Abstract: An integrated control module for connection to a fuel-water separator for controlling the drainage of water from the fuel-water separator includes a water-in-fuel sensor having a pair of spaced-apart probes, a drain valve whose open or closed condition is controlled by a solenoid, an electrical connector for receiving input power and a control circuit arranged with first and second circuit portions which cooperate so as to control the energizing of the solenoid and thus the opening or closing of the drain valve based on the resistance between the pair of spaced-apart probes. The integrated control module is designed to attach to either a sidewall or a base of the fuel-water separator so that the probes extend into the interior of the fuel-water separator into a region where separated water accumulates. The resistance between the probes is then used as a means for sensing an average probe voltage which in turn determines the state of the solenoid.

Abstract: A soil moisture monitoring apparatus, system and method for monitoring the soil moisture content of a given volume of soil in which a plant is growing are provided. The apparatus, system and method allow a plant caretaker to be alerted when the soil moisture content in the soil drops below a pre-determined level. When the soil moisture content drops below a predetermined level, an audible signal may be generated alerting the plant caretaker of the need to add water. The audible signal generated generally corresponds to a recognizable sound that a creature embodied by a creature-shaped housing makes in nature. The creature-shaped housing containing the audible signal generator mechanism may be placed around or attached to the plant such that the audible signal may be readily heard and the creature-shaped housing is visible.

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: A flow control device for a toilet to prevent flooding upon obstructing of a waste outlet of a toilet bowl. The device includes at least one sensor assembly mounted on a rim of a bowl of a toilet or urinal to hold the sensor assembly in a predetermined position within the bowl. If water bridges contacts on the at least one sensor assembly, an electrical circuit is completed, and a solenoid is actuated to close a normally opened valve to shut off running water to the water tank of the toilet. A power source and a valve open alarm system are electrically connected to the at least one sensor assembly and the solenoid actuated valve.

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: The present invention discloses an automated processing liquid drain system that utilizes a series of processing liquid drain tanks and at least two waste collection tanks that are in fluid communication with the processing liquid drain tanks such that when a high liquid level sensor mounted on the drain tank is activated, the spent processing liquid collected from processing machines can be transferred to one of the waste collection tanks and thus preventing overflow in the processing liquid drain tanks.

Abstract: An arrangement for establishing and/or monitoring a predetermined filling level is described, in which a fixed phase difference (.DELTA..phi..sub.R), which is independent of the oscillation quality of the arrangement, exists between a transmission signal and a reception signal (E) at the resonant frequency of the mechanical oscillatory structure. This arrangement comprises a mechanical oscillatory structure (1) at least one transmitter (3), which excites the oscillatory structure (1) to produce oscillations, and two piezoelectric elements as receivers (24a, 24b). In accordance with a first variant, a first signal line (241a) of the first receiver (24a) is connected to an electrode which is arranged on a surface which bounds the first receiver (24a) in a direction opposite to its polarization. A second signal line (241b) of the second receiver (24b) is connected to the transmission signal line (5) via an electrical impedance (Z).

Abstract: A liquid transfer device for an analysis unit includes a transfer needle having a tip, and a capacitive liquid level detector for detecting immersion of the tip of the needle into an analysis liquid by detecting a change in capacitance between a signal electrode and a counter electrode. The analysis liquid is contained in a vessel. The capacitive liquid level detector includes a signal electrode, a counter electrode, and a detection circuit connected to the signal electrode and the counter electrode. The detection circuit detects a change in capacitance between the signal electrode and the counter electrode. A temperature dependent detection resistor is disposed adjacent the tip of the liquid transfer needle. The tip of the liquid transfer needle and the temperature dependent detection resistor are movable into and out of the analysis liquid. The detection circuit includes a current supply for supplying current to the detection resistor.

Abstract: A household appliance water leak detection and management containment wall made from one or more oblong pieces of water-resistant, shape-retaining, flexible sheet material such as aluminum. The ends of the pieces may be joined to circumscribe a zone of contact between the appliance and its supporting surface, forming a containment space. A layer of sealant creates a water-resistant seal between a lower edge of the wall and the supporting surface. An electronic water-detection and alarm device may be placed within the containment space. A valved spigot may be mounted through a portion of the wall to allow drainage.

Abstract: Described and claimed is a safety device for determining and reporting an amount of water in a reservoir of a potted plant. The safety device comprises a probe in the reservoir. The probe comprises a low water detector capable of providing a first electrical signal when the reservoir has a water level below the low water detector and a high water detector capable of providing a second electrical signal when the reservoir has a water level above the high water detector. The safety device further comprises an ornament comprising a low water indicator capable of receiving the first electrical signal and illuminating and a high water indicator capable of receiving the second electrical signal and illuminating.

Abstract: A pair of digital signals outputted from output ports of a CPU in opposite phase are applied to a pair of electrodes attached to an ink cartridge through inverters. A digital signal developed from the electrode connected to a resistor having a resistance value larger than or substantially equal to an ink resistance is inputted to a detection port through a hysteresis inverter. The CPU detects the presence/absence of ink in the cartridge, based on the phase relation of the digital signal applied through the hysteresis inverter with the digital signal outputted from the output port of the CPU or based on the presence/absence of the digital signal from the hysteresis inverter.

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 hose assembly is provided for transmitting liquid fuel between the fuel tank of a highway truck and the fuel tank of an airport refueler. The assembly comprises inner and outer hoses. The inner hose transmits liquid fuel. A sealed passage is formed between the inner and outer hoses. Each end of the hose assembly is connected to a respective port for transferring the fuel between the highway truck fuel tank and airport refueler tank. The assembly includes at least one sensor port for connecting the passage to sensing means to detect leakage from the inner hose to the passage. A leakage sensing system is coupled to the sensor port for detecting leakage of fuel from the inner hose to the passage and for generating sensor signals. The leakage sensing system includes: (1) a pressure sensor for detecting a change in pressure within the passage, and (2) a liquid sensor for detecting the presence of liquid within the passage.

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: A flow control device for a toilet to prevent flooding upon obstructing of a waste outlet of a toilet bowl. The device includes a sensor assembly mounted on a clip held over a rim of the toilet bowl so as to hold the sensor assembly in a predetermined position within the toilet bowl. The clip may include adjustable elements thereon to enable the height of the sensor assembly to be adjusted, depending on the size and type of toilet in which it is affixed. If water bridges contacts on the sensor assembly, an electrical circuit is completed, and a solenoid is actuated to close a normally opened valve to shut off running water to the water tank of the toilet. The present invention is an easily-added-on, simplified device for use with a toilet bowl to prevent flooding, if the waste outlet of the toilet bowl is blocked for any reason.

Abstract: The present invention is for a conductivity metering device. The invention is primarily for conductivity meters which are used for level gauging of fouled liquids where the fouling materials may cause functioning problems of the metering probe. The probe is intended for metering of the conductivity between the probe body 1 and a tube 14, made from metallic material, in order to determine if there is liquid inside the tube. The probe body 1 is the outer tip of a piston 6 and it may be made as one piece with the piston or as a separate part which is mounted onto the piston. The piston 6 and parts connected thereto are movably mounted in the cover part 15 and the cap 8 by sealing slide bearings 4, 7. When metering does not take place the tube 14 is mostly filled with water at a certain overpressure relative to its surroundings. As the metering piston 6 is kept retracted by an active overpressure between the sealings 4 and 7 liquid is prevented from leaking in.

Abstract: Between a reference voltage point and the emitter or the source of a transistor of which the collector or the drain is connected to a power source and to which an signal is input at its base or its gate, DC current passing means for causing a current to flow from the emitter or the source to the reference voltage point and a capacitor connected to the reference voltage point at one end and charged with a voltage generated in the DC current passing means are provided. A detection output for the signal is obtained from the emitter or the source of the transistor, or the other end of the capacitor.

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: The present invention provides an automated chemical drain system which includes a buffer tank for collecting used chemical from a process machine, at least two level sensors in the buffer tank for sensing a fluid level and sending out a signal, a controller for receiving the signal from the level sensors and then sending out a second signal to a solenoid controlled valve when the first signal exceeds a threshold value, a solenoid controlled valve that is in fluid communication with the buffer tank and a collection tank, and a collection tank for collecting used chemical from the buffer tank. The collection tank may further be provided with a weight sensing device such that a signal may be sent out to the controller when the weight of the collection tank exceeds a maximum allowable value so that the controller shuts off the solenoid controlled valve to avoid overflow in the collection tank and to alert a maintenance operator to empty the collection tank.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting the presence of water in a sealed oil chamber of a marine engine, and for providing a warning signal in response thereto. A sensor assembly surrounds the propeller shaft and includes a pair of conductive rings separated by a central insulative ring, preferably with outer insulative rings completing the assembly. Electrical wires connected to the conductive rings are part of an alarm circuit. The conductive rings each have radially inwardly extending sensor probes located in the center of the rings and a radially outwardly extending sensor probe located on its lower periphery, the probes extending beyond the central insulative ring to provide gaps which normally break the alarm circuit. The distal ends of the outwardly extending probes are juxtaposed to the lowermost portion of the oil chamber casing to detect the presence of any water in the oil chamber that settles to the bottom of the chamber when the engine is not running and conductively bridge the gap between these probes.

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: 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: 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: 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: An apparatus for establishing and/or monitoring a pre-determined filling level in a container is provided, in which the reception signal (E) corresponds to the desired measurement signal and in which a fixed phase difference (.DELTA..phi..sub.R), which is independent of the oscillation quality of the apparatus, exists between the transmission signal and the reception signal (E) at the resonant frequency (f.sub.r) of the mechanical oscillatory structure (1).

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 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: An automatic sub-floor pumping system, having a controller box, sensor wires, suction hose and pump. Two or three sensor probes are used--the lowest, or ground, probe can be omitted, and the circuit referenced to earth or wiring ground. The pump evacuates water from beneath the basement floor through a hose inserted into a small hole drilled into the basement floor. The sensor probes can be simply wires with the last 1/8" to 1/2" bared, attached to the outside of the pump suction hose at two locations an inch or two apart. The hose, with wires attached, is inserted down the one-inch evacuation hole bored through the floor. The control uses a very low current on the wires, which are negative relative to ground so as to be cathodically protected from corrosion. An optional sensing circuit monitors lower probe wire voltage and warns of possible corrosion effects.

Abstract: A tank for holding a liquid for a predetermined and relatively long time in a continuous flow process. The tank includes an inner compartment with an inlet and an outer compartment with an outlet. The outer compartment encloses the inner compartment except its inlet. The liquid enters through the inlet and is forced upwardly in a non-preferential flow, it overflows to the outer compartment and comes out through the outlet. A pump is connected to the outlet and a variable throttle valve is in turn connected to the output of the pump. A level sensor for the liquid is connected to a computerized control unit to monitor the liquid level and to activate the throttle valve to either restrict or increase the flow to adjust the liquid level. Since the flow rate then is brought back to what it was when throttle valve is restricted to its original state, then changing the liquid level in the second compartment is equivalent to changing the holding time.

Abstract: There is provided a humidifier control system including a water reservoir having a top opening. A pair of wicking pads extend into the reservoir and around a tube which extends over the top opening. An electrical heating element is received inside the tube. First and second spaced apart moisture sensor elements are attached to the tube and are in contact with the wicking pads. The sensor elements conduct electricity in the presence of moisture on the wicking pads and do not conduct electricity in the absence of moisture on the wicking pads. The sensor elements are attached to an electrical circuit which includes a switch and an alarm. When there is moisture on the wicking pads, the switch is on and normal current flows through the heating element and the switch. When there is not moisture on the wicking pads, the switch is turned off and the current through the heating element is reduced to a minimal level, and the alarm is turned on.

Abstract: A galvanic cell is formed when ground water within a sump reservoir, tub or other pool, rises to contact electrodes constructed of dissimilar metals, the electrodes mounted in a bridge, with recessing, expansion brackets, to facilitate covering the sump hole and including an alarm device adapted to provide a warning signal should the water level exceed a predetermined level to contact the electrodes. Because an unsealed sump well is the major point of entry of radon gas, an scintillator with associated circuitry monitors the sump well to protect against the undesirable intrusion of radon gas. When the presence of radon is detected, an audible alarm is sounded when the level exceeds 4 picocuries per liter (4 pCi/L.).

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 in a vessel. The method includes the steps of establishing an initial boundary signal before the process variable is locates in the vessel, storing the initial boundary signal, detecting the TDR signal, and determining a baseline signal by subtracting the initial boundary signal from the TDR signal. The method also includes the steps of establishing a signal pattern having a time range based on the width of reflection pulses in the baseline signal, comparing the baseline signal to the signal pattern until a reflection pulse in the baseline signal matches the signal pattern, determining a maximum value of the reflection pulse that matches the signal pattern, and calculating an output result based on the maximum value.

Abstract: A walled enclosure assembly adapted to be installed around the base of a water-containing appliance and bonded to the support floor to contain leakage therefrom without disturbing the appliance. The walled assembly comprises a plurality of wall segments, each having base flange, an upright wall and wall ends, each adapted to be bonded to the end of an aligned wall segment to form a continuous walled enclosure assembly. The assembly is designed to surround the base of a water-containing appliance, with the undersurfaces of the base flanges being bonded to the supporting floor to contain any leakage from the appliance. Preferably an integral drain tube is incorporated, and/or an automatic alarm means is attached which is activatable to signal excessive leakage.

Abstract: A universal read head for a tank-level float gauge is adapted for use with any of certain different types of gauge rods which may be connected to a float element in the tank, including rods having an optical code thereon including a plurality of alternating reflecting and non-reflecting stripes arranged between magnetic end portions, and a rod with one or more magnets disposed adjacent to each end thereof and longitudinally spaced magnets intermediate the ends. The sensing head includes an LED light source for illuminating the rod and two phototransistors coupled in quadrature relationship for detecting the illuminated optical code patterns, and two magnetic reed switches for sensing the proximity of magnets on the gauge rod. The sensors are coupled to a microprocessor for interpreting the electrical signals generated by the sensors to identify the type of gauge rod being used and to provide an indication of the position of the gauge rod relative to the sensors.

Abstract: A sensor detects when a probe contacts liquid in a container due to a change in frequency of a probe oscillator. The sensor can have its output compared to a reference level to determine the presence or absence of liquid wherein the reference level is changed to follow the output of the detector. In one embodiment, it can be determined that liquid has been contacted when a count has been reached several times in a row (the count being a function of the probe output and changeable). In another embodiment of the invention, it can be determined that liquid has been contacted when a count has been reached within a certain threshold several times in a row, while still having the reference count change to follow the probe output (regardless of the threshold). A digital counter can be provided to determine the frequency of the probe oscillator. A reference counter can also be provided to tune the count (frequency) from the probe oscillator counter to thereby compensate for drift.

Abstract: A proximity sensing apparatus comprising a capacitor and means for detecting the change in capacitance of the capacitor. The capacitor comprises two capacitive elements that are insulated from each other and are relatively movable. With at least one of the capacitive elements formed from an electrically conducting liquid. The capacitance detecting means operate as a switch in response to the change in capacitance producing a binary output. This output being combined with a series of other outputs from a series of such proximity sensors to form an apparatus to determine position of an object, particularly a liquid level.

Abstract: A fluid sensor (100) senses a level of fluid (20) in a receptacle (10). The fluid sensor comprises a detector assembly (200) for detecting fluid and comprises sensor circuitry. The detector assembly comprises a detector body (201) comprising an electrically insulative material and defining first and second surfaces (210, 220) in a predetermined spaced relation. The detector body defines a space (250) between the first and second surfaces and defines a port (255, 257) for allowing fluid to pass in the space between the first and second surfaces. The detector assembly also comprises first and second conductive layers (212, 222) deposited over at least a portion of the first and second surfaces of the detector body, respectively. The sensor circuitry is conductively coupled to at least one of the first and second conductive layers for generating an electrical signal based on whether fluid is present in the space between the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: An overflow control system includes a vessel having a liquid input and output, the vessel having a top and bottom defined by the gravity vector. The system further includes a housing peripherally surrounding the vessel about all surfaces, other than the bottom, to provide a fluid and thermal insulation region between the vessel and the housing. The system also includes a liquid collection chamber formed integrally beneath the vessel and housing, and in fluid communication with the insulation region. A leak or fracture of the vessel will result in an accumulation of liquid in the collection chamber. The system further includes a normally open electrically actuatable solenoid disposed within the liquid input. Within the liquid output of the vessel is provided a check valve for closing the output responsive to any gradient of fluid pressure in the direction of the vessel in excess of a reference level.

Abstract: A pump control system which can distinguish between water and oil so that a pump can be controlled to pump water and deactivated before oil is pumped. Sensing is accomplished by a pair of capacitive sensors, one located above the other in a vessel in which water accumulates. A dual mode frequency oscillator is associated with each sensor. Each sensor reacts to the dielectric constant of the liquid at the sensor by changing its capacitance, to thus detect the presence of a conductive substance, such as a liquid, to cause the sensor's oscillator to switch its mode of oscillation. The dual mode oscillator of each sensor selectively generates a control signal having two different duty cycles. As the dielectric constant of the liquid medium is sensed, a logic circuit interposed between the sensors allows the output of each sensor to be turned off when only the lower sensor is in water. The circuit turns on the pump only when both sensors are in water and the pump remains on until both sensors are out of water.

Abstract: An inline condensation alarm system used to detect condensation backup within the condensation line of a central air conditioning unit. The two stainless steel screws complete a circuit between the piezo buzzer and battery within the PVC pipe installed to the condensation line of the unit. Once condensation backs up to the top contact point the alarm is set off. The alarm would allow time for the user to clear the blockage prior to spillover from the condensation line.

Abstract: An apparatus for establishing and/or monitoring a predetermined filling level in a container is provided, in which a reception signal (E) is equal to the measurement signal, and in which a fixed phase difference (.DELTA..phi..sub.R), which is independent of the oscillation quality of the apparatus, exists between a first transmission signal (S.sub.1), and a reception signal (E) at a resonant frequency (f.sub.r).

Abstract: A wet cell battery electrolyte level monitor monitors the electrolyte fluid level of individual battery cells on battery powered mobile or stationary equipment. The one piece monitor includes a probe housing with associated circuitry and two wire leads. The monitor wire leads may be permanently or temporarily attached to the battery system voltage and battery system ground. After removing the battery fill cap of a specific cell, the probe is inserted into the fill cap opening on the battery. The monitor's electrolyte level indicator provides an indication that the electrolyte is at the battery manufacturer's recommended level. If the indicator does not illuminate, water needs to be added to the batteries.

Abstract: A low water level indicator includes a detection assembly and an indicator unit. The detection assembly comprises a housing, a pair of electrodes, a control unit, and a battery. The indicator unit comprises a light emitting diode (LED) and a base plate. The housing is preferably molded as two halves which are joined at assembly. An adjustment rod is held by a first and second snap retainer at substantially the bottom of the housing. The adjustment rod is used to adjust the height of the bottom of the housing relative to a water container. The electronic control circuit is mounted in a top cavity. A hook rod is held by a top spring clip which is disposed at substantially the top of the housing. The hook rod is used to provide stability for the placement of the detection assembly. When the water level in a water container is too low, electrical current will no longer pass from the first electrode to the second electrode through the water.

Abstract: A wireless interface probe having a transmitter, a signal transport/measuring device, and a receiver as provided. The transmitter has two sensors: a liquid level sensor and a water level sensor. The liquid level sensor determines the boundary between gaseous and liquid media. The water level sensor detects the presence of conductive liquid such as water. Signals generated by the transmitter sensors are transported inductively to the receiver via the signal transport/measuring device. The signal transport/measuring device is a standard metallic measuring tape which affixes to the transmitter via metallic fasteners. The receiver decodes the signals generated by the transmitter and creates an audio and visual reading output. The output reading indicates to the operator the level of the free-phase hydrocarbons and the level of the water. The difference between the two levels is the thickness of the hydrocarbons, which can be determined by using the measuring tape.

Abstract: A description is given of a sturdy device for establishing and/or monitoring a predetermined filling level in a container, which device exhibits a housing (1), two oscillating rods (3, 4) projecting into the container, a first diaphragm (2) which is fixedly clamped, at its border, into the housing (1), a second diaphragm (6, 6') which is arranged parallel to said first diaphragm in the interior of the housing (1), a piezoelectric element (7, 7') which is arranged on the second diaphragm (6, 6') and is intended for receiving and converting oscillations into an electric output signal and for inducing bending oscillations in the second diaphragm (6, 6'), and in the case of which device the mode of oscillation produced by the piezoelectric element (7, 7') corresponds to the mode of oscillation utilized for inducing oscillation in the oscillating rods (3, 4).

Abstract: In cases of application where the critical temperature occurs or could occur, safe monitoring of the level of the liquid was not possible heretofore because the physical properties of the liquid and of the gaseous medium present above the latter in the container no longer differ at this temperature. The method includes the temperature in the container in the monitoring of the level of the liquid. Below a lower comparative temperature value (Tu), the output signal of the evaluator unit is determined by the measuring signal of the level sensor. The measuring signal of the level sensor is disregarded above this value (Tu). The evaluator unit supplies an output signal that is on the safe side with respect to the level of the liquid. The comparative temperature (Tu) is below the critical temperature to an extent such that the inaccuracies in the measurement of the level sensor and the temperature sensor have no interfering effect.

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

Abstract: This invention provides a wetness alarm device to detect the temperature deviation or the new wetness in the diaper to indicate the new urine issue and to transmit the wetness alarm to human. The number of urine issue is counted, and will be used to affect the wetness alarm. A remote alarm may also be used. An emergency alarm may be activated when the whole device is submerged in the water or urine.

Abstract: A brake oil level safety device having a control circuit connected in series between the ignition system of a motor vehicle and the battery power supply thereof, the control circuit having a grounding conductor and two oil level detecting conductors mounted in the brake oil cup of the oil brake system of the motor vehicle to detect the level of brake oil in the brake oil cup, the control circuit being induced to turn on a yellow indicator light when the level of brake oil in the brake oil cup drops below the upper oil level detecting conductor above the lower oil level detecting conductor, or to turn on a red indictor light and cut off power supply from the ignition system when the level of brake oil in the brake oil cup drops below the upper oil level detecting conductor and the lower oil level detecting conductor.

Abstract: A buffer system for separating an aseptic fluid handling assembly from a drain includes a fluid receiving housing in fluid flow communication with a fluid discharge outlet of the aseptic fluid handling assembly. A trapped fluid discharge opening near the bottom of the housing, includes a tube which extends above the bottom into a baffle container. The baffle container is in the form of an enclosure having openings at the bottom thereof to admit fluids contained in the housing. A discharge conduit is in fluid flow communication with the discharge opening. A first fluid level detector in the housing activates at least one valve in the discharge conduit by a control which opens and closes the valve in response selected fluid levels detected by the fluid level detector. In a preferred embodiment the first fluid level detect detects a fluid level exceeding a preselected depth in the housing and a second fluid level detector detects fluid levels dropping below a second preselected level in the housing.