Abstract: A liquid level sensor for conductive liquids having a bias ring to prevent false “full” indications. The sensor is an inexpensive conductive probe that can be installed in any tank or container used to contain a conductive liquid. The build up of residue such as sludge on the inside of the container wall and probe pieces can cause a short between the probe and ground. This situation will result in falsely showing that the level of the liquid being measured is at least at the minimum predetermined requirement even though the actual level may be far less than that amount. The bias ring is a metal ring that is placed around the insulating base of the sensing probe between the probe tip and the top inside of the tank. The probe is then given a charge (positive for negative ground systems) which interrupts the current path between the sensing tip of the probe and ground via the conducting residue. Consequently, the sensor will read correctly despite the conductive residue that may be present.

Abstract: The invention proposes a method and apparatus for monitoring operating and/or driving parameters of a motor vehicle, whereby the measured data for monitoring the operating and/or driving functions supplied by a sensor are checked by the control function in dependence on the inclination angle of the motor vehicle in the longitudinal or transverse direction of the vehicle. If a specified limit for the inclination angle is exceeded, the error message is suppressed if the detected error occurs only briefly. Error messages relating to the fluid level in the tank cooling-water compartment, engine compartment, and transmission compartment can therefore be suppressed. The error is output only when an actual error exists the remains for a longer period of time. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, it is provided that error messages also be detected and evaluated as a function of dynamic driving parameters such as rotational speeds and/or accelerations. A preferred application is in off-road vehicles.

Abstract: The transmitter for projecting a beam of laser light includes a source of a beam of laser light, and a projection arrangement for directing the beam of laser light at a selected grade. The transmitter further includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of said transmitter, and a temperature correction circuit, including a look-up table, responsive to said temperature sensor, for adjusting said projection arrangement in dependence upon offset grade values that are stored in said look-up table for a plurality of transmitter temperatures. These offset grade values are separately determined on an empirical basis for each transmitter, such that temperatures induced errors in the direction of the beam of laser light are compensated.

Abstract: In order to configure device for measuring fill-level (1) as customer and operation friendly, interface (2), which can be mechanically connected and disconnected to/from device for measuring fill-level (1), for attaching an electronic device, for example, a personal computer or an indication or operation module, is provisioned. It is advantageous for the interface to be integrated into indication and operation module (2). The transfer of data, as well as of a power current, between device for measuring fill-level (1) and interface (2) occurs, for example, by means of an inductive, capacitive, or optical coupling. Interface (2) can be mechanically connected and disconnected to/from device for measuring fill-level (1), for example, by means of a plug-in or lock-in connection, or by means of at least one magnet.

Abstract: An apparatus detects the addition of fuel to a fuel tank of a stopped motor vehicle under conditions of a cut off or running engine. The apparatus detects whether or not the vehicle engine is running and whether or not the tank is closed by a fuel filler cap when a tank is being filled. Vehicle speed is also measured. A first measurement of the level of fuel in the fuel tank is taken when the engine is cut off, or when the fuel filler cap is removed and the vehicle engine is running. A second measurement is taken when the vehicle engine is started up, or when the fuel filler cap is fitted onto the tank and the vehicle engine is running. The addition of fuel to the vehicle fuel tank is detected from the first and second measurements.

Abstract: A fuel quantity transducer (20) suitable for use in a liquid level measurement system (30) uses an AMR device (30) to permit liquid level measurement. A flange (60) is fastened to the inside of a tank (12) and the AMR device (38) on the outside of the tank (12). A support (62) provides a channel shaped piece that is attached to the flange (60) and provides a pivot for a rotor (64). A stop pin (61) is pressed into the support (62) and provides a stop for the rotor (64) at each end of a ninety degree arc. The rotor (64) is a square bar counterbored for a magnet (42) and tapped laterally for a pivot rod. The magnet (42) is placed on the counterbore and retained such that the clearance between the magnet (42) and the flange is small. A float arm (80) is screwed into the axially threaded end of the rotor (64) and secured with a locking jam nut (82).

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining media level in a cassette. A single, fixed media level sensor is located adjacent to where the media is fed from the cassette. The bottom of the cassette is moved up until the top piece of media triggers the fixed sensor. The number of steps of the stepper motor (or the time an analog motor is on) indicates the distance the bottom of the cassette must be raised before the top of the media stack hits the sensor. The number of steps is used directly to determine the height of the stack of media and, therefore, the level of media in the cassette.

Abstract: The present invention detects distances between cars through image processing. A car ahead is detected from an image taken by one camera and a relative positional relation between the detected vehicle and road edges is detected. On the other hand, a three-dimensional road structure is reconstructed from the image taken by one camera. Then, taking into account the relative positional relation in the image between the vehicle and road edges, the position of the vehicle on the reconstructed three-dimensional road structure is determined. Then, the distance from the camera to the vehicle in the real space is measured through arithmetic operations. By focusing the range of performing image processing in one image, it is possible to reduce the amount of data handled.

Abstract: A liquid level gauge for use on a vehicle indicates a liquid level in a start-up and in a running state in accordance with requirements designated by a user of the vehicle, the level being indicated with little or no time lag. Data detected in analog form by a fuel sensor is converted to digital signals by a sensor value reader. An indicator driver receives time signals from a timer and speed signals from a vehicle speed sensor and, in a suitably timed manner reflecting the vehicle speed, calculates fuel level data to be indicated based on the digital signals. The fuel level data thus calculated is indicated on a fuel level indicator. The fuel level data may be updated at intervals of one second if vehicle speed is less than 4 km/h and at intervals of 15 seconds if vehicle speed is at least 4 km/h.

Abstract: A method is presented for determining whether a fuel sensor in a vehicle having a fuel tank, a fuel delivery system, electronic engine controller, air flow and air/fuel ratio sensors and an instrument panel is stuck in-range. First, the electronic engine controller from the information provided by the above sensors estimates an amount of fuel consumed. The estimate is then compared to the actual fuel consumed data from the fuel sensor. If the difference between the actual and estimated amounts exceeds a small predetermined constant, the determination is made that the fuel sensor is stuck in-range and a diagnostic code is sent to the instrument panel and stored for use by a service technician.

Abstract: The battery charge indicator cage is molded as a single integral piece with two cores coming in and shutting off against each other. The battery charge indicator cage includes an internal diagonal channel in which a colored ball or balls traverse dependent upon the presence of a fluid of at least a predetermined density. A stem is formed within the diagonal channel in order to form the one-ball embodiment. This stem is removed in order to form the two-ball embodiment.

Abstract: A watch, in particular a dive watch, having a movement (16) which is arranged in a watch case (12) and can be used to drive an hour hand (3) via an hour tube and a minute hand (4) via a minute tube in a fashion sweeping over a dial (1). Also present is a pressure detecting device for detecting the ambient pressure outside the watch case (12) and a display for representing the detected pressure values. There is arranged in the watch case (12) a mechanical pressure transducer to which the ambient pressure outside the watch case (12) can be applied and by means of which a mechanical depth measurement mechanism (17) of a mechanical display can be driven.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and a device for determining the filling level and can be applied, in particular, for the ascertainment of thesimmering process of mineral oil products.

Abstract: A fill level measuring system for the liquid content of a tank, with a fill level sensor (10, 50) for generating a signal proportional to the height of a point of the liquid level, an additional volume flow sensor (14, 52, 56) for generating a signal proportional to the inflow or outflow, and an indicating instrument (28). To compensate for systematic errors with high-frequency portions, for example due to air turbulence in the case of an airplane, and low-frequency portions, for example due to position changes (climb/descent; upward run/downward run for a motor vehicle) it is proposed to direct the signal of the fill level sensor (10) through a low-pass filter (12) and the signal of the volume flow sensor (14) through a high-pass filter (18), and to sum up both signals before the indicating instrument (28).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the depth of fluid in a well and for controlling the speed of a pump which pumps fluid out of the well according to the measured depth is disclosed. The depth of fluid in a well is measured by sending an acoustic pulse into an annulus between the well casing and the production tubing and sensing reflections of the acoustic pulse from collars on the tubing and a reflection from the fluid surface. Since the collar spacing on the production tubing is known, the distance from the top of the well to the surface of the fluid can be obtained by accumulating the distance associated with the collars detected in the reflection signal. The collar reflections are sensed by converting the reflected acoustic wave into electrical signals and then amplitude demodulating the broadband electrical signals.

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

Abstract: A fluid level sensor and a washer unit are provided for an automated immonoassay processing system. A washer head (13) is vertically movable by a drive (2) above a reaction tray (8) having fluid (15) in separate cells. The level sensor comprises two electrodes arranged along a fluid path within aspirator tips (6). The electrodes are held at different electrical potentials and are effectively insulated from each other. If fluid is aspirated along the fluid path then the electrodes are bridged. Control means (1) is arranged to detect any change in conductance between the electrodes thereby indicating the presence of fluid (15). The vertical height of the washer head is determined relative to the sample thereby enabling the device to determine the level of the fluid (15).

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

Abstract: A method of determining the moisture content in wood in which a sample of the wood being tested is first frozen with liquid nitrogen, homogenized and a test sample is placed in a Karl Fischer titration system. The test sample is placed into a solvent solution and the reagent or titrant is progressively added to the solvent solution as the presence of moisture from the wood sample is detected. Once the moisture has been titrated from the solution the moisture content of the wood is determined based upon the amount of reagent dispensed into the titration solution.

Abstract: A bubble detector includes a conduit (1) through which a first fluid having a first refractive index is intended to flow, a light source (3) which directs a light beam (4; 41, 42) through a transparent conduit wall-part (12), through the conduit cavity and out through a second transparent conduit wall-part, and a detector means (5; 51, 52, 53) adapted to receive the light beam (4, 41) after the beam has passed through the conduit and the first fluid therein. The two opposing transparent wall-parts (12, 11) of the conduit (1) are trans-illuminated by the light beam and are essentially planar and parallel. The light source (3) is adapted to direct the beam (4) at an oblique angle (.alpha.) to the proximal transparent wall-part (12) of the conduit (1), so that the light source will be broken into different paths (41, 42) depending on whether the beam passes the first fluid or a second conduit-carried fluid having a different refractive index, such as a bubble.

Abstract: A crawler vehicle for inspection of the floor of a tank partially filled with a liquid includes telemetry carried by a tether between the vehicle and the remote station for communication of data and control signals between the vehicle and personnel within the station. The vehicle carries a Hall-effect sensor to sense anomalies in a magnetic flux outside the plate resulting from pitting within the plate. An array of ultrasonic transducer probes provides a detailed picture of the defect. A proximity sensor determines the presence of a step abutment between contiguous plates to command for a retraction of the magnet to prevent collision with the step abutment. A pressure sensor measures the depth between the vehicle and a planar surface of the liquid, used as a reference plane, to determine a degree of flatness of the floor and the presence of any settling of the floor.

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

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

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for detecting a fill level of a tank system utilizing a pressure source, a bridge divider arrangement and a pressure measuring device. The pressure source is adapted to generate a change of pressure in the tank system. The pressure divider arrangement has a reference measuring unit which can be charged with pressure by the pressure source. The reference measuring unit further includes at least one flow resistor of a predetermined size in at least one reference flow branch. For measuring the tightness, the pressure measuring device simultaneously detects the difference of the pressure in the tank system and of the pressure in the reference measuring unit. In the method, the time-dependent trace of the difference pressure during at least one of a pressure build-up operation and a pressure decay operation is continuously detected. A conclusion is then drawn as to the fill level from the time-dependent trace.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive liquid level probe in a double-walled liquid container develops liquid level data and external sensors in the space between the walls respond to the presence of liquid leaked into the space from inside or outside the container. Other sensors external of the liquid level probe may sense other conditions. The probe electronics determines binary states of the external sensors and digitally encodes the states for inclusion in data transmission of the liquid level information to a remote controller via a two-wire transmission line. One embodiment develops pulses spaced as a digital function of the sensor states and includes liquid level data between the pulses for transmission. The pulse space is measured at the remote controller and decoded to determine the external sensor states, while the liquid level data is analyzed to determine the contents of the container.

Abstract: A dry-cleaning apparatus using liquid carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) as the cleaning fluid has a liquid level detector for providing a continuous reading of the liquid CO.sub.2 level in a storage tank. The liquid level detector includes a first resistance temperature detector disposed in the gas above the liquid, a second resistance temperature detector immersed in the liquid, and a third resistance temperature detector with an elongated sensing section disposed in part in the gas above the liquid and in part in the liquid. Each of the three resistance temperature detectors are heated by a constant current. Voltage signals indicating the respective resistance values of the resistance temperature detectors are measured and processed by a controller to continuously determine and monitor the liquid level in the storage tank.

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

Abstract: An ink detecting device capable of detecting the amount of ink in an ink tank uses a light emitting device to shine light toward a transparent member in a wall of the ink tank. The ink tank is used in a recording apparatus and is moved relative to a recording medium as a recording head ejects ink onto the recording medium A light receiving member receives light reflected on an inner surface of the transparent member when ink is not in contact with that surface. However, if ink is in contact with the inner surface, no light is reflected to the light receiving member. Thus, a reliable indication of the presence of ink in a movable ink tank, or plural movable ink tanks, can be obtained in the absence of physical contact therewith.

Abstract: An assembly for sensing and/or monitoring the level of a material in a vessel includes a level sensor mounted in the vessel so that it comes into contact with the material when the material has attained a predetermined level. The level sensor contains a low-frequency sensing system and a high-frequency sensing system. The low-frequency sensing system is formed by a mechanical vibrator system induced to vibrate at its natural resonant frequency, and establishing whether the mechanical vibrator system is in contact with the material or not is achieved by evaluating the frequency and/or amplitude of the mechanical vibrations. For forming the high-frequency sensing system high-frequency elastic vibration is induced in a component of the level sensor, and establishing whether this component is in contact with the material or not is achieved by evaluating an electric signal generated as a function of the high-frequency elastic vibration.

Abstract: Diving computer includes a pressure sensor, a timer, a processing unit and a display screen. The processing unit processes the pressure and time data according to a given algorithm and shows on the display screen at least the data relating to how long the diver can stay at a given depth within the decompression curve. The computer is also provided with one or more mechanisms for signalling an alarm. This signalling mechanism includes a mechanism for producing permanent visual signals differentiated according to the seriousness of the errors made, which signals are controlled by the processing unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a time domain reflectometry (TDR) signal having a plurality of reflection pulses to generate a valid output result corresponding to a process variable in a vessel. The method includes the steps of establishing an initial boundary signal before the process variable is locates in the vessel, storing the initial boundary signal, detecting the TDR signal, and determining a baseline signal by subtracting the initial boundary signal from the TDR signal. The method also includes the steps of establishing a signal pattern having a time range based on the width of reflection pulses in the baseline signal, comparing the baseline signal to the signal pattern until a reflection pulse in the baseline signal matches the signal pattern, determining a maximum value of the reflection pulse that matches the signal pattern, and calculating an output result based on the maximum value.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor unit outputs a voltage value which corresponding to a measured liquid level to an improved anti-slosh circuit that provides a fast timing rate during the initial condition of the circuit and a slow timing rate during the normal operation of the circuit. The improved anti-slosh circuit further includes a low liquid level warning circuit and a power-on-reset circuit. The system timing rate can be externally controlled by connecting an RC circuit to the improved anti-slosh circuit. Customer defined reference level for low liquid warning is also possible. The entire circuit is included on a single, monolithic integrated circuit. An input pin receives the signal from the fuel tank. An output pin drives a liquid level gauge.

Abstract: A diver's computer including detectors for measurement and determination of diving parameters, a processor for processing the measured and determined data, and memory functions for storage of the measured and collected data. According to the invention, the diver's computer is provided with a detachable memory unit in which the measured and collected data have been arranged to be stored and which memory unit can be connected to a personal computer or equivalent for analyzing the data. Of the measured and collected data, preferably at least the data on the diving depth, diving time and starting time of the dive, the data on the pressure in the bottle, the situation of residual nitrogen, and possible violations by the diver are preferably stored in the detachable memory unit. The detachable memory unit is preferably user-specific in view of storage of personal data.

Abstract: A solvent recovery dryer having a flow sensing device in communication with the output of the solvent recovery dryer. The flow sensing device is in operable communication with a computer and the computer calculates the flow rate of liquid being recovered, and controls the dryer when a certain flow rate is reached. The computer also stores and displays flow rate data. The flow sensing device provides for nearly continuous monitoring of the flow rate, and also provides for accurate monitoring of flow rates at high and low levels of liquid flow.

Abstract: A process for determining the quantity of a liquid situated in a largely closed system of a motor vehicle is provided. The filling level of the liquid in the system fluctuates as a function of the driving condition. In the case of a known process of this type for determining the engine oil quantity, the oil quantity determination takes place by filling level measurements while the vehicle is standing and the engine is switched off. The present process determines driving-condition-indicating quantities in the driving operation, determines therefrom the momentary driving condition, and, at least during selected driving conditions in the driving operation, continuously sense the filling level, as well as determines therefrom the momentary filling quantity via a given dependence of the liquid quantity on the driving condition and on the filling level. This permits, for example, a monitoring of the engine oil quantity in the continuous driving operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining levels of immiscible fluids in a vessel that includes a transmission line sensor that extends vertically within the vessel for contact with fluids within the vessel. A generator is coupled to the sensor for transmitting along the sensor a first electrical signal that continuously sweeps a predetermined frequency range. A voltage detector is coupled to the sensor for providing a second electrical signal that varies as a function of the amplitude of electrical energy reflected at the sensor from the various electrical impedance discontinuities along the sensor, including particularly interfaces between and within immiscible fluids surrounding the sensor. The frequency spectral characteristics of the second electrical signal are analyzed to determine the spatial distribution of electrical impedance along the sensor, from which the levels of immiscible fluids within the vessel are determined.

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

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for monitoring a ball grinder having a cylindrical casing containing a mass of balls which, when the grinder is rotating at its nominal speed, takes up a position between two generatrices (1.sub.b, 1.sub.b') spaced by an angle between a minimal angle .alpha..sub.min and a maximal angle .alpha..sub.max and a mass of coal which, when the grinder is rotating at its nominal speed, takes up a position between two generatrices (1.sub.c, 1.sub.c') spaced by an angle .beta.. An electromagnetic wave emitter is disposed inside the grinder and at least one wave receiver is disposed outside the grinder. The receiver is associated with an electronic circuit for determining at least one parameter of the grinder selected from the quantity of balls, the quantity of coal and the wear of the cylinder.

Abstract: An improved flowmeter sensor for measuring the level of liquid flowing in a conduit, pipe or open channel, characterized by an initially air-filled pressure transmitting passage which affords communication between a pressure port contained in the bottom of the sensor body, and a pressure transducer contained in the sensor body. The passage includes a vertical portion communicating at its lower end with the pressure port, and a horizontal portion connected with the transducer, whereby hydraulic pressure forces liquid into the passage to compress the air therein and thereby exert on the pressure transducer a pressure corresponding to the level of liquid in the conduit. The cross-sectional area and high surface energy of the material used to form the passage prevent liquid in the passage from migrating to the pressure transducer.

Abstract: A device and method for containing spills and leaks from fuel handling equipment is provided in which differential sensing means detect the presence of hydrocarbons and nonhydrocarbons such as water. Signals and the responses generated according to them may depend upon the nature and quantity of the substance contained in the device. Signalling may be conducted remotely and excavation and reconstruction of service station grounds is minimized with these devices. In a preferred embodiment, the device is made of unitary construction with the differential sensing means formed as a portion of the surface of a containment vessel.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive liquid level probe in a double-walled liquid container develops liquid level data and external sensors in the space between the walls respond to the presence of liquid leaked into the space from inside or outside the container. Other sensors external of the liquid level probe may sense other conditions. The probe electronics determines binary states of the external sensors and digitally encodes the states for inclusion in data transmission of the liquid level information to a remote controller via a two-wire transmission line. One embodiment develops pulses spaced as a digital function of the sensor states and includes liquid level data between the pulses for transmission. The pulse space is measured at the remote controller and decoded to determine the external sensor states, while the liquid level data is analyzed to determine the contents of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting a liquid/gas interface flowing in a transparent tube comprises directing light radially through the transparent tube orthogonal to its longitudinal axis such that the radially directed light passing through the tube when filled with liquid thereat will extend substantially within a predetermined zone and when filled with gas thereat will extend beyond the predetermined zone. Light is received at a position diametrically opposite to a position from which light is directed by receiving only light passing through the tube and extending beyond the predetermined zone. An output signal representative of liquid or gas in the tube is produced in response to the amount of light received. A second light receiver disposed outside the zone is used to determine the direction of flow.

Abstract: A device for the characterization of the foaming properties of a product at least partially soluble in a liquid comprising a transparent analysis column (1) provided at its base with a porous allowing filter (2) to homogeneously introduce a gas flow through the column to effect foaming of the product (3) located at the base of the analysis column (1) characterized in that it further comprises an automatic measuring system (28) to determine the foam height in column (1), an automatic measuring system (24, 24', 25) to determine the volume of product (3) to form the foam, means to visualize and/or to process the measured data and a pressure compensation system to avoid drainage and percolation of product (3) through filter (2) when gas injection is stopped.

Abstract: An "L" shaped element having horizontal and vertical sections, is submerged in the liquid toner concentrate such that the horizontal section is totally submerged while the vertical section is submerged proportionally to an amount of the liquid toner concentrate. A voltage source is connected to the "L" shaped element. A second element is placed in close proximity to the horizontal section of the "L" shaped element and is also totally submerged in the liquid toner concentrate. Next, a third element is placed in close proximity to the vertical section of the "L" shaped element. The current flowing from the horizontal section of the "L" shaped element through the liquid toner concentrate to the second element is proportional to the concentration of solid. By measuring the current flowing from the vertical section of the "L" shaped element through the liquid toner concentrate to the third element and dividing by the current in the second plate, the volume of the liquid toner concentrate can easily be calculated.

Abstract: A modular data acquisition system includes a stacked assembly of a rain gauge module mounted on a data recorder module, in turn mounted on a water level sensor module which in turn is mounted on an observation well casing. Each module has a housing that is sized and configured to engage and nest with the adjacent housing and the housings can be locked together to minimize vandalism. The rain gauge module and the water level sensor module, have sensors that are electrically connected to a data recorder in the data recorder module through connectors on the module housings that are positioned to connect and establish electrical contact when the module housings are nested together.

Abstract: A device for detecting the fluid level in the tank of a motor vehicle has a tank leaktightness testing device, a gas evolution testing device for testing whether the fuel in the tank vaporizes, a pumping-out/sequence control deice for subjecting the tank to a change procedure, a gradient detection device for detecting the value of a pressure change gradient parameter from at least one pressure change and one time period associated therewith, and a fluid level output device which receives the signals from the tank leaktightness testing device, the gas evolution testing device and the gradient detection device in order to output the instantaneous value of the fluid level with the aid of a known interrelation between pressure change gradient parameter and fluid level whenever the tank is sufficiently leaktight and the vaporization of the fuel is sufficiently low.

Abstract: An improved liquid level measuring apparatus having a plurality of spaced reed switches having a microprocessor attached to the liquid level measuring sensor apparatus. The switches are wired together in parallel and in sets and are addressed by a shift register for providing a parallel to serial shift of the switch status position to the microprocessor. This allows a reduction in the number of conductors existing the sensor and providing an output signal indicating the vertical position of a float relative to the switches. A microprocessor control notes any inoperative switches, disregards the reading of the inoperative switches in calculating liquid level, and provides stored information to the measurement process for compensating for defective switches.

Abstract: The disclosure sets forth a diver's gauge boot having a first portion for receipt of a depth gauge and second portion for receiving a tank pressure gauge therein, with a sleeve for connecting the tank pressure gauge into a high pressure hose adapted for connection to a tank for indicating pressure in the tank, and a rotational connector between the first portion and the second portion with a pocket in the second portion for receiving a second instrument on a side of said second portion disposed away from said tank pressure gauge.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus (1) for monitoring the level of a liquid within a vessel (3). The apparatus comprises a surface following sensing head (5) adapted to follow the surface (7) of the liquid. A gauging head (9) is mounted outside the vessel (3) at pre-determined fixed distance from the vessel (3). Rotatably mounted within the gauge head (9) is a reel (11) which has wound upon it a flexible elongate tape (13) having its free end (15) connected to the sensing head (5). The flexible tape (13) passes along a defined path of fixed length from the reel (11) to a reference point above the vessel and includes a plurality of level markers (17) which are equally spaced one from another along the length of the tape (13) each pair of adjacent markers (17) being of pre-determined fixed distance apart. A stepper motor (19) is mounted within the gauging head (9) and coupled to the reel (11) to rotate the reel (11) about its axis in two opposite directions.

Abstract: A probe assembly and method is disclosed which includes a plurality of sensors for respectively mreasuring predetermined attributes of a fluid. The probe assembly comprises a first sensor for measuring the quantity of the fluid. The first sensor includes a capacitive reference cell and a capacitive product measurement cell, each of the cells being characterized by respective associated capacitances. In particular, the capacitance associated with the capacitive product measurement cell varies in accordance with the quantity of the fluid so that the quantity of the fluid is indicated by the quantitative relationship between the magnitude of the capacitance associated with the capacitive reference cell and the magnitude of the capacitance associated with the capacitive product measurement cell.