Abstract: A characterized liquid gaging system sensor comprising sensor apparatus for determining a depth of liquid in a tank at a particular location in the tank. The sensor also includes storage apparatus for storing characterization parameters, each parameter being based on tank shape and volume and on the location of the sensor apparatus, each parameter defining a relationship between a liquid depth and a value related to a liquid quantity. The sensor apparatus and the storage apparatus are connected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for determining the level of the melt in a ladle or the like, which device comprises a lance (20) with a tubular end adapted to be submerged in the melt. At least one non-contact sensor (1) is mounted in the tubular end of the lance (20) straight opposite to an aperture (24) through the wall of the tubular end. The aperture (24) or the apertures are covered by a sleeve (27) of a heat resistant, electricly non-conducting material. The sensor or the sensors are electrically connected to operational equipment for signals coming from the sensor or the sensors.

Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for indicating losses of stored liquid materials or penetration of liquid in liquid storage tanks, in connection with a liquid meter. The level change is automatically measured by means of a level meter as a function of time intervals, and a level change not caused by removal or filling under normal operation conditions is indicated as a loss of stored material (such as e.g. due to theft or leaks) or as a penetration of liquid (such as e.g. ground water).

Abstract: The present invention is part of a liquid gaging system and comprises an apparatus for reducing error introduced by an incapacitated sensor. Included are a plurality of sensors, each sensor providing a liquid measurement signal relating to a liquid depth at a particular location in a tank. The invention also comprises apparatus for selectively monitoring the liquid measurement signal of each individual sensor, the apparatus for selectively monitoring being connected to the sensors. Also included is apparatus for identifying at least one sister sensor corresponding to each sensor. The invention further comprises apparatus for determining an estimated liquid depth corresponding to an incapacitated sensor by using the liquid measurement signal of at least one sister sensor corresponding to the incapacitated sensor. The apparatus for determining is connected to the apparatus for selectively measuring and the apparatus for identifying.

Abstract: Arrangement for the regulation of the height of a liquid level, such arrangement being particularly suitable for the removal of condensate from the regeneration heaters of steam turbines. The arrangement includes a transmitter nozzle for forming a gas-liquid mixture in a first, influx chamber communicating with a tank containing the liquid, a second chamber connected with the influx chamber and containing a two-phase outlet sensor which separates the gas in the gas-liquid mixture, and a system for discharging liquid from the tank including a discharge valve controlled by the pressure of the liquid in the second chamber.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for detecting the level of molten glass in a glass melting furnace comprising transmitting an electromagnetic wave towards the surface of the molten glass, detecting the electromagnetic wave reflected from the surface of the molten glass, determining the amount of time elapsed from the transmission of the electromagnetic wave to the detection of the reflected electromagnetic wave, and generating a signal responsive to the amount of elapsed time as an indication of the level of molten glass in the furnace.

Abstract: A housing unit is constructed substantially in a tightly closed state and divided by a partition into two chambers, one for encasing a fuel gauge and the other a strainer. The housing unit, on being attached to a fuel tank, simultaneously functions to indicate the amount of fuel in the fuel tank and strain the fuel to remove foreign matter therefrom.

Abstract: In a sea vessel having a bilge pump energized in response to bilge water level, an operating parameter of the bilge pump, such as on-time or water output, is monitored and compared with a normal or expected reference value of the parameter to indirectly detect leakage into the bilge. The reference value may be manually set by the operator or may be automatically set in response to circuitry for obtaining the running average of the parameter previously monitored. In one embodiment, an alarm is triggered if the reference is exceeded by the monitored parameter indicative of excessive leakage. In a second embodiment, the monitored parameter is compared with two references. A first alarm at the vessel is triggered if the monitored bilge pump parameter is above the first reference indicating slightly excessive leakage into the bilge whereas a second alarm, which may be remote, is triggered if the monitored parameter is above the second, higher reference indicating grossly excessive leakage.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the filling level of silos and similar containers has a measuring chain which depends from a cylinder and piston unit serving to raise and lower it; the chain extends through the upper opening of the container to the bottom wall of the same. A measuring device is connected in series with the arrangement mounting the chain and with the chain itself, and has a spring which is extensible and contractable in a path parallel to the series formed by the chain, the mounting arrangement for the same and the measuring device, and an indicator movable parallel to the spring path.

Abstract: An internal valve for the bottom loading of fuel tanks consists of a differential area piston acting within a chamber which is vented by a pair of pilot valves responsive to fluid level, to provide full open, throttled and closed positions of the valve automatically in response to inlet fluid pressure. Soft closure of the inlet valve which is formed of the piston head and a seat in the valve housing, is provided by metered fluid flow through an orifice between a sized aperture in the piston head and a restrictor sleeve carried on a tank vent actuator bar extending through the aperture and through the valve housing. A lost motion connection between the piston head and actuator bar allows limited relative movement for controlling the metering orifice and combined movement for coincident opening of the tank vent in response either to inlet fluid pressure or manual actuation.

Abstract: A fully automatically operable pneumatic stop valve is provided which rests on the principle of pressure differences in its various membrane spaces in controlling the fluid flow through the valve, wherein the rising fluid closes a fluid level control pipe and thereby upsets the pressure conditions in an auxiliary valve membrane space which in turn controls the pressure in the main membrane space controlling the closing of the main valve.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for indicating that the level of a dosable material has fallen below a predetermined level in a dosing container having a shaft mounted horizontally for rotation inside of the container and a dosing brush mounted on the shaft. This device comprises an elastic contact tongue radially fixed to the shaft for rotation therewith, the contact tongue being sufficiently elastic so that it assumes a bent configuration having a first radius when rotated in contact over a predetermined portion of its length with the dosable material and so that it assumes an extended configuration having a second radius when rotated so that it is not in contact over the predetermined portion of its length with the dosable material; a contact pin mounted at a distance from the shaft greater than the first radius but not greater than the second radius, so as to be contacted by the contact tongue in its extended configuration; and means for producing a signal when the contact tongue contacts the contact pin.

Abstract: A non-contacting surface contour measurement device includes movable member which can selectively be actuated to form a hermetic enclosure about a transmit and/or receive antenna. The measurement device, when employed in a blast furnace, need be exposed to the furnace environment only during measuring modes which constitute a small portion of the furnace operating cycle.

Abstract: A device for determining the relative properties of stratified fluids, such as the interface between oil and water having plural fluid character recording stations with sensors on an elongated member. Means are provided to clear the recording stations to preclude contamination of the sensors by fluid from other strata.

Abstract: A method of measuring the level of molten metal in a continuous casting m comprises inducing in the molten metal a magnetic field by a primary electrically energized coil and, by the relationship of this magnetic field to a pair of symmetrical secondary coils coaxial with the primary coil, inducing voltages in these secondary coils which are electrically connected in a circuit opposition so that the resultant voltage represents the level of the molten metal.

Abstract: A method for preventing the overcharging of coal into a coke oven system in which preheated coal is transported from a storage container to the coke ovens by means of a substantially enclosed continuous conveyor system filled with inert gas. A portion of inert gas within the enclosed conveyor system is carried along with the coal into the coke oven itself. During filling of the oven, this inert gas is carried up and out of the oven standpipes. When the oven becomes filled, however, the standpipe escape route becomes blocked resulting in a rapid pressure build-up within the system. This rapid pressure build-up is utilized to generate a signal to stop further filling of the oven. The instant method may be employed as a primary regulating system, but is more preferably employed as a back-up to conventional sensor probes used for regulating the level of coal.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for the preparation of mixtures in variable quantities from a single formulation giving the mixture in parts thereof. The apparatus includes a gauge, the vertical displacement of which, along a variable course, is obtained by a transformation, either amplification or reduction, of the displacement of an object along a predetermined path. Additionally the path can be divided into equal parts, such that at each instant the object and the gauge are positioned dividing respectively the path and the course in the same ratio. In one embodiment the object consists of a carriage which is translationally displaced along an approximately horizontal track, and the transformation is obtained by means of a ramp upon which is positioned a running wheel. The invention is particularly useful for providing mixtures of paint.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the level of particulate material in a container is disclosed including level indication conduit vertically disposed in a container so that changes in the level of the particulate material in the container result in corresponding changes in the level of particulate material in the level indication conduit, further conduits for flowing a gaseous stream through the level indication conduit and a pressure gauge for measuring the pressure drop in the gaseous stream flowing through the level indication conduit so that changes in the level of the particulate material in the level indication conduit causes corresponding changes in that pressure drop.

Abstract: A detector for monitoring the bath level in an oscillatory continuous casting mold oscillates with the latter. The detector generates signals indicative of the bath level and a control unit interprets the signals and initiates adjustment of the bath level if this is outside of prescribed limits. Since the detector oscillates with the mold, and thus relative to the bath, the distance between the detector and the surface of the bath changes continuously even if the bath level remains constant. Inasmuch as the detector cannot distinguish between its own movement and that of the bath level, the oscillation of the detector results in the supply of misinformation to the control unit. In order to correct for the oscillation of the detector, a limit switch is connected with the detector or the control unit and is arranged to be closed by the oscillator at a predetermined point of its stroke. Thus, the detector will always be at the same position when the limit switch is closed.

Abstract: An electromechanical filling level measuring apparatus for the intermittent measurement of the filling level in a container with the help of a measuring tape that is wound on a spool driven by an electric motor and to the lower end of which a sensing weight is secured. Switching means are provided for the reversal and for the switching off of the electric motor that respond respectively when the sensing weight encounters the surface of the filling medium during paying-out of the measuring tape and when an upper limiting position is reached during the winding-in of the measuring tape. A detector device determines and indicates the length of the measuring tape paid out or wound in.

Abstract: A freely oscillating moving element (12-14-16), according to a radial axis with respect to the furnace wall (1) and having an inner appendix (12) deviated from the axis and with an outer counter-weight (16), can oscillate between two angular positions defined by pawls, towards the first of such positions said moving element is cyclically moved during the moving element lowering trajectory with the rotation of the furnace while towards the second angular position said moving element is cyclically moved during the moving element raising trajectory with the furnace rotation; said moving element can reach said second position only when the inner appendix (12) emerges from the material contained in the furnace.

Abstract: A fluid level control circuit with a safety test function for a boiler water level probe of a fail safe type is connected to a field effect transistor controlled amplifier having a well defined threshold of operation. A safety test switch means is provided to pull the amplifier's input down below the threshold point, but not to a shorted condition. By observing the output of the system it is possible to determine whether the fluid level detector is properly installed, and whether the amplifier has had any type of unsafe operating failure.

Abstract: A liquid level control system is disclosed for use with a swimming pool or the like having a pool reservoir, a main drain or outlet, usually at the bottom of the reservoir, and an outlet located at a predetermined water maintenance level for the pool. The system includes fluid amplifier means positioned relative to the pool reservoir for sensing an interface between liquid and gas, or water and air, at the surface of the water in the pool and developing a fluid pressure signal when the interface falls below a predetermined level. Liquid circulation means, including a skimmer at the surface of the water in the pool reservoir is provided for circulating water from the pool reservoir between the outlet and an inlet. A portion of the water circulated by the circulation means is channeled to the fluid amplifier means for operating the same. Fluid valve means is provided which is responsive to the fluid pressure signal developed by the fluid amplifier means.

Abstract: A method for continuously measuring slag foaming within a converter during blowing and an apparatus for practising the method are disclosed.In this method, the foaming slag level is determined by detecting and processing a beat signal developed between the frequency-modulated transmitted wave and the reflected wave of a microwave radar. The apparatus for practising this method comprises a microwave generator, an antenna and a waveguide, and signal processing circuitry. The microwave generator generates frequency-modulated microwaves and supplies them to the antenna which is provided with a waveguide for directing these microwaves into the converter. The antenna with the waveguide are provided with water-cooling means and air purge means to overcome the heat, dust and splash from the converter.

Abstract: A probe for use when filling the hollow walls of an existing building with insulation. The probe in the present invention detects, by a pressure responsive means, when the insulation being distributed between the walls of a building has reached the level of the probe.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor of the bifilar wound inductive coil type is provided with improved end linearity characteristic. The coil ends are wound substantially to the end of a tubular support member, and a modified end support is provided at the support tube ends.

Abstract: A method and means for measuring the level of a liquid in a container. A coaxial cavity having a perforated outer conductor is partially submerged in the liquid in the container wherein the liquid enters and terminates the annular region of the coaxial cavity. The fundamental resonant frequency of the portion of the coaxial cavity which does not contain liquid is determined experimentally and is used to calculate the length of the liquid-free portion of the coaxial cavity and thereby the level of liquid in the container.

Abstract: A device for indicating the volume of liquid in a fuel tank or like container includes a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) mounted within the tank, which is divided into a liquid containing section and a gas containing section by a longitudinally movable piston. Pressure gas is provided to the gas containing section of the tank through a port in a tank wall, and urges the piston to follow the liquid level in the tank. The LVDT has a fixed coil housing with a fixed electrical input and a rotatable core actuator. The core actuator is coupled for rotation in response to movement of the piston. Rotation of the actuator effects translational movement of the core within the coil, thereby producing a variable electrical output in response to changes in liquid volume.

Abstract: An inductance element, such as a coil, cooperates with a detector/amplifier circuit to detect the level of a liquid in a container by quenching oscillations in an electrical circuit when the liquid is brought into close proximity to the inductance element.

Abstract: A jet type liquid level sensor and its combination with a fluid pressure operated valve whose opening and closing is controlled by the sensor at predetermined liquid levels within a tank in which the sensor and valve are installed. The sensor is designed for installation such that the jet stream issuing from a nozzle thereon travels horizontally to a receiving orifice which transmits the velocity head of the jet stream to an actuator for holding the valve open until such time that the jet stream is diffused by rising level of liquid in the tank. The nozzle has a shroud surrounding the jet stream and a pickup tube that extends a substantial distance below the nozzle. The pickup tube delivers liquid to the shroud for diffusing the jet stream when the liquid level is falling from the predetermined high shutoff level to the predetermined low reopening level corresponding to the position of the lower end of the tube at which point the jet stream is re-established for opening the valve.

Abstract: A level sensing system for fluids and particulate material comprised of an immersed rotating body, an arrangement for measuring the resistance to rotation encountered by said body and a compensating method for reducing the effect of extraneous variables whereby said resistance varies primarily with changes in level. Output devices and controls attached to read and act from said resistance measurements can thus be calibrated in terms of fluid and particulate material levels in various storage vessels.

Abstract: The signal non-linearity which is characteristic of the end portions of an elongated liquid metal level mutual inductance type prove is substantially eliminated by increasing the coil turns per unit length of the probe in the end portions thereby increasing the mutual inductance characteristics of the probe in the end portions.

Abstract: A system for electromagnetically measuring level, distance or flow rate in connection with molten metal contained in a furnace, mould, channel or the like. Separate coreless single or few-turn transmitter and receiver coils are used, the coils being essentially freely positionable relative to the walls of the furnace etc. At least two signal channels are included for signal processing and for producing counteraction between transmitter and/or receiver signals so as to produce a basic measurement signal that is at least substantially balanced with regard to disturbing and unbalance signals, whereby the small variations of the signals induced in the receiver coil or coils due to changes of the level, distance or flow rate of the molten metal can be accurately detected.

Abstract: A device for indicating the level of a poured floor comprised of an outer casing adapted to be driven into the ground, an indicator member receipt shaft which is insertable into the outer casing, and an indicator member having a scale imprinted thereon which is positionable within the indicator member receipt shaft at the height of the floor to be poured and determined by height indicator means.

Abstract: An arrangement for electro-magnetically measuring level of and/or distance to molten metal contained in a container, particularly a torpedo ladle wagon. Separate transmitter and receiver coils are located displaced relative to each other at or in the container walls so that the molten metal forms an AC magnetic screen between the coils when reaching a predetermined level. Before the molten metal cuts off the alternating magnetic field from the transmitter coil to the receiver coil, the alternating magnetic field sensed by the receiver coil is increased due to alternating magnetic field generated by electric currents induced at the surface of the raising molten metal. The top amplitude of the signal obtained in the receiver coil increases as the wear and erosion of the container lining proceeds.

Abstract: A system for measuring the height of material in a storage container by generating an incident pulse with a pulse generator and transmitting the pulse through a high impedance transmission line supported in a container. A reflected pulse of opposite polarity is generated at the interface of air and material in the container and is received by a reflected pulse detector which again triggers the pulse generator to continuously monitor the height of the material in the container. The time difference between the transmitted incident pulse and the received reflected pulse of opposite polarity is the indication of the height of the material in the container. A hold off delay disables the reflected pulse detector for a finite period of time so that the reflected pulse detector is not affected by noise signals on the transmission line. If no material is in the container and no reflected pulse of opposite polarity is received, then one automatic start pulse generator retriggers the pulse generator.

Abstract: This invention relates to sensing in respect to fluids and utilizes an effect relating to a beam of light and a fluid boundary. It has been found that a beam of light will be modulated differently when submerged and unimmersed in a fluid and also that between these two limit positions critical levels of the beam with respect to the boundary exist in which light transmission is at a maxima and a minima. These maxima and minima can be put to use in liquid level detection and control.

Abstract: A multi-bladed turbine meter is in a fluid flow line and has two magnetic pick-ups at the periphery of its blade tips positioned to be pulsed at different times by each blade as each blade passes the pick-ups. A circuit is connected to both pick-ups to determine which pick-up is pulsed first and to register the volume of fluid which is passed through the meter in each direction.

Abstract: Microwaves are used to detect the level of a liquid in a vessel. An external chamber, constructed of a material essentially invisible to microwaves, is connected to the vessel and is open to the interior of the vessel above and below the level to be detected. Microwaves are directed through the external chamber and the unabsorbed energy of the microwaves passing through the external chamber is measured and converted to a signal representative of the liquid level in the vessel. Known electrical circuitry is used to generate the microwaves, to measure the unabsorbed microwave energy, and to convert the measured energy to a standard instrument signal representative of the liquid level in the vessel.

Abstract: An oleo strut oil level indicator is provided which includes a rod slidably xtending through a landing gear or other metering pin contacting the strut floating piston at one end and terminating at a frangible disc at the opposite end. Excessive oil loss in the strut produces a commensurate displacement of the floating piston toward the frangible disc, causing the opposite rod end to rupture the disc at a selected piston position and exposing a colored low oil level indicator to view thereby visually indicating a condition of potential danger.

Abstract: A card for measuring off colored base coating compositions comprising a scale indicating the volumes of solvent and colored base coating compositions; an apparatus for measuring off colored base coating compositions comprising said card, a pointer, a probe member and a container for receiving solvent and colored base coating compositions; and a method of measuring off colored base coating compositions using said apparatus.

Abstract: A liquid level indicator consisting of a transparent rod within which is embedded a plurality of infrared emitters and photosensors. The infrared emitters and photosensors are mounted to a substrate which places the emitters and sensors in such a geometry as to cause total internal reflection off the transparent rod surface when an emitter-sensor pair is above the liquid level and to minimize internal reflection when an emitter-sensor pair is immersed in the liquid. The emitters are activated by electric current via conductive paths which are part of the supporting substrate. The sensors provide electric currents to an external readout device to indicate the absence or presence of liquid between emitter-sensor pairs. The liquid level indicator is made relatively insensitive to ambient light by shading the sensors from all but the desired infrared rays from the emitters. The liquid level indicator is hinged to allow a given length indicator assembly to be used in a variety of container depths.

Abstract: A level indicator for containers is disclosed that is adapted for use in granulate storage tanks and has a laterally collapsable sleeve disposed vertically within the tank for progressive embedment in the granulate as the tank is filled. The indicator also has a flexible, longitudinally contractile member freely hung inside, and coextensive with, the sleeve. A releasable means supports the contractile member within the sleeve and as granulate flows around and collapses the sleeve against the contractile member there is provided a sensing means adapted to support the free portion of the member upon operation of the releasable means. A scale means is associated with the sensing means to record the volume of granulate in the tank.

Abstract: A measuring device to determine the depth of sediment in the floor of a buried pipe and the rate of flow of water through the pipe.

Abstract: An electric system normally responsive to radiation over a path traversed by a body of material. An auxiliary radiation source generates a continuous signal through the portion of the circuit monitored for failure. The continuous signal opposes deenergization of the system relay during the period the material blocks normal radiation to the system and while the monitored circuit is operative.

Abstract: In the preferred form, the present invention is directed to a water gauge which indicates the amount of water in the reservoir of a pressing iron. The gauge is so positioned with respect to the reservoir and the contents thereof that the indication function is provided both when the iron is in a horizontal or ironing position and when the iron is in the vertical or heel rest position.

Abstract: An accumulator warning system utilizing an electric system with an electric signal and wherein a movable member is disposed in a container having a gas on one side of the member and oil on the other side of the member. The movable member moves toward electric conductors when the gas in the container is depleted, and thus the electric signal is activated.

Abstract: A liquid quantity detecting device comprises a liquid container, liquid circulating means disposed within the liquid container, and means for detecting bubbles created by the liquid circulating means when the liquid level has been lowered. Thus, decrease in quantity of liquid may be detected in accordance with the detection signal from the detector means.

Abstract: A liquid metal level indicator is provided comprising a number of separate, substantially identical coils supported in a vertical array and adapted to be extended into a liquid metal bath. Means are provided for comparing the impedance of each coil to that of the next adjacent coil successively from one end of the array to the other to indicate the liquid level by the change in impedance of the coils due to the presence of liquid metal surrounding them.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical displacement transducer comprises a probe on which shunt capacitance and series inductance are uniformly distributed to form a distributive constant circuit. The probe includes a nonconductive central member coaxially covered by cylindrical inner and outer conductor members insulated and separated from each other, at least one such conductor member being a coil. A pulse source connects to the sending end of the probe and a circuit element having an impedance related to the characteristic impedance of the distributed constant circuit connects the inner and outer conductor members at the receiving end of the probe. In use, the probe is displaceable with respect to a wave reflecting means such that the duration, between the time when a pulse is applied to the sending end of the probe and the arrival of the reflected wave at the sending end of the probe, varies in direct proportion to the relative displacement of the probe and wave reflecting means.