Abstract: A sensor device and method of employment is provided. More specifically, a sensor device adapted to detect, identify and/or measure a chemical and/or physical characteristic upon placement of the device into an environment, especially a liquid medium for which monitoring is sought is provided.

Abstract: A bathtub water level monitoring system for alerting a user upon acquisition of a pre-selected water level in a bathtub. The bathtub water level monitoring system includes a main unit adapted for attachment to an interior face of a bathtub, the main unit having a plurality of water sensors aligned along a lower portion of the main unit. The main unit further includes a transmitter and alarm system for producing an audible alarm upon the water sensors detecting a pre-determined water level. The system includes a remote alarm device for giving an audible alarm upon reception of a signal transmitted from the transmitter of the main unit.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a novel level switch which may be employed to detect liquid levels within a process vessel. The level switch of the present invention is self validating so that manual testing is not required in order to ensure proper operation and switch calibration. The switch of the present invention may be easily introduced into existing process vessel designs as a replacement for prior art level detection switches with minimal or no retrofitting effort being required. The self validating level switch of the present invention may be connected to a Safety Instrumented System (SIS) such that process control including process shutdowns to avoid overfilling and low-fluid conditions may be accomplished.

Abstract: A water activated release triggering mechanism is removably held to an exterior surface of a buckle housing and includes at least two probes and at least two batteries distributed between independent paths, for firing a squib. The distribution of batteries between independent paths precludes false firing from a single short with the body of the housing. The triggering mechanism is designed to be impervious to Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI) and to preclude false release in the presence of 20,000 volts of Electro Static Discharge (ESD). The triggering mechanism may be easily removed for servicing, replacement, or for upgrading. In one embodiment, the triggering mechanism causes the buckle to release in the same manner as during manual release.

Abstract: A mixed air amount alarm device is provided which determines the amount of air present in a hydraulic circuit between a hydraulic pressure source and an instrument driven by hydraulic pressure, and produces an alarm if the air amount is excessive, a situation is prevented in which an alarm is produced or not produced according to change of the air amount (volume) resulting from temperature change, and it is possible to stop an alarm if potential danger disappears and a safe state is recovered due to spontaneous release of air out of the hydraulic circuit. If the air amount is determined excessive, this is stored in a nonvolatile memory, and even if air amount excessiveness determination is not made at the next activation of the hydraulic device, the content of the nonvolatile memory is checked and an alarm is produced if air amount excessiveness determination has not been made before.

Abstract: A remote monitoring system for a mobile storage tank having a product container in which a remote telemetry unit gathers liquid level and head space pressure data and global position data. The remote telemetry unit effects a wireless transmission of a standard message structure containing the pressure and level data and the global position data. In addition, in case of a storage tank having a thermal shield fluid, pressure and level data for the shield fluid itself may also be in the standard data record as well as acceleration data from an accelerometer to indicate tank damage. If upset conditions of pressure and liquid level are reached in the thermal shield and/or product container, vapor may be vented in accordance with preset programming in order to attempt to reestablish liquid level and vapor pressure above set points.

Abstract: A flow sensor having an inlet and an outlet comprising: a plate moving in response to fluid flow therethrough, being displaced further as flow increases; a sensor for determining moving plate's position and creating an electronic signal related thereto; a biasing means for biasing the plate towards the sensor's inlet end. The sensor may include a sealing means for preventing flow therethrough until a specified differential pressure is reached allowing the device to be used as a bypass mechanism. The sealing means may also constitute a check valve means to prevent flow in an undesired direction.

Abstract: A method for detecting the ingress of liquid into an empty elongate hollow structure such as a support for an offshore platform which is at least in part submerged in a liquid. Sound is introduced into the structure by a sound generating device mounted within the hollow structure, the device comprising sound generating means and liquid detection means. When the liquid detection means detect an ingress of liquid into the structure, the sound generating means generate a sound in response to this detection. The generated sound propagates through the structure and sound is detected, and detection of the sound giving an indication of liquid ingress into the structure.

Abstract: A rain sensor and a method for installing a rain sensor are provided for a motor vehicle. The rain sensor includes a housing in which at least one printed circuit board is located and which has a light-conducting member, which at least partially closes the housing in the manner of a lid. A plate is located between the light-conducting member and the printed circuit board. During installation, the plate is partially punched through.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring the volume of a liquid in a fuel tank in a vehicle subject to varying external forces caused by movement or changes in the roll and pitch angles of the vehicle wherein the tank is mounted to the vehicle and subject to forces along the yaw axis of the vehicle. One or more tank load cells provides an output proportionally representing the load thereon. The load cells are placed between a portion of the tank and a portion of a reference surface of the vehicle and are sensitive along an axis that is substantially normal to the mounting surface and generally parallel to the yaw axis of the vehicle. A processor executes a derived relationship between the load cell output and the volume of fuel in the tank so as to convert the output signal from the load cell into output information representative of the volume of the fuel in the tank.

Abstract: A sensor for optical detection of foreign bodies, in particular raindrops, on a window, in particular on the windshield of a motor vehicle, having a sensor element that is coupled to the inside of the window and having a fastening device, which is glued to the window, wherein the housing part has a fastening part pivotably attached to it, which can be brought into engagement with the fastening device by the clamping tension.

Abstract: A monitor for monitoring presence or absence of a liquid product in a system for pumping the liquid product from a supply through tubing. A capacitive sensor is coupled to the outside of the tubing at a sensing location having an inlet and an outlet, the capacitive sensor being responsive to the presence or absence of the liquid product in the tubing. The tubing is selected from a material and having an inside diameter at the sensing location selected such that the tubing is substantially evacuated or substantially drains when the liquid product is substantially absent from the tubing preceding the sensing location but small enough so that the liquid product can be sensed by the capacitive sensor when the liquid product is substantially present in the supply.

Abstract: A battery powered water leak detector and audible alarm are held on a credit card sized plastic board that has sufficient unobstructed area for visible messages, such as advertising, to be printed of otherwise affixed thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus operable in a wet environment for detecting the presence or absence of water in a non-conductive vessel, by measuring changes in dielectric constant and detecting the temperature of water in same vessel. A conductive element coupled to a sensing and switching means, transmits data to the controller, resulting from a change of dielectric constant at the conductive element. A temperature sensor detects and transmits temperature signals to the controller. A controller means receives data, from the dielectric constant sensor means and temperature data from the temperature sensor. Includes a coupling means which transmits data from the controller to an external device. The isolation means electrically isolates the conductive element and temperature sensor means from the water contained in a non-conductive vessel.

Abstract: A smart fluid storage container assembly and methods of using the container assembly. The container assembly includes features that minimize the risk of degradation of any fluid or other material contained in the container, provide for monitoring of the conditions the fluid has and is being subjected to, and provide for storage of identifying information and other data with the container itself. The information accompanying the container can be used to identify the contents of the container and/or the proper storage and use of the material contained within the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure sealing device and a method for decreasing the cut-off frequency in such a pressure sealing device used in a radar level gauging system for gauging a filling level of a product kept in a container, the sealing device comprises a waveguide for feeding microwaves in at least one of the following mode types: transverse electric mode, transverse magnetic mode or hybrid mode. Said waveguide is sealed by a dielectric material. A center conductor is arranged at least partially within said dielectric material.

Abstract: Resonant decay sensors that determine a parameter based on the decay of acoustic standing waves in a tube. Parameters that can be determined include temperature, pressure, the level of a material in the tube, and the height of a material above an end of the tube. Resonant decay sensors can produce both point level and continuous level sensors. A vibration mount, such as a rubber ring, beneficially isolates an acoustic transducer from the body of the tube.

Abstract: A wireless gauge alert system including a near empty sensor, a near full sensor, a transmitter, a receiver, and an alert device used to monitor the fuel level status of a liquid fuel or pressure (vessel) tank having a measuring device with an output member and gauge. Upon detection of a predetermined near empty condition, the transmitter sends an encoded wireless alarm signal to the receiver. The alert device then generates a user notification signal. The receiver and alert device, which preferably comprise an LED, are held in a housing having a plug extending therefrom to mount the housing to an electrical socket in a high traffic area. An alternate alert system includes a receiver unit coupled with a computer that allows either the user or a vendor computer to monitor the status of the sensor and respond accordingly. Another alternate alert system includes multiple zone remote assemblies for installation on separate fuel tanks to be monitored.

Abstract: A high/low level alarm controller having ability to interface with level sensing equipment and instrumentation in a manner that isolates the controller from downstream components is presented. The controller accepts power, logic and transduced level inputs; output from the controller is available to drive relays, solenoid valves, motors, pumps, alarm horns, etc. The high/low level alarm controller is ideal for existing/retrofit applications and new installations alike.

Abstract: A recovery device (1) includes a container (11) for recovering pure solvent (10) A measuring device (12) includes a capacitive detector (13) which is provided to signal if the container (11) is not empty nor substantially empty when one tries to start operation of the recovering pure solvent (10).

Abstract: The moisture sensor and indicator for a wet pickup vacuum cleaner, more particularly a wet extraction type carpet cleaner, is positioned in the suction duct to sense when water droplets or moisture is traveling through the suction duct. An indicator is activated to indicate to the operator that water is being extracted from the carpet. The sensor may alternatively be located in the bottom of the floor-engaging portion where it contracts the floor. When the degree of moisture in the carpet exceeds a predetermined threshold an indicator is activated to indicate to the operator that the floor is still wet and to continue extracting moisture from the floor. Alternatively, the moisture sensor can be used as a safety device on a dry pickup vacuum cleaner. When moisture is detected within the suction duct, the motor-fan assembly of the dry pickup vacuum cleaner is disabled to prevent a potentially hazardous condition.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor for conductive liquids having a virtual bias ring to prevent false “full” indications. The sensor is an inexpensive conductive probe that can be installed in any tank or container used to contain a conductive liquid. The build up of residue such as conductive fluid that fails to drain on the inside of the container wall and probe pieces can cause a short between the probe and ground. This situation will result in falsely showing that the level of the liquid being measured is at least at the minimum predetermined requirement even though the actual level may be far less than that amount. The bias ring is a virtual “ring” that is provided around the insulating base of the sensing probe between the probe tip and the top inside of the tank. The probe is then given a charge (positive for negative ground systems) which interrupts the current path between the sensing tip of the probe and ground via the conducting residue.

Abstract: The invention comprises a sensor to detect submergence of an automobile, a control means for generating output signals, air bags, driving units for the air bags, and a unit for generating and broadcasting an emergency signal. The device according to the present invention further comprises an emergency switch driven by sensing that the automobile is not started by the key switch but forcibly started. According to the present invention, submergence of an automobile can be prevented and the human life can be protected, and also by the generation of an emergency signal in case of abnormal manipulation of a key due to a car theft and the like, the property can be protected.

Abstract: An oil tank sight glass monitor comprising a housing having an opening therein sized to receive the sight glass of an oil tank; an emitter for emitting a beam of light, the emitter being mounted to the housing on one side of the opening so that the beam of light is directed across the opening; a detector for detecting the beam of light generated by the emitter, the detector being mounted to the housing on the other side of the opening, in optical alignment with the emitter, so as to detect the beam of light emitted by the emitter; and an alarm for producing an audible sound when the detector fails to detect the beam of light generated by the emitter.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting parallel marketing of an item, include forming at least one of a coating and a code on the item, interrogating the at least one of the coating and said code, and determining from the interrogating whether the item has been transferred from an authorized merchant to an unauthorized merchant.

Abstract: A dispensing urn assembly (10, 10′) with a hollow body (12) with an interior surface for containing beverage (14) and a manually operable faucet (16) for selectively dispensing beverage (14) from the bottom of hollow body with an electronic status display assembly (50) controlled by a microcomputer (62) in response to a temperature probe (44), a level probe (42) and a timer reset switch (46) to provide graphic displays (64,68, 72), numerical displays (66,70, 74) of the temperature, quantity and time elapsed or remaining since the brewing of the beverage and light indication displays (55,57, 59) when preselected values are ahieved.

Abstract: A tubing installation checking device is provided for determining proper installation of a tubing along a tube receiving channel in a peristaltic pump of the type having a tube receiving channel and a door for holding a tubing therein. The tubing installation checking device includes a pressure sensor held in the peristaltic pump positioned along the tube receiving channel downstream from the pumping mechanism for sensing pressure in the tubing and for providing a signal representing the sensed pressure. A valve is provided held in the peristaltic pump along the tube receiving channel downstream from the pressure sensor for closing the tubing when it is installed in the tube receiving channel.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor apparatus and a method of using thereof for determining the level of a conductive liquid held within a container, wherein the container is subject to the accumulation of residue as a consequence of the conductive liquid contained therein. The liquid level sensor includes a sensor part which has a voltage; a ground connection having an electrical polarity; a circumferential ring having a bias voltage opposite in polarity to the ground connection and a voltage corresponding to that of the sensor attached around the sensor; a float which is buoyant on the conductive liquid; and a conductive tip attached to the top of the float, the conductive tip being conductive with the sensor end when in at least one predetermined position.

Abstract: A moisture monitoring device is provided having a resonant tag and a remote detector. The resonant tag comprises a plastic substrate having holes punched through it, a capacitor plate on one side that is connected to a second capacitor plate and inductor coils on the other side. The resonant tag comprises a live LC circuit having a natural resonant frequency that does not activate the detector. The resonant tag is affixed to absorbing materials in a diaper or other sanitary undergarment. Upon the introduction of moisture into the circuit, the resonant frequency is eliminated as the circuit is deactivated and an alarm in the detector is triggered. At this point it would be apparent to a parent or caretaker that the diaper is wet and in need of replacement.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of controlling a water supply of a washing machine, which naturally discharges the water within a detergent dissolving unit when the water level within the detergent dissolving unit is more than a designated water level so as to prevent the water within the detergent dissolving unit from overflowing, and warns of a clogging error in a water supply path when a number of times the water level within the detergent dissolving unit is more than a designated water level, is more than a designated number of times. Whether or not the water supply is provided is determined according to the number of times the water level within the detergent dissolving unit is more than the designated water level sensed by the water level sensor, thereby controlling a water supply action so as to stop the water supply only under abnormal conditions from supplying the water to a water tank, and improving a reliability of the apparatus.

Abstract: A portable liquid level detector. The detector comprises a portable casing, a power supply unit disposed in the portable casing, a sensing device coupled to the power supply unit to sense a capacitance within a container and to output a enable signal when a difference in the capacitance is detected, a light emission device coupled to the sensing unit that illuminates after receiving the enable signal, and an alarm device coupled to the sensing unit that sounds after receiving the enable signal.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the filling of a bag (10) comprises a resistor element to be mounted on the outside surface of the bag, the resistor element being a flexible potentiometer (20), the resistance whereof being changed by bending of the potentiometer due to increasing bulging of the bag wall under continuing filling of the bag. The flexible potentiometer can be connected to an alarm device (24) reacting at a predetermined resistance value of the resistor element.

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 water detection system for detecting water and activating an alarm is provided. The water detection system includes an alarm relay and a water sensor. The water sensor includes a solid state switching and amplifying circuit for detecting low levels of current flow and amplifying the signal to activate the alarm relay. In one embodiment, the water detection system further includes an alarm panel, including visual and audible alarms activated by the alarm relay. In one embodiment, the water detection system includes multiple water sensors for providing zone protection. In one embodiment, the alarm relay is configured to shut-down the device causing the presence of water. A method for implementation of the water detection system is also provided.

Abstract: An optical fuel level sensor for providing an electronic signal representative of the fuel level within a fuel tank, generally comprising a waveguide body, a photo source, and a photo receiver. The waveguide body can either be of a dual-tapered or single-taper shape and includes numerous tiered facets, which are angled surfaces located on the outer periphery of the waveguide. When the fuel level within the fuel tank is above a particular tiered facet, light that impinges that facet will refract out of the waveguide, conversely, when the fuel level is below that facet, impinging light will be reflected back into the waveguide such that it is received by the photo receiver. In this manner, the fuel level sensor is able to utilize the reflected light received by the photo receiver to provide an electronic signal representative of the fuel level. Furthermore, a calibration feature may be included which provides calibration information indicating when the fuel level has reached a known, predetermined level.

Abstract: A multiple hazard marker system consists of at least one multiple hazard marker, a deployment vehicle, a deployment surface and a deployment device for deploying the multiple hazard marker. The multiple hazard marker comprises a ground engaging portion, an upper portion and a central portion. The multiple hazard marker will remain erect when deployed and includes a visible marker for marking a position upon a field where deployed. The multiple hazard marker further has collapsible elements that expand upon deployment, a signaling device, a receiver for activating the signaling device and transmitter associated with the signaling device.

Abstract: The invention provides a self-monitoring residential appliance equipped with a control circuit included with appliance logic and also including a water detector communicatively coupled to the control circuit. The invention accordingly provides a cost effective solution that will allow a resident to prevent much of the damage previously faced as a result of water leaks and other appliance or fixture malfunction.

Abstract: An automatic detecting and prewarning system for medicine instiller mainly includes a clamp for easily clamping on a flow-indicating cylinder of the medicine instiller, detecting means of an electronic sensor type mounted on the clamp, alarm means connected to the detecting means via a conductor, and a drop carrier pivotally connected to a lever to locate in the flow-indicating cylinder below a medicine dropper. After a fixed number of drops or flow per minute is set for the medicine instiller and input to the alarm means, medicine drops fallen from the medicine dropper one by one impact on and reciprocatingly sway the drop carrier to intermittently cut off the detecting means as a control signal to the alarm means. When an abnormal number of drops or flow per minute continues for a preset time, the alarm means is automatically enabled to emit warnings.

Abstract: A device is for sensing and alarming absence of water in a home machine for manufacturing soybean milk, watery bean curd, and bean curd, which allows the home manufacturing machine to be operated only when the home manufacturing machine contains water; so as to prevent the machine from being operated by a user without water, thereby preventing the machine from getting damaged. The apparatus includes a plurality of components installed in a body. The device includes a ground electrode and a signal electrode electrically connected to two selected in the plurality of the components, respectively; a resistor connected to the signal electrode; a switching transistor connected to the resistor; a controller connected to the switching transistor for outputting a control signal for an alarm when the absence of the water is sensed; a resistor connected to the controller; a switching transistor connected to the resistor; and a buzzer is connected to the switching transistor.

Abstract: An on-vehicle flood alarm system is disclosed to install a water level sensor in the bottom side of the floor of the motor vehicle, which water level sensor works when the motor vehicle's ignition switch turned off, and sends a control signal to a microprocessor when the distance between the water level sensor and the level of water accumulated on the ground became shorter than a predetermined distance, which microprocessor drives a GSM communication device to give a flood alarm short message to the owner of the motor vehicle when continuously received the control signal ten times within two minutes. By means of the aforesaid performance, the on-vehicle flood alarm system informs the owner of the motor vehicle to take the necessary action at an early stage, preventing soaking of the motor vehicle in water and reducing the cost of repairing.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor for conductive liquids having a bias ring to prevent false “full” indications. The sensor is an inexpensive conductive probe that can be installed in any tank or container used to contain a conductive liquid. The build up of residue such as sludge on the inside of the container wall and probe pieces can cause a short between the probe and ground. This situation will result in falsely showing that the level of the liquid being measured is at least at the minimum predetermined requirement even though the actual level may be far less than that amount. The bias ring is a metal ring that is placed around the insulating base of the sensing probe between the probe tip and the top inside of the tank. The probe is then given a charge (positive for negative ground systems) which interrupts the current path between the sensing tip of the probe and ground via the conducting residue. Consequently, the sensor will read correctly despite the conductive residue that may be present.

Abstract: The fuel gage of the present invention uses a combination of (i) one or more load cells or fuel level measuring devices, plus in some cases other sensors which measure the pitch or roll angle of the vehicle or the fuel density, to approximately measure the quantity of the fuel in the tank and (ii) a processor and algorithm, which may be a look-up table or formulae, to correct for the inaccuracies arising from the pitch and roll angles of the vehicle, other external forces or from variations in fuel density. Although several weighing systems are disclosed for illustrative purposes, the invention applies to any method of making an approximate measurement of the fuel quantity (weight or volume) and then using analytical techniques to improve on the measurement.

Abstract: A novel arrangement of a capacitive oil level and temperature sensor specifically provided to be mounted to a drive axle housing of a motor vehicle, is disclosed. The sensor comprises an L-shaped hollow body allowing for a simple fit in current production axles. The L-shaped hollow housing of the oil level sensor comprises a pair of mutually perpendicular legs. A substantially vertically oriented first leg includes an oil level detecting capacitor and adapted to be at least partially immersed in an oil reservoir of the axle housing. An oil temperature detecting thermistor is also disposed within the sensor housing. A second leg is substantially horizontally extending from the axle housing and contains an electronic sensor circuitry electrically coupled to the oil level detecting capacitor and to the thermistor, and is adapted to generate oil level and temperature output signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a measuring device at recovery devices (1). The recovery device (1) comprises a container (11) for pure solvent (10). The measuring device (12) includes a capacitive detector (13) which is provided to signal if the container (11) is not empty nor substantially emtpy when one tries to start operation of the recovery device (1) for recovering pure solvent (10).

Abstract: A control system for maintaining the liquid levels in a plurality of reservoirs connected in series includes one or more nested control modules. The nested control module, one for each reservoir, includes a proportional only level controller in electrical communication with the respective level sensor of each respective reservoir and is adapted to produce an output that becomes a set point for one or more respective PID flow controllers adapted to control the respective outflows of said respective reservoirs. The control system results in maintaining liquid levels in the reservoirs while substantially eliminating flow and level oscillations.

Abstract: A wireless (e.g., radio) system and method for automatic water level maintenance of, e.g., a swimming pool utilizing capacitive liquid level sensing. A reference electrode allows water level sensing independent of the water chemistry or temperature. Capacitive electrodes having areas larger than the reference electrode sense various liquid levels when the liquid covers an area of any sensing electrode equal to the area of the reference electrode. Averaging is incorporated to filter out effects of wind or other disturbances. Upon sensing a given condition, the transmitter transmits a sensed condition to a remote receiver for control of valves and pumps for changing the water level in the pool. The receiver includes safety timers for filling and emptying to protect against equipment failure or communications faults. User selectable identification allows identical such radio systems to operate within proximity to each other. Power saving features are used to extend battery life.

Abstract: A sensing and measuring circuit, employing a positive-temperature-coefficient sensing device, for detecting the presence and approximately measuring the quantity or concentration of heat-absorptive substances such as water. May be used for sensing a quantity of rainfall or irrigation water, or for detecting and giving an alarm or initiating remediation for leakage of water, oil, or other fluids from confinement to an unauthorized location.

Abstract: A sensor and associated circuitry for sensing and reacting to the presence of a fluid or other material having heat capacity. A positive-temperature-coefficient device initiates a switching step when the amount of heat-capacity material reaches a certain level, or is totally absent. The switching step may trigger an alarm or control circuit to rectify the fluid level.

Abstract: A wireless liquid sensing system includes a beverage container and a table top for holding the container. Embedded in the walls and bottom of the container are two electrically conductive plates coupled to a transponder wire coil. A reader radiates an RF signal at a predetermined frequency through a reader antenna. A microprocessor, also coupled to the transponder coil and the two plates, is powered by a rectifier circuit that gains power from then radiated RF signal. The microprocessor amplitude modulates the RF signal in accordance with the amount of liquid in the container. The reader can then detect this modulation with a peak detector to sense the amount of the substance in the container when the transponder antenna is inductively coupled to the reader antenna at the predetermined frequency.

Abstract: An oscillating element, particularly for a level sensor, comprises an oscillating diaphragm (3), a stack of piezoelectric elements (6, 7), and a tie bolt (4) connected to the diaphragm (3) for pressing the piezoelectric elements (6, 7) against the diaphragm (3). The tie bolt (4) forms a single piece with the diaphragm (3).