Abstract: A storage installation which is capable of storing a variety of free-flowing materials, both conductive and non-conductive, includes a level sensing device which may be disposed either exteriorly or interiorly thereof. The device has either one or a plurality of level sensor and sensor circuit pairs which are preferably disposed vertically within a non-electrically conducting tube which may be hermetically sealed from contact with the stored material. The level sensors comprise respective sensing capacitors, each having effectively a single plate construction. Grounded electrical contacts, if relatively adjacent, may comprise the other side of the effective sensing capacitor. Electrostatic force lines flow outward from the sensing capacitor(s), and are differentially interfered with by the presence or absence of materials or objects to be sensed. Such interference affects the dielectric constant of the respective sensing capacitor, which can in turn be detected to drive a level indicator display.

Abstract: A control system for a pump includes a level sensor switch that is positioned along a production string in an oil well shaft (S). The level sensor switch is protected from damage by inner and outer housings. A control circuit responsive to the level sensor switch is also provided. The control circuit includes an adjustable timer that is located at ground level remote from the harsh environment of the oil well shaft (S). The timer controls the operation time of the pump during each pumping cycle.

Abstract: A fuel level gauge provided with a remaining-amount warning apparatus is arranged so that an indicating needle for indicating the amount of fuel remaining in a fuel tank operates in accordance with a change in the resistance of a resistor device consisting essentially of a resistance plate having a resistor and a sliding element capable of sliding on the resistor in accordance with a liquid level change in the fuel tank. A warning means for issuing a warning when the amount of remaining fuel reaches a predetermined amount also operates by utilizing the resistor device. In such a fuel level gauge, the warning means is activated by a circuit disposed to connect a remaining-amount warning point and the warning means, the remaining-amount warning point being the position on the resistor at which the sliding element is positioned when the amount of remaining fuel reaches a predetermined amount which requires issuance of a warning.

Abstract: A solids level detecting assembly is particularly useful for detecting the level of paper pulp (or wood chips during the manufacture of pulp) in a vertical vessel. A first hollow shaft is affixed at a portion thereof to a vessel with a first end extending into the vessel. A second shaft, concentric with the first, is disposed within it and connected at a first end thereof to the first end of the hollow shaft, and to a paddle (plate). A sensing device, including a movable core element of high magnetic permeability material, is mounted to a free end of the second shaft. A stationary core element is mounted adjacent the movable element so that a twisting motion of the first shaft as a result of solid particles acting on the plate changes the flux in the core elements. A flux detector (comprising a pair of coils and a voltage detector) detects the changes in magnetic flux in the core elements, and indicates the change on an indicator, which thus illustrates the level of pulp or chips within the vessel.

Abstract: An automatic, ultrasonic system for controlling the filling of different sizes of beverage container which may or may not contain various quantities of ice. The system includes a housing, a front and a rear pair of separate transmitter and receiver crystals mounted in the housing with a lens on the lower surface of each crystal. Each crystal is located within a separate non-ferrous metal tube. Polyurethane foam fills the space within the housing and the tubes.

Abstract: An automatic, ultrasonic system for controlling the filling of different sizes of beverage containers which may or may not contain various quantities of ice. The system includes a transducer assembly and a control module, both preferably connected to a beverage dispenser valve assembly. The transducer assembly includes at least two piezo-electric crystals for separately transmitting and receiving ultrasonic wave energy from the grate, the cup lip, the top of any ice in the cup, and the rising liquid level, and for generating signals corresponding to the travel time of the ultrasonic energy. The control module includes a microcomputer and associated circuitry. The system can include two separate transmitter and receiver crystals, or in a preferred embodiment two transmitter-receiver pairs of crystals.

Abstract: A device for electrically measuring the oil level of a machine, particularly of an internal combustion engine, is connected with a device for temporarily blocking re-measurement. The device for the measurement of the oil level comprises a measurement probe (2) which is heated by a constant current during a connect time which is commenced in an automotive vehicle by a switch on a battery terminal (15). Furthermore, means are provided for comparing an initial voltage U.sub.O of the measurement probe at the start of the connect time with a measured voltage at the end of the connect time of a measurement period in order to form a result of the comparison which corresponds to the oil level. A signalling logic (7) which signals ranges of the oil level can be controlled by said result. The blocking-time transmitter, in combination with a control logic (10) for the total program control, blocks repeated measurement during at least one predetermined period of time after the machine is turned off or again turned on.

Abstract: A device for determining when the material in a grain bin or similar container has reached a predetermined level of fullness. The device includes a transparent tube having feeding tubes in communication between the transparent tube and the interior of the bin. The upper feeding tube is open at a predetermined level which may be adjusted, and the lower tube may also be set to a desired lower level of grain in the bin. Both tubes slant at approximately 45 degrees to the horizontal.

Abstract: A water level and temperature detector alarm device and more particularly to an alarm device which includes a buoy type detector to alternately detect water level or water temperature so as to provide an audio alarm signal through a buzzer when water level or water temperature reaches the predetermined range. The detector is connected to the expansible end of a conduit and includes a sleeve having set therein two reed switches and a thermswitch and having mounted thereon a body which includes therein a circular magnet. An alarm device is connected to the other end of the conduit which is having a movable positioning rack mounted thereon for positioning of the whole assembly. Following the rising of water level, the magnet of the buoy alternatively drives the reed switched to turn on the alarm device to buzz or, when water temperature reaches the predetermined range, the thermoswitch will be turned on to drive the alarm device to buzz.

Abstract: An ultrasound liquid level detector system for automatically controlling the dispensing of a post-mix beverage, including microprocessor-controlled circuitry for monitoring and implementing the automatic dispensing process. The microprocessor is interfaced with an ultrasonic transducer which transmits ultrasonic wave energy towards the container to be filled and receives reflected ultrasonic wave energy, the characteristics of which are analyzed within the microprocessor to implement control functions of the automatic dispensing process. Dispensing automatically begins as a container is inserted under the ultrasonic transducer into a proper position beneath a post-mix beverage dispenser nozzle. The transducer continuously measures the distance between the top or lip of the container and a liquid/foam interface of a carbonated beverage being dispensed into the container. Dispensing stops when the transducer senses a predetermined level of carbonated beverage within the container.

Abstract: A monitoring system for the filling of containers from a tank station, which is secured with a shut-off device, with the cooperation of at least one connecting line possessing a preferably electrical measuring device which determines the maximum permissible level of the product.

Abstract: A burden distribution monitoring apparatus, according to the present invention, includes a hollow cylindrical sonde having an inner end radially movable within the internal space of a furnace, such as a shaft furnace. The sonde carries a burden layer depth sensor and/or a burden grain distribution sensor for radially shifting working ends of the sensors. With the foregoing construction, burden depth and/or grading of the burden can be monitored in a plurality of radial points in the furnace.

Abstract: A liquid level sensing system comprising a probe and a reactive element carried by the probe. The reactive element forms a portion of a tuned circuit in a voltage-controlled oscillator. The output of the voltage-controlled oscillator is compared to a fixed frequency reference signal and a frequency/phase detector generates a signal indicative of any difference. The frequency/phase detector output is applied to the voltage-controlled oscillator to maintain the output frequency of the oscillator at the frequency of the reference signal. The output of the frequency/phase detector is also differentiated to develop a pulse when the frequency/phase detector output signal varies rapidly, indicating initial contact between the probe and the surface of a liquid held within a container.

Abstract: An inductance coil serves as a displacement sensor arranged in connection with a tuned circuit of an oscillator. Liquid level displacement in an LEC crystal growth environment is sensed as a frequency change in the oscillator circuit as compared to a set point value. The sensor is protected from the environment by an outer protective sheath of non-conductive, non-contaminating material such as boron nitride.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor system well suited for sensing the level of fuel in aircraft fuel tanks includes a plurality of capacitive sensors which provide an output capacitance that is a function of the fraction of the sensor wetted by the fuel. A plurality of sensors are positioned in the liquid-containing tank with each sensor having a first and at least a second probe-specific liquid-quantity profile corresponding to a first and at least a second attitude of the tank. The capacitance of the sensors are determined as function of the length of the respective sensor wetted by the liquid. A memory is provided with a first and second sets of address locations containing liquid-quantity profile information for the sensors for their respective first and second attitudes. The memory is addressed by determining an address offset as a function of the attitude of the system, the relative location of the profile information for the sensor, and the fraction of the sensor wetted by the liquid.

Abstract: A three-axis accelerometer (4) mounted on board a spacecraft (10) proximate a fuel tank (3) is used to derive an estimate of the amount of fuel (2) remaining within the tank (3). The output of the accelerometer (4) is converted (at 7) to a signal representing the rate of change of the polarity of the acceleration; amplitude information is ignored. This signal is then filtered by bandpass filter (8) or Fourier transform means and applied against an empirically derived function (stored within storage medium 9) relating frequency of oscillation to fuel (2) remaining in the tank (3). The function is stored for three axes; information from one axis is accessed, corresponding to the vector of a perturbing force such as caused by a thruster (11) firing. Some or all of the above described items can be located on board the spacecraft (10) itself. The accelerometer (4) can also be used directly to estimate the force imparted by the thruster, from the expression F=MA.

Abstract: Device to measure the level of liquid metal in a crystallizer of a continuous casting ignot mould, the device employing a source of an electromagnetic field and providing for an emitter coil (17) and at least one receiver coil (18) and including the supply of the emitter coil (17) with at least one high frequency. The emitter coil (17) and receiver coil (18) being located inside a container (15) within the body of the ingot mould in cooperation with a cooling fluid conveyor (11) and being coupled electromagnetically to one single wall of the crystallizer (12) and to the volume within the crystallizer (12).

Abstract: A liquid level gauge comprising a core disposed inside a liquid container that has a cross sectional configuration that varies in the direction of its height, the core extending in the vertical direction and isolated from the liquid, a coil wound around the core in the direction of the length of the core, the coil comprising a densely wound portion formed at one end of the core and a thinly wound portion wound around the remaining part of the core, a conductor ring disposed around the outer circumference of the coil and is movable in the direction of the length of the coil according to the liquid level inside the container, a detecting portion that detects the change in the inductance of the coil according to the displacement of the conductor ring, a transforming portion that transforms the change in the inductance of the coil to a change in an electric signal, and a display portion that displays the quantity of the liquid inside te container, corresponding to the electric signal, the thinly wound portion hav

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for displaying the level of liquid in the fuel tank of an automotive vehicle. A liquid-level detector 1 and a display device 3 for indicating liquid level are included in the device. The measurement values of the liquid level are provisionally stored at predeterminable time intervals and compared with the instantaneous measurement values. During travel, increasing measurement values determined by the comparison are not displayed.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating level of fluent materials, such as gasoline in an automobile tank, which comprises an impeller extending vertically through at least a major portion of the vessel in physical contact with material in the vessel. An electric motor is coupled to the impeller and connected to a source of electrical energy for rotating the impeller against drag imparted thereto by the material. Material level is indicated as a continuous function of load applied to the motor by the rotating impeller.

Abstract: Changes in the tide effects at a given location are measured by monitoring the respective levels of a measuring liquid in two containers which are in fluid communication with one another. The liquid levels are measured by suitable transducers including floats, and result in electronic signals indicative of the respective positions of the floats. A difference between the two signals is either computed or obtained from a differential amplifier into which the signals indicative of the respective float positions are inputted. A change in the difference between the float positions measures a change in the tidal effects at the location. The change in tidal effects is advantageously measured in conjunction with measuring leakage of liquid from liquid storage tanks, such as fuel storage tanks of filling stations, where tide effects occur and must be taken into account.

Abstract: An improvement in apparatus and method for measuring a prescribed volume of liquid by flowing the liquid into a reservoir and sensing the level of the liquid in the reservoir to determine when a known volume is reached places that level within a portion of the reservoir having a much-reduced cross-sectional area compared to the cross-sectional area of the remainder of the reservoir such that any inaccuracy in the sensing of the level to determine when the known volume is reached results in only a minimal deviation in the measured volume of liquid from the prescribed volume of liquid.

Abstract: A water faucet is disclosed that is automatically turned on and off in response to the proximity of the user's hand or other object to the faucet. An ultrasonic transducer is located in the faucet near the water outlet and transmits bursts of ultrasonic waves. When a wave reflects off a user's hand and creates an echo signal, the echo is detected by the ultrasonic transducer. Circuitry connected to the ultrasonic transducer determines when an object is within a predetermined distance of the faucet by measuring the time elapsed between the transmission of the burst and the reception of the echo. Once an object is within this predetermined distance, the circuitry causes a valve to open and water is supplied by the faucet. Additionally, there is an embodiment wherein the level to which the receptacle is to be filled can be selected by the user and the fill system automatically fills the receptacle to that level.

Abstract: A method of detecting the quantity of replenishing solution remaining in a replenishing-solution tank in an automatic developing machine, which tank stores a replenishing solution to be supplied to a processing tank for processing a light sensitive material, comprises the steps of subtracting the quantity of replenishing solution supplied to the processing tank from a storage quantity representing the amount of replenishing solution stored in the replenishing-solution tank; and detecting the value of the subtraction as the quantity of replenishing solution remaining in the replenishing-solution tank. Accordingly, an operator can detect the remaining quantity of replenishing solution without the need to visually inspect the replenishing-solution tank.

Abstract: A liquid level indicator for detecting a liquid level by utilizing the variation inductance of a coil having a core made of an electrical insulating magnetic material and provided inside a winding of the coil. The core may be made by piling a plurality of thin, plate-shaped conductive materials one on another in the cross-sectional direction of the coil so that they are insulated from each other or by winding a conductive magnetic material at least one turn in the form of a roll so that a closed loop current is not formed in the cross-sectional direction of the coil. An eddy current loss of the core so arranged is so small that it can be disregarded. Furthermore, the winding component of the core itself is substantially released in the equivalent circuit of the coil.

Abstract: A liquid level indicator comprises an elongate member extending vertically through a liquid container, the weight of the member being sensed as a measure of the liquid level in the container. At least at one predetermined point of its length, the member is formed with a transverse portion having a lower surface extending substantially horizontally. Furthermore, the member is tubular, and the transverse portion is located within the tube but does not occupy the entire internal cross-sectional area thereof. To determine the absolute position of the liquid level, the indicator utilizes an instantaneous change of weight provided by the liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus (9) is disclosed for determining the volume of liquid (18) in a container (1) which is being provided with an in flow and an out flow of liquid such that there normally remains an ullage volume (8) in the container filled with gas. A timer (13) actuated valve (11) is provided for interrupting one of the in flow and the out flow of liquid. A pressure sensor (10) detects the pressure of the gas in the ullage volume (8) of the container (1) during the interruption of the one of the in flow and out flow of the liquid, and a microprocessor (14) calculates the volume of liquid (18) in the container (1) from the detected change in pressure of the gas during the interruption.

Abstract: A device is provided for detecting the ullage level and flow in a vessel by detecting the presence of a solid or liquid material in proximity to a microwave detector. The device may be mounted to the side of the vessel or suspended inside the vessel so as to bring the microwave sensor into proximity with the surface of the contents of the vessel. A microwave bridge circuit may be used to detect a change in either the amplitude or phase of a signal reflected by the material within the vessel compared to a reference signal tuned to either the presence or absence of the anticipated solid or liquid material. In one embodiment, the reflected material signal is compared to the signal from a sample chamber containing the material to be detected. The device can reliably detect the level of multiple interfaces for various materials having distinct electric or magnetic properties.

Abstract: In a device for indicating the level of a liquid in a reservoir of the type which has a liquid receiving area to be positioned partially within the liquid in the reservoir, a liquid confinement tube within the liquid receiving area which may be moved from a liquid unconfining position to a liquid confining position when it is desired to measure the level of the liquid in the reservoir, a piston within the liquid confinement tube coupled to an indicator located outside the reservoir such that movement of the indicator causes movement of the piston within the confinement tube, the amount of movement of the piston and indicator indicating the level of fluid within the reservoir, and a spacer tube determining the length between the liquid receiving area and the indicator, the improvement of making the device adjustable over a range of lengths.

Abstract: A level gage mounting structure comprising a level gage secured to an upper member of a liquid storage container and vertically extending inside the container, the level gage having its lower end supported on the bottom surface of the container, and a deformable member provided between the upper member and the upper end of the level gage to support the upper end of the level gage, the deformable member being deformable vertically in unison with any vertical deformation of the upper and bottom surfaces of the container, thus enabling the lower end of the level gage to be in contact with the bottom surface of the container at all times.

Abstract: A gauge or indicator (20) for providing a positive on/off visual indication comprises a lens (22) and a transition mount (24) with a resilient diaphragm (32) secured therebetween to define a sealed chamber therein. The chamber is filled with an opaque liquid (34) and a contrasting plug (36) which is secured to the diaphragm (32) and movable therewith responsive to an actuator stem (38) between an "off" position obscured by the liquid and an "on" position wherein the plug is visible behind the lens (22) upon displacement of the liquid. Additional embodiments (50, and 70) are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating level of fluent materials, such as gasoline in an automobile tank, which comprises an impeller extending vertically through at least a major portion of the vessel in physical contact with material in the vessel. An electric motor is coupled to the impeller and connected to a source of electrical energy for rotating the impeller against drag imparted thereto by the material. Material level is indicated as a continuous function of load applied to the motor by the rotating impeller.

Abstract: In a liquid level indicator, a liquid level sensor (e.g. thermistor) is attached to a lower end of a sensor shaft fixed to an indicator frame. In the conventional way, the sensor shaft is directly fixed by screws to the frame, so that the sensor shaft is apt to be loosened, resulting in unreliable and inaccurate liquid level indicator or liquid level alarm indication. To overcome these problems, the sensor shaft is fixed to the frame by a single screw to restrict sensor shaft movement in the Z direction and further supported by at least one first and second sensor shaft restriction members to restrict sensor shaft movement in the X-Y directions. The restriction members are U-shaped support members or a shaft bent end insertion hole molded together with the frame or metal parts welded to the frame.

Abstract: An elongated cable has a length equal to the height of the silo, whereby, when the cable is disposed in the silo, it extends from the top end to the bottom end of the silo. An electric generator for generating an AC electric signal is automatically and continuously swept through a preselected frequency range. The generator means being connected to the top end of the cable to thereby transmit the generated signal along the cable. Thus, when the generated signal is transmitted along the cable and the frequency of the generated signal is automatically and continuously swept, peak voltages will occur at frequency intervals, the frequency intervals being a function of the level of material. The frequency intervals are detected whereby to determine the level of material. Interference signals are eliminated by an adjustable impedance device at the bottom end of the cable.

Abstract: A gauge or indicator (20) for providing a positive on/off visual indication comprises a lens (22) and a transition mount (24) with a resilient diaphragm (32) secured therebetween to define a sealed chamber therein. The chamber is filled with an opaque liquid (34) and a contrasting plug (36) which is secured to the diaphragm (32) and movable therewith responsive to an actuator stem (38) between an "off" position obscured by the liquid and an "on" position wherein the plug is visible behind the lens (22) upon displacement of the liquid.

Abstract: The thickness of the layer of remaining molten metal at the bottom of a container is measured on tapping molten metal from the container. An alternating magnetic field is generated with a frequency such that the penetration depth (.delta.) in the metal is of the same order of magnitude as the residue thickness of the melt layer of interest for measurement. The alternating magnetic field is generated such that to begin with field components are reflected at a horizontal surface of the melt layer and towards an alternating magnetic field detection position. When the thickness of the melt layer decreases and approaches the residue thickness, less and less field components will be reflected at the surface of the melt and pass instead through the remaining melt layer. The resulting change in detected alternating magnetic field is utilized, e.g. for triggering an alarm or breaking off tapping in some other way.

Abstract: A fuel sender mount comprises a support rod, a mounting plate secured at one end of the support rod and bolted to the top wall of the fuel tank, a carriage slideably mounted to the support rod and secured to the fuel sender housing and a spring for resiliently urging the carriage downwardly away from the top wall of the tank. The lower end of the carriage is received in a guide socket so that the fuel sender remains fixedly positioned with respect to the fuel tank. The mount is particularly useful in a fuel tank having a resiliently deformable bottom which can be deformed upwardly upon contact with a foreign object. During such contact, the carriage slides along the support rod to prevent puncturing of the bottom wall of the tank, and the force of the contact is not directed against the support rod or the mounting plate with sufficient force to cause the mounting bolts to rip through the top wall of the fuel tank or otherwise rupture the fuel tank.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a device for the detection of imminent gas depletion of a liquified gas tank, comprising a bundle of fiber optics (22), one end of which, forming an observation surface is visible from the outside of the tank, and other end of which, placed inside of the tank, is in optical contact with a flat surface of a transparent element (20), comprising, on its opposite surface, at least one dioptricelement (26). According to the invention, the lateral walls of the element (26) form with said surface an angle, preferably obtuse, the dimensions of which are such that it is capable, as long as there is liquid gas remaining in the reservoir, of being covered, almost totally, by a mensicus formed of a liquid gas condensate, which thus prevents any total reflection on said surface, of the rays directed by the fiber beams.

Abstract: A self-balancing type level gauge apparatus is disclosed, in which the change of a magnetic flux generated between coupling outer and inner magnet rings on the basis of a displacement between the coupling outer and inner magnet rings due to the displacement of a liquid level to be gauged is converted to an electrical signal which is used to gauge the liquid level to thereby reduce the mechanical portion which causes a mechanical friction so that the level gauge apparatus can be improved considerably in level gauging detection sensitivity.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for accurately measuring the alteration of a liquid quantity, especially the quantity of oil in an internal combustion engine, in a reservoir containing said liquid, especially the oil pan of the internal combustion engine, comprises a measuring chamber which is separate from the reservoir and communicated thereto via a liquid compensator conduit. The liquid compensator conduit and the measuring chamber are heated to a constant temperature by heater. A level sensor for measuring the propagation of a sonic signal is disposed within the measuring chamber above the liquid level. Any temperature variations in the measuring chamber above the liquid level are detected by a gas thermometer and are utilized in an evaluator unit for correcting the measured level signal.

Abstract: A liquid level comprising a bottle for holding leveling liquid and means in its lower end for connecting to a length of hose. The bottle has a filler opening in its upper end and integral means for storing the hose around the bottle. The level may include a ventable bottle closure over the filler opening and a ventable hose closure detachably mounted on the extended end of the hose. The bottle may also include an integral clip on the outside surface of the bottle for receiving and holding an end portion of the hose. The bottle may have an integral handle on one side thereof and a mounting plate attached to the other side thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to measure the thickness of liquid 12 on a surface 14 independent of liquid conductivity. Two pairs of round, corrosion resistant wires, 18 and 20, are mounted in an insulating material 16 such that the cross-sectional area of each wire is flush with and normal to the surface 14. The resistance between each pair of wires 18 and 20 is measured using two AC resistance measuring circuits 22 and 24 wherein the ratio of the outputs of the two resistance measuring circuits is indicative of the thickness of the liquid 12 on the surface 14.

Abstract: A fluid level indicating apparatus includes a piston and cylinder assembly which is located adjacent the surface of a body of fluid contained within fluid reservoir and includes openings to admit such fluid thereinto with the piston in one extreme axial position, and to vent air from the cylinder but restrict fluid flow therefrom during movement of the piston from the extreme axial position. The piston is connected by a link to a pivotally mounted level indicating plate which pivots in conjunction with pivotal movement of an actuator element (e.g. the hinged cap of the fluid reservoir closure) to a position indicating the level of fluid in the reservoir. The actuator element is releasably connected to the indicator plate in a manner to cooperate with the restriction of fluid flow from the cylinder upon piston movement to position the indicator plate at an appropriate level indicating position for any given fluid level within the indicating range of the apparatus.

Abstract: A means and method for detecting the presence of electrically conducting fluid whereby a signal is actuated upon the presence of fluid. The method of the invention includes placing two conducting members at the location to be monitored. A gating device having an electrical pathway to the signal device is actuated upon receiving sufficient biasing voltage. A voltage dividing network allows sufficient bias in voltage in two ways, either by the shorting of the two conducting members of the probe by electrically conducting fluid, or by the breaking of the circuit path between the electrical power source and the probe ends. The means of the invention utilizes a gating device having a biasing input connected to the middle of a voltage dividing network. Two conducting elements of a probe are attached to a point before the voltage dividing network and in the middle of the voltage dividing network respectively.

Abstract: A low oil sensor especially for application with an internal combustion engine is provided with an over-center spring and diaphragm structure to maintain the sensor in the inactivated mode whenever there is an adequate oil level in an engine sump. Crankcase pulse pressures provide an adequate pressure differential across the diaphragm to move the switch to activate an indicator circuit and to stop the engine. Inadvertent switch operation is prevented by utilization of a check valve and bleed port arrangement. The switch can be reset by an externally operable reset plunger.

Abstract: A non-invasive liquid level sensor assembly includes a pair of conductive band electrodes oriented in parallel, narrowly spaced relationship and disposed so that the gap between the electrodes corresponds to the liquid surface level to be detected. The electrodes are secured to the outer surface of a liquid container, and connected to a capacitive detector device which measures the change in electrical capacity between the conductors as the liquid rises or falls past the level of the gap between the electrodes. A shield electrode is also provided, disposed outwardly of and concavely about the sensing electrodes to eliminate sensitivity to masses outside of the container. In one embodiment the electrodes are secured with a sealed, arcuate housing which is adapted to be permanently or temporarily secured to the exterior of a liquid container by adhesive, removable straps, or the like.

Abstract: A level gauge for liquid helium suitable for use under a higher vapor pressure comprising a sensing element in the form of a ribbon wire made of superconductive alloys and a tube supporting the sensing element which tube is inserted into liquid helium upon measurement. Chemical composition of the superconductive alloys are represented by a formula, Zr.sub.100-x (Ru.sub.1-y Rh.sub.y).sub.x, in which x represents a content of Ru and/or Rh in atomic % and in a numerical value of 17.0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.22.5 and y represents a numerical value of .ltoreq.y.ltoreq.1. The alloys are made of an amorphous phase obtained by rapid quenching of a molten alloy material and have a superconducting transition temperature, Tc, of 4.5.degree. to 5.2.degree. K.

Abstract: A device for electrically measuring the oil level of a machine, particularly of an internal combustion engine, is connected with a device for temporarily blocking re-measurement. The device for the measurement of the oil level comprises a measurement probe (2) which is heated by a constant current during a connect time which is commenced in an automotive vehicle by a switch on a battery terminal (15). Furthermore, means are provided for comparing an initial voltage U.sub.O of the measurement probe at the start of the connect time with a measured voltage at the end of the connect time of a measurement period in order to form a result of the comparison which corresponds to the oil level. A signalling logic (7) which signals ranges of the oil level can be controlled by said result. The blocking-time transmitter, in combination with a control logic (10) for the total program control, blocks repeated measurement during at least one predetermined period of time after the machine is turned off or again turned on.

Abstract: A universal fuel quantity indicator apparatus (100,102) includes a digital fuel quantity indicator (100) having an internal microprocessor control unit (104) and a removably connectable digital calibration trim unit interface (102) which enables the fuel quantity indicator (100) to be reconfigured for different fuel tanks by varying selectable fuel tank parameters, such as constants associated with a fuel quantity determination based on calculations of capacitance of a tank capacitor array (110) and a compensator capacitor (112).

Abstract: An ultrasound liquid level detector system for automatically controlling the dispensing of a post-mix beverage, including microprocessor-controlled circuitry for monitoring and implementing the automatic dispensing process. The microprocessor is interfaced with an ultrasonic transducer which transmits ultrasonic wave energy towards the container to be filled and receives reflected ultrasonic wave energy, the characteristics of which are analyzed within the microprocessor to implement control functions of the automatic dispensing process. Dispensing is initially stopped before the liquid level reaches the top of the container to allow for dissipation of foam on the top of a carbonated beverage and dispensing is reinitiated to top off the level of beverage adjacent the top of the container. The disclosed system also utilizes the ultrasonic transducer to measure the level of ice within the container prior to dispensing and precludes dispensing of the beverage if the level of ice exceeds a predetermined limit.