Abstract: An icemaking system includes: a refrigerant circuit that executes a vapor compression refrigeration cycle; a circulation circuit that circulates solution as a cooling target of the refrigerant circuit; and a control device that controls refrigerant evaporation temperature at the refrigerant circuit. The circulation circuit includes a solution flow path of: an ice generator; a solution tank that stores the solution; and a pump that pressure feeds the solution to the solution flow path. The refrigerant circuit includes: an evaporator of the ice generator; a compressor; a condenser; and an expansion valve. The control device includes a central processing unit (CPU) that adjusts to lower evaporation temperature at the evaporator as the solution has higher solute concentration.

Abstract: A port-door release assembly includes a door and a linkage coupled to the door to support the door during movement between open and closed positions. The port-door release assembly includes a drive shaft coupled to the linkage to drive movement of the linkage. The port-door release assembly includes a motor configured to rotate the drive shaft which moves the linkage and the door to the open and/or closed positions. The port-door release assembly includes a back-up release assembly movable relative to the linkage to disconnect the drive shaft from the linkage which allows the door to move to the open position without actuation of the motor. A door assembly includes the port-door release assembly as described above and a housing defining a port in which the door is movable relative to the housing between the open position that uncovers the port and the closed position that covers the port.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for measuring a flow rate through a vessel, such as a conduit or pipeline. The method comprises providing a reference parameter, measuring a first parameter at a first position at the vessel and determining a difference between the first parameter and the reference parameter. The flow rate through the vessel is determined based on the difference between the first parameter and the reference parameter.

Abstract: A system and a method for non-intrusive and continuous level measurement of a liquid enclosed by a solid wall of a vessel. The system comprises an ultrasonic transmitter for generating an ultrasound wave and for emitting it into the vessel wall, an ultrasonic receiver for receiving the ultrasound wave, and an electronic control and data processing unit (ECDU) for controlling operation of the transmitter and of the receiver and for determining the liquid level. The transmitter is able to emit the ultrasound wave as a primary Lamb wave into the vessel wall so that a part of the primary Lamb wave leaks from the vessel wall into the liquid in form of a pressure wave. The ECDU is adapted to repeatedly determine the time of flight of the pressure wave, change the ultrasonic frequency of the transmitter until the determined time of flight reaches a minimum, and determine the liquid level.

Abstract: An evaporator which heats working fluid with high-temperature fluid to evaporate the working fluid includes: a working fluid channel which is arranged in a flow direction of the high temperature fluid and through which the working fluid flows; and a temperature sensor which is provided for the working fluid channel. A part of the working fluid channel is exposed to outside of a housing of the evaporator, and the temperature sensor is provided in the part of the working fluid channel exposed to the outside of the housing of the evaporator in a region other than an inlet of the working fluid channel into which the working fluid flows from the outside of the evaporator and other than an outlet of the working fluid channel through which the working fluid flows out of the evaporator. The output value of the temperature sensor is used to adjust the temperature of the working fluid in the evaporator.

Abstract: A level detector mounts to a tank containing a liquid. The detector transmits and receives ultrasonic pulses. The pulses are processed by a microprocessor which periodically measures the liquid level of the tank. When the liquid level reaches a pre-established level, a cell phone automatically transmits data to a remote location. A schedule for emptying the tank is generated by a server at the remote location. A service man uses the schedule to visit the tank location and empty the tank. In addition, a portable charger/calibrator is mounted to the level detector to charge the power supply of the detector and calibrate the liquid level.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can provide an ice storage bin control sensor and housing. In one embodiment, an ice storage bin can be provided. The ice storage bin can include at least one wall, an ice control sensor, and a housing section. The housing section can include an inner wall component operable to support at least a portion of the ice control sensor. The housing section can also include an outer wall component operable to support at least a portion of the ice control sensor. In addition, the housing section can include a cavity operable to receive the ice control sensor.

Abstract: A harvester grain bin monitoring system is disclosed. The system includes a sensor that monitors the perimeter of the bin proximate to the top rim to provide a warning to an operator when the grain level reaches approaches the bin rim. The sensor may be optical or mechanical.

Abstract: A system is provided to control fluid flow in a wastewater treatment system through wastewater level manipulation. The wastewater treatment system may include a wastewater treatment plant connected to a plurality of pump stations by a main. Each of the plurality of pump stations may include a wet well with a pump therein. The system may include a central server in communication with a sensor to sense a level of wastewater within the wet well. The pump may be automatically moved to an on position when the level of the wastewater in the wet well is at or above a first level and may be automatically moved to an off position when the level of the wastewater in the respective wet well is at or below a pump cutoff level. The central server may systematically manipulate the first level to selectively set the level of wastewater within the wet well.

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: System for monitoring oil level and detecting leaks in power transformers, reactors, current and potential transformers, high voltage bushings and the like, notably for a system that through the use of sensors and other electronic components measures and monitors transformers and similar equipment in real time, filled with insulating oil, with greater precision and without need for floats or mobile mechanical parts, while presenting countless facilities in the sense of making level monitoring more reliable and safer, highlighting the level error calculations, oil leak detection alarm, excess oil detection alarm during the equipment filling process and calculation of tendencies of evolution for levels among other facilities.

Abstract: A toner-remaining-amount detection sensor includes a rubber member, an actuator, a transmission sensor, and a holder member which integrally holds the rubber member, the actuator, and the transmission sensor. The actuator is supported by the holder member so as to move to a first position at which the transmission sensor detects that a toner remaining amount in a toner storage container is a predetermined amount or more when a toner pressure in the toner storage container acts on the rubber member, and to move to a second position at which the transmission sensor detects that the toner remaining amount in the toner storage container falls below the predetermined amount when the toner pressure in the toner storage container does not act on the rubber member. When the actuator is at the second position, the actuator partially comes into contact with the holder member so that a gap is formed between the actuator and the rubber member.

Abstract: A harvester grain bin monitoring system is disclosed. The system includes a sensor that monitors the perimeter of the bin proximate to the top rim to provide a warning to an operator when the grain level reaches approaches the bin rim. The sensor may be optical or mechanical.

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 system and method are used for electronically detecting the accumulation of dust within a computer system using a capacitive dust sensor. The dust detection system may be implemented on a smaller computer, such as an individual PC, or in a more expansive system, such as a rack-based server system (“rack system”) having multiple servers and other hardware devices. In one embodiment, each server in a rack system includes a capacitive sensor responsive to the accumulation of dust. The capacitive sensor may include one or more capacitive plates integral with a heatsink. As dust collects on the capacitive plates, the capacitance increases. When a capacitance setpoint is reached, indicating the dust has reached a critical level, an alert is generated. The alerts may be received by a management console for the attention of a system administrator. Each alert may contain the identity of the server generating the alert, so that the system administrator knows which server(s) are to be removed for cleaning.

Abstract: System and method are disclosed for monitoring slurry from a central location and replenishing the slurry as needed. The method/system allows a slurry supplier to track various properties of the slurry, as well as monitor various aspects of the slurry storage and delivery system. When the volume of slurry at the remote location falls below a predetermined point, the slurry supplier can schedule both the production of the appropriate slurry and its timely delivery to the customer. Changes in the condition of existing slurry, as well as leaks and other malfunctions in the slurry storage system, may be promptly detected and the slurry supplier immediately notified so that corrective actions may be taken. Multiple slurry storage systems at several remote locations may be monitored simultaneously from the central location. Such an arrangement offers a complete, one-stop solution to customers whose businesses depend on a reliable supply of “field ready” slurry.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems for a novel apparatus for determining the level of granular material in a bin. The invention comprises methods and apparatus to detect when a sensor is covered by granular material. A system is described that comprises; a metallic pin, devices and circuits to measure the electrical capacitance of the pin, devices and circuits to detect changes in the capacitance, and devices and circuits to announce the change. The invention is applicable to an agriculture application whereby an operator is alerted to a near full bin in time to stop the machinery used to fill the bin before it overflows.

Abstract: A fill tube and sensor assembly has a single electronic sensor to detect the level of product in a hopper of an agricultural implement relative to a fill line. The electronic sensor can be positioned at various heights relative to the fill tube to provide variability in the height of the fill line. The sensor provides a full level signal until product is drawn from the fill tube. Once the product is dispensed from the fill tube and into the general interior volume of the hopper, the single sensor provides an empty level signal that can be used to alert an operator of a diminished product supply or control operation of the farm implement.

Abstract: A powder-level sensor unit comprises at least one sensor (102) of which the sensor measuring surface (108) is covered by a compressed air chamber (106). The compressed air chamber (106) is bounded on its side opposite the sensor measuring surface (108) by an air-permeable porous front wall (110). The front wall (110) is designed in a manner to be permeable to compressed air but impermeable to the spraycoating powder.

Abstract: A radar level gauge system for determining the filling level of a filling material in a tank is disclosed. The system comprises a transmitter for transmitting measuring signals towards the surface of the filling material; a receiver for receiving echo signals from the tank; processing circuitry for determining the filling level of the tank based on said echo signal and adapted to compare said determined filling level with at least one preset threshold value and to produce an alarm signal in dependence of said threshold value; and a storage means for storing the preset threshold value, wherein said threshold value in said storage means is replaceable and/or adjustable. The alarm signal could indicate high level and/or overfill. The possibility of adjusting/replacing the threshold values enables adjustment of the alarm levels when the system is already installed. A corresponding method of operation is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic monitor for use in a tank with a water soluble softening agent. The monitor includes a signal emitter that produces a signal capable of being detected by an array of signal-detecting sensors. The sensors are displaced generally vertically in the brine tank from the minimum depth of the softening agent to the maximum depth of the softening agent. An output is produced in response to said signal. The monitor also includes an electronic device for receiving and interpreting the output and determining if a low softening agent condition is present as the supply of the softening agent is depleted. An indicator warns when a low softening agent condition is present. Preferably, the sensors are linearly spaced within the tank.

Abstract: A rotary paddle bin monitor for indicating a level of dry bulk material in a bin. In normal operation, a rotary motor rotates a shaft and paddle. A spring mechanism keeps the motor in a first angular position when the paddle is rotating freely. However, when the paddle engages the dry bulk material, the created torque overcomes the spring mechanism and causes the rotary motor to rotate. A first magnetic detector (e.g. a hall effect detector) mounted inside the housing senses a first magnet marker fixed to the rotary motor via the motor support plate to provide an indication when the rotary motor has rotated due to the sufficient presence of dry bulk material. A second magnetic detector mounted inside the housing senses a second magnet marker fixed to the shaft to provide an indication that the shaft is rotating at a proper speed (and indicate the direction of the rotation as well).

Abstract: Acoustic level sensing by creating, or failing to create, resonance in a tube having a free end. An acoustic transducer at one end of the tube injects sound at a frequency that could produce resonance, depending on whether the free end is open or closed. The drive to the acoustic transducer is then removed, and the sound decay in the tube is monitored to determine if resonance occurred. Based on that determination, a signal is produced that indicates whether a material has or has not closed the free end of the tube. Beneficially, the same acoustic transducer that produces the sound monitors the sound decay. To determine whether resonance has occurred, or to verify system operation, the sound decay at the possible resonant frequency can be compared to the decay at another frequency. Temperature compensation can be performed by attempting to produce resonance at a plurality of frequencies.

Abstract: Filling level indicators for washer fluid containers in motor vehicles have hitherto been arranged directly on the washer fluid container or been integrated in the instrument cluster on the motor vehicle. Despite the available information, the filling of the container when the level is too low is often delayed. A filling level indicator more effectively indicates the filling level by arranging the filling level indicator in the region of the tank filler neck, whereby the filling level in the washer fluid container is only indicated to the driver when he has in any case interrupted his journey in order to fill up with fuel and is free from other activities, so that it is virtually impossible for him to be distracted.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a capacitive sensor for sensing the amount of material in a container. This embodiment includes an oscillator that generates an oscillating signal. This oscillator includes an integrating amplifier that is formed by (1) an operational amplifier that has a low-impedance output and a virtually-grounded input, and (2) a capacitor that has a capacitance which depends on the amount of material in the container. The capacitor connects between the low impedance output and the virtually-grounded input of the operational amplifier. In some embodiments, the operational amplifier includes a first amplifier and a second amplifier that are connected in series, with an output of the second amplifier fed back through the capacitor to the input of the first amplifier.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring the status of a water softener at a remote location. The system includes a water softener controller with a control processing unit for determining the status of the water softener. The system also includes a water softener transmitter and a water softener indicator. The transmitter is coupled to the controller and transmits the status of the water softener to the indicator. The water softener indicator receives and displays the status message. The system is capable of determining whether the water softener is operating normally, whether the salt level is low or whether the water softener needs servicing.

Abstract: An ice collection bin includes an exterior surface and an interior surface defining an interior chamber used to collect ice or other frozen particles. The level of frozen particles in the interior chamber is controlled by a level sensor assembly. Sensor pockets disposed in the bin protect the components of the level sensor assembly from damage that can occur in connection with the use of the ice collection bin to store frozen particles. An ice collection system is also provided, and includes the ice collection bin, a frozen particle making machine, an elevated frame that elevates the ice collection bin, and a cart for storing or transporting frozen particles.

Abstract: A non-invasive elastic wave fluid level sensing system for use in sludge laden environments, including transmitting and receiving transducers mounted on an outer face of a wall of a container for a fluid and along a propagation path for an elastic wave transmitted through the wall of the container wherein the elastic wave has a frequency of less than 5 kHz, more preferably less than about 2 kHz, and most preferably less than 1 kHz. A signal processor determines a change in a characteristic of the elastic wave between when a fluid is present in the container in the region of the propagation path and when a fluid is not present in the container in the region of the propagation path. One embodiment utilizes multiple horizontally oriented transmitting and receiving transducer pairs to detect levels of the fluid in the container.

Abstract: A level measuring device using microwaves comprises an antenna for sending transmitted waves toward the surface of a material whose level is to be measured, and for the reception of echo waves resulting from reflection at the surface, and a receiving and evaluating circuit which derives from the echo waves received by the antenna an echo function representative of the echo amplitudes as a function of the distance and determines from the echo function the transit time of the microwaves from the antenna to the surface of the material and therefrom the distance of the surface of the material from the antenna.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating material level that includes a pair of ultrasonic transducers on opposed sides of a space for receiving the material at the level to be detected. A swept frequency oscillator is coupled to one of the transducers so that the transducer radiates into the material space ultrasonic energy that continuously sweeps back and forth between a low frequency range at which such energy is transmitted to the other transducer by resonance of the entire apparatus and independent of presence of material in the material space, and a higher frequency range at which such energy is transmitted to the other transducer only when material is present in the space between the transducers. Detection circuitry indicates presence of material between the transducers upon receipt of the higher frequency energy, and failure of the apparatus upon failure to receive the lower frequency energy.

Abstract: A device for automatic filling of a mobile container (4) with a material stream (13) from a harvester (1) moving alongside a discharge knee/discharge pipe which is controllably pivotable around a vertical and/or horizontal axis, with a pivotable discharge flap (5) at the end from the harvester (1) to the container (4). At least one optical and/or acoustic range finder (6) for measuring the container (4) and measuring fill levels is disposed on the discharge knee/discharge pipe (3). The range finder (6), either together with the discharge knee/discharge pipe (3) or independently thereof, can be pivoted horizontally and/or vertically.

Abstract: A toner level detecting device on a toner supply box includes first and second light transmissive toner detecting portions connected by a connecting portion. An aperture between the first and second toner detecting portions is filled with toner when the toner level in the toner supply box is high. Light may be projected onto the first toner detecting portion so that it is aimed through the aperture and the second toner detecting portion. When the toner level in the toner supply box becomes low, toner will no longer fill the aperture, thus allowing light to pass through the aperture and the second toner detecting portion where it can be sensed by a light detector. Light may be attenuated as it passes through the connecting portion by an irregular surface portion on the connecting portion, by a light absorbative coating applied to a surface of the connecting portion, or by forming the connecting portion of a light absorbative material.

Abstract: A toner level detecting device on a toner supply box includes first and second light transmissive toner detecting portions connected by a connecting portion. An aperture between the first and second toner detecting portions is filled with toner when the toner level in the toner supply box is high. Light may be projected onto the first toner detecting portion so that it is aimed through the aperture and the second toner detecting portion. When the toner level in the toner supply box becomes low, toner will no longer fill the aperture, thus allowing light to pass through the aperture and the second toner detecting portion where it can be sensed by a light detector. Light may be attenuated as it passes through the connecting portion by an irregular surface portion on the connecting portion, by a light absorbative coating applied to a surface of the connecting portion, or by forming the connecting portion of a light absorbative material.

Abstract: A liquid treatment apparatus or system having a liquid treatment medium bed which is regenerated by passing through it a solution formed by dissolving a solid in a liquid. An automatic control system initiates a regeneration cycle when necessary. Indicia are provided in association with the container containing the solid material such that an appropriate indicia will represent the amount of solid material in the container. By providing the control circuit with the indicia, the control circuit will record the amount of solid material remaining and initiate an alarm when the amount of solid material remaining is below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A real time ultrasonic surface contour mapping system is provided including a digitally controlled phased-array of transmitter/receiver (T/R) elements located in a fixed position above the surface to be mapped. The surface is divided into a predetermined number of pixels which are separately scanned by an arrangement of T/R elements by applying phase delayed signals thereto that produce ultrasonic tone bursts from each T/R that arrive at a point X in phase and at the same time relative to the leading edge of the tone burst pulse so that the acoustic energies from each T/R combine in a reinforcing manner at point X. The signals produced by the reception of the echo signals reflected from point X back to the T/Rs are also delayed appropriately so that they add in phase at the input of a signal combiner. This combined signal is then processed to determine the range to the point X using density-corrected sound velocity values.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the level of salt in a brine tank. The device includes a housing and a circuit within the housing connectable to an electric power source. An indicator is connectable to the circuit for indicating the existence of a first electrical state and a second electrical state. An actuator member is provided having a first position wherein the indicator member indicates the first electrical state and a second position wherein the indicator member indicates the second electrical condition. A biasing member having a predetermined force biases the actuator member towards the first position. A surface member is provided for resting on the upper surface of the material in the tank, the surface member having a weight greater than the predetermined force of the biasing member and a density greater than water.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating level of material in a vessel that includes a probe for placement in the vessel at a position corresponding to a desired height at which material level is to be detected. Electronic circuitry is coupled to the probe, and is responsive to operating characteristics of the probe for sensing a change of such operating characteristics between a first operating characteristic at which material is spaced from the probe, and a second operating characteristic when material is adjacent to the probe. The electronic circuitry is contained within a closed housing mounted on the probe, and is connected to a source of electrical power positioned remotely of the vessel. A pair of status lamps are positioned on the housing, and are coupled to the electronic circuitry for respectively indicating application of electrical power to the circuitry and detection of one or the other of the operating characteristics at the probe.

Abstract: A toner residual amount detecting mechanism comprises a stirring device and a photosensor. The photosensor has a protrusion, and rotates together with a stirring shaft while the protrusion contacts with a pin planted on the stirring shaft. The stirring device rotates by its gravity when it reaches a top dead point thereof. The stirring device also includes a magnetic rotor attracted by a permanent magnet in a sensor lever to thereby turn the sensor lever about the fulcrum of the sensor lever to a predetermined position. The sensor lever is stopped by a stopper when the stirring device reaches the bottom dead point thereof. The photosensor cannot detect light when the sensor lever is positioned at the bottom dead point since the light is intercepted by the sensor lever but can detect the light when the sensor lever reaches the predetermined position. The mechanism can inform an operator of a toner supply time since the photosensor operates depending on the resistance of toner against the stirring device.

Abstract: A salt level monitoring device for water softeners including a weight for placement upon the salt mass; a drop line connected to the weight at one end and a sensor at the opposing, upper end; and a support member for supporting the sensor and drop line over the salt mass. Once the salt mass drops to a selected level, tension is placed upon the drop line and hence the sensor causing actuation thereof to send forth either an aural or visual signal. The weight has a mass less than the mass of the salt but greater than the mass of brine to prevent the weight from becoming embedded in the salt mass and to prevent false signals. A clip attaches the drop line to the weight for convenient adjustment of the drop line depth so that the salt level may be monitored at selected heights within the softener.

Abstract: An alarm system for use in a salt-brine tank of a water softener has a sensor including a stem member having a lower end received in the bed of salt within the salt-brine tank and an upper end projecting above the bed of salt. An spaced pair of electrodes are supported at the stem member upper end and are responsive to direct contact with a brine solution inside the tank for generating the signal indicative of an abnormal condition. An electronic circuit is coupled to the sensor for generating an alarm which includes two counters coupled to a clock circuit such that any alarm indicative of the abnormal condition is delayed for a predetermined period of time after the sensor signals the abnormal condition, and the alarm is generated as spaced, short bursts of sound, the spacing between the bursts of sound being greater than the duration of the bursts.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the level of material within a rotating cylindrical vessel are disclosed in which a rigid member means on the interior of the rotating vessel is fixedly secured to a rod having a longitudinal axis parallel to the rotational axis of the rotating vessel, and wherein the rod extends through one end wall of the vessle to the exterior at which it is fixedly secured to an indicator means. The rigid member means within the vessel is capable of resting at the top surface of the material within the vessel. As the level of material within the vessel is raised or lowered the rigid member means will rotate, thus causing an equal rotation of the rod and the indicator means on the exterior of the vessel. By monitoring the position of the indicator means, the level of material within the vessel can be determined.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus includes: a photosensitive member; a developing device; a developer accommodating device for accommodating the developer to be supplied to the developing device, the accommodating device having a housing of which a first and second windows made of transparent members are arranged at a ceiling and a bottom; a cleaning device for periodically cleaning the first and second windows; and a detecting device having a light emitting device arranged outside the housing and confronting with one of the windows, and a light receiving device arranged outside the housing and confronting with the other of the windows. Light emitted from the light emitting device is illuminated through the light emitting device. The light receiving device receives the light emitted from the light emitting device to detect an amount of the developer in the housing.

Abstract: A fluid level monitor for monitoring the fluid level in a tank comprises a first pair of transducers arranged in a vertically upper horizontal plane and a second pair of transducers arranged in a vertically lower horizontal plane. Pulse generators send electrical pulses to the transmitter transducers which transmit stress waves into the wall of the tank. The stress waves propagating peripherally are detected by the receiver transducers and processors analyze the amplitude of the detected stress waves to determine if the fluid is present or absent at the upper and lower horizontal planes. The pulse generators are arranged to send pulses out of phase so that stress waves propagating axially can be detected to determine alterations of the fluid level between the upper and lower horizontal planes. The processors may be arranged to operate alarms or to operate valves to control the fluid level in the tank.

Abstract: A fiber storing device includes an inlet for charging the device with fiber material and an outlet for withdrawing fiber material therefrom. The fiber storing device is associated with an apparatus for determining the fill level of fiber material in the storing device. The apparatus has an optical device which comprises a light emitter and a light detector and which is situated above an expected maximum fill level of the fiber material. The light emitter is arranged to direct, from above, a light beam onto an upper face of the fiber material and the light detector is arranged to receive a light beam reflected from the upper face of the fiber material.

Abstract: Disclosed is an arrangement of an ice fullness detector within an ice making machine composed of an ice making unit and an ice reservoir upon which the ice making unit can be separably stacked, wherein ice cakes formed within the ice making unit are discharged into the ice reservoir through an opening defined within the bottom wall of the ice making unit so as to be stored within the reservoir.

Abstract: A method for controlling the filling status of particulate solids in a solids container is provided using an apparatus comprising an empty/full indication device comprising a conduit structure, having a vertically opened upper end and a vertically opened lower end, wherein the vertically opened upper end is in open communication with the upper end portion of the solids container at the location of a predetermined full level and the vertically opened lower is in open communication with the lower end portion of the solids container at the location of a predetermined empty level.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating the level of flowable material in a storage bin comprising a motor mounted within a protective enclosure and coupled by a shaft to a paddle disposed within the bin to engage material contained therein. When the material reaches the level of the paddle, drag on the paddle causes the motor to rotate within the enclosure and thereby to activate switches disposed within the enclosure for indicating material level. A spring is mounted between the enclosure and the motor such that the spring urges the motor to both the switch-activating and the switch-deactivating positions in turn, and must be urged over center to permit motion of the motor in either direction between such positions.

Abstract: An ice product storage detector which instantaneously detects when the ice products have filled the reservoir to its full capacity or when the amount of ice product in storage has decreased. The ice product storage detector includes a proximity switch provided on a barrier plate of a non-magnetizable material, the barrier plate being provided on the lower part of a base portion of the main body of the auger type ice making device, an ice storage detector plate rotatably mounted about a shaft in the ice product reservoir in positional registration with the proximity switch and which is formed of a low heat capacity and low thermo-conductive material, a pair of inclined plate sections provided on an ice product receiving portion of the ice product storage detector plate, and an auxiliary detector plate formed of a magnetizable material and provided on the ice product storage detector plate so as to be normally parallel to the detective surface of the proximity switch.

Abstract: A novel suspended tilt switch method and apparatus for use in transporting bulk material and including a switch assembly having a plurality of parallel connected, position sensitive switch elements mounted in a predetermined configuration to provide normally open operation with actuation of the tilt switch by closing of the contacts of at least one switch element upon tilting of the switch structure in any direction from vertical to a predetermined actuation angle, and further a novel unitary tilt switch hanger which encases the electrical conductors extending from the switch to protect the conductors continuously from the switch to the connected controller.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for monitoring the volume of material loaded into a truck body. Apparatus is provided for sensing the volume of material held in the truck body and indicating, visually or audibly, when a predetermined volumetric loading has been accomplished. Such an indication informs the appropriate personnel that, if the material being loaded is of high density, loading should be stopped. Several different embodiments for the sensing apparatus are disclosed, one of which is a plurality of horizontal holes in the side of the truck body located at a level corresponding to the maximum loading level for a high density material. A cover plate is provided for covering these holes when not being used as a horizontal sight gauge for monitoring the volume level of the material being loaded. Each of the plurality of holes includes a mechanism for preventing material flow through the holes when the cover plate is lowered to expose them to view for use as a horizontal sight gauge.