Abstract: An ice detector for an ice making machine which includes an ice storage switch main body mounted to an inner ceiling wall of an ice reservoir and including a detecting switch, an ice product detecting lever pivotally mounted to a supporting shaft of main body and a stopper provided in reservoir for contacting with one end of the ice product detecting lever. The ice product detecting lever is held in a non-vertical position by the stopper. In the preferred embodiments, the stopper is integrally formed with the main body of the ice storage switch.

Abstract: A level control device is disclosed comprising a paddle on a rotary shaft projecting from a housing, a carrier disc coupled to the shaft and supporting a plurality of torque-transmitting levers having first arms engageable by drive pins or an apertured drive disc on an output shaft of an electric motor, an axially movable control plate biased toward the carrier by spring means which also cause the control plate to rotate with the carrier, the levers having second arms disposed between the carrier and the control plate for moving the control plate away from the carrier when the driving torque transmitted by the first arms increases due to increasing drag on the paddle caused by rising granular material coming into contact with the paddle, and a control switch operable by the movement of the control plate away from the carrier. The position of the switch is adjustable to provide a sensitivity adjustment. A slip clutch may be provided between the carrier and the paddle shaft.

Abstract: A volume detector for detecting the volume of powdery material in a container includes a roller having a fin and rotatably provided in the container for generating a periodic wavy motion of the powdery material so as to cause at least a portion of the powdery material to rise above and fall below a predetermined level. A level sensor is provided at the predetermined level in the container for producing high and low level signals, respectively, when at least a portion of the powdery material rises above and falls below the predetermined level. The signal produced from the level sensor is applied to a duty cycle detector for detecting the duty cycle of high level signal, thereby the duty cycle representing the volume of the powdery material.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the presence of granular material at a predetermined location in conduit adapted to contain the flow of granular material and in containers adapted to store granular material, wherein the upper portion of a sensing terminal is embedded in a protective housing. The protective housing has a material deflecting surface formed thereon and the lower portion of the sensing terminal protrudes from the protective housing opposite the material deflecting surface. The sensing terminal is adapted to exhibit a change in at least one of its electrical characteristics when the lower portion is in communication with granular material. Means are provided for mounting the protective housing and sensing terminal in a predetermined orientation relative to the container or conduit wall so that the flow of granular material is substantially diverted away from the lower portion of the sensing terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for monitoring and indicating the amount of material in a hopper or a bin includes self-test circuitry for automatically testing both a material level sensor and circuitry for storing the output signal generated by the sensor. During the normal operation of the monitoring apparatus, the value of the sensor output signal is compared with the values of predetermined maximum and minimum reference signals. If the sensor output signal is greater than the predetermined maximum value or less than the predetermined minimum value, the test circuit generates a failure indication to the operator of the apparatus. In order to test the sensor output signal storage circuitry, the test circuit disables the sensor and generates a simulated sensor output signal to the storage circuitry. The test circuit then compares the stored signal with the simulated signal and generates a failure indication if they are different.

Abstract: In order to provide an indication of the extent to which creosote has built up in a chimney, an accumulator on which creosote will also build up is held suspended in a chimney in a zone where a major creosote buildup is anticipated. The accumulator is so connected to a normally open switch in a signal circuit that its weight and that of a predetermined creosote deposit thereon will close the switch, a signal is then energized to warn that the chimney should be cleaned or at least inspected.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for identifying certain disabling abnormal conditions in an ice maker. The system includes a display panel having a pair of indicator lights and a push button switch, which when used together with a legend enables the operator to determine which particular abnormal condition needs correction.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and indicating the amount of material at a given level in a plurality of hoppers or bins includes a detector for sensing and indicating the build-up of the material on the side walls of the hoppers. A sensor positioned at each hopper senses the amount of material at the given level and generates a pulsed output signal which is accumulated over a predetermined time interval to represent the amount of the material at the given level in the hopper. The value of the accumulated output signal is compared with the values of first and second reference signals to generate "full" and "not full" indications respectively. Typically, the indications are a continuous "not full" light when the hopper is empty, a flashing "not full" light as the hopper is filled, a continuous "full" light when the hopper is full, and a flashing "full" light as the hopper is emptied.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring the depth of granular material in a container or on a carrier includes a unique probe tip and complementary apparatus, which includes a support, a positioning mechanism and a cleaner, to which the tip is fastened. The probe tip is comprised of an electrically conductive metallic strip having a metallic grid attached to one end and electrical connections at the opposite end for electrically connecting the strip to electronic equipment. The strip is enclosed in an electrically insulating sheath. A section of the sheath having a known surface area and thickness and contiguous with the metallic grid is filled with electrically conducting material. The ratio of the surface area of the section to its thickness is not less than about 20. The section has a thickness of not more than about 1.0 centimeter. The electrical resistivity of the section can be between about 0.1 and 10 megohms/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the level of material in a plurality of hoppers or bins includes a radiation source and sensor associated with each hopper. Each sensor generates an output signal representing the incidence of radiation passing through the material in the respective hopper. The sensor output signals are supplied to individual sample/hold circuits where they are temporarily stored. A central control circuit cyclically reads the stored signals from the sample/hold circuits and then generates a reset signal to clear the sample/hold circuits. The central control circuit compares the sum of the sensor output signals for each sensor over a predetermined time interval with at least one reference signal representing a predetermined material amount to generate a status signal for each hopper. A plurality of indicator circuits are responsive to respective condition of the status signals for visually and/or audibly indicating to an operator the status of the material level in the associated hopper.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating the level of flowable material in a storage bin comprising a motor rotatably suspended by a spring within a protective enclosure and a drive shaft coupled by a ball-and-detent clutch to a paddle disposed within the bin to engage material therein. When the material reaches the level of the paddle, the drag on the paddle causes the motor to rotate within the enclosure and thereby to activate a switch disposed within the enclosure and coupled to the motor. A spring returns the motor to the switch-deactivated position when the material level decreases and the consequent drag is removed from the paddle. Electronic circuitry disposed within the housing includes field-selectable fail-safe circuitry for indicating either a high or a low material condition in the event of a power failure or the like independently of actual material level.

Abstract: A powder level measurement probe is described for use in a polypropylene gas phase reactor. The apparatus comprises a support tube which extends downwardly from the upper end of the reactor and which has a non-metallic powder probe holder mounted on the lower end thereof. The holder is provided with upper and lower recessed areas formed therein. A metal proximity sensor is positioned in the upper recessed area and is operatively connected to a signal device such as a light or the like which is positioned remote from the reactor. A metal plate is movably positioned in the lower recessed area of the holder and has a probe secured thereto which extends downwardly therefrom which is adapted to be engaged by the powder within the reactor. Movement of the probe by the powder causes the metal proximity sensor to be activated which in turn activates the signal device connected thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a residual quantity of toner remaining in the supply hopper of a copying machine includes a piezoelectric vibrating element disposed in a wall of the hopper and having a surface normally positioned in contact with toner in the hopper, and an electronic circuit for causing vibration of the element at a predetermined frequency and for detecting changes in operating characteristics of the element as representative of a decrease in the amount of toner in the hopper to operate a warning device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for monitoring the flow of coal from a bunker through a conduit to a coal feeder. A radiation sensitive detector detects the amount of coal present at a zone of the conduit and generates a stream of pulses which is sampled at discrete sample intervals of time to determine whether the conduit zone is empty, partially filled or filled. If the conduit zone is partially filled, a partial alarm is generated, and a determination is made as to whether the conduit zone is empty. If the conduit zone is empty, an empty alarm is generated and the feeder is stopped after a predetermined amount of coal has been deposited on the feeder. If the conduit zone is partially filled and a shut-off valve between the bunker and conduit is closed, a coal build-up alarm is generated. If the conduit zone is filled and the profile of coal at the feeder is not at full profile, a coal hang-up alarm is generated.

Abstract: A device is described for detecting the level of the material within a container such as a hopper comprising a cord (18) for suspending a thimble (38) from a balance arm (22) which in turn is suspended through the intermediary of an inclination sensitive switch (26).Modifications are illustrated in which the cord is suspended through a sealed aperture in a lid (40).Another embodiment of the invention comprises a cord (66) for suspending a thimble (38) from a balance arm (62) which is balanced by means of an adjustable tension spring (68) and when pivoted so as to actuate a switch (76).

Abstract: Apparatus for and methods of remotely monitoring outputs of Geiger-Mueller tubes including cables for connecting individual Geiger-Mueller tubes to a central monitoring station wherein electronics for sensing the output of each tube is located at the central station rather than juxtaposed with each tube. The electronics are used to trigger individual alarms and a general alarm whenever radiation levels sensed by the Geiger-Mueller tubes pass a predetermined threshold. The apparatus and method are especially useful for monitoring levels of materials in hoppers, or the like, by sensing the impingement of or absence of beams of radiation on Geiger-Mueller tubes.

Abstract: A freely oscillating moving element (12-14-16), according to a radial axis with respect to the furnace wall (1) and having an inner appendix (12) deviated from the axis and with an outer counter-weight (16), can oscillate between two angular positions defined by pawls, towards the first of such positions said moving element is cyclically moved during the moving element lowering trajectory with the rotation of the furnace while towards the second angular position said moving element is cyclically moved during the moving element raising trajectory with the furnace rotation; said moving element can reach said second position only when the inner appendix (12) emerges from the material contained in the furnace.

Abstract: The storage level of ore, supplied by an overhead loader to a bin or pile in the form of large, dense, hard fragments, up to a foot or more in diameter, is measured and controlled by repetitively lowering a line carrying a weight, having a mass at least as great as the largest ore fragments, from above the stored mass to the surface of the stored mass and measuring the distance traveled by the weight. Feed of ore is automatically stopped when maximum allowable level of stored mass is detected. Measurement of ore level is accomplished by counting, during the lowering of the weight, the pulses generated by a pulse generator operated by the turning of a winch upon which the line is reeled. The contact of the lowered weight with the stored ore mass is detected by the slowing of the rate of pulse generation as the weight ceases falling under the influence of gravity and the winch therefore ceases turning.

Abstract: A shaft with a spiral blade is supported in a receptacle for receiving a developer removed from the surface of a photosensitive drum. The developer is conveyed toward a collection box during the rotation and movement of the shaft. When an excess load is applied to a screw shaft due to an overflow or blockage of the developer, the shaft is moved in a direction opposite to that in which the developer is conveyed, causing it to abut against a sensor to permit the sensor to be rendered ON.

Abstract: A water borne barge or other floating vessel is loaded automatically with flowable material from end-to-end with a proper predetermined level of material without dependency on inaccurate human observations. The automatic load-out is terminated with the vessel in a level plane. A material level sensor initiates fore and aft relative movement between the vessel and dockside material delivery equipment and the relative movement progresses until the vessel is loaded end-to-end. During the automatic load-out under control of the material level sensor, a vessel list or slope sensor monitors the degree of list in the fore and aft plane and generates an electrical signal proportional to the degree of list at any given moment. As the vessel load-out progresses, this signal will advance toward the level or null point and when such point is reached, the operation of the dockside material delivery equipment will be terminated automatically with the vessel completely loaded and in a level attitude.

Abstract: In a level control sensor switch mechanism mountable upon a bin containing bulk material of varying levels, a housing having a base which is mounted upon the bin wall and mounts a low-torque, low-speed electric motor having an output shaft which is coupled to a drive shaft journalled through the base, projects into the bin and mounts a paddle which is continuously rotatable when free of said bulk material, and is non-rotatable in said bulk material at a predetermined level thereof, stalling the motor. The improvement comprises an adjustment bracket upon the base mounting a torsion spring adapter. A stub on the motor axis is journalled within said adapter for limited rotary movement of the motor. A bracket secured to the motor projects from opposite sides thereof and is adapted for limited rotary movement with the motor in a plane at right angles to its axis. An adjustable time delay stop is mounted upon the adjustment bracket, retainingly engaging the motor bracket in a first position.

Abstract: A pivotable probe arm in a batch hopper automatically indicates when the hopper is empty, and in an alternate embodiment, also automatically closes the discharge opening when the hopper is empty.

Abstract: A device capable of sensing forces exerted by fluids, particularly liquids, and thus may be used to sense fluid level and fluid flow. Preferred embodiments of the device include a switch means capable of being actuated without the exertion of substantial mechanical force thereon and an elongated body of low mass mounted for pivotal movement about an end thereof with switch actuation means at an end thereof in operative relation to the switch means only when the axis of elongation of the body is aligned with the switch means. Features of the device provide reduced inertial effects and reduced gravitational force requirements, as well as reduced wear, in operation.

Abstract: In detecting the presence or absence of a developing agent or determining the residual amount thereof, at least one coil is arranged outside a developing agent container, so that a change in magnetic permeability caused by the presence or absence of a developing agent within the container or a change in the amount thereof can be detected as a change in the inductance of the coil.

Abstract: A toner residual amount detecting device for detecting a residual amount of toner in a toner hopper, comprises a capacitor section constructed of at least two electroconductive plates oppositely arranged in a toner-filled hopper, and an electric circuit portion adapted to detect a capacitance between the electroconductive plates which is varied according to a residual amount of toner in the toner hopper.

Abstract: A material sensing device comprising a flexible or collapsible tube with a light sensitive device therein which receives light through the tube from a spaced apart light emitting device. The signal from the light sensitive device is amplified and used to operate a silicon controlled rectifier that snap actuates a solenoid operated switch. The invention includes an amplifying circuit in which the amplifier is the load for the silicon controlled rectifier and a generally fixed bias is provided to the gate of the SCR with the result that the circuit automatically resets the SCR during normal operation.

Abstract: A seed level sensor for automatic seed planting apparatus is provided with connecting plugs for connecting the seed level sensor to electrical leads presently existing between a seed dispensing sensor and a seed planter monitor. The seed level sensor includes a switching device connected in one of the lines of the electrical leads between the seed dispensing sensor and the seed planter monitor and which interrupts the operation of the seed dispensing sensor when the level of seeds within the hopper is below a predetermined level. An indicator associated with the seed planter monitor is energized for a given period of time when seeds are below the predetermined level, to alert the operator that a low seed level exists in the hopper.