Abstract: The alarm system is capable of detecting both conductive and non-conductive liquid level increases, designed for indoor operation, and ideally suited for detecting basement flooding or leaky domestic steel oil tanks or other fluid containment devices. A float, positioned above any surface such as a contained area (sump or drip pan), rises with the presence of a liquid, allowing a spring-loaded switch to rise, triggering a 9-volt powered battery electric circuit. The electric circuit, enclosed in a plastic enclosure, activates an audible pulsating alarm when triggered. A battery voltage monitor incorporated in the electric circuit, tests the battery voltage on a continuous bases, and will trigger the unit into the alarm mode when the battery voltage is insufficient to sustain continuous operation. A simple convenient self check feature allows the user to simply check the unit at any time.

Abstract: The inexpensive sensor detects a low oil or no oil condition in an internal combustion engine and shuts down the engine. The sensor includes two inductors having different resistances disposed in a sensing bridge. The inductors are heated by a steady low voltage. A periodic higher voltage is applied to the inductors by means of a power winding disposed on the same frame as the ignition coil. When at least one of the inductors is disposed in air and not in oil, an imbalance is created in the sensing circuit that is used to short out the ignition primary. Alternatively, the sensor can be used to provide a visual or audible indication of a low oil level without stopping the engine.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor intended to be placed in a tank or sump. The Sensor includes a displacer attached to one side of an elastic plate and an optical shutter blade attached to the other side. The shutter blade contains an aperture. When the displacer is not in contact with the liquid whose level is to be measured, the aperture is positioned on the optical axis of an optoelectronic slot switch, allowing radiant energy from the emitter in the switch to irradiate the sensor in the switch. When the displacer is immersed in the liquid, a moment force is created that deforms the plate, causing the aperture to move off of the switch optical axis and the shutter blade to block the radiant energy. The elastic plate constitutes part of one surface of a liquid-tight housing. The shutter and slot switch are located inside the housing.

Abstract: A fluid level indicator (22) indicating the level of a fluid (14) in a chamber (12) having a piston (16) is disclosed. The fluid level indicator (12) has a housing (24) that is positioned adjacent to the chamber (12). A plurality of magnetic pins (28, 38) are moveably disposed within the housing (24). The magnetic pins (28, 38) have a first position and a second position. At least one of the magnetic pins (38) shifts from the first position to the second position when the piston (16) is aligned therewith, thereby indicating the position of the piston (16) within the chamber (12) and indicating the level of fluid (14) within the chamber (12).

Abstract: A water activated power supply for signaling a control device of a detection of a body of water or other ionized liquid, and for triggering a bistate device upon the detection of a body of water or other ionized liquid. The water activated power supply comprises a power source, and a buffering circuit. The power source is operable to generate a first electrical power. The buffering circuit includes a buffer operable to provide a second electrical power. The buffering circuit further includes a water activated switch to conduct a portion of the first electrical power to the buffer when a body of water contacts the water activated switch. The buffer provides the second electrical power in response to the portion of the first electrical power. The buffer further isolates the power source from any external load device, e.g.

Abstract: A tank level monitoring and alarm system comprises a passive level switch, a transmitter, a repeater, and a receiver. It provides easy installation, convenient calibration, and very low maintenance. A mechanical level switch for the specific vessel is installed. The contacts of the level switch are connected to the transmitter. When the switch is activated, the transmitter immediately broadcasts an alarm signal to the receiver. A relay output at the receiver is either opened or closed thus activating the alarm or other device attached to it. The relay output may also connect to a control apparatus, such as a signal transmitter to provide for remote operation of such devices as valves.

Abstract: A liquid level monitoring and control apparatus is described, which generates an alarm signal or a safety signal, discontinuing an operation such as heating, when the liquid level in a controlled vessel has reached a predetermined level. Several signals, similar or different, may be generated at different liquid levels. The operation of the. apparatus may be based on various physical properties, such as optical, magnetic, acoustic, electrical and conductivity properties. The apparatus comprises a floating actuator, the level of which is determined by the level of the liquid in the vessel, a sensing assembly comprising at least a member which can be actuated by the actuator, means for guiding the vertical displacement of the actuator and means for issuing the desired signal or signals when the actuator reaches a level close to that of the actuatable member. The actuatable member can be displaced to set the predetermined level of the liquid as desired by the user.

Abstract: The invention is an oil-water detection device for monitoring the presence of water in a container. The device consists of a probe having two thin strips of sheeting within a fiberglass circuit board for sensing the presence of water in a container and generating a signal dependent on the presence of water, a divide counter and Stamp II micro-processor and an accessory communications link connected to the micro-processor. A power supply is also provided. The detection device can differentiate between oil and water and will not be activated merely by the presence of oil on the water.

Abstract: Provided is a concentrated replenisher automatic diluting apparatus and method that can easily and accurately dilute concentrated replenishers and that can set the amount of agents included in the replenishers supplied to processing tanks to ideal values in a system where a variety of concentrated replenishers are supplied from a processing agent kit at the same time and the concentrated replenishers are diluted. When a liquid level detector of one of replenisher tanks detects that a replenisher held in the replenisher tank has reached a lower limit level, predetermined amounts of different kinds of concentrated replenishers are supplied to the replenisher tanks from a replenishing agent kit. Water is supplied to the replenisher tanks through a wash pump and a wash valve in order to dilute the concentrated replenishers.

Abstract: Alarms for testing sensors, particularly those used in fire-suppression systems, are described. In one aspect of the invention, the alarm includes an audio and/or a visual indicator operably coupled to the housing of a sensor. The audio indicator may be a speaker that beeps when the sensor is activated. The visual indicator may be one or more LEDs that are illuminated when the sensor is activated. The alarm also can be used to determine whether power and ground conductors extending to the sensor are properly connected. Additionally the alarm can be used to determine whether one or more conductors extending from the sensor to the control panel are properly connected. Certain applications of the invention are intended primarily for use with existing fire-suppression-systems. The invention also can be employed in new fire-suppression system installations using a dry-contact circuit embodiment of the invention (FIG. 5).

Abstract: A drip annunciator comprises a main body and a needle bottle capable of inserting into a drip bottle for outputting liquid. A buoyancy body is received in the needle bottle, which may move with the liquid level. The bottom of the buoyancy body is installed with a magnet and a magnetic sensor on a control rod at the lower side thereof. Thus, as the liquid level within the drip bottle has descended to a predetermined position, the magnet will actuate the magnetic sensor to be electrically conducted, and then the buzzer at another side emits an alarm or lights up an alarm light so inform one to update the liquid therewithin. Meanwhile, a rolling ball will seal the liquid opening to prevent air to flow inwards so as to safeguard the life of a patient. Besides, another soft tube can be disposed between the liquid transferring tube and the needle bottle, and an adjusting wheel and a screw rod screwedly through the central screw hole and having a tightening block are installed aside.

Abstract: A liquid supplying device comprising a liquid container for storing a liquid so as to supply an external device and a liquid level sensor for detecting the liquid level. As the liquid within the liquid container is gradually used up, liquid level drops. As soon as the remaining liquid in the container drops to a predetermined amount, the liquid level sensor emits a warning signal to the operator, and the operator can then replenish the liquid in the container.

Abstract: An alarm apparatus is provided for a bathtub and includes a suction cup for attaching to a wall of the bathtub. An alarm housing is attached to a top portion of the suction cup. An alarm system is housed within the alarm housing. A float assembly is supported by the alarm housing for activating the alarm system. To use the alarm apparatus of the invention in a bathtub, the suction cup is applied to a wall of the bathtub approximately at a desired height on the wall. Water is added to the bathtub, and when the water level lifts the float assembly a sufficient amount, the alarm system is activated and sounds a warning alarm. The alarm system includes a battery power source, a sounder assembly electrically connected to the battery power source, a manually operated on-off switch assembly electrically connected to the sounder assembly, and a pair of float-responsive switch contacts.

Abstract: The Automatic Shutoff Overflow Controller comprises a circuit which engages between a source of power and a water processing device, the controller, sensing an undesirably high water level in the device, shutting off the device and producing an audible warning that such condition exists.

Abstract: A bathtub water level warning device for activating an audible and/or visible warning indicator when the water level in a bathtub approximately reaches a predetermined level, comprising a watertight case including a float element, a tubular stem element and a tubular pivot element. The alarm device is an independent device which floats free of the bathtub upon the bathtub reaching a filled condition, therefore allowing removal or inclusion of the device in a bathtub as desired by a user, such as during filling only. The alarm device includes a power source, a gravity switch, and an audible and/or visible warning indicator is internally mounted in the alarm device. Gravity causes the switch to close when the alarm device is in a substantially vertical orientation.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated float switch for turning on and off an electrical load device which includes a mounting member, a moveable bracket member which is attached to the mounting member and which is moveable between a first bracket position and a second bracket position by an external force. The moveable bracket member further has a first magnetic end and a second magnetic end which define a space therebetween. The first magnetic end and second magnetic end are oriented in a repelling arrangement. Insertion of a magnet in the space between the magnetic ends of the bracket results in the moveable bracket being moved from the first position to the second position. The moveable bracket member is operatively arranged to change the state of a switch between a first and second state. The switch is in turn operably arranged to change the state of an electrical load device between an on state and an off state.

Abstract: The alarm mechanism of the invention signals the absence of a liquid from a source of aqueous liquid. The alarm mechanism comprises an alarm body having an inlet port and an outlet port; the inlet port in liquid communication with a source of liquid, the outlet port in liquid communication with a use locus. The alarm mechanism additionally comprises a float chamber placed in liquid parallel communication with the inlet port and the outlet port. The float chamber contains a float operably connected to a mechanical alarm. The float, as the chamber is emptied of liquid, reaches a position wherein a "low or empty product" signal is generated. The apparatus operates by passing liquid through the body. As liquid in the source of liquid is depleted and is no longer available for passage through the body, the body becomes emptied of liquid as the source of pressure removes liquid from the body and particularly from the chamber causing the float to reach a position generating a signal.

Abstract: A gas turbine includes a compressor for compressing air and discharging compressed air. A combustor produces a hot gas by burning a fuel having a quality level in the compressed air. A turbine expands the hot gas produced by the combustor. A fuel delivery system delivers the fuel to the combustor. A fuel quality sensor senses the quality level of the fuel which is delivered to the combustor. A control and monitoring system stops delivery of the fuel as a function of the quality level, and stores a history of the quality level.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring a user in a user living area. The system includes a system controller and an activity detection subsystem. The activity detection subsystem monitors a daily living activity of the user and provides information representative of the daily living activity to the system controller. The system controller includes a control circuit which generates a control signal in response to the daily living activity information obtained by the activity detection subsystem. Control information from the system controller is applied by way of a control information communication channel both to the activity detection subsystem and to a remote monitoring site. The activity detection subsystem may be a system for determining the movement of the user around the home, medication compliance by the user, problems with usage of stoves or other potentially dangerous appliances, and selected auxiliary appliances.

Abstract: A Christmas tree stand includes a substantially bowl shaped base component having a bottom wall, a continuous side wall depending therefrom and an open top in communication with an interior chamber. A fixed plate is vertically disposed within the interior chamber against which a tree trunk is placed. A pair of pneumatic telescoping arms are secured to the base component and extend into the interior chamber each having an engagement plate at a distal end. The telescoping arms are actuated with a foot pump in communication therewith allowing a user to conveniently thrust the engagement plates against the opposing portion of the tree trunk to secure the tree therein. The device also includes a fire alarm means and a water level sensing means.

Abstract: A flow detector includes solid state delay circuitry coupled to a flow indicating device. In response to flow being indicated, the delay circuitry is enabled. After a preset delay interval, if flow is still being indicated, electrical energy can be provided by a short circuit to an output device for the duration of indicated flow. The flow indicating device can be a two-state mechanical switch. A short circuit supplying switch can be implemented as a solid state or mechanical latching relay. The flow detector circuits can be used independently to provide local alarms. Alternately they can provide alarm indicating signals to a common alarm control panel.

Abstract: The tree or plant watering system includes: an ornament in the shape of a head of creature having an upper head shaped portion, hingedly connected to a lower liquid receptacle receiving portion; structure for mounting the ornament on a tree or plant; a tubing extending from the lower receptacle portion of the ornament to and into a container for holding liquid and for holding the base of the tree or plant; a liquid level sensor mounted in the container or on the tubing in the container and being electrically connected to an alert associated with or mounted in or on the ornament; and the alert being actuated or conversely de-actuated when the liquid in the container falls below a pre-determined level to indicate that the tree or plant needs to be watered and/or when the liquid in the container rises above a pre-determined level to indicate that watering should cease.

Abstract: A new leak collection and supply shut off system for closing off the supply of water and energy to a water heater in the event of a leak. The inventive device is designed for use with a water heater that has a tank, a water inlet pipe, a water outlet pipe, and an energy supply line. The leak collection and supply shut off system comprises a container that is adapted for positioning under a water heater and holding water. The container has a base, a sidewall, and an open top. A water valve closes the water inlet pipe of the water heater when the level of water in the container is equal to or greater than a predetermined level. An energy shut off device closes the energy supply line of the water heater when the level of water in the container is equal to or greater than the predetermined level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a time domain reflectometry (TDR) signal having a plurality of reflection pulses to generate a valid output result corresponding to a process variable for a material in a vessel. The method includes the steps of determining an initial reference signal along a probe, storing the initial reference signal as an active reference signal, periodically detecting a TDR signal along the probe in the vessel, and computing the output result using the TDR signal and the active reference signal. The method also includes the steps of determining an appropriate time for updating the active reference signal, automatically computing an updated reference signal at the appropriate time, and overwriting the active reference signal with the updated reference signal for use in subsequent computations of the output result.

Abstract: The present invention provides pre-transaction estimates of the amount of fuel required to fill a vehicle's tank along with the estimated total cost of filling the vehicle's tank. The invention includes a vehicle-mounted transponder operatively associated with a vehicle control system or, at a minimum, the vehicle's fuel tank in a manner wherein the transponder is able to receive or determine information relating to fuel tank ullage. The ullage information may include the amount of fuel required to fill the tank, tank size and/or the quantity of fuel remaining in the tank. An interrogator at the fuel dispenser will interrogate the transponder and receive the available ullage information from the vehicle. An associated control system will evaluate the ullage information to determine the amount of fuel required to fill the vehicle and, optionally, calculate the total cost to be incurred if the vehicle is filled.

Abstract: The process for generating at least one warning signal relating to the level in a tank (3) for storing a product (4) comprises the following steps:the storage level of the product in the tank, together with the values of the product quantity consumed during predefined time intervals are determined,these values are placed in memory together with the associated measurement instants,at other successive instantsthe values placed in memory of the product quantity consumed are used to calculate a value of the estimated quantity of product which will be consumed in the future,this estimated value is subtracted from the last measurement value so as to obtain an estimated value of the storage level at a future instant,this estimated value of the storage level is compared with a preset threshold, anda warning signal is generated if the estimated value is less than the preset threshold.

Abstract: A monitor for detecting overheating of a critical component in a combustion turbine is provided. The monitor, when used in conjunction with a closed-loop cooling system, comprises a coating comprising an indicator material having an activation temperature. The coating is situated on the internal cooling passages of the critical component. The monitor further comprises a sensor connected to an outlet conduit of the cooling system for determining the amount of degradation of indicator material by monitoring the cooling fluid flowing through the outlet conduit. Embodiments further comprising "sniffer" tubes for use with open-loop air cooling systems also are provided.

Abstract: A device and method for sensing fluid characteristics, including, temperature, pH and chemistry, comprises a switch affixed to or embedded in a container of a size, shape and density such that said container floats stable in said liquid sensors which measure and report other characteristics of the liquid, such as temperature, pH, viscosity, chemistry or biochemistry.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for optical sensing of liquid level in cooking vessels are disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a first sensor (P1) for detecting a liquid and generating a first signal indicating a vessel level of the detected liquid above a desired liquid level (110) in the cooking vessel (102); a second sensor (P2) for detecting the liquid and generating a second signal indicating the vessel level of the detected liquid below the desired liquid level (110) in the cooking vessel (102); a third sensor (P3) for detecting the liquid and generating a third signal indicating the vessel level of the detected liquid (110) at the bottom of the cooking vessel (102); and a controller (108) for receiving the signals and for determining the vessel level in the cooking vessel (102).

Abstract: The invention provides a software tool in a PC environment, which can be used for planing and analyzing a mission of communication satellite. Input data required for predicting and estimating the amount of fuel remaining in the satellite is automatically connected to the main program, to create the remaining fuel quantity value in the result file automatically. The invention allows the satellite operator to easily perform the computation of the remaining fuel quantity in the analysis of satellite mission, and to arrange related data.

Abstract: Described herein is an alarm system for use with a `bag-in-box` arrangement (10) which is used to collect effluent from a processing apparatus (20). The alarm system comprises a chamber (50) located between the processing apparatus (20) and the `bag-in-box` arrangement (10) which includes a level sensor (52) which indicates that the `bag-in-box` arrangement (10) has been overfilled by a predetermined amount and is ready for changing.

Abstract: A bathing basin monitoring system is provided including a housing with a couple adapted for securing to a bathing basin. A speaker is mounted on the housing for emitting audio signals. Also included is a moisture/temperature sensor assembly having a moisture sensor positioned at a desired water line for generating an activation signal upon the detection of water and a temperature sensor for generating a temperature signal indicative of a temperature. At least one display is mounted on the housing for depicting numeric characters. A controller is positioned within the housing and connected to the speaker and sensors of the moisture/temperature sensor assembly. The controller serves to display a current temperature detected by the temperature sensor on the display and emit an alarm from the speaker upon the receipt of the activation signal.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor for reducing and monitoring liquid level in a vessel, such as a heated pot or kettle is provided. The sensor issues a signal when the liquid level drops to a level below its predetermined level. The signal may initiate an audio or visual alarm, or may stop the action causing the liquid level to drop.

Abstract: A water level detecting and alarm system for informing a user when a water level within a bathtub has risen to or above a desired level. The system includes a housing having an opening at one end forming a lower lumen and a closed end opposite thereof. A securing means is attached to a side of the housing for adjustably securing to an interior surface of the bathtub corresponding to desirable water level. A partition within the housing is oriented traverse to a longitudinal axis of the housing. A tube projects in and through the partition coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the housing. A shaft has a flanged end and a lower end, and slidably projects through the tube. A float slidably projecting in the lower lumen of the housing for having a latitude similar to the water level within the bathtub. The float is secured to the lower end of the shaft for elevating and descending the shaft in a manner corresponding to the water level.

Abstract: An electronic pump switching system comprises a water sensor coupled to a comparator which generates an output signal when water is sensed. The comparator output is coupled to a timer, which is initiated for a predetermined period by the comparator output signal. The timer is coupled to a switch which activates a coupled device, such as a pump, for the predetermined period. The continued presence of water at the sensor at the end of a predetermined period causes the timer to time a new predetermined period, whereby the coupled device remains activated. The sensor may be formed from a pair of electrodes arrayed as a voltage divider. The voltage divider action may additionally serve as a discriminator, allowing timer operation to be tied to the detection of water, as opposed to petroleum products, such as fuel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a remaining fuel alarm for a vehicular fuel-combustion heater, comprising a thermistor for detecting whether or not a predetermined amount of fuel is stored in a fuel tank, a remaining fuel alarm lamp for displaying the fact that a remaining amount of fuel in the fuel tank is not more than a predetermined amount, and a relay for enabling the remaining fuel alarm lamp to operate only when a signal to request operation of a fuel-combustion heater is inputted.

Abstract: A tank display system for a tank filled with fuel, the tank being divided into a main tank and a supplementary tank, has a level limit switch which responds when the main tank is almost empty. If the switch gives off a signal, then a valve is opened, allowing fuel to flow from the supplementary tank into a flood cup of the main tank. Furthermore, this signal activates a unit for detection of fuel consumption, which unit calculates the remaining volume of fuel in the supplementary tank, which volume decreases as a result of the consumption of fuel. As starting volume for the calculation, the completely filled supplementary tank is used. The precise remaining volume of fuel is displayed.

Abstract: A liquid level alarm system is activated when liquid in a container falls below a predetermined level. The system contains an alarm located outside the container. The alarm is electrically connected to a switching device. The switching device may have a push-down button located on the top, an "on-off" switch located on the side, or a sliding switch located on the side. When the switch is pushed down, the switching device activates the alarm. The container has a vertically positioned rod adjacent the switching device. There is a float slidably connected to the rod by a connecting rod and hook. The float rises and falls with the level of the liquid. On the side of the rod opposite the float there is a switch contact which makes contact with the switch when the level of the liquid falls below a predetermined level and the float is no longer supported by the liquid.

Abstract: The alarm mechanism of the invention signals the absence of a liquid from a source of aqueous liquid. The alarm mechanism comprises an alarm body having an inlet port and an outlet port; the inlet port in liquid communication with a source of liquid, the outlet port in liquid communication with a use locus. The alarm mechanism additionally comprises a float chamber placed in liquid parallel communication with the inlet port and the outlet port. The float chamber containing a float operably connected to an alarm. The float, when a chamber is filled with fluid, disables the switch from generating a signal. The float, as the chamber is emptied of liquid, reaches a position and is detected energizing the switch to send a "low or empty product" signal. The apparatus operates by passing liquid through the body.

Abstract: A system for indicating the level of a liquid in a container is operable with either an analog type liquid level sensor producing an output signal which varies linearly in magnitude with the level of liquid, or a digital liquid level sensor producing a cyclic pulse width modulated signal which varies in duration according to the liquid level. One or the other type sensor is connected to an analog wire and a microprocessor is programmed to detect positive and negative going edges of pulses on the wire and generate values representing the duration of the pulses. If pulse edges are detected, the microprocessor uses the generated values representing the duration of the pulses to access a conversion table and obtain a multi-bit value for energizing the display. If no pulse edges are detected, the magnitude of the signal on the analog wire is converted to an equivalent digital value which is applied to a second conversion table to derive a multi-bit value for energizing the display.

Abstract: A DC powered water/moisture monitor suitable for use in combination with a Christmas tree stand to detect a low water/moisture level is provided. The alarm device set forth has application in many other fields including farmland moisture monitoring, house plant, soil moisture monitoring, water tank level monitoring inter alia. The device includes an alarm, a casing, electronic circuitry and sensors/probes/electrodes for detecting moisture/water. The unit is an integral unit and combines all of these features in a one-piece waterproof assembly. The arrangement is, therefore, portable and can be readily employed in a variety of different environments.

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

Abstract: A hose capable of carrying current to an indicator which provides external warning of imminent failure, or leak, due to wear occurring within the hose. The hose consists of an internal (primary) hose which is surrounded by an external (secondary) hose. Positioned in the annulus between the two hoses are two non-contacting electrical wires. At a point, the two electrical wires extend beyond and outside of the hoses. The protruding wires attach to a low voltage power source and to a hose failure indicator, or alarm, in series. When the internal (primary) hose fails, the fluid inside the hose escapes into the annulus between the primary and secondary hoses, making contact with the two electrical leads. This closes the circuit, thereby activating the external indicator, which may be a light or an audible signal or some other type of alarm. The external (secondary) hose is designed to withstand normal operating stress for a reasonable amount of operating hours until the hose can be replaced.

Abstract: A fail-safe fluid transfer control apparatus has full redundancy in the response to various inputs such as overfill probe signals, ground detection signals, and the like. Independent microprocessor controllers independently evaluate the inputs and each output control signals to close a respective relay when the inputs indicate that fluid transfer may commence. The relays are arranged in series such that both must be closed for a fluid transfer to commence. The control signals from each controller include a static signal and an alternating signal, both of which must be properly output to close its respective relay. Each controller monitors the state of each relay, and discontinues its control signals if either relay appears to be malfunctioning. Each controller runs an different, independently written firmware program to process the detected inputs to prevent a common firmware error.

Abstract: A time-dependent piecewise linear signal generating circuit includes a first circuit responsive to a trigger signal to provide a number of time region signals each corresponding to a separate predefined time window of the piecewise linear signal, and a second circuit responsive to some of the time region signals to produce slope signals corresponding thereto, wherein each of the slope signals define a slope of the piecewise linear signal during a respective one of the time windows. A third circuit is responsive to the slope signals and the time region signals to produce the piecewise linear signal.

Abstract: A liquid level alarm system is activated when liquid in a container falls below a predetermined level. The system contains an alarm located outside the container. The alarm is electrically connected to a switching device. The switching device may have a push-down button located on the top, an "on-off" switch located on the side, or a sliding switch located on the side. When the switch is pushed down, the switching device activates the alarm. In one embodiment, the container has a vertically positioned rod adjacent the switching device. There is a float slidably connected to the rod by a connecting rod and hook. The float rises and falls with the level of the liquid. On the side of the rod opposite the float there is a switch contact which makes contact with the switch when the level of the liquid falls below a predetermined level and the float is no longer supported by the liquid.

Abstract: A probe rod is provided with sensor housings, pipe sections, and joint sleeves all having a common outer diameter. The sensor housings and joint sleeves are threadably connected to the various pipe sections. The threadable connections have a double seal using an O-ring and threading paste that ensure a gas tight seal while being easy to assemble. Pressure and temperature sensors are mounted within the sensor housings. Output leads from the sensors are threaded through the pipe sections and through throughways in the sensor housings and joint sleeves to a circuitry box mounted on the top of the probe rod. The circuitry box contains electronics for processing signals generated by the sensors and for transmitting the results to a remote location.

Abstract: A liquid level detection apparatus has an outer semi-rigid, flexible tube closely surrounding an inner, non-permeable tube containing a magnetostrictive wire. The outer tube prevents collapse of the inner tube during bending and flexing of the inner tube to enable the inner tube to be bent or coiled during storage, shipping, and installation.

Abstract: A high-sensitivity capacitive oil deterioration and level sensor includes a conductive housing member with an inner surface defining a ground electrode and conductive inner member with an outer surface defining a measuring electrode. The housing member is adapted to provide a fluidic connection between an oil container and a gap between the ground electrode and the measuring electrode. The sensor also includes electronics adapted to employ this capacitor geometry to generate signals indicative of a degree of deterioration and a level of the oil within the gap.

Abstract: A fueling system composed of plurality of fueling units; a control unit mainly for controlling signals transmitted from the fueling units, settling accounts, and indicating fueling states indoors; and an outdoor fueling state indicator for indicating fueling states outdoors by receiving signals from the control unit.