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.

Abstract: In order to control the delivery of a liquid to a vessel, a liquid level control system includes a regulated supply of low pressure air delivered to an air supply tube which extends to a liquid vessel for discharging the low pressure air at a preselected level within the liquid vessel. The control system also includes a sensor sensing fluctuations in air pressure at an intermediate point along the air supply tube. In particular, the sensor senses a first air pressure when the liquid is below the preselected level and sensing a second, higher air pressure when the liquid is at or above the preselected level. The sensor is in communication with the liquid supply source to produce a signal upon sensing the second, higher air pressure in the air supply tube. When the higher pressure is sensed, the sensor sends the signal it produced and the liquid supply source is responsive to the signal to stop supplying liquid to the liquid vessel.

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.

Abstract: In the particular embodiments described in the specification, a virtual sewer flow monitor detects flow rate and depth information periodically and supplies it to a scattergraph generator and a polynomial curve generator produces a polynomial curve corresponding to the scattergraph data. A filter eliminates polynomial curve portions corresponding to normal sewer flow conditions and an SSO detector responds to curve portions indicating a sewer overflow condition to generate an alarm.

Abstract: A method of sensing condensed water of an air conditioner which is driven by a compressor motor's operation through a motor driving portion, to heat-exchange the inside, comprises the steps of--sensing temperature by means of a temperature sensor mounted within a condensed water bucket, before comparing it with a predetermined temperature set in a control portion, during the operation of the air conditioner; driving the motor driving portion in order to operate the compressor motor until the room temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaches the temperature set by a user, if the indoor temperature is above the temperature already set; and stopping the motor driving portion in order to halt the operation of the compressor motor, deciding that condensed water collects in the condensed water bucket, and displaying an error message through a display as well as generating an alarm sound through an alarm sound generating portion, if the room temperature is below the temperature already set.

Abstract: A diaphragm switch having a lower contact on the upper, interior, surface of a flexible membrane is pressed upward against an upper contact when the membrane is displaced upward by a rising water level. Closing of this diaphragm switch completes an electrical circuit including a power source, an annunciator, and wiring causing an alarm to be sounded indicating that a certain water level has been attained. The alarm may be silenced with release of an on/off switch or the alarm, attached by suction to an interior surface of a bathtub wall, may be displaced upward or removed. Catching the on/off switch sets the alarm and a visual indicator light may indicate this state. The top surface of the alarm may be a platform for a soap bar. The entire alarm is waterproof. Different standard sized batteries and appropriate enclosures permitting replacement are suggested.

Abstract: A galvanic cell is formed when ground water within a sump reservoir, tub or other pool, rises to contact electrodes constructed of dissimilar metals, the electrodes mounted in a bridge, with recessing, expansion brackets, to facilitate covering the sump hole and including an alarm device adapted to provide a warning signal should the water level exceed a predetermined level to contact the electrodes.

Abstract: A toilet (6) has a solenoidal valve (1) in working relationship to a water-level probe (23), an overflow probe (25) and a floor-water probe (21) to prevent leaks reliably. A signal alarm (31) also is provided to warn of any problems and where they are in order to be able to repair them without the services of a professional plumber in many instances.

Abstract: A system for use with an electric power transmission device having oil filtration apparatus including an oil filtration unit arranged external to the electric power transmission device, a motor-driven circulation pump and at least one conduit extending between the oil filtration unit and the electric power transmission device utilizes a secondary containment enclosure for enclosing the oil filtration unit, pump and conduits. The secondary containment enclosure includes a sump reservoir to which oil gravitates upon leakage of oil from the oil filtration apparatus enclosed by the secondary containment volume, and there is associated with the sump reservoir a signal-transmitting device for transmitting a signal in response to the accumulation of oil in the sump reservoir for actuating an alarm, isolating the source of insulating oil from the circulation system and disconnecting power to the circulating pump.

Abstract: A numerically controlled lathe includes a spindle, a hydraulic rotary cylinder driven by a pressurized working fluid for causing the spindle to rotate, a fluid pump for discharging the working fluid to be delivered to the hydraulic rotary cylinder, a reservoir for storage of the working fluid, first and second delivery conduits each having first and second ends, the first ends of the delivery conduits selectively connected to the fluid pump and the reservoir, and a fluid coupler for coupling the second ends of the delivery conduits with the hydraulic rotary cylinder.

Abstract: The invention concerns a filling level measuring device composed of a nonmagnetic slide tube (7) containing a switch (8) driven magnetically in contactless manner and mounted on a plate (1) sealing a container aperture, further of a float (23) displaceably resting on the slide tube (7) and fitted with a first permanent magnet (24) actuating the switch (8). The float (23) of this invention further includes a second permanent magnet (25) a distance from the permanent magnet (24) associated to the switch (8), this second permanent magnet (25) resting by its own magnetic field on the magnetic field of an oppositely polarized permanent magnet (15) affixed to the slide tube (7). A magnetic coil (17) is affixed to the slide tube (7) which when energized generates a magnetic field reinforcing the effect of the oppositely polarized magnetic field and is of such field intensity that the float (23) is lifted into the switching position without being supported by buoyancy.

Abstract: The fuel tank of a mobile vehicle is provided with a level sensor for sensing the level of fuel in the tank as it is being filled. The output signal from the level sensor is applied to a microprocessor which in turn provides output signals to drive an audible alarm and a visual display. The microprocessor determines the level of fuel in the tank from the signal produced by the level sensor and drives the audible alarm to provide a first sound pattern, such short beeps or tones when the tank is at least 3/4 full but less than 7/8 full and a second sound pattern such as a continuous tone when the tank is at least 7/8 full. The microprocessor also drives a visual display to display text messages indicating the level of fuel in the tank. A vehicle operator may initiate filling of the tank and attend to other service on the vehicle, leaving the fill operation unattended. The first sound pattern warns the operator that he must soon give his full attention to the fill operation.

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.

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.

Abstract: A fuel recovery system warns a user of an impending overflow of fuel and also provides an overflow chamber into which relatively small amount of overfilled fuel are captured, thus preventing fuel spillage into the surrounding environment. The system is adapted for use with a fuel tank attached to a fuel fill line and an overflow line, and comprises a float assembly adapted to be coupled inline to the overflow line; an overflow chamber coupled via a check valve to the main fuel tank; and an optical/electronic warning system for warning the user when fuel in the float assembly rises to a predetermined level.

Abstract: A system for detecting an overflow from a storage tank holding a liquid and/or slurry. An inlet to an overflow box communicates with the tank at an overflow point and receives any overflow from the tank. A main drain pipe communicates with the overflow box and leads to a drain. An overflow discharge pipe having a smaller internal diameter than that of the main drain pipe also communicates with the overflow box, but is located closer to the inlet than the main drain pipe. The overflow discharge pipe provides a first drainage of any overflow from the tank to the main drain pipe, and is provided with a sensor for detecting and/or measuring a flow rate of any overflow through the overflow discharge pipe. A controller provides a signal to activate an alarm in order to alert an operator that an overflow condition exists.

Abstract: A leak detection and management apparatus including a programmable message device, for a hot water heater. The apparatus includes a liquid pan disposed beneath and concentrically with a hot water heater for collecting water leaking from the hot water heater. A float is disposed at least partially within the liquid pan 14 and causes an electrical shut-off signal from an electrical switch to be generated when it is elevated in response to the collection of water within the liquid pan 14. The electrical shut-off signal causes electrically controlled solenoid valves disposed in the water supply and gas lines to the hot water heater 12 to be closed, thereby interrupting the flow of cold water and natural gas into the hot water heater 12, and simultaneously causing a programmable message device to play a prerecorded message informing of the water leak and where to obtain service to correct same.

Abstract: A marine craft includes a pollution control device for marine fuel tanks. The pollution control device includes a compartment for receiving fuel that leaves the fuel tank headed toward the vent via the vent line. The volume of the compartment desirably holds more fuel than would be contained in the volume of the length of the vent line that extends from the fuel tank to the vent. The compartment has an inlet that communicates with the fuel tank via the vent line. The compartment has an outlet that communicates with the vent via the vent line. The device includes a guide tube disposed within the compartment for preventing direct transmission of fuel to the vent. The device includes a float member disposed within the guide tube for detecting fuel in the vent line. The device includes an alarm circuit activated when the float member is located at a predetermined position within the guide tube.

Abstract: An arrangement for determining when a fuel tank installed in a boat is full, including (i) a proximity detector for detecting when fuel starts to flow up the vent stack, and (ii) a small reservoir in the vent stack above the proximity detector to prevent fuel from escaping from the stack before the filling of the tank can be halted in response to a warning signal generated in response to the output of the proximity detector.

Abstract: This invention concerns a water alarm adapted to be mounted in a basement water drain. It comprises a buoyant body which is in a first position when water is absent from the drain and which is moved to a second position by the presence of sufficient water filling the drain pipe. The buoyant body carries a switch which is in an open position when the body is in its first position and which is in a closed position when the body is in its second position. A suitable alarm is activated when the switch is in its closed position. The buoyant body is held in position adjacent the upper end of the drain under the metal drain cover by a magnetic holder member.

Abstract: A drain overflow alarm for a washing machine drain, which alarm is mounted in a vertical drain line offset provided with a check valve and extending from the vertical fixed drain line or standpipe of a structure. In a preferred embodiment the alarm includes a float switch located in the top end of the drain line offset and a transformer, relay, alarm and optical reset button, all provided in a control housing. The float switch is electrically connected to the transformer, relay and alarm, such that obstruction of the fixed drain line causes water to rise in the fixed drain line and through the check valve into the drain line offset. The rising water raises the float element of the float switch and closes the switch to activate the transformer relay and alarm, as well as terminate operation of the washing machine.

Abstract: A pair of float operated sensors simultaneously detect inflow into the housing of an alarm assembly to actuate a buzzer and a lamp providing an early warning back-up alarm. One of the sensors remains actuated by the holding action of a magnet to continue operation signifying back-up recession. Under selective control, the buzzer is operated in by-pass relation to the sensors to indicate a low voltage condition of the battery powering the alarm assembly.

Abstract: A trough surrounding the base of a machine for trapping the spilled chemical and draining it into a pit in which a pump is located that is automatically engaged to pump the spilled chemical into a closed holding tank. A vapor detecting device will, upon the detection of toxic vapors, automatically turn on a ventilation system that will remove vapors from the area of the trough and from an optional isolation tent surrounding the machine and force the vapors through a filter having a bed of charcoal for absorbing the toxic vapors from the air. The filtered air is then vented to the atmosphere. A splash curtain is also used to direct the spilled chemicals into the trough. A substantial portion of the apparatus may be molded as a single unit or as separate sections that may be readily assembled and fixed into a unit at the installation site.

Abstract: An air conditioner drain blockage alarm system which is designed for application to both horizontally and vertically-mounted heating and air conditioning units, which alarm includes in a preferred embodiment, both a normally open drain line liquid level switch and a normally closed drain pan liquid level switch for sensing blockage of a drain line in both the drain line itself and in the condensate drain pan which collects condensate from the air conditioning unit. In addition to the drain line and drain pan liquid level switches, the system is characterized by an alarm which audibly indicates a high water condition in either the condensate drain pan or the drain line and a manual override switch for manually silencing the alarm. In a preferred embodiment, the system is wired through the existing thermostat in the heating and air conditioning unit to facilitate deactivating the air conditioning system by the drain pan liquid level switch when the condensate drain pan is subject to overflow.

Abstract: A moisture detection device that is responsive to moisture or foam in the vacuum port of a water extraction unit, which creates a circuit break in the electrical power to the extraction unit. The device includes two conductors mounted in the vacuum port of an extraction unit, a monitoring system, by pass switch, and delay for fool proof detection of moisture overflow from the recovery tank of water extractors.

Abstract: A washer-type machine containment pedestal tray having sensor-shutoff device for removing power from the washing machine. The invention provides a pedestal for mounting a washing machine thereon and further, that is capable of containing overflow water should the machine malfunction. The collection of water in the containment pedestal tray actuates a float which in turn trips an electrical switch to remove operative power from the washing machine motor, thus stopping the overflow. Adjunct means are also used on the switch for sounding an audible alarm to operating personnel.

Abstract: An electrical overflow warning system for a hot water tank. There is provided a cavity within an overflow line leading from the tank. Within the cavity is located an electrical probe. When an overflow occurs the probe comes in contact with water causing an electrical circuit to be completed to an alarm.

Abstract: A toilet reservoir fill alarm including water level sensors which can be positioned in the water reservoir tank of a flush toilet to detect the presence or absence of water at a desired level. A switch responds to the water level sensors and produces a control signal during the absence of a desired level. The control signal operates a timing circuit in order to produce an output signal at the termination of a predetermined time interval. Responsive to the output signal is an alarm circuit. In this manner, an alarm will sound should the toilet tank reservoir not refill during the predetermined time interval following the flushing of the toilet.

Abstract: A sewer line backup detection device and alarm are provided which can be installed in place of the cleanout access cap in a conventional sewer line. The device comprises a housing having male connecting threads adapted to fit standard female receptacles which have been used in the past to provide cleanout access to sewer lines, the housing containing alarm means or alarm transmitting means actuated by a pneumatic switch. The pneumatic switch is actuated by a flexible diaphragm which is fitted snugly onto the lower end of the housing which extends into the sewer line. In the event of a blockage of the sewer line, the blocked material exerts pressure on the flexible diaphragm which closes the pneumatic switch thereby setting off an alarm, either locally or at a remote location such as the dwelling from which the sewer line exhausts. The alarm system is utilized especially advantageously in combination with a detention tank located in the basement or lower level of a high rise building.

Abstract: A sewer back up warning system includes a pair of electrically-conductive probe rods fixedly securable within a sewer clean out pipe and being in electrical communication with a sewer back up alarm. An electrically-conductive float is hingedly attached to a free end of one of the rods, such float serving to rise in the clean out pipe as a sewer backs up so as to eventually come into contact with the second rod to thus complete the electrical circuit containing the back up alarm. A corrosion check device is also provided which essentially consists of a manually-operable chain pull for effectively bringing the metallic float into electrical communication with the second rod so as to determine the presence of corrosion build up which would prevent the operation of the alarm.

Abstract: A sewer back-up alarm apparatus for placement in an existing sewer line connecting a residence to a sewage collection system, the alarm apparatus including a connection element connected into a sewer line, an adaptor attached to the connection element, a cap attached in air-tight and water-proof relationship to the adaptor, the adaptor also having an O-ring for sealing the cap to the adaptor, whereby backed up sewage in the sewer pipe forcibly ejects the cap from the adaptor and permits the backed up sewage to flow onto the ground, rather than into the residence; the back-up alarm system also includes first and second electrical conductors extending into the interior of the connection element for electrically contacting backed up sewage to produce reduced electrical resistance between the first and second conductors. An alarm circuit generates an alarm signal in response to a reduced resistance to actuate an audible buzzer.

Abstract: A water level control system for use with bath tubs includes a capacitive proximity switch disposed external to one wall of the bath tub. The vertical position of the switch is adjustable. The switch generates a signal when the water level is approximately that of the switch. The signal is used to control a water supply solenoid and/or an alarm indication.

Abstract: A fluid level control circuit with a safety test function for a boiler water level probe of a fail safe type is connected to a field effect transistor controlled amplifier having a well defined threshold of operation. A safety test switch means is provided to pull the amplifier's input down below the threshold point, but not to a shorted condition. By observing the output of the system it is possible to determine whether the fluid level detector is properly installed, and whether the amplifier has had any type of unsafe operating failure.

Abstract: An alarm for signalling the rise of water above a preselected flood indicative danger level. In a preferred embodiment, the alarm is connected across the terminals of the smoke sensing unit of a commercial smoke detecting and signalling device. The alarm includes a pair of elongated conducting wires extending from the smoke sensor terminals to a remote area at which it is desirable to sense a rise in water above the preselected danger level. The ends of the wires at the remote area are fixedly attached to a non-conductive head element so as to provide a separation space between the wires. A rise in the water level to the preselected level serves to bridge the space separating the ends of the wires, closes the circuit and activates the warning signal. In a preferred, alternate embodiment, the wires fixedly attached, in spaced relation, to the wire separating head element, are connected in series with a power supply and a signal.

Abstract: A "red-alert" end condition digital signal is generated by a transponder system of the present invention formed essentially of MSI's (Medium Scale Integrated Chips) including an oscillator/ripple counter controlling a fixed Gray code logic encoding network in circuit with a driver circuit. The aforementioned system both is initiated by and is in power dependent relationship with a MARK-SPACE interrogation signal and has special utility in digitally monitoring product "overflow" conditions in source/product storage tank networks associated with an oil refinery and/or a chemical complex.

Abstract: A "red-alert" end condition digital signal is generated by a transponder system of the present invention formed essentially of MSI's (Medium Scale Integrated Chips) including an oscillator/ripple counter controlling a fixed Gray code logic encoding network in circuit with a programmed 7-segment decoder/driver. The aforementioned system both is initiated by and is in power dependent relationship with a MARK-SPACE interrogation signal and has special utility in digitally monitoring product "overflow" conditions in source/product storage tank networks associated with an oil refinery and/or chemical complex.