Abstract: For measurement of a liquid level, an optical fiber connected at its one end portion to force receiving means movably arranged in liquid to receive force from the liquid is dipped in the liquid together with the force receiving means, and a change in the force acting on said force receiving means when the liquid level changes is detected as a change in strain in the optical fiber by means of an optical fiber strain gauge connected to the other end of the optical fiber, thus measuring a water level of the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic monitor for use in a tank with a water soluble softening agent. The monitor includes a signal emitter that produces a signal capable of being detected by an array of signal-detecting sensors. The sensors are displaced generally vertically in the brine tank from the minimum depth of the softening agent to the maximum depth of the softening agent. An output is produced in response to said signal. The monitor also includes an electronic device for receiving and interpreting the output and determining if a low softening agent condition is present as the supply of the softening agent is depleted. An indicator warns when a low softening agent condition is present. Preferably, the sensors are linearly spaced within the tank.

Abstract: An optical fuel level sensor for providing an electronic signal representative of the fuel level within a fuel tank, generally comprising a waveguide body, a photo source, and a photo receiver. The waveguide body can either be of a dual-tapered or single-taper shape and includes numerous tiered facets, which are angled surfaces located on the outer periphery of the waveguide. When the fuel level within the fuel tank is above a particular tiered facet, light that impinges that facet will refract out of the waveguide, conversely, when the fuel level is below that facet, impinging light will be reflected back into the waveguide such that it is received by the photo receiver. In this manner, the fuel level sensor is able to utilize the reflected light received by the photo receiver to provide an electronic signal representative of the fuel level. Furthermore, a calibration feature may be included which provides calibration information indicating when the fuel level has reached a known, predetermined level.

Abstract: A safe and reliable aircraft fuel gauging system which eliminates the need for electrical wiring to transmit electrical signals into and out of the fuel tank of an aircraft. The fuel gauging system utilizes at least one light source to generate input light signals which are delivered to a plurality of probes multiplexed on a fiber optic element. The same, or a separate, fiber optic element transmits the probes' output light signals to a light detector located externally of the fuel tank. Each probe includes a photoelectric conversion device, an LC resonant circuit, and a magnetooptic device for generating the responsive output light signal to the input light signal. Based on the output signal form the probes, the light detector determines the level of fuel in the tank.

Abstract: Fill-level indicating device includes an array of optical detectors attached to a mount, vertically spaced apart relative to one another and distributed within the tank over the height of the latter, with each detector including a light source and a receiver, and means for feeding electric power to the light sources of the various detectors, for processing the signals arriving at the various receivers and for transmitting these to a liquefied-gas fill-level display gauge. The mount and the detectors on it are encapsulated in a synthetic resin that is highly transparent to the light beam emitted by the light sources and the surface of the resin facing the detectors is such that the beam emitted by the corresponding light source is reflected toward the associated receiver.

Abstract: The invention relates to an indicator system for fluid levels, including two or more optically and/or thermally conducting fibers, preferably suitable for indicating the fluid level of a lubricant in the case of piston internal combustion engines. In this case, the fibers are either provided at the end with a substance varying in optical properties under the action of heat, or contain chambers which are filled with an appropriate substance.

Abstract: A level indicator and method is provided which is intimately affixed to the outside surface of the outside wall of a container, for use in the determination of the level of the interface between a mass of flowable material and the void volume above it within a container. The level indicator includes a thermochromataic layer which has at least two thermochromatic materials. Each of the thermochromatic materials responds chromatically within a different operating temperature range. In one embodiment, the level indicator vertically extends substantially the height of the container. In an alternative embodiment, the level indicator vertically extends along the height of the container, in the region of the top portion of the container, and at least above the legal safe-fill level of the flowable material within the container such that overfilling of the flowable material in the container is detectable.

Abstract: Filling level indicators for washer fluid containers in motor vehicles have hitherto been arranged directly on the washer fluid container or been integrated in the instrument cluster on the motor vehicle. Despite the available information, the filling of the container when the level is too low is often delayed. A filling level indicator more effectively indicates the filling level by arranging the filling level indicator in the region of the tank filler neck, whereby the filling level in the washer fluid container is only indicated to the driver when he has in any case interrupted his journey in order to fill up with fuel and is free from other activities, so that it is virtually impossible for him to be distracted.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for determining the level of a body of water, whether free flowing or stationary. Positionable mirrors are located at an area adjacent to but spaced from the body of water. The mirrors direct a laser beam at an angle to true vertical onto the surface of the body of water such that a portion of the beam is reflected from the surface. A receiver is located at a known distance from the mirrors on the opposite side of the body of water and in a common horizontal plane. The receiver receives a reflected laser beam and redirects the beam to a signal detector. A controller for the mirrors determines the angle to true vertical at which the mirrors are set after receiving an output from the signal detector. A simple calculation, based on the determined angle and the known distance between the mirrors and the receiver is then made of the distance from the common horizontal plane to the water surface so as to determine the water level.

Abstract: A melt level or the gap between a melt surface and a heat shield is measured accurately irrespective of how the melt surface is. A laser beam (2) from a range-finding unit (8) is reflected by a scanning mirror (24) and projected on a melt surface (3) through an entrance window (18) and a quartz prism (20) in a chamber (17) of a puller. After specular reflection, the beam forms a measurement spot (31) in the bottom of a heat shield (16) and scatters. Part of the scatter, after specular reflection at the melt surface (3) (secondary reflection), passes through the prism (20), the entrance window (18) and the scanning mirror (24) to the range-finding unit (8). The range-finding unit (8) carries out triangulation using the distance between a laser source and a photodetector therein, and the angle of incidence and the angle of the received laser beam.

Abstract: A sight glass apparatus has a liquid level indicator for identifying the level of a clear to slightly translucent liquid in tube by a change in color of the indicator. The indicator has a transparent body with a convex lens, and a concave lens at opposite ends of the body, and V-grooves open to opposite sides of the body. A moisture indicating medium on the body functions to identify the presence of water in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.

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 method and system are provided for determining the level of a body of water, whether free flowing or stationary. A rotatable reflective element is located at an area adjacent to the body of water. The reflective element is driven by a rotating motor shaft and includes a reflective surface extending 45° to the shaft axis. Rotation of the reflective surface provides scanning of a laser beam directed axially thereon. During scanning, the beam is directed at an angle to true vertical onto the surface of the body of water such that a portion of the beam is reflected from the surface. A detector array, located on the opposite side of the body of water and in a common horizontal plane with the reflective element, produces an output after receiving the reflected beam. A controller arrangement, including a counter which begins counting when-the scanned beam is vertical and which stops counting when a signal corresponding to the array output is received, determines the scan angle to true vertical.

Abstract: A system for returning residual liquid remaining in a loading line to a liquid cargo container after loading or unloading of the cargo container. This system includes a liquid return line extending between the loading line and the cargo container. A pump is positioned to move liquid from the loading line, through the liquid return line, and into the cargo container. A vapor line communicates between a vapor space in the cargo container and the loading line. The system may include an optical liquid level sensor. The level sensor includes a light tube having two substantially straight sections joined by a substantially continuous curvature bend. The bend has a rounded cross-section and the light pipe is formed of a light conducting material. An optical emitter is positioned at the end of one of the straight sections of the pipe and an optical detector is positioned at the other straight section of the pipe. A micro-controller activates the optical emitter and monitors the optical sensor.

Abstract: A printer includes a printing mechanism and an ink container. The ink container includes a cylinder having a side wall and provided with an ink discharge port in its front end face, a piston received in the cylinder to be slidable along the side wall of the cylinder, and ink between the piston and the front end face in the cylinder. An LED projects light onto the side wall of the cylinder in a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder, and a phototransistor is positioned near a rear end face of the cylinder to be adapted to receive the light projected by the LED and passing through the side wall of the cylinder only once, and outputs an electric signal upon receipt of light. The remainder of ink in the ink container is detected on the basis of the output of the phototransistor.

Abstract: This invention utilizes transparent plastic probes or a single multi-level probe, immersed in a fuel tank to detect fuel level. A light source and light sensing element is incorporated with the level probe so that as liquid touches the immersed end of the probe a change in reflective light occurs which results in a change in the electrical output of each light sensing device. The resulting signals from the light sensing devices are converted for use in fuel level gagging and for use by flight computers and similar devices. The invention also includes corporation of static electricity suppressing. coatings and an encasement cage to reduce the effect of fuel foam and fuel level fluctuations to due movement of fuel in the tank resulting from vehicle movement.

Abstract: This device includes the following:

Abstract: An external liquid level gauge may be provided for determining the level of the interface between a mass of flowable material and the void volume above it within a container. The external liquid level gauge is adapted to be affixed vertically to the outside wall of the container, extending along substantially the entire height. It is in the form of an elongated strip and comprises a layer of base material and a layer of thermochromatic materials. The thermochromatic layer further comprises a light absorbing background and at least two regions of thermochromatic materials which are arranged upon the light absorbing background. The regions of at least two thermochromatic materials are disposed in arrays thereof and are arranged entirely along the length of the external liquid level gauge. Moreover, each of the thermochromatic materials is arranged in an individual area and each thermochromatic material responds chromatically within a different operating temperature range.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the level of liquid contained in a tank includes a tank, at least one exhaust pipe having a transparent portion, a light source for emitting light to the transparent portion of the at least one exhaust pipe, a photodetector for detecting light reflected by or transmitted through the transparent portion of the at least one exhaust pipe and outputting electric signals corresponding to the detected light, and a liquid level measuring portion for measuring the level of liquid contained in the tank from the electric signals output from the photodetector. The transparent portion of the at least one exhaust pipe has one end thereof installed to be connected to the tank and the other end, horizontally extended a predetermined length from the one end, connected to a set supply path and/or the tank so that liquid can be collected.

Abstract: Monitoring the intensity pattern of a radiation beam reflected from a sample tube before and after the tube is tilted from an original alignment to determine signal areas that correspond to the location of a liquid interface within the tube.

Abstract: A fluid level detection system includes an illumination source and a photodetector. The illumination source produces a beam at a fixed angle, which the photodetector is adapted to sense as it is reflected from the surface of a fluid. The photodetector varies in accord with the amount of the reflected beam that impinges on it. This amount, in turn, varies with the distance between the surface of the fluid, the illumination source and photodetector. The system can be used, for example, in automated pipetting applications in which it is important to ascertain the position of a pipette tip with respect to fluid contained within a body to provide safe and effective automatic processing of the fluid without the pipette tip contacting the body.

Abstract: An optical device for measuring a level of a fluid in a container wherein a light conducting body having a top surface and a bottom surface is positioned within the container and into the fluid. A first end of the light conducting body and an oppositely disposed second end, preferably having stepped end surfaces, reflect and refract light in a predetermined manner based upon the fluid level in the container. A resulting brightness of the top surface is therefore inversely proportional to the level of the fluid. Such an optical device is particularly suited toward application to a vehicle fuel tank.

Abstract: A device for use in an anaesthetic administration apparatus for identifying at least one liquid anaesthetic in the anaesthetic apparatus has a measuring unit for determining at least one parameter related to the refractive index of the liquid anaesthetic, a unit for determining the temperature of the liquid anaesthetic and an analysis unit for identifying the anaesthetic from the determined parameter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the viscosity of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids over a range of shear rates, especially low shear rates, by monitoring two rising columns of fluid (Newtonian or non-Newtonian) that pass through respective capillaries having different lengths. Furthermore, a specialized column monitor is provided that uses multiple interrogation sources (e.g., lasers) and a single detector (e.g., a charge-coupled device (CCD) array) to continuously monitor both columns of fluid substantially simultaneously. In particular, the system includes a Y-connector to form two flow paths and wherein each flow path includes a tube that includes a riser tube, a capillary tube of predetermined dimensions and a valve in each for controlling the fluid flow in each path.

Abstract: A laser measuring device is to be provided which should be substantially maintenance-free. In front of a window for the passage of laser beams (2) that contains a protective pane or lens, a compressed-air chamber (3) is provided. The latter has a compressed-air connection (4) that is connected by a compressed-air line (5) containing a control element (10) to a source of compressed air, and to which compressed air is supplied in operation. On the side of the compressed-air chamber (3) remote from the window, there is provided an air lock (6) which is only open during a measurement. In the open condition (6) of the air lock, a light channel (7) is open to permit the passage of the laser beams (2) and of light beams reflected from an object (8). In the closed condition (6′) of the air lock, the light channel (7) is closed. In this way, dirt deposits on the lens or protective pane in the window are avoided as far as possible, and cleaning, particularly prior to each measurement, is unnecessary.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid detection device wherein a condition in which there is no liquid remaining in either a storage member or a tank and a condition in which there is liquid remaining in at least either the storage member or the tank are easily discriminated using a single mechanism. When there is oil (liquid) remaining in at least either the oil tank or the impregnated member (storage member), light emitted from a light emitting part is passed into the oil through a prism face located partway along the light path, and does not reach a light receiving part. On the other hand, when there is no oil remaining in either the oil tank or the impregnated member, the emitted light reaches the light receiving part. When the oil tank itself is not mounted, the light emitted from the light emitting part also reaches the light receiving part. When the light emitted from the light emitting part is not detected by the light receiving part, a controller determines that there is oil.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a fluid level detector 1 designed to be mounted in a vessel which is arranged to contain a liquid which may be hazardous such as a petrochemical. The liquid level detector is mounted within a port 2 in a wall 3 of a vessel. The electrical componentry of the liquid level detector 1 includes a light transmitter 6 for transmitting light towards an optical element 7, and a light receiver 8 for receiving light reflected back from the optical element 7. Electrical circuitry is mounted on a printer circuit board 9 for detecting signals from the light receiver and controlling the transmission of light via the light transmitter 6. the entire componentry is potted in a potting compound 11 to protect the componentry from chemical and physical damage and the physically support it. The arrangement of epoxy and componentry is substantially enveloped by a glass housing 12.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical sensor used for remote laser level monitoring in liquid storage vessels. The sensor is mounted directly to a standard tank nipple, located on top of the vessel, by a threaded connecting means and is linked to a laser measurement device via fiber optic cabling. The level in the vessel is measured as a function of the time required for a laser signal to be transmitted from the sensor, reflected off the liquid surface and returned to the receiver lens located in the sensor.

Abstract: A sight glass apparatus has a liquid level indicator for identifying the level of a clear to slightly translucent liquid in tube by a change in color of the indicator. The indicator has a transparent body with a convex lens, and a concave lens at opposite ends of the body, and V-grooves open to opposite sides of the body. A moisture indicating medium on the body functions to identify the presence of water in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ink level sensing apparatus including an ink cartridge having an ink chamber containing ink and having at least one substantially transparent side panel adjacent the ink chamber. A fluorescent material is disposed in the ink chamber, the fluorescent material being substantially insoluble in the ink and having a specific gravity which is sufficiently lower than the ink to provide an interface between the ink and the fluorescent material. A relatively narrow band light source for emitting light at a first wavelength along a light path through the substantially transparent side panel of the ink cartridge is provided for exciting the fluorescent material. A photosensor for receiving light emitted from a fluorescent material at a second wavelength when the excited fluorescent material crosses the light path is provided, wherein the first and second wavelengths are substantially different.

Abstract: A combination sight glass and optical sensor is provided in the housing of a hermetic compressor to provide effective visual inspection in addition to automatic sensing of the level of oil in an oil sump. A sight glass fitting is provided in the housing and has a first portion that extends outwardly from the housing and that is accessible from outside the compressor. An optical oil level sensing device is removably attached to the first portion of the sight glass with electrical leads extending outside the compressor for connection to a compressor controller. A prism or similar device is attached to the sight glass fitting intermediate the sump oil and the optical sensor. The sensing device includes a light source, a photosensitive detector, and an opaque member to prevent cross coupling between the light source and the detector.

Abstract: A package assembly is formed by applying flux to a device and/or a substrate and inspecting the applied flux to determine whether the amount applied is within a predetermined range. Embodiments include applying a rosin based flux on a laminate substrate and measuring the thickness of the applied flux with an interferometer.

Abstract: A liquid supplying device comprising a liquid container for storing a liquid so as to supply an external device and a liquid level sensor for detecting the liquid level. As the liquid within the liquid container is gradually used up, liquid level drops. As soon as the remaining liquid in the container drops to a predetermined amount, the liquid level sensor emits a warning signal to the operator, and the operator can then replenish the liquid in the container.

Abstract: An optical sensor (40) that provides a monotonic level-dependent output signal that varies smoothly and at an easily detectable rate over the entire length of the sensor includes first and second spaced waveguides (45, 50) extending along an axis, with each extending between its respective first and second ends. The first waveguide does not have surfaces contacting the liquid along the first waveguide's length. The second waveguide has at least a longitudinally extending portion of an outer surface in optical contact with the liquid. One or more web portions (50a, 50b, 50c) extend along and between both waveguides so that some of the light traveling along the first waveguide is coupled through the web portion(s) into the second waveguide. Light is injected into an end of the first waveguide (52), allowed to travel along the first waveguide, with a portion leaking into the second waveguide. Light is detected (55), with the amount representing the level of liquid.

Abstract: To sense the level of light in the passenger compartment 7 of an elevator cab 8, light at the proximal end of an optical fiber 4 is monitored by an optical detector 25 feeding a variable voltage divider 18, which allows setting a trip point at a desired level of light within the passenger compartment, thereby providing a signal indicating whether the light is adequate or not to a remote elevator monitoring apparatus 23. The trip point may be selected on installation by adjusting a potentiometer while watching an optical indication 17 of reaching the trip point, or it may be determined by software routines.

Abstract: An optical mass gauge sensor is disclosed comprising a vessel having an interior surface which reflects radiant energy at a wavelength at least partially absorbed by a fluid contained within the vessel, an illuminating device for introducing radiant energy at such wavelength into the vessel interior, and, a detector for measuring the energy per unit area of illumination within the vessel created by the radiant energy which is not absorbed by the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to measure the height of a liquid surface automatically by an image processing. According to the present invention, therefore, the situation over a side wall and the situation of the liquid surface in the image, as taken from an ITV camera, of the neighborhood of the liquid surface are image-analyzed to estimate the boundary position between the side wall and the liquid surface thereby to determine the position of the liquid surface on the image, and the liquid-surface position on the image is transformed from an image coordinate system to a real spatial coordinate system to determine a real position of the liquid surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for optical sensing of liquid level in cooking vessels are disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a first sensor (P1) for detecting a liquid and generating a first signal indicating a vessel level of the detected liquid above a desired liquid level (110) in the cooking vessel (102); a second sensor (P2) for detecting the liquid and generating a second signal indicating the vessel level of the detected liquid below the desired liquid level (110) in the cooking vessel (102); a third sensor (P3) for detecting the liquid and generating a third signal indicating the vessel level of the detected liquid (110) at the bottom of the cooking vessel (102); and a controller (108) for receiving the signals and for determining the vessel level in the cooking vessel (102).

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for forming a layer of material over a surface of a previously-formed cross-section of a three-dimensional object in anticipation of forming a next cross-section of the object out of the layer. A volume of material, including at least some excess material, is placed over the surface, and the excess material is swept off by placing the excess material in the predetermined path of a sweeping member, the path being substantially in a plane spaced from a working surface of material. The member may be directed to sweep the excess material away through a successive number of sweeps, which may vary for each cross-section, at least a velocity which may vary for each sweep. Additionally, the clearance between the member and the surface of the previous cross-section may vary for each sweep. A "winged" member is also provided, comprising two legs extending from a base, and a "Trident" embodiment is also provided, comprising three legs extending from a base.

Abstract: A optically-based fluid overfill prevention probe has an anti-reflective guard which prevents light external to a prism of the probe from reaching a photodetector of the probe. The probe has a light source which couples light into a prism that is detected by a photodetector when it is internally reflected within the prism. When the prism is contacted by fluid in a container being monitored, the light from the light source exits the prism, and is no longer detected by the photodetector. To avoid the light exiting the prism from being accidentally reflected back into the prism in a direction which would allow it to be detected by the photodetector, the anti-reflective guard is located within a viewing radius of the photodetector, and blocks light external to the prism which might otherwise be detected by the photodetector.

Abstract: A fluid monitor determines the quality, intensity and/or level of a fluid by transmitting a beam of light through the fluid and evaluating any changes to the shape of the beam as a result of being transmitted through the fluid. The monitor includes a light source and a lens which generate an incident beam of light having a predefined cross sectional shape. The beam is transmitted through a volume of the fluid, which modifies the shape of the beam as a function of the fluid quality, intensity and/or level. The beam can be polarized before being transmitted through the fluid or after beam transmission. The polarized beam is directed to a detector which evaluates the horizontal and vertical components of the beam and provides a shape signal to a detection circuit. The detection circuit processes the shape signal received from the detector to determine the quality, intensity and/or level of the fluid based on any variations from the predefined shape of the incident beam.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical sensor used for remote laser level monitoring in liquid storage vessels. The sensor is mounted directly to a standard tank nipple, located on top of the vessel, by a threaded connecting means and is linked to a laser measurement device via fiber optic cabling. The level in the vessel is measured as a function of the time required for a laser signal to be transmitted from the sensor, reflected off the liquid surface and returned to the receiver lens located in the sensor.

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: A printing apparatus which can detect remaining ink with high precision regardless of trembles of ink surface in an ink tank caused by various factors such as scanning speed of a carriage, scanning width, impact of the carriage at the time of reversing the carriage scanning direction and the like, and can perform printing by efficiently utilizing the remaining ink, and a facsimile apparatus using the above printing apparatus. According to the apparatus, when a CPU controls print operation, the CPU dynamically changes the threshold value as a determination reference, utilized to detect remaining ink on the basis of an output current of a reflection type photosensor, in accordance with the scanning speed of carriage movement, the scanning width, and the stop period for reversing the scanning direction.

Abstract: A low ink sensing system is combined with an ink cartridge detection system to enable a more efficient ink jet printer. An ink container which supplies ink to an associated printhead is modified by the incorporation of two light directing elements, in the preferred embodiment, a faceted prism and a roof mirror, into a transparent wall of the container housing. The cartridge, comprising the ink container and associated printhead, is mounted on a scan carriage. Periodically, the carriage is conveyed to a sensing station comprising a pair of light sources and a commonly used photosensor. A first light source is energized and a beam of light is directed to a location where the roof mirror, would be positioned if the cartridge is present. If the cartridge is absent, lack of a reflected return signal is sensed, indicating a cartridge has not been inserted. Print operation is halted until a cartridge is inserted.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring liquid level in a container, the apparatus having a flexible measurement scale attached at one end to a weight for retainment at the bottom of the container and at the opposite end to a receiver at the top of the container. A float moves along the flexible scale, and has a configuration and density designed to place a portion of the float below the level of the liquid to be measured and a portion above the liquid level. The portion above the liquid level contains transmitter apparatus for applying energy to one side of the scale, and detection apparatus on the other side for detecting energy transmitted through the scale and converting it to a liquid level in the container.

Abstract: A light emitting photonic structure has a transparent substrate, such as sapphire, supporting a layer of group IV semiconductor material, such as silicon, having at least one porous region from which light is emitted as a response to a stimulus. An example of such a photonic structure is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/118,900. The photonic structure can be used to assess the presence of various fluids. The photonic structure is disposed to be contacted by the fluid to be sensed should it be present. The light emitting region of the photonic structure is stimulated by an appropriate source, and the light emitted by the photonic source is detected by a detector. The light emitting region of the photonic structure will emit a certain luminescence in air and should the light emitting region be contacted by other fluid or fluids, this luminescence can be affected and the corresponding change in luminescence can be detected thus the presence of these fluids can be sensed.

Abstract: A foldable water tank remote level detector system is provided including a fire truck having a side extent with an analog gauge mounted thereon. The analog gauge has an indicator pivotally coupled thereto for pivoting between an empty indicia and a full indicia. As such, the gauge is adapted for indicating a level corresponding to a level signal upon the receipt thereof. Also included is a water level sensor situated within a body of water distant the fire truck. The water level sensor is adapted to continuously generate a level signal corresponding with a level of the water within the body of water. Finally, an extension cord is provided having a first end connected to the water level sensor and a second end connected to the gauge outlet of the fire truck thereby transmitting the level signals to the analog gauge.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for forming a layer of material over a surface of a previously-formed cross-section of a three-dimensional object in anticipation of forming a next cross-section of the object out of the layer. A volume of material, including at least some excess material, is placed over the surface, and the excess material is swept off by placing the excess material in the predetermined path of a sweeping member, the path being substantially in a plane spaced from a working surface of material. The member may be directed to sweep the excess material away through a successive number of sweeps, which may vary for each cross-section, at least a velocity which may vary for each sweep. Additionally, the clearance between the member and the surface of the previous cross-section may vary for each sweep. A "winged" member is also provided, comprising two legs extending from a base, and a "Trident" embodiment is also provided, comprising three legs extending from a base.

Abstract: A liquid level gauge utilizes a liquid tight plastic envelope carrying an elongate p-c board that has a light source mounted so as to direct light laterally thereof, and a light sensor also mounted so as to receive light from a direction which is lateral of the board. The gauge further has a lens configuration which is part of the envelope, for providing a largely solid, reflective path for light which emanates at the light source and is to be received at the light sensor. The lens is capable of aiding in the establishment, at the exterior of the envelope, of a path which diverges from the solid reflective path when the exterior of the envelope is surrounded by liquid that has an index of refraction which is different from the index of refraction of the material of which the lens and envelope are constituted. Assembly is significantly simplified as compared with prior, known gauge constructions.