Abstract: A measurement device for measuring the elevation of particles in a vertical tube, including a reel, means for driving said the in forward and backward directions, a cable wound onto the reel and having a free end, a sensor mounted on the free end of the cable, the sensor including a particle contact portion, and trigger means responsive to the particle contact portion's contacting the particles in the tube.

Abstract: A number of parameters related to the operation of a fluid delivery device are determined based on pressures within the device sensed using multiple pressure sensors. In one example, the volume of therapeutic fluid within a reservoir of a fluid delivery device is estimated based on a measured pressure differential. In another example, the rate at which a therapeutic fluid is added to or removed from the reservoir is estimated based on the measured pressure differential.

Abstract: A set of volumetric measuring devices or portioning scoops are used in a weight loss and weight maintenance program. Each scoop is configured to measure a single portion size for any particular food in a respective food category. Single portions of foods are measured by the scoop for the category that limits the calorie value of the food portion within a small range. For some foods, a single portion size may be one measured volume of a scoop, whereas for other foods a single portion may two or more measured volumes of the scoop. Over time (e.g., a week or a month), the calorie intake from foods measured with a particular scoop will average to a desired amount within the parameters of the program. A chart may be used in conjunction with the scoops depicting the respective categories, foods in each category of food, and a number of volumes of each scoop corresponding to a portion size.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating a volume of liquid flow, comprising a liquid sensor for sensing the presence of a liquid, a timer activated when the liquid sensor indicates the presence of a liquid, a calculator to calculate the volume of liquid flow dependent upon the time for which the timer is activated, and an indicator to provide an indication of the volume of fluid calculated by the calculation means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the amount of fuel aboard a spacecraft under weightless conditions utilize at least one orifice, at least one flow latch valve for the selection of an orifice to be used, and at least one control valve for releasing a stream of a pressurizing gas from at least one high-pressure tank in order to restore pressure in a fuel tank following a pressure reduction due to withdrawal of fuel. The amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank is determined based on the time required to restore fuel tank pressure by a flow of gas from the high pressure tank to the fuel tank, via the orifice.

Abstract: A gas cylinder residual gas volume indicator includes a carrier having a weight-receiving part and a pressure-applying part, a hydraulic cylinder having a cylinder body holding a hydraulic fluid and a cylinder piston stopped against the pressure-applying part of the carrier and movable with the pressure-applying part relative to the cylinder body to force the hydraulic fluid out of the cylinder body according to the weight received from a gas cylinder by the weight-receiving part, a hydraulic mechanical type meter having an index rotatable by a hydraulic fluid, and an oil pipe for guiding the hydraulic fluid out of the hydraulic cylinder into the meter to rotate the index.

Abstract: A device and method for precision loading and gentle loading of particles into vertical chemical reactor tubes in order to help ensure that the particles are not damaged while being loaded to the desired elevation.

Abstract: A syringe imaging system for a syringe infusion pump is provided. The system comprises an imaging device configured to capture one or more images of a syringe, and a processor, which is configured to determine, based on the one or more captured images, an internal diameter of the syringe and a distance between a bung and a bottom of the syringe, and to calculate a remaining volume of the syringe based upon the determined internal diameter and distance. A syringe infusion pump is also provided. The pump comprises a housing having a bracket configured to receive a syringe, a syringe driver configured to actuate a plunger of the syringe, an imaging device configured to capture one or more images of the syringe, and a processor. The processor is configured to determine, based on the one or more captured images, an internal diameter of the syringe and a distance between a bung and a bottom of the syringe, and to calculate a remaining volume of the syringe based upon the determined internal diameter and distance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring liquid volume change consists of a cylindrical cell assembly (80) capable of withstanding high pressure and high temperature with a sealed movable piston (24) separating a pressurization fluid (11) from a sample (25). A top magnet (72) moves with piston (24) and its movement is measured by a magnetometer (10). Heat is provided via a heater (52) and pressure is controlled via pressurization fluid (11).

Abstract: A method includes obtaining information identifying a predicted trajectory of material-based measurements associated with a transfer of material. The method also includes obtaining actual material-based measurements during the transfer of the material and determining whether the actual material-based measurements fall outside of the predicted trajectory. The method further includes identifying a problem with the transfer of the material if at least one of the actual material-based measurements falls outside of the predicted trajectory. The method may also include generating the predicted trajectory of the material-based measurements using historical data associated with one or more prior transfers, such as historical data associated with at least one pump to be used during the transfer of the material. The actual material-based measurements could include measurements of a level and/or a volume of the material in a tank.

Abstract: Material withdrawal apparatus and methods and systems of regulating material inventory in one or more units are provided. A material withdrawal apparatus includes a heat exchanger and a sensor. The heat exchanger includes a material inlet, material outlet, cooling fluid inlet, and cooling fluid outlet. The material inlet is coupled to the unit and the sensor is coupled to the heat exchanger to provide a metric indicative of the temperature at the material inlet; material outlet; cooling fluid inlet and cooling fluid outlet. Another embodiment of a material withdrawal apparatus includes a vessel having an outer wall, liner, fill port, and a discharge port. The liner at least partially covers the inner surface of the outer wall. The fill port and discharge port are defined in the vessel and the fill port is configured to receive withdrawn material from at least a unit. Other embodiments provide methods of withdrawing or regulating material in a unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for sampling from a product flow, where the sampling is performed continuously and where the product is collected in a cup for determining physical conditions, for example, weight in relation to volume, and where the cup is emptied after ending the sampling. The apparatus is provided with at least one sampling cup provided with a filling opening and an emptying opening with different cross-sectional areas. It is not necessary to perform a turning movement of the sampling cup in order to empty it. Instead, preferably, the sampling cup is emptied by opening/uncovering the bottom. Emptying of the cup and subsequent cleaning of the cup are effected with open bottom by passage of the product flow through the cup; but, emptying may also occur in a separate duct.

Abstract: The present invention includes medical fluid injector systems that detect the contents and/or volume of such contents within a syringe of the system. For example, an RF signal from a first antenna of a medical fluid injector may be transmitted through a syringe associated with the medical fluid injector. At least some of the transmitted RF signal may be received by a second antenna of the medical fluid injector. An amount of the RF signal received by the second antenna may be measured to provide information regarding the contents and/or volume of such contents within the syringe.

Abstract: Filling level meter (4) for membrane gasometer (1), including at least one accumulation chamber (C1) arranged for containing a gas, and an impermeable flexible membrane (2) capable of moving between two positions corresponding to the chamber being totally full and totally empty, wherein the meter (4) includes: an instrument (12) associated with a fixed element (3, 9), arranged for generating a signal of measurement of a physical value that can be correlated to the quantity of gas contained in the chamber (C1); elements for processing and displaying (5) the value of the quantity of gas corresponding to the generated signal; a filiform, flexible element (6) for connecting the instrument (12) and the membrane (2); the filiform, flexible element (6) including at least one portion constituted by an elastic member (7).

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrochemical sensor (10) for detecting the concentration of analyte in a fluid test sample is disclosed. The sensor (10) includes a counter electrode having a high-resistance portion for use in detecting whether a predetermined amount of sample has been received by the test sensor.

Abstract: A product distribution apparatus, shown in the form of an agricultural air seeder is disclosed having sensors to measure the mass flow through the distribution system, sensors to weigh the tank and the product therein, and sensors to measure the quantity of product in the tank. The sensors are used to measure the change in the quantity of product in the tank during a calibration process where the apparatus is operated over an area and the number of rotations of the meter are recorded. The data is then used to determine a mass flow rate per revolution of the meter. A monitoring method is also disclosed in which an ‘area to empty’ and ‘product needed’ to complete a field or task is displayed to the operator.

Abstract: An acoustic capacity measurement method for finding capacity of a container or object by removing effect of the surface area without using an approximate expression of acoustic impedance is provided. The acoustic capacity measurement method for finding capacity of a container includes a pressure change ratio calculating step, a rotation step, an oblique coordinate transformation step, and a capacity calculating step.

Abstract: Containers for incrementally dispensing pressurized contents are described. The containers comprise a vessel suited to contain pressurized contents, a port integral with the vessel and through which pressurized contents contained in the vessel can be released from the vessel, preferably incrementally in approximately equal amounts, and a measuring device disposed in or otherwise associated with the vessel such that the quantity or amount of contents in the vessel can be measured or assessed. The measuring device senses ambient conditions in the vessel and, directly or with other components, indicates, for example, the amount of pressurized contents remaining in the vessel and displaying it to an observer. Devices for incrementally dispensing pressurized contents from such containers are also described.

Abstract: An implantable medical device for delivering a therapeutic substance including a housing and a volume sensor assembly. The housing includes a stationary wall and maintains a reservoir containing the therapeutic substance and including a base wall movable relative to the stationary wall such that reservoir volume is a function of a spacing between the base wall and the stationary wall. The volume sensor assembly includes a cap, a shaft, a target, and circuitry. The cap defines a passage extending from an open end, and is mounted to the stationary wall such that the open end is open relative to a stationary wall inner face. The shaft has a first end attached to the base wall and a second end maintaining the target otherwise movably arranged within the passage. The circuitry generates information indicative of a longitudinal position of the target relative to the cap, and thus of the reservoir volume.

Abstract: An insulin pump and an infusion set adapter having a membrane which can be acted upon by a liquid flow path associated with the pump, wherein the pump comprises a sensor by which a change in shape or location of at least a portion of the membrane caused by a change in the liquid pressure in the flow path can be detected in a contact-free manner to identify an occlusion in the flow path.

Abstract: Measuring a parameter characteristic of a formation in an oil well with a device configured to generate a sensing field within a volume of the formation and cause a flow through the volume in the presence of the sensing field. The device also comprises sensors responsive to changes in the volume, which indicate existent amounts of fluid, such as hydrocarbon and water saturations and irreducible hydrocarbon and water saturations. Measurements may be made before the flow affects the measuring volume and after onset of the flow through the measuring volume.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid detection unit having a liquid detection chamber, a detection portion including a detection space communicating with the liquid detection chamber via a through hole of a detection portion installation member and a piezoelectric sensor which detects remaining vibrations, and a movable member including a detection space sealing surface which is urged by an urging member and thus comes to abut against one surface of a detection portion installation member. The liquid detection chamber includes an abutting surface abutting against a second sealing surface being in contact with a first sealing surface of the movable member and the detection portion installation member. When a distance between the first sealing surface of the movable member to the detection space sealing surface is defined as L1 and a distance between the second sealing surface of the liquid detection chamber to the abutting surface is defined as L2, the relationship L1>L2 is satisfied.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, a system, and a computer readable medium for determining the fill-ready status of one or more wells of a plurality of wells formed in a filter or solid-phase extraction (SPE) plate. In the method, a signal is directed toward a well of the plurality of wells. A reflected signal is received from the well responsive to the directed signal. The fill-ready status of the well is determined based on the received reflected signal. The steps may be repeated until the fill-ready status of each of the plurality of wells has been determined. In the method and the apparatus, the directed signal may be generated by a piezoelectric crystal. Some of the reflected vibrations impact the piezoelectric crystal, which oscillates in response. The piezoelectric crystal transmits a signal to a processor, the signal corresponding to the height of the liquid or other material in the well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to evaluating the performance of an automated matrix-format liquid handling system by using receptacles and caps. The invention provides a method comprising the steps of determining a receptacle weight for each receptacle, determining a mean cap weight for the caps, dispensing a volume of liquid in each receptacle by using the liquid handling system, capping each receptacle approximately simultaneously with respect to each other, determining a gross weight for each capped receptacle, and calculating the volume of liquid dispensed in each receptacle from the respective gross weight, the respective receptacle weight, and the mean cap weight. The invention further provides a kit for carrying out the method, the kit comprising a plurality of receptacles, a plurality of caps, a holder device for arranging the receptacles in accordance with liquid dispensing positions in the liquid handling system, and a capping device for capping the receptacles.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing a volume of fluid in a container includes first and second elements, each element including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the first element has a first electrical resistance per unit length of the container and the second portion of the first element has a second electrical resistance per unit length of the container different from the first electrical resistance per unit length of the container. The first portion of the second element has a third electrical resistance per unit length of the container and the second portion of the second element has a fourth electrical resistance per unit length of the container different from the third electrical resistance per unit length of the container.

Abstract: Methods and systems for using force measurements to determine the amount of material in a container and/or the rate at which material is discharged from a container are disclosed. A container for storing a desired material is positioned so that the center of gravity of the container shifts horizontally with changes in level of the material in the container. A plurality of load sensors are symmetrically arranged at a base of the container and are used to monitor the amount of materials in the container.

Abstract: Temperature compensation is applied to correct for temperature mismatch between a reference chamber and a disposable chamber in a pneumatic pumping system for dialysis fluid for peritoneal dialysis. The mismatch creates an error in the calculation of pumping volume of dialysate fluid. Applying a correction for the temperature mismatch helps to more precisely control the volume of dialysate that is metered to the patient. Also disclosed are ways to keep temperatures constant and to use temperature sensors to accurately measure the temperatures of the chambers. In other aspects, the temperature of the dialysate fluid itself may be measured and used to apply a correction to the volume of fluid that is pumped to the patient.

Abstract: Acoustic volume indicators for determining liquid or gas volume within a container comprise a contactor to vibrate a container wall, a detector to receive vibration data from the container wall, a processor to convert vibration data to frequency information and compare the frequency information to characteristic container frequency vs. volume data to obtain the measured volume, and an indicator for displaying the measured volume. The processor may comprise a microprocessor disposed within a housing having lights that each represent a particular volume. The microprocessor is calibrated to provide an output signal to a light that indicates the container volume. The processor may comprise a computer and computer program that converts the data to frequency information, analyzes the frequency information to identify a peak frequency, compares the peak frequency to the characteristic frequency vs. volume data to determine the measured volume, and displays the measured volume on a video monitor.

Abstract: A gas cylinder residual gas volume indicator includes a carrier having a weight-receiving part and a pressure-applying part, a hydraulic cylinder having a cylinder body holding a hydraulic fluid and a cylinder piston stopped against the pressure-applying part of the carrier and movable with the pressure-applying part relative to the cylinder body to force the hydraulic fluid out of the cylinder body according to the weight received from a gas cylinder by the weight-receiving part, a hydraulic mechanical type meter having an index rotatable by a hydraulic fluid, and an oil pipe for guiding the hydraulic fluid out of the hydraulic cylinder into the meter to rotate the index.

Abstract: In a liquid sensing system, an RF signal is applied to a series-resonant circuit. The coil of the resonant circuit is placed proximate to a fuel tank, causing electromagnetic radiation to propagate into the fuel space. The fuel acts as an electrical load to the resonant circuit in a manner proportionate to the volume of fuel in the tank and/or to variations in electrical properties of the fuel itself. The loading effect of the fuel can change the resonant frequency and/or the Q of the resonant circuit. The loading effect of the fuel is determined by monitoring a change in one or more electrical parameters associated with the excited resonant circuit, such as a voltage across the resistor in the resonant circuit. Changes in this voltage are analyzed by a controller, the result of which is used to output a value indicative of level and/or composition of the fuel.

Abstract: A fuel package includes a vessel wherein the interior space is separated, and has a flow-out opening and a flow-in opening that lead to the interior space, a liquid fuel filled in the region at the side of the flow-out opening in the vessel, and a follower that separates the liquid fuel and the region at the side of the flow-in opening.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of determining a volume of liquid in a sample tube, comprising the steps of capturing an image of the sample tube, determining a first region of interest within the sample tube based upon pre-stored information concerning dimensional properties of the sample tube, scanning the first region of interest to detect the position of a meniscus indicative of an upper extent of the liquid, and using said meniscus position together with certain pre-stored properties of the sample tube to determine a volume of liquid in the tube, and outputting said volume. Also disclosed is an apparatus for performing the method.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for measuring fluid dispense volumes including one or more wells adapted to receive a fluid; a tube having an internal passageway fluidly coupled to the one or more wells, wherein fluid in the wells passes into the internal passageway via capillary action to form a fluid column having a meniscus spaced from the wells; and a scale coupled to the tube, the scale calibrated to provide an indication of the volume of the fluid based upon the location of the meniscus in the fluid passageway.

Abstract: The present invention enables the measurement and determination of a quantity over a selected spatial region by providing a device that incorporates a sensor for the measurement of the quantity and a spatial subsystem for determining the spatial information comprising a spatial position and/or orientation of the device when the measurement is made. A processing module integrated with the device operates on a dataset of multiple measurements correlated with spatial information and provides a determination of the quantity over the selected spatial range, either directly based on the measured data point and the spatial information or via a sensor fusion algorithm such as an interpolation algorithm. The results may be displayed on the device, for example, on a graphical display, or may be transmitted to a remote processor for subsequent processing and/or display.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a stack body of at least a porous layer and a dense layer comprises the first step of measuring the length of the stack body before the stack body is fired, the second step of measuring the length of the stack body after the stack body is fired, the third step of calculating a shrinkage rate of the stack body based on a first measured value from the first step and a second measured value from the second step, the fourth step of determining whether the calculated shrinkage rate of the stack body is acceptable or not based on the calculated shrinkage rate, the fifth step of calculating an S/N ratio of the stack body based on the first measured value and the second measured value, and the sixth step of determining whether the current-voltage characteristics of the stack body are acceptable or not based on the calculated S/N ratio.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a new method for designing road asphalts, comprising:—the determination of the optimal bitumen content with compacting experiments using samples made of asphalt mixtures; the optimal bitumen content being the one at which the receptive void volume has a minimum value, depending on the bitumen content; that is, where the compactness of the sample is the highest, and by changing the mass rates in the asphalt mixture, the bitumen content is set to the optimal bitumen content at most. The optimal bitumen content provides the possibility to aim for reaching the highest compactness, i.e. the smallest possible void volume which provides the most favorable fatigue and solidity characteristics.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for measuring fluid dispense volumes including one or more wells adapted to receive a fluid; a tube having an internal passageway fluidly coupled to the one or more wells, wherein fluid in the wells passes into the internal passageway via capillary action to form a fluid column having a meniscus spaced from the wells; and a scale coupled to the tube, the scale calibrated to provide an indication of the volume of the fluid based upon the location of the meniscus in the fluid passageway.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for sampling from a product flow, where the sampling is performed continuously and where the product is collected in a cup for determining physical conditions, for example, weight in relation to volume, and where the cup is emptied after ending the sampling. The apparatus is provided with at least one sampling cup provided with a filling opening and an emptying opening with different cross-sectional areas. It is not necessary to perform a turning movement of the sampling cup in order to empty it. Instead, preferably, the sampling cup is emptied by opening/uncovering the bottom. Emptying of the cup and subsequent cleaning of the cup are effected with open bottom by passage of the product flow through the cup; but, emptying may also occur in a separate duct.

Abstract: Device for the measurement of a sample volume comprises two chambers carved from a single slab, pressure sensors mounted on the slab and surrounded with radiation-proof shielding, and connected to the sample chamber via elbowed conduits. A temperature sensor is added. This apparatus is suitable for the measurement of the volume of radioactive samples using gas expansion inside an expansion chamber, without the radiation damaging the pressure sensors, nor heating effects that cannot be controlled.

Abstract: A system and method for accurately measuring supply gas consumed by a particular process control component within a process control system is disclosed. Enhanced measurement accuracy is derived from measuring the consumption of the process control component in a normal operating mode of the process control system. The amount of fluid expended by one process control component is separated by a fluid control system from the amount of supply gas expended in actuating other process control components. The amount of fluid expended by each component may be determined by measuring a decrease in a fluid within a vessel having a known quantity that independently supplies supply gas to each component during its operation.

Abstract: A container includes a chamber for containing fluid. At least one sensor is disposed within the chamber for sensing a property of fluid in the container. A unit that receives a signal from the sensor communicates with a device that displays the property of the fluid in the container. The container may include first and second chambers. A first sensor is disposed within the first chamber. The first sensor is in contact with fluid in the first chamber. The first sensor senses a volume of fluid in the first chamber. A second sensor is disposed within the second chamber. The second sensor is in contact with fluid in the second chamber. The second sensor senses a volume of fluid in the second chamber. A diverter may direct fluid from an inlet to a bottom portion of the chamber and prevents the fluid from contacting the sensor. A releasable device may prevent fluid from flowing from the first chamber to the second chamber.

Abstract: Acoustic volume indicators for determining liquid or gas volume within a container comprise a contactor to vibrate a container wall, a detector to receive vibration data from the container wall, a processor to convert vibration data to frequency information and compare the frequency information to characteristic container frequency vs. volume data to obtain the measured volume, and an indicator for displaying the measured volume. The processor may comprise a microprocessor disposed within a housing having lights that each represent a particular volume. The microprocessor is calibrated to provide an output signal to a light that indicates the container volume. The processor may comprise a computer and computer program that converts the data to frequency information, analyzes the frequency information to identify a peak frequency, compares the peak frequency to the characteristic frequency vs. volume data to determine the measured volume, and displays the measured volume on a video monitor.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and kit for precisely and accurately determining the volume of a liquid aliquot which can be used to calibrate a liquid delivery device. Two dye-containing solutions, a sample solution and a diluent solution, are prepared such that each solution contains a different dye, with the solutions having different absorbance values at a first wavelength and at a second wavelength. The absorbance value of a known volume of diluent solution is measured at both wavelengths. Either one aliquot of sample solution is added to the diluent solution and then absorbance measurements are made at both wavelengths, or multiple aliquots of sample solution are mixed serially into the diluent solution and then absorbance measurements are made at both wavelengths after each aliquot is added. The volume of any single aliquot is calculated by using a two-step formula which is based on the Beer-Lambert law.

Abstract: Techniques for dispensing a type of liquid in a specific amount or at a constant flow rate are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a height difference between an inlet and an outlet is maintained by an adjustable tubing assembly. An overflow assembly is provided to divert any overflow of the liquid from entering a reservoir and keep a specific level of the liquid. A valve is provided to the inlet and can be turned off when a sensor detects that there is an overflow of the liquid in the overflow assembly.

Abstract: A fuel package includes a vessel wherein the interior space is separated, and has a flow-out opening and a flow-in opening that lead to the interior space, a liquid fuel filled in the region at the side of the flow-out opening in the vessel, and a follower that separates the liquid fuel and the region at the side of the flow-in opening.

Abstract: Method and system for determining semiconductor characteristics. In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a method for determining one or more characteristics of a partially processed integrated circuit. The method includes a step for providing a substrate material. The method further includes a step for forming at least one opening within the substrate material. The opening can be characterized by an opening characteristic that includes a depth and an opening width associated with an unknown volume. The method includes a step for providing fill material. Additionally, the method includes a step for processing the fill material to cause a first portion of the fill material to enter the opening and occupy an entirety of the unknown volume associated with the opening characteristic while a second portion of the fill material remains outside of the unknown volume.

Abstract: A container includes a chamber for containing fluid. At least one sensor is disposed within the chamber for sensing a property of fluid in the container. A unit that receives a signal from the sensor communicates with a device that displays the property of the fluid in the container. The container may include first and second chambers. A first sensor is disposed within the first chamber. The first sensor is in contact with fluid in the first chamber. The first sensor senses a volume of fluid in the first chamber. A second sensor is disposed within the second chamber. The second sensor is in contact with fluid in the second chamber. The second sensor senses a volume of fluid in the second chamber. A diverter may direct fluid from an inlet to a bottom portion of the chamber and prevents the fluid from contacting the sensor. A releasable device may prevent fluid from flowing from the first chamber to the second chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides a fluid retaining assembly. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the fluid retaining assembly may include a base assembly including a cavity and a reservoir assembly disposed in the cavity of the base assembly. The reservoir assembly may include a body portion having a well in which fluid is retainable and a membrane covering the well. The reservoir assembly may further include an absorbent strip disposed in the well and covered by the membrane. The base assembly may be provided to include at least one attachment member. The attachment member serves to attach the reservoir assembly to the base assembly. A plurality of reservoir assemblies may be retained by the base assembly.

Abstract: A measuring probe for a measuring device for ascertaining and monitoring fill level of a medium in a container. The measuring probe includes: a probe holding element, which is mounted on the container; and a probe element, which is secured in an axial bore of the probe holding element by means of a releasable securement structure. A first cavity is provided in the axial bore of the probe holding element and a second cavity on the probe element, and a locking element is provided, which, in a final position of the mounting of the probe element in the probe holding element, protrudes into the first cavity and into the oppositely lying second cavity on the probe element and, thus, forms an axial locking.

Abstract: A residual liquid quantity detecting method capable of accurately detecting the residual quantity of liquid without relying upon visual observation, preventing overfill at the time of refilling. A residual liquid quantity detecting method for a liquid supply container (100) has a container body (108) having a liquid supply opening (126) and has a liquid storage chamber (118) in which liquid (119) is sealed, the liquid storage chamber (118) being formed in the container body (108) and communicating with the liquid supply opening (126). The liquid (119) is supplied from the liquid supply opening (126) to the outside of the container by primary supply pressure generated through reduction, by pressure, in volume of the liquid storage chamber (118). The residual quantity of the liquid (119) in the liquid storage chamber (118) is detected by detecting primary supply pressure of the liquid (119).