in 8-bit binary form, is generated and transmitted. In an alternate embodiment, the identification unit is modified to answer an interrogation signal transmitted by a remote interrogation device when the interrogation signal corresponds to the material stored in the associated container.

Abstract: A control device for fluid containers (16) of a flexible material, particularly for controlling the level of stomi bags, comprises an elastic resistance element (10) having an electric resistance which changes by stretching of the element, which is adapted to be fixedly connected with the container wall at the ends thereof to extend over an extensible portion (17) of the container wall. Means (12) are provided for connecting an alarm means (19) reacting to a change in the resistance of the resistance element.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a water level of a dam by combining a pressure type water level gauge measuring the water level by detecting water pressure at a bottom of the dam, with a plurality of float type water level switches arranged along the depth of the dam and provided at an interval less than a tolerance allowed to the gauge. Obtaining a water level difference between the water level measured by the gauge and the water level at the switch respectively, the gauge water level is corrected to a water level obtained by subtracting the difference at one of the switches from the gauge water level, when a water surface of the dam is located between the one of the switches and the gauge or an adjacent switch. The abnormality of the gauge is found by detecting whether the difference exceeds a water level tolerance allowed to the gauge.

Abstract: A doll includes a hollow head and torso and generally replicates a human infant in appearance. The head portion defines an orifice for the introduction of a liquid such as water through simulated nursing. The water is initially received within the doll interior in a first reservoir which is effectively isolated from a second reservoir within the doll torso by a siphon tube coupling. The siphon tube coupling serves to delay the transfer of liquid from the first reservoir to the second reservoir until a predetermined amount of liquid has been introduced. The second reservoir includes a flexible wall portion which bulges outwardly when filled with water to trigger a switch which enables an internally supported sound generating system to produce crying action. In an alternate embodiment, the first and second reservoirs are combined within a common water tank and interconnected by a siphon passage.

Abstract: Disclosed in a liquid level-detecting apparatus, in which a pressure of a liquid stored in a tank at a predetermined position is detected by a pressure sensor, the detected pressure is converted to an electric signal, and this electric signal is transmitted to the outside as a liquid level information based on the liquid head pressure.

Abstract: A sensing system for detecting a low level of liquid in a container employs an open-ended probe which is partially submerged in the liquid. The probe contains a pressurized compressible fluid, typically air, the pressure of which is related to the level of the liquid in the container, being a function of the static head of the liquid. A pressure switch fluidly connected to the probe is actuated when the pressure in the probe falls below a predetermined level. The pressure switch activates an air pump, which pumps compressed air into the probe to try and restore the predetermined pressure level, and the switch simultaneously actuates a time delay unit, which in turn initiates a time delay period. If pressure in the probe is restored to the predetermined level prior to the expiration of the time delay period, the time delay unit is reset and the air pump is shut off, since restoration of the pressure indicates that the liquid level is not really low, the low pressure condition is caused by a leak or absorption.

Abstract: Disclosed is an engine fuel flow restriction warning system comprising an engine including a first conduit means connecting a fuel storage means and a fuel pumping means. A second conduit means connects a fuel pumping means with an engine fuel inlet means. Pressure sensing means communicates with the first conduit means, and the pressure sensing means operates a warning means to produce a warning when the pressure in the first conduit means reaches a predetermined low level. When used with an engine including a cooling system and a cooling system temperature sensing means communicating with the engine cooling system, the temperature sensing means operates the same pressure warning means to produce a warning when the temperature in the engine cooling system reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: A device for detecting the filling condition in a container has an electro-mechanical transducer 4 secured on a diaphragm 5, by which transducer the diaphragm 5 is set in vibration. An electrical unit energizes the transducer to produce oscillations of the diaphragm 5. The diaphragm 5 has a holder 1 on which the diaphragm 5 is fastened by means of a cylindrical intermediate member 6. The wall thickness of the cylindrical member 6 is a multiple of the thickness of the diaphragm 5.

Abstract: A device for detecting a filling level in a container having an electro-mechanical transducer 4 which is secured to a diaphragm 5 for vibrating the diaphragm 5. Furthermore an electrical device is provided for activating the oscillations of the diaphragm 5. The diaphragm 5 has a holder 1 on which the diaphragm is fastened by means of a cylindrical intermediate member 6. The holder 1 has a holder projection 7 which, with play, is enclosed and engaged by the cylindrical intermediate member 6. The intermediate member 6 is disposed on the holder projection 7 by an elastic play equalization element which is located between the holder projection 7 and the intermediate member 6.

Abstract: A low fluid level warning system (100) is adapted for use with a conventional oil circulation and low pressure warning system in an engine-driven vehicle. Oil from a crankcase reservoir (102) is pumped through an inlet conduit (110) to varius engine supply lines (116). A portion of the oil is also pumped into an enclosed chamber (124). A pressure sensor diaphragm (132) and switch contacts (130) sense the chamber pressure and illuminate a warning lamp (142) when the pressure is below a predetermined pressure. A drain conduit (160) extends from the bottom of the chamber at the bottom of the oil reservoir (102). A vent conduit (150) extends from the top of the chamber to a predetermined level in the reservoir (102). If the oil in the reservoir (102) is below the predetermined level, the chamber (124) drains completely when the engine is turned off. If the oil in the reservoir (102) is above the predetermined level, the chamber oil does not drain.

Abstract: In a device for detecting filling level of liquid in a container, a protective tube (6) extends over a membrane (5) which can be placed in vibration by an electromechanical transducer (4). In this way, bubbles which rise in the liquid cannot reach the membrane and induce a false measurement of low filling level.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated pressure switch for monitoring the air pressure in a tire is provided with a second switch in its housing capsule. The second switch is connected to an oscillating circuit. This second switch changes the oscillating circuit upon sensing a change in the gas pressure in the reference pressure chamber. This leads to an error indication to the driver, and thereby provides a self-monitoring pressure switch for monitoring the air pressure in a tire.

Abstract: A pressure-biased, temperature sensor means utilizing a cooperating pair of aligned bellows operators in a chamber communicating with a fluid system. One of the bellows expanding in response to an elevated temperature of said fluid and the second bellows expanding in response to a decrease in fluid pressure. Both of the bellows operate to move a diaphragm operator to close a switch means in a signal circuit thereby completing the circuit and energizing a signal means.

Abstract: By providing a pressure responsive actuator in controlled actuating engagement with a latch mechanism in which a spring-loaded indicator is securely retained, with said indicator being movable from a non-visible, retained position to a visible, released position in response to pressure exceeding a desired level, a unique, precision constructed pressure sensor and indicator is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, the latch mechanism comprises a plurality of elongated, resilient, spring-biased locking fingers, with the locking fingers being controllably disengaged from the indicator in response to the movement of the pressure responsive actuator. In addition, the present invention is also quickly and easily manually reset, thereby further enhancing the usability of the present invention.

Abstract: A differential pressure detector is employed for measuring the liquid level in a pressurized vessel. The differential pressure detector senses the level in a pressurized vessel through a variable head column and a constant head cold reference column. In order for the differential pressure detector to operate accurately, the head of the liquid in the cold reference column is maintained constant. An ambient reference column is in communication with the cold reference column. When the height of the liquid in the cold reference column drops, or the pressure of the pressurized vessel drops, liquid in the ambient reference column will flow into the cold reference column to maintain the head of the liquid in the cold reference column. When the height of the liquid level in the cold reference column is elevated, the excess liquid in the cold reference column overflows into the pressurized vessel.

Abstract: A pressure-temperature sensor for monitoring a fluid system for an over-temperature, an under-pressure or an over-pressure condition. The sensor includes a bellows operator enclosed in a fluid-filled housing with a normally-closed, first switch means and a normally-open second switch means. A diaphragm operator and a bellows are responsive to changes in temperature and pressure to, respectively, operate the first and second switches to indicate an over-temperature, an under-pressure or an over-pressure condition.

Abstract: A pressure-biased, temperature sensor for monitoring a fluid system for either an over-temperature or under-pressure condition. The sensor includes a bellows operator immersed in the fluid of a coolant system. The bellows operator expands in response to changes above a predetermined temperature or below a predetermined pressure to complete a signal circuit and energize a signal means.

Abstract: At least two magnetic-reed switches are mounted at spaced angular locations beneath the scale of a Bourdon-type pressure gage wherein the needle tip carries a permanent magnet. The reed switches change their respective states upon sensed-pressure descent to first and second predetermined levels of pressure, respectively indicative of different impending needs to switch a new container into the line of pressure delivery to beverage-dispensing apparatus. In one form, the impending needs reflect corresponding situations of remaining gas content of the cylinder, for room temperature storage and for cold-room storage, respectively; and a manual switch at the gage enables the gage to perform, as is appropriate for the particular situation of stored-container temperature. In another form, the second or additional magnetic-reed switch is positioned beneath the scale for operation upon a sensed low level of gas-pressure effectiveness for beverage dispensing.

Abstract: In combination with a blood reservoir, a blood volume detecting apparatus is used to ensure safe operation of the reservoir which includes a conduit in fluid communication with a lower part of said blood reservoir, a diaphragm associated with the other end of the conduit and movable by a differential hydraulic pressure applied by the blood through the conduit, and means for detecting the swelling and contracting movement of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A volumetric infra-sonic pick-up may be used in various combinations to form an infra-sonic or low-frequency alarm and intrusion detector. The detection device for alarm, surveillance and/or monitoring comprises an infra-sonic pick-up (1) below the sonic frequency range. The infra-sonic pick-up (1) comprises means acting as a pressure or pressure variation pick-up (2), an amplifier (3), and a filter which eliminates the audio or higher frequency signals. The pressure pick-up (2) is a microphone.

Abstract: A sensing device for determining the amount of liquid in an oil crankcase of a vehicle. A hollow dipstick, closed at one end and having a metering hole therein, is inserted into the crankcase of a car. The other end of the dipstick is connected by flexible tubing to a suction bellows and a sensing bellows in a sensing module. The suction bellows and sensing bellows are linked together and to the dipstick by branches of a T-tubing. An opposed end of the suction bellows is connected to a piston of a solenoid. The sensing bellows is mounted to move in response to the amount of oil suctioned into the dipstick. An electrical circuit is formed between a push-button, a solenoid, ground and the car battery, such that when the push-button is closed, the solenoid becomes excited, drawing in the piston to thereby expand the suction bellows. Expansion of the suction bellows draws oil into the dipstick. An electrical circuit coupled to the sensing bellows indicates if oil is sampled by the dipstick.

Abstract: A capacitive pressure relief rupture disc monitor for use in detecting the rupture of an electrically conductive rupture disc installed in a pressure relief vent includes a flat metal loop positioned in spaced relation to the rupture disc and forming a capacitor therewith. A capacitance sensor is connected to the disc and the loop and is operative to generate an output signal in response to a selected change in the capacitance between the loop and the disc as a result of movement of portions of the disc during rupture thereof. The output signal from the capacitance sensor is operative to trigger an alarm to thereby indicate the rupture of the disc.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for monitoring the administering of an intravenous fluid to a patient from a flexible wall container (e.g., a plastic bag) and for generating a signal upon the level of the fluid in the I.V. bag reaching a predetermined level. The walls of the bag are flexible and are spaced apart when the bag is full and move toward one another as the fluid is discharged from the bag and as the level of the fluid in the bag drops. The apparatus includes a frame which may be removably secured on the exterior of the bag at any predetermined location (level) on the bag. The apparatus includes a signal generator (e.g., an alarm) which is movable with the frame as the fluid level drops within the bag and as the bag sidwalls move toward one another from an open position in which the signal generator is de-energized to a closed position in which a signal is generated to sound an alarm or to otherwise indicate that the level of the fluid remaining in the bag has been reduced to a predetermined level.

Abstract: A liquid level system employs a pair of vertically spaced sensors in a tank such as a boiler. Each sensor includes a pair of bellows. The first bellows is enclosed by a protective enclosure while the second bellows is exposed to the interior of the tank. The first bellows of the two sensors are interconnected and filled with a liquid forming substance, such as an alkali metal, which is in liquid phase at high temperatures, while the second bellows of each sensor and the enclosure for the first bellows are interconnected and filled with a second liquid-forming substance, such as a metal alloy, which is essentially inert. A transducer is connected to one of the second bellows which produces an electrical output signal proportional to the difference between the pressures at the locations of the second bellows and, thus, the level of liquid in the tank.

Abstract: An accumulator fluid indicator useful to measure the linear displacement of a piston without the use of a dynamic seal. A Hall Effect sensor mounted on the outer surface of the accumulator is used to sense the piston location while isolated from the fluid flow. Temperature and pressure sensors may be used to supplement the accuracy of the position indicator by compensating for errors due to changes in temperature or pressure applied to the pressurant.

Abstract: A leak detection apparatus (18) is provided in a pressurized assembly (10) to signal a loss of pressure or vacuum downstream from a source of pressure or vacuum. A rod (60,160,260) is carried on a valve (62,162) and a diaphragm (38,138) which seals the source of pressure or vacuum from the system. A loss of pressure or vacuum downstream of the valve (62,162) and diaphragm (38,138) moves the rod (60,160,260) to a signalling position to alert an interested party that the system is lacking pressure or vacuum.

Abstract: An alarm device to be attached to an enterostomy incontinence drainage pouch which will provide warning when said pouch becomes filled. A miniaturized alarm is attached to the drainage pouch by clamp means. A cable is secured to the actuating mechanism of the miniaturized alarm and is attached across the drainage pouch in such a way that the outward expansion of the pouch when it becomes filled will exert a force against the cable, causing the alarm to be actuated.

Abstract: A level indicator comprises a tubular probe immersed in the liquid to a depth defining the minimum liquid level in the reservoir. The probe communicates with a gas-filled chamber with a heating resistor therein. A warning member is connected to the gas-filled chamber to indicate that the level of the liquid reaches a minimum as indicated by no pressure increase occurring in said chamber.