Abstract: A method and an apparatus for dispensing liquid are disclosed. The method includes the steps of storing one or more liquids in a thermal inkjet print head and providing a well plate having at least one well. At least one of the liquids is dispensed from the thermal inkjet print head into at least one well. The volume of the dispensed liquid is a fraction of the total required volume of the liquid in the at least one well, and the dispensing step is performed multiple times to dispense the required volume of the at least one liquid in at least one well.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying the levels of one or more liquids in a vessel using an optical imager and one or more appropriately positioned light sources and an optical imager for capturing digital images of the illuminated vessel. A laser line generator is positioned oppositely from the imager and oriented to project a laser line through the vessel so that it may be imaged by the imager. A second light source, such as an LED, may be positioned above or below the vessel and oriented to project light downwardly or upwardly through the vessel and its contents. Captured images of the vessel are then processed by a programmable device, such as a microcontroller, to determine the levels of materials in the vessel based on the optical characteristics revealed in the captured image.

Abstract: A radar level gauge system, for determining a filling level of a product contained in a tank, the radar level gauge system comprising a transceiver including a signal generator for generating electromagnetic signals for transmission; a transmitter branch for transmitting the electromagnetic signals; and a receiver branch for receiving electromagnetic signals.

Abstract: A continuous high resolution fluid level monitoring system is provided by embodiments of the present invention. This continuous high resolution fluid level monitoring system includes a unique fluid level sensor having a point light source, parabolic reflector, sensor array, and detection, processing and control system. The point light source illumines a parabolic reflector wherein the point light source is located at the focus of the parabolic reflector. The parabolic reflector reflects light from the point light source to produce a parallel light curtain. This parallel light curtain is parallel to an axis of symmetry of the parabolic reflector. The parallel light curtain illumines a chamber such as a chamber in an ophthalmic surgical device used to contain surgical fluid. The sensor array coupled to the chamber detects the parallel light curtain illuminating the chamber. The sensor array provides an output to a detection/processing/control system in order to determine the fluid level within the chamber.

Abstract: A biological specimen collection and transfer system, including a biological sample container configured for storing a biological fluid sample, a vacuum source, a specimen filter having an interior chamber and an opening in communication with the chamber, and a fluid level regulator configured to determine a fluid level in the biological sample container and to dispense a fluid into the container if the determined fluid level is less than a desired fluid level. The fluid level regulator includes a fluid level monitor, a fluid dispenser, and a controller in communication with the fluid level monitor and the fluid dispenser, wherein the fluid level monitor includes a sound source configured to emit sound towards a surface of the fluid sample, and a sound detector configured to measure sound reflected from the surface of the fluid sample, wherein the controller determines the fluid level based at least in part on a measurement of reflected sound emitted from the sound source.

Abstract: A fluid overfill probe is resistant to failure caused by physical stresses resulting from thermal expansion of probe components. A fluid level detector is connected to circuit components that are mounted on a circuit board located in a housing of the probe. The circuit board is located within a tube that is positioned within, and secured to the housing, and the circuit board is secured to an inner surface of the tube along its edges. The tube has a shape and rigidity sufficient to maintain a gap between the circuit components and the inner surface of the tube such that thermal expansion of probe components result in no physical stress to the circuit components.

Abstract: A method and a device for optically determining state variables inside a container (1) for liquefied gases. In the method and device, light emitted by an illumination unit (2) travels within an optical waveguide (7, 9) to a contact point (33) with the content of the container (1) and is partially reflected there, the intensity of the reflected light is measured by an image sensor (4), and a state variable is determined from the intensity. In order to create a comprehensive “image” of the state variables in the container and of the container content, several optical waveguides (29, 29?) are guided to contact points (33) which are distributed within the container (1) and form measurement points (9.1, 9.2, 9.3, . . . , 9.n). Locally assigned state variables (refractive index, density, temperature, etc.) of the container content are determined from the measured values obtained at the measurement points (9.1, 9.2, 9.3, . . . , 9.n) and are evaluated along with the spatial coordinates of the measurement points (9.

Abstract: A sight assembly may include a body portion configured to couple between a first fluid transport segment and a second fluid transport segment. The body portion may define an aperture configured for fluid flow through an interior of the body portion. The sight assembly may also include a light source disposed within the body portion. The light source may be configured to provide illumination of the interior of the sight assembly. The light source may be disposed within the body portion approximately between an outer edge of the body portion forming the aperture and an external surface of the body portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a component for a household appliance, in particular for a dishwasher, and to a sump for a household appliance, in particular for a dishwasher, using it. Both the component and the sump are adapted to detect and/or control the level of a liquid in a tub. The component and/or the sump comprise a light transmitter adapted to generate a light beam, a light receiver adapted to receive the said light beam, and at least one optical element, in particular made of transparent material, adapted to affect the said beam depending on the content of the tub.

Abstract: A gas meter reading system is provided that allows automated meter reading capability to be incorporated with sealed mechanical type gas meters. The reading system is mounted to the window of the meter adjacent to the measurement dial. The reading system senses the rotation of the dial and provides data, such as a pulse, that may be recorded by an external source. A method of detecting for leaks with a gas meter having a reading system is also provided.

Abstract: The invention is an illuminable tank that includes a partially translucent plastic tank and an illumination apparatus. The illuminable tank enables a user to determine the level of liquid in the tank, to make the tank more visible at night, and to light the area surrounding the tank's mouth and a spout. The illumination apparatus has a magnetic reed switch and an electrical circuit with a plurality of light emitting devices that are directed toward the interior of the tank, therein backlighting the tank and illuminating a visible level line at an interface of a surface of the liquid in the tank and the space above the surface. There can also be external lights which provide a cone of light for the spout. The illumination apparatus is explosion proof, and the illuminable plastic tank can be used to store, carry and dispense all commercial retail fuels.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining the density and/or temperature of a fluid based on the manner in which optical energy is affected as the optical energy propagates across a gap between opposing end faces of optical waveguides, or the manner in which the optical energy is reflected from interfaces of optical waveguides and the fluid.

Abstract: A system and method of determining fluid levels in containers is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a first value of infrared energy associated with an empty portion of a container is detected and the container is scanned to detect a second value of infrared energy that is different from the first value of infrared energy. The method also includes to store an upper limit value associated with a vertical location of an upper surface of a fluid level when the second value of infrared energy is detected and to scan the container to detect a third value of infrared energy that is different from the second value of infrared energy. In addition, a lower limit value associated with a vertical location of a lower surface of the fluid relative to the upper surface is stored when the third value of infrared energy is detected. A height of the fluid is determined using a difference between the upper limit value and the lower limit value.

Abstract: Fluid sensing systems and methods, including sensors used to sense various fluid levels in vehicles, are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a method for sensing a fluid that includes passing electromagnetic radiation through a receptacle positioned to hold a fluid. The receptacle can be configured so that electromagnetic radiation that passes through portions of the receptacle containing fluid is focused. The method can further include determining (a) whether fluid is located in a selected portion of the receptacle based on an amount of electromagnetic radiation that impinges on at least one radiation sensor, (b) a characteristic of fluid located in the passageway of the selected portion based on a pattern of the electromagnetic radiation that is created on the at least one radiation sensor, or (c) both (a) and (b).

Abstract: The electro-optic liquid level sensing system detects a level of liquid in a container having an upper opening, such as for a server container of a beverage maker for a transport system, such as for aircraft, trains, trucks, buses and the like. A support housing mates with the upper opening of the container, and a primary liquid level sensor is mounted in the support housing for non-intrusively measuring the liquid level. A secondary liquid level sensor may be mounted in the support housing to sense a predetermined liquid level to prevent accidental overflows. Protective lenses may be placed in front of the primary liquid level sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for non-contact optical measurement of the level of a fluid stored in a tank or container, the surface of the fluid being possibly agitated. The method processes numerically the digitized signal waveforms generated by a lidar apparatus based on a pulsed time-of-flight modulation scheme. A key step of the numerical processing is the computation of a waveform in which each data point is obtained from a statistical estimator of the variability of the amplitude signal echo measured at the distance from the lidar apparatus that corresponds to the rank of the data point in the waveform. The statistical estimator is preferably the standard deviation. By using a statistical estimator of the variability of the captured signal amplitude, the specific signal echo returned from an agitated fluid surface can be greatly amplified as compared to the signal echoes returned from any obstacle or medium that could be present along the path of the optical beam radiated by the lidar apparatus.

Abstract: A relative fullness of a fluid container is monitored by directing reference light at a bottom surface of the fluid container. The fluid container is designed so that the amount or pattern of reference light reflected from the fluid container varies in relation to the relative fullness of the fluid container. Accordingly, the relative amount or pattern of reference light reflected from the fluid container can be monitored and used to determine the relative fullness of the fluid container.

Abstract: A relative fullness of a fluid container is monitored by directing reference light at a bottom surface of the fluid container. The fluid container is designed so that the amount or pattern of reference light reflected from the fluid container varies in relation to the relative fullness of the fluid container. Accordingly, the relative amount or pattern of reference light reflected from the fluid container can be monitored and used to determine the relative fullness of the fluid container.

Abstract: An emanation device comprises an emanation material container (10), an emanation section (20) and emanation material level indication means (14,16); wherein, the emanation material level indication means (14, 16) comprises a light source (14), a light detector (16) and control means (not shown), wherein the light detector (16) is adapted to receive light from the light source (14) when a level of emanation material in the emanation material container (10) is at a first level and wherein the light detector (16) is adapted to receive substantially no light from the light source (14) when a level of emanation material in the emanation material container (10) is at a second level.

Abstract: A gas measurement apparatus can comprise a sensor and a processor, in an example. The sensor can measure a pressure condition of a gas tank, in an example. The processor can select at least one light source, the light source can be positioned or be of a distinct color to indicate a corresponding level of gas remaining in the tank when illuminated. The level of gas can be based on the measured pressure. Banks of high intensity LEDs can allow visually discernable colors at a significant distance underwater. A visual beacon mode can be included. An alphanumeric pressure readout mode can be included. A depth sensor can be included.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for measuring liquid level by image, and more particularly to a system and a method for measuring liquid level by image, which is capable of measuring a liquid level accurately and automatically by photographing a proximity of liquid surface where a staff gage contacts the liquid using an image capturing apparatus, such as a camera, being located apart from the liquid to be measured, and by analyzing the photographed footage. The system for measuring liquid level by image comprises: a staff gage installed in the liquid; an image capturing part provided with a distance from where the staff gage is installed and capturing an image by photographing a proximity of liquid surface where the staff gage is installed; and a level recognition part controlling a capture of the image, wherein the level recognition part receives the image captured by the image capturing part and determines the liquid level.

Abstract: A continuous high resolution fluid level monitoring system is provided by embodiments of the present invention. This continuous high resolution fluid level monitoring system includes a unique fluid level sensor having a point light source, parabolic reflector, sensor array, and detection, processing and control system. The point light source illumines a parabolic reflector wherein the point light source is located at the focus of the parabolic reflector. The parabolic reflector reflects light from the point light source to produce a parallel light curtain. This parallel light curtain is parallel to an axis of symmetry of the parabolic reflector. The parallel light curtain illumines a chamber such as a chamber in an ophthalmic surgical device used to contain surgical fluid. The sensor array coupled to the chamber detects the parallel light curtain illuminating the chamber. The sensor array provides an output to a detection/processing/control system in order to determine the fluid level within the chamber.

Abstract: A biological specimen collection and transfer system, comprises a biological sample container configured for storing a biological fluid sample, and a fluid level regulator configured to determine a fluid level in the biological sample container and to dispense a fluid into the container if the determined fluid level is less than a desired fluid level. A method of regulating a fluid level of a biological fluid sample in a container during a process of transferring biological matter in the fluid sample to a specimen slide, the method comprises monitoring a pressure of an interior chamber of a specimen filter, the chamber coupled to a vacuum source and having one end submerged in the fluid sample, determining a fluid level of the fluid sample in the container based on a detected change in pressure of the specimen filter chamber, and adding a liquid to the container if the determined fluid level is less than a desired fluid level.

Abstract: A liquid-level detection device detects the liquid level in the developer storing container for storing liquid developer, and includes a first water wheel, a first rotation detection mechanism, and first liquid-level detection device. The first water wheel is disposed in the interior of the developer storing container, and is configured to be rotated by liquid developer to be supplied to the developer storing container. The first rotation detection mechanism is configured to detect a rotation state of the first water wheel. The first liquid-level detection device detects the liquid level of liquid developer based on a result detected by the rotation detection mechanism.

Abstract: A solid state illuminator and display are provided for bi-colored ported water level gauges suitable for use in high pressure steam drums or similar water/steam devices to facilitate making an accurate determination of water level in such devices. The illuminator includes an array of bi-colored solid state light emitting diodes (LEDs), as the light source, and a precision lens to focus the light provided from the LEDs through a gauge body and onto a viewing screen.

Abstract: A detection system for determining material level in a container where the container has an opening and an optical window mounted to the opening. A sensor element is mounted to the container adjacent the window. The sensor element has an optical emitter and an optical receiver positioned to form a triangular vertex with the material surface level within the container.

Abstract: The present application relates to an apparatus and method for measuring liquid levels in small-volume wells.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fluid level detection are disclosed. In one embodiment, a sensor assembly includes at least one optical fiber adapted to at least one of transmit and receive an optical signal, and a moveable float member. The float member is adapted to move in a first direction as the fluid level increases and in a second direction as the fluid level decreases. The float member blocks the optical signal at a first value of the fluid level, and allows the optical signal to pass at a second value of the fluid level. The presence or absence of the optical signal is detected to determine the level of fluid.

Abstract: A solid state illuminator and display are provided for bi-colored ported water level gauges suitable for use in high pressure steam drums or similar water/steam devices to facilitate making an accurate determination of water level in such devices. The illuminator includes an array of bi-colored solid state light emitting diodes (LEDs), as the light source, and a precision lens to focus the light provided from the LEDs through a gauge body and onto the view screen.

Abstract: The present invention aims at attaining a liquid surface level detecting apparatus, which can be used in various detection targets and usage environments without selecting a detection target, can efficiently irradiate a light to a liquid surface level detecting unit and detect a variation in a light reception amount of a light receiving means at a high sensibility, and can be excellent in durability, easy to manufacture, and be actually used. By placing a light shielding means 14 so as not to directly irradiate the light from a light emitting means 12 to a light receiving means 13, the light from the light emitting means is scattered by an optically scattering means 16, and a part of that scattering light is radiated to an outside by the liquid surface level detecting unit on a light radiating means (an optically transmitting member) 11.

Abstract: A solid state illuminator and display means are provided for bi-coloured ported water level gauges suitable for use in high pressure steam drums or similar water/steam devices to facilitate making an accurate determination of water level in such a device. The illuminator comprises an array of bi-coloured solid state light emitting diodes (LEDs), as the light source, and a precision lens to focus the light provided from the LEDs through a gauge body and onto the view screen.

Abstract: A content detecting apparatus uses a signal from a light-receiving part receiving light projected from a light emitting part to detect ink in an ink cartridge. The light-emitting part and the light-receiving part are arranged with differing optical axes. The ink cartridge has reflecting parts for reflecting projected light from the light-emitting part so the projected light reaches the light-receiving part when remaining content is present when the ink cartridge is properly set and with an inclined interface located in a path along which projected light from the light-emitting part reaches the light-receiving part, for switching between permeation and reflection according to the presence and/or absence of remaining content. The inclined interface is permeated along the path with projected light form the light-emitting part when remaining content is present and reflects projected light from the light-emitting part out of the path when remaining content is absent.

Abstract: An oil tank sight glass monitor comprising a housing having an opening therein sized to receive the sight glass of an oil tank; an emitter for emitting a beam of light, the emitter being mounted to the housing on one side of the opening so that the beam of light is directed across the opening; a detector for detecting the beam of light generated by the emitter, the detector being mounted to the housing on the other side of the opening, in optical alignment with the emitter, so as to detect the beam of light emitted by the emitter; and an alarm for producing an audible sound when the detector fails to detect the beam of light generated by the emitter.

Abstract: A fluid reservoir sensing system includes a pair of optical prisms or sensor targets that reflect light when a fluid level is below one of the pair of prisms or sensor targets. The pair of optical prisms or sensor targets includes a low prism or sensor target usable to sense a low liquid level in the fluid reservoir, and a high prism or sensor target usable to sense a high liquid level in the fluid reservoir, and a wicking means to wick fluid away from the high incident and low incident surfaces of the prisms or sensor targets that are above the fluid level. The fluid reservoir sensing system optionally includes an emitter and a photosensor.

Abstract: An indicator for displaying either low liquid level or satisfactory liquid level conditions within a tank includes a sensor for detecting the liquid level conditions, a photodetector for detecting an ambient dark condition, a pair of indicator lights for indicating either the low liquid level or satisfactory liquid level conditions, and electrical circuitry operable to illuminate one of the indicator lights upon detection of the ambient dark condition by the photodetector and detection of either the low liquid level condition or satisfactory liquid level condition by the sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid level gage and an illuminator therefor. One embodiment of the liquid level gage includes a housing, a liquid column, an illuminator, and a power supply. The housing has a first or front end and a second or rear end. The liquid column includes a plurality of liquid column bodies connected to the front end of the housing. The liquid column also includes a first or front port assembly and a second or rear port assembly connected to each liquid column body. The liquid column is connected, either directly or indirectly, to a vessel. The illuminator includes a plurality of directed light source assemblies connected to the rear end of the housing. Half of the directed light source assemblies emit a first color light and half of the directed light source assemblies emit a second color light. A pair of bi-color directed light source assemblies (i.e.

Abstract: An inexpensive, optical position sensor for measuring a position or length, x, along a one-dimensional curvilinear, coordinate system. The sensor can be used, for example, to determine the position of an interface between a clear and an opaque fluid (such as crude oil and water). In one embodiment, the sensor utilizes the principle of dual-fluorescence, where a primary fiber emits primary fluorescent light and a parallel secondary fiber collects a portion of the primary fluorescent light that is not blocked by the opaque fluid. This, in turn, excites secondary fluorescence in the secondary fiber at a longer wavelength. A light detector measures the intensity of secondary fluorescence emitted from an end of the secondary fiber, which is used to calculate the unknown position or length, x. Side-emitting fibers can be used in place of, or in addition to, fluorescent fibers. The all-optical sensor is attractive for applications involving flammable liquids.

Abstract: The electro-optic liquid level sensing system detects a level of liquid in a container having an upper opening, such as for a server container of a beverage maker for a transport system, such as for aircraft, trains, trucks, buses and the like. A support housing mates with the upper opening of the container, and a primary liquid level sensor is mounted in the support housing for non-intrusively measuring the liquid level. A secondary liquid level sensor may be mounted in the support housing to sense a predetermined liquid level to prevent accidental overflows. Protective lenses may be placed in front of the primary liquid level sensor.

Abstract: A level transmitter can generate a level measurement signal according to the position of a float that follows fluid level in a tank. The transmitter can comprise an optical encoder with a patterned disk that is linked to the float so that fluid level change produces disk rotation. An array of optical sensors positioned on one side of the disk can read reflective and absorptive patches attached to the disk's surface to identify disk position and disk rotation. One or more of the sensors can collect a signal from a reference area of the disk. Circuitry can compare the signals output by each data sensor to the reference signal to enhance binary classification of each acquired data signal. The transmitter can operate in multiple encoding modes, each of which can provide a level of redundancy.

Abstract: A gauge is disclosed for indicating a level of a liquid in a tank including a display device and a control unit coupled thereto. The display device includes multiple light-emitting elements. The control unit receives a liquid level signal, measures a magnitude of the liquid level signal, and activates a number of the light-emitting elements dependent upon the magnitude. In one embodiment the control unit receives a reset signal and performs a calibration routine in response. The gauge may include a housing and a cap portion attached to the housing. The display device and the control unit may be positioned within the housing. The gauge may include conveying means (e.g., an array of light pipes) for conveying light emitted by each of the light-emitting elements through an outer side surface of the cap portion. A method is described for indicating a level of a liquid in a tank.

Abstract: A non-mechanical fluid level sensor based on light communication channel (LCC) technology. In a preferred embodiment, one end of the LCC is connected to a signal source while another end is connected to a sensor. The LCC is dipped in a fluid container and a signal propagates and undergoes internal reflection through the LCC towards one of its ends which is connected to the sensor. The fluid level is detected preferably by measuring the intensity of the signal reflected with the LCC that reaches a sensor. Different fluid levels preferably correspond to linearly varying detected signal intensities. A main LCC bus may communicate remotely with the sensor without wiring or other electrical connectors.

Abstract: A solid state illuminator and display means are provided for bi-colored ported water level gauges suitable for use in high pressure steam drums or similar water/steam devices to facilitate making an accurate determination of water level in such a device. The illuminator comprises an array of bi-colored solid state light emitting diodes (LEDs), as the light source, and a precision lens to focus the light provided from the LEDs through a gauge body and onto the view screen.

Abstract: A level detector comprises an array of light emitting devices mounted in a line parallel to an array of light receiving devices, the arrays being mounted within a housing capable of internally reflecting light from the emitting devices to respective receiving devices unless the respective parts of the level sensor are immersed in liquid. The outer internally-reflecting surface of the housing is preferable a continuous straight-line surface along the direction parallel to the arrays.

Abstract: In a method of optically determining a level of liquid in a liquid-filled container a light guide body projects into the container. The light guide body has an end face for the entry and exit of light and stepped side faces forming separate reflection faces. The light is totally reflected at those reflection faces which are not immersed in the liquid but refracted into the liquid at immersed reflection faces. The totally reflected light is reflected back to the end face. The intensity of the light beam reflected totally by each reflection face back to the end face is measured separately. Measurement signals for determining the filling level are subjected to plausibility checking to recognise and eliminate measurement faults and errors. The invention can be used for determining the level of liquid in a container or tank for fuel, washing water, oil, hydraulic fluid and the like in a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A level control system for controlling the thickness of a work material in a slurry form cast upon a moving belt includes a fluid reservoir disposed above the belt, a sensor lens assembly for sensing the slurry height within such reservoir, and a control valve for adding slurry to the reservoir. A lens disposed near the moving belt and above the reservoir is coupled by fiber optics to a remote sensor amplifier for detecting the height of the slurry. A control circuit responsive to the light sensor regulates the flow rate of the slurry through the control valve.

Abstract: In a water-bearing household appliance with a liquid container filled through a valve in a liquid feed line, and in which a liquid filling level is detected for monitoring at least one safety level of a safety device, the safety device includes an optical light guidance system for reflecting a light beam by which the filling level is detected with the aid of a change in the reflection response on at least one reflecting site and is used to monitor the safety level. As an optical light guidance system, the safety device offers the advantage of dispensing with moving mechanical components—for example, a float, a level switch, an operating lever, an operating rod, etc.—to reduce the risk of mechanical defects that are associated with a substantial outlay on repair time and costs to a minimum or to completely eliminate the risk.

Abstract: A washing agent dispenser is described, for a household washing machine, namely a dishwasher, said dispenser including a tank for containing a liquid washing agent, to which a device is associated for the visual control of the level of said liquid washing agent. According to the invention, said control device has a plurality of elements of a substantially transparent material, which are inserted in respective passages extending between said tank and the outside of the body of the dispenser. The parts of each one of said transparent elements which are visible outside said body form the steps of a scale indicating the level of said liquid washing agent contained in the tank.

Abstract: In an apparatus for monitoring any deviation of a planar surface from its desired position, a light source and a light detector are positioned so that when the surface is at the desired position a beam of light projected by the light source is reflected by the surface and fully registers on the light detector causing the light detector to generate a peak output signal. When the surface deviates from its desired position, the reflected beam of light does not fully register on the light detector, causing the light detector to generate less than peak output signal.

Abstract: An oil tank sight glass monitor comprising a housing having an opening therein sized to receive the sight glass of an oil tank; an emitter for emitting a beam of light, the emitter being mounted to the housing on one side of the opening so that the beam of light is directed across the opening; a detector for detecting the beam of light generated by the emitter, the detector being mounted to the housing on the other side of the opening, in optical alignment with the emitter, so as to detect the beam of light emitted by the emitter; and an alarm for producing an audible sound when the detector fails to detect the beam of light generated by the emitter.

Abstract: A level detector comprises an array of light emitting devices mounted in a line parallel to an array of light receiving devices, the arrays being mounted within a housing capable of internally reflecting light from the emitting devices to respective receiving devices unless the respective parts of the level sensor are immersed in liquid. The outer internally-reflecting surface of the housing is preferable a continuous straight-line surface along the direction parallel to the arrays.