Abstract: A dosage system for feeding a fluid (A) to a static mixer (1), said system comprising a tank (2) containing said fluid (A) at a predetermined pressure, a fluid passage (3) connecting said container (1) and tank (2), a control valve (4) provided within said fluid passage (3) to control the flow of said fluid (A) from said tank into said container; and a controller (6) for receiving a target flow rate (SP_Q) of said fluid (A), and an actual flow rate (PV_Q) of said fluid (A), and for outputting a control signal (MV_L) to said control valve (4) indicating a valve position to adjust the flow rate. Further provided is a method for controlling said dosage system.

Abstract: A bottle plate mates or is integrated with brackets for mounting a gas bottle atop the plate. An aft end of the bottle plate is spacedly affixed to a top of a base plate, the bottle plate being bendable about its aft end corresponding to the weight of a bottle mounted thereon. A plurality of guide pins disposed at a fore end of the bottle plate prevents lateral movement of the fore end with respect to the base plate, but allows to a limited extent displacement of the fore end due to bottle weight. Any displacement of the fore end due to bottle weight is converted to a corresponding bottle weight and a display indicates same to a user. The base plate is used to securely mount the apparatus.

Abstract: A scale for determining a quantity of material in a container such as a keg. The scale may include a support member configured to be placed under a portion of the container, a display to indicate the quantity of material in the container, and a weight sensor positioned underneath the support member to determine the quantity of material in the container and to provide a signal to the display.

Abstract: A control unit 40 acquires acceleration ? sensed by an acceleration sensor 31, and if the control unit 40 determines that acceleration ? does not equal zero, the control unit 40 again acquires acceleration ?. In the event that the control unit 40 decides that acceleration ? equals zero, the control unit 40 acquires the weight M sensed by the weight sensor 30. The control unit 40 continues sampling of weight M until a predetermined sampling period has elapsed. Once the sampling period has elapsed, the control unit 40 calculates the average of weight M obtained through sampling, and uses the calculated average and a map to determine hydrogen amount.

Abstract: A spring assembly and an apparatus incorporating the same. The spring assembly includes a base block configured to be rigidly fixed to a frame. A pair of nominally identical spring rods is cantilevered from the base block in a first direction. Each rod has a length, a proximal end rigidly fixed to the base and a free distal end. The distal ends are configured to engage a linkage member to resist movement of the linkage member by axial deflection of said rods away from the first direction. The spring rods are each preferably characterized as substantially cylindrical in shape and formed from steel or other suitable spring material. A fulcrum preferably provides support to an intermediary portion of the spring assembly to adjust the spring force range. The spring assembly is preferably utilized in a liquid level indicator to indicate a height of a column of liquid in a vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods of measuring low liquid flow rates. The system provides a controller, flow system components, and one or more load cells coupled to a collection vessel. The collection vessel includes a weir that serves as a passage to allow liquid to rise within the weir until the liquid overflows the weir. After the liquid supplied passes a hydraulic stabilization period the controller captures a load cell signal and opens a timing window. At the end of the timing window the controller captures another load cell signal. A controller calculates the mass of the collected liquid over the collection period and the flow rate such as mass rate and/or the volumetric rate. The duration of the timing window depends on the measurement desired. Since the liquid wells up and overflows the weir, the system can make precise measurements of low flow rates. In another feature, feedback control mechanisms are implemented in the batch constant flow method or steady state constant flow method.

Abstract: A device for measuring and indicating the volume of the contents of a tank includes a fixed base. A spring deflectable with to the base is also provided. The spring supports at least a portion of the tank weight. A visible connector is connected to the spring such that movement of the visible indicator is coupled to movement of the spring. Thus, as the deflection in the spring changes with an increase or decrease in the tank weight, the indicator moves to reflect the change in tank weight.

Abstract: A fuel level indicator for a portable fuel tank comprises a base, a platform hingedly connected to the base, a biasing member between the base and the platform to bias one end of the platform away from the base, and a visual indicator. When the fuel level indicator is positioned under one edge of a full portable fuel tank, the platform pivots to a first position where the visual indicator indicates a full tank, and as fuel is withdrawn from the tank, the platform pivots toward a second position where the visual indicator indicates a less than full tank.

Abstract: A cleaner for use in nursing care including: a warm-water tank, a contaminated-water tank, a head assembly which sprays warm water supplied from the warn-water tank, and a suction mechanism which sucks water and contaminants along with air into the contaminated-water tank from the head assembly via a suction hose, separates water and contaminants from air by a separator assembly, and collects water and contaminants in the contaminated-water tank; wherein the contaminated-water tank and the warm-water tank are accommodated in the main body casing of the cleaner, and a weight sensor which detects then amount of contaminated water collected in the contaminated-water tank is installed in the bottom of an accommodating section that is provided in the main body casing and accommodates the contaminated-water tank.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting water loss from a swimming pool includes a first container having an upper end, a lower end, an inner cavity and at least one opening allowing swimming pool water to flow in and out of said inner cavity; a substantially waterproof load cell positioned within the inner cavity of said first container, for measuring weight bearing thereon; and a second container having an upper end, a lower end, and an inner cavity closed to water flow, said second container positioned within the inner cavity of said first container having its lower end upon said load cell so as to bear weight thereon.

Abstract: A monitor for remote reading of liquid volumes in pressurized tanks utilizes a hollow buoyant displacement probe extending downwardly from a load cell carried adjacent a top port in the tank. The buoyant probe is optionally formed in detachable segments so that it can be assembled on site at the time of installation. The load cell is suspended from a flange cover acting as a closure for the tank port so that the load cell is freely pivotable on perpendicular horizontal axes, insuring that it is always oriented horizontally. A temperature-reading string is positioned in the open hollow center of the probe and has three spaced temperature sensing units along its length.

Abstract: A load cell and system for detecting the quantity of liquid carbon dioxide in a tank includes load cells positioned between the legs of the tank and a surface. Each load cell includes a frame constructed from a folded metal plate so that a top panel, sides and ends are formed. A beam having proximal and distal ends is suspended from the top panel of the frame by its proximal end and a spacer. A platform support is positioned upon the distal end of the beam with a platform on top. The platform support passes through an opening formed in the top panel of the frame so that the platform is supported above the frame top panel. A leg of the tank is secured to the platform. A strain gauge circuit is mounted to the top surface of the beam and a summary board receives the signals from the strain gauge circuits of multiple load cells so that the quantity of liquid in the tank is determined. This quantity may be displayed and/or transmitted as telemetry to a centralized delivery truck dispatching facility.

Abstract: A monitor for remote reading of liquid volumes in pressurized tanks utilizes a hollow buoyant displacement probe extending downwardly from a load cell carried adjacent a top port in the tank. The load cell is suspended from a flange cover acting as a closure for the tank port so that the load cell is freely pivotable on perpendicular horizontal axes, insuring that it is always oriented horizontally. A temperature-reading string is positioned in the open hollow center of the probe and has three spaced temperature sensing units along its length. Force data from the load cell, giving the apparent weight of the probe immersed in the liquid tank contents, and temperature data, from which volumetric data may be calculated, are fed to an external battery-operated microprocessor which periodically radios its data to a central computer which may be polled by phone lines from a remote monitoring station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the flow rate of a fluid based on the fluid weight. A container is provided between a fluid source and a fluid removal system. A valve is arranged between the fluid source and the container, to control the admitting of fluid into the container from the source, and removal of fluid from the container by the removal system. The valve is controlled by a weight-responsive mechanism, which detects a change in weight of the container due to the admitting and removal of fluid, and opens or closes the valve accordingly. A flow rate of the fluid may be determined in terms of a time period between the closing and subsequent opening of the valve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting water loss from a swimming pool includes a first container having an upper end, a lower end, an inner cavity and at least one opening allowing swimming pool water to flow in and out of said inner cavity; a substantially waterproof load cell positioned within the inner cavity of said first container, for measuring weight bearing thereon; and a second container having an upper end, a lower end, and an inner cavity closed to water flow, said second container positioned within the inner cavity of said first container having its lower end upon said load cell so as to bear weight thereon.

Abstract: A barbeque grill assembly comprises a grill, a frame supporting the grill, a heating element, and a fuel storage tank. A shell receives the fuel storage tank and may have a weight scale to read the fullness of the tank. The shell also offers features such as light and barbeque grill mounts.

Abstract: A suspension support with volume indication for a LPG tank comprising a slidable upright pole, a securing rail having an opening as a sliding path, a retractable restoring device, a plurality of suspension hooks and a measuring device with a display capable of showing level indication is disclosed.

Abstract: A liquefied gas amount measuring device includes an electronic display, a retractable cylinder, a grip element, and a hooking lug. The retractable cylinder includes a cylinder body having a retractable rod fitted with a spring at an intermediate section thereof placed therein. One end of the retractable rod extends out of the cylinder body for suspension of the hooking lug to pull out the retractable rod so as to compress the spring in the cylinder body to generate a resilient force after release of pulling force. The other end of the retractable rod that extends out of the cylinder body has a conductive elastic plate bent therefrom at a suitable position. A detecting circuit board is erected in the cylinder corresponding to range of displacement of the elastic plate moved by the retractable rod when pulled. A plurality of detecting circuits on the circuit board are connected when pressed by the elastic plate.

Abstract: A carriage assembly provides for holding a pressurizable vessel used in delivering fluid to a processing system, the pressurizable vessel having an elongated body defining a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end. The carriage assembly includes: a support structure for holding the vessel such that the axis is non-vertical, the support structure being substantially isolated from mechanical vibration caused by the processing system; and a sensor coupled with the vessel and operative to generate a signal indicative of the amount of fluid stored in the vessel. The support structure provides a fulcrum proximate the first end of the vessel, and the sensor includes a load sensor mechanically coupled with a portion of the vessel which is located proximate its second end. The sensor is operable to generate the signal in response to force exerted on the load sensor by the weight of the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the amount of fuel in a fuel tank for a barbecue grill is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first housing member having indicator marks on an indicator wall thereof, a second housing member slidably engaging the first housing member and further securing the fuel tank, and a spring member connected to the first and second housing members to provide a resistive force to oppose the downward movement force of the fuel tank. The second housing member has a gauge wall with openings such that the gauge wall at least partially overlies the indicator wall of the first housing member to progressively expose indicator marks through the openings. The exposed indicator marks provide a readout of the amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank.

Abstract: A liquid level indicating system includes a plastic link chain suspended in a container extending between a high level position and a low level position of a liquid in the container. A weighing device is positioned above the high level position of the liquid for measuring the weight of the chain. An attachment device secures a lower portion of the chain to the bottom of the container with sufficient slack so as not to affect the operation of the weighing device.

Abstract: A vacuum-operated waste disposal toilet system suitable for use on commercial passenger vehicles, in particular railcars, including at least one bowl for receiving waste material and a full-retention waste-holding tank connected to the bowl by a drain line. A vacuum blower connected to the waste tank for creating a vacuum in the drain line. A flush valve assembly is provided in the drain line, and is selectively openable to connect the vacuum in the drain line to the bowl for sucking the waste out of the bowl. A disposable spray ring containing a plurality of holes, selectively coupled to a water source, is wedged between the bowl and a separate lip member for dispensing water onto the interior surface of the bowl. The flush valve assembly includes a vacuum chamber with top and bottom vacuum inlet ports, a piston connected to a valve blade movable vertically within the chamber and a flush solenoid openable to selectively connect a second vacuum to the top and bottom inlet ports.

Abstract: A fryer drain pan fluid level sensing system includes a fryer frame and a fryer vessel mounted on the fryer frame. A drain pan carrying frame is pivotally affixed at a first carrying frame end to the fryer frame, and a drain pan mounted on the drain pan carrying frame for receiving a fluid, which has a fluid density, from a fryer vessel, such that the fluid in the drain pan has a fluid level and a surface area, together defining a fluid volume. A load sensor supports a second carrying frame end opposite the first carrying frame end and generates a force signal proportionate to a weight of the fluid in the drain pan and the drain pan. A processor receives the force signal from the load sensor and determines the fluid level.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the amount of liquid in a tank mounted within a vehicle. The apparatus includes a tank-mount mechanically coupled to and surrounding the tank to prevent translational movement of the tank, The tank-mount has a plurality of pivoting members allowing only rotational movement of the tank. The members pivot about a common axis, defined by an orifice of each of a plurality of fixed members coupled to the vehicle. The tank-mount also has an extended end positioned on a side opposite to the plurality of pivoting members which extends outwardly from the tank. The apparatus also includes a load cell in contact with the extended end for providing a signal proportional to the load placed on the load cell by the extended end.

Abstract: A new Beverage Measuring System for simultaneously measuring and displaying the temperature and the amount of beverage remaining within a conventional beverage keg thereby eliminating guessing how much beverage remains in said beverage keg. The inventive device includes an electronic scale where a beverage keg is positioned on the cornice of said electronic scale, a beverage thermometer connected within the beverage dispensing hose or the scale, and a digital display electronically connected to said electronic scale and the beverage thermometer thereby displaying the temperature of the beverage and the number of servings of beverage remaining within the beverage keg.

Abstract: A vacuum-operated waste disposal toilet system suitable for use on commercial passenger vehicles, in particular railcars, including at least one bowl for receiving waste material and a full-retention waste-holding tank connected to the bowl by a drain line. A vacuum blower connected to the waste tank for creating a vacuum in the drain line. A flush valve assembly is provided in the drain line, and is selectively openable to connect the vacuum in the drain line to the bowl for sucking the waste out of the bowl. A disposable spray ring containing a plurality of holes, selectively coupled to a water source, is wedged between the bowl and a separate lip member for dispensing water onto the interior surface of the bowl. The flush valve assembly includes a vacuum chamber with top and bottom vacuum inlet ports, a piston connected to a valve blade movable vertically within the chamber and a flush solenoid openable to selectively connect a second vacuum to the top and bottom inlet ports.

Abstract: A gauge for monitoring the propane content of a propane-containing vessel includes a platform member telescopically disposed above a base member to define an intervening region. A piston and a cylinder, interactively disposed within the intervening region upon a vertical axis form a fluid-impermeable chamber within the cylinder. A fluid is confined within the chamber and communicates by way of a conduit with a pressure-indicating device. Pressure generated upon the fluid in the chamber by virtue of the weight of a vessel resting atop the platform member is sensed, and indicated in terms of pounds of weight by the pressure-indicating device.

Abstract: A magnetically activated float switch apparatus is disclosed for opening and closing an electrical circuit in response to a predetermined change in the level of a liquid. The apparatus includes a float element having an interior chamber. There is a capsule mounted within the chamber. A permanent magnet is mounted in the capsule and is slidable between first and second positions therein. A switch is mounted in the chamber adjacent to the capsule and is electrically connected to the electrical circuit. The switch is responsive to the permanent magnet in the first position for maintaining a first state and is responsive to a permanent magnet in the second position for maintaining an opposite second state. One of the states is open and the other is closed. The float element is suspended by a cable in an upright condition when the liquid is below a known level such that the magnet is in the first position and the switch is in the first state.

Abstract: A gauging system for a fluid tank includes means for determining fluid pressure data for the tank; means for determining acceleration data of the tank; and means for determining quantity of fluid in the tank as a function of the pressure and acceleration data. A method for determining quantity of fluid in a tank is also provided and includes the steps of:a. determining an orientation vector for each of a plurality of sensing areas of the tank;b. producing an output corresponding to pressure of the fluid on each of the respective sensing areas;c. determining an acceleration vector of the tank; andd. calculating quantity of fluid in the tank as a function of the pressure output signals, the orientation vectors and the acceleration vector.

Abstract: A method of detecting a leak in a liquid storage tank utilizes a mass test in which a sample mass of liquid is removed from the storage tank and weighed. After a period of time, another sample mass of liquid, taken at exactly the same location as the first, is removed from the storage tank, and then weighed and compared to the first sample mass to determine whether there is a leak in the storage tank.

Abstract: A detection system for determining the level of a liquid in a containment tank includes a containment tank and a reference standard of known weight mounted to the vehicle and movable along the yaw axis of the vehicle. Load cells are placed intermediate the tank and reference standard to provide analog voltage outputs in proportion to the load on each cell. The load cell outputs, when amplified, summed and then divided by the output of the reference weight load cell, provide an electronic signal that is proportional to the gross weight of the tank. A pre-set signal, representative of the empty weight of the tank, is subtracted from the gross weight signal, resulting in a signal which is proportional to the net weight, or the contents of the tank.

Abstract: Portable inspection apparatus for determining the actual remaining thickness of the lining of a BOF vessel. The apparatus is mounted on a portable cart which can be wheeled into close proximity with the open top of a horizontally disposed furnace vessel. A laser transmitter directs a laser light beam toward the furnace lining. The light beam scattered from the vessel lining is received by a self-scanned linear array and correlated by means of a computer to provide a graphical representation of actual remaining lining thickness.Pneumatically operated locating members cooperate with positioning pads in the floor adjacent the vessel to accurately and repeatably position the cart with respect to the furnace coordinates. The inspection apparatus is also provided with computer processing to automatically scan a preselected area of the vessel lining less than the entire area in order to monitor lining locations of high potential wear.

Abstract: A post mix in-home carbonated drink dispenser has a novel expansion chamber and an anti-surge valve. The expansion chamber is a gradually expanding chamber which reduces carbonation loss as the carbonated liquid passes from the carbonator to the point where the liquid is discharged. The anti-surge valve, which is provided between the carbonator and the expansion chamber is designed to reduce the spitting and sputtering often experienced on start-up of a drink dispenser. The dispensing valve for carbonated water is part of the carbonator and not the dispensing head. This means that no carbonated water exists outside the carbonator. In addition, the dispenser is provided with a thin gas cylinder connecting probe which provides for a simple and easy to use CO.sub.2 cylinder connection.

Abstract: A fuel gauge for cart-mounted fuel tanks, particularly LP gas tanks for barbecue grills, is disclosed, the gauge having a bracket secured to the cart and a bracket secured to the tank. The brackets are indirectly coupled through a resilient member and have an indicator rod extending from the cart bracket. The rod is maintained parallel with the tank bracket for indicating the attitude of the tank relative to a fixed reference point, normally an indicator on the control panel of the grill.

Abstract: A liquid level sensing apparatus for detecting leaks in storage tanks. A buoyancy member is at least partially immersed in the liquid, suspended from a pivoted, counterbalanced, parallelogram support arrangement with a radio frequency target sensing element for electrical readout of displacement. Two such apparatus are incorporated in a system with a provision for measuring a portion of the liquid of the tank in isolation from the remainder, in order to provide for temperature compensation.

Abstract: The electronic grill control employs a microprocessor-based circuit which monitors cooking temperature, cooking time, fuel level and the presence or absence of flame. The fuel level may be displayed alternately as a percentage or fraction of the full tank capacity or in terms of the burning time remaining in the tank. A dual electrode ignition circuit eliminates noise problems in the microprocessor circuitry by establishing the appropriate sparking voltage between the two electrodes instead of between a single electrode and the casting ground. A fuel presence sensor comprising one of the two electrodes measures resistance or conductance of the ionized gases within the flame to provide the microprocessor with an indication that the flame has failed to ignite or has blown out. All information is displayed on an alphanumeric display with audible alarms provided for certain conditions.

Abstract: A leakage control mechanism for aggregate (10) containing liquid and/or with liquid running through them has a receptacle (28) for liquid escaping from the aggregate (10), mounted elastically in vertical direction and equipped with a device (46, 66) for detecting the vertical position of the receptacle (28) and triggering a signal when a pre-set position of lowering is reached by the receptacle (28).

Abstract: A liquid level sensing apparatus for detecting leaks in storage tanks. A buoyancy member is at least partially immersed in the liquid, suspended from a pivoted, counterbalanced, parallelogram support arrangement with a radio frequency target sensing element for electrical readout of displacement. Two such apparatus are incorporated in a system with a provision for measuring a portion of the liquid of the tank in isolation from the remainder, in order to provide for temperature compensation.

Abstract: A linear digital flow meter includes a float in a passageway as is located positioned with the rate of flow. A sight glass tube is secured to the end of the unit and a rod connects the float to a tube. A generally H-shaped housing has the tube located in an opening in the cross bar with a light chamber to one side and a detector chamber to the opposite. A bank of LEDs in the light chamber is aligned with a transmitting slot and a bank of phototransistors is aligned with a receiving slot in the detector chamber. A shadow mask between the phototransistors and the slot concentrate the light so the phototransistor receive light according to the length of rod in the sight glass. A bottom connector chamber is in the bottom of the housing with L-shaped passages to the light and detector chambers with the appropriate leads to the lamp and detector chambers. A multiplexer connects the phototransistors to a microprocessor which stores and processes the signal.

Abstract: A device for determining flow rate of a liquid material that is discharged from an orifice. There is provided a container having a container wall extending upwardly to an open mouth for collection of the discharge from an orifice. The container has a discharge opening in its base and is supported by suspension means from a load cell. The signal from the load cell, which is responsive to the downward force imparted by the container and liquid material therein, is transmitted to a readout means. Since the liquid material flows at a determined rate from the discharge opening the signal from the load cell is directly related to the flow rate of the liquid material, thereby enabling the flow rate to be calculated.

Abstract: A gas grill includes a cart and a cooking vessel supported on the cart with the cooking vessel having a lower gas burner assembly, an intermediate sear grid assembly and an upper cooking grid. The sear grid assembly includes inverted V-shaped sear bars that cause evaporation of greases from the food on the cooking grid. The cooking vessel has a lower removable grease pit for any unvaporized grease and a separate burner unit is supported on the cart. The cart also has a fuel indicator device for supporting a portable tank. The burner assembly is constructed to be assembled without the use of any tools.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for monitoring the volume of material loaded into a truck body. Apparatus is provided for sensing the volume of material held in the truck body and indicating, visually or audibly, when a predetermined volumetric loading has been accomplished. Such an indication informs the appropriate personnel that, if the material being loaded is of high density, loading should be stopped. Several different embodiments for the sensing apparatus are disclosed, one of which is a plurality of horizontal holes in the side of the truck body located at a level corresponding to the maximum loading level for a high density material. A cover plate is provided for covering these holes when not being used as a horizontal sight gauge for monitoring the volume level of the material being loaded. Each of the plurality of holes includes a mechanism for preventing material flow through the holes when the cover plate is lowered to expose them to view for use as a horizontal sight gauge.

Abstract: A device for detecting the amount of liquid in a vessel, such as a fuel tank of an automobile, using a torsion support member such as a torsion bar arranged between the vessel and the body of the automobile. The torsion displacement of the member corresponding to the amount of the liquid is detected in a detection circuit and processed in an electronic unit which includes a portion for generating a pulse width signal corresponding to the amount of the liquid on the basis of signals from the detection circuit, a portion for generating a signal having a pulse number proportional to the pulse width on the basis of the generated pulse width signal, and a portion for averaging at predetermined intervals the value corresponding to the pulse number of the signal from the pulse width detection portion using timing pulses generated at predetermined intervals and for displaying the average amount of the liquid digitally on a display portion.

Abstract: A barbecue grill for outdoor cooking has vertical spaced heating panels between which foodstuffs can be supported for cooking. One of the panels is slidable towards and away from the other panel to control the amount of heat supplied to the cooking area between the panels, and is pivotable outwards away from the cooking area about a vertical pivot axis at one side edge for easier access to the cooking area.

Abstract: The fluid contents of a closed container, particularly a closed cryogen container, are gauged by lifting the container through a lever arm one end of which acts upon a pressure transducer coupled to indicating means while the other end of the arm is spring biased to suppress the empty or tare weight of the container.

Abstract: A fuel gauge for indicating the level of fuel in a liquid propane tank comprises a housing mounting a weighing means and a cover forming a weighing platform. A locator means secures the tank on the weighing platform. An indicator means indicates the level of fuel in the tank in response to the actuation of the weighing means. The indicator means includes a scale and an angularly alignable pointer.

Abstract: A liquid quantity detecting device includes a float-type liquid-quantity meter and a torsion bar-type liquid meter. In the float-type liquid-quantity meter, the liquid quantity is detected by a float in a tank and the position of the float is converted to an electric signal by a variable resistor. The torsion bar-type liquid meter includes housings fixed to the tank, torsion bars, one end of each being fixed to the tank by the housings and the other end of each being fixed to a supporting member so that the torsion bars are twisted by weight of the tank, twisted angle detection means for detecting the twisted angle of the torsion bars, and an electrical processor for supplying a signal corresponding to the quantity of liquid in the tank after receiving a signal from the twisted angle detector. When the liquid quantity in the tank is larger than a predetermined quantity, the liquid quantity, for example, the quantity of gasoline in a gasoline tank, is measured by the floating-type liquid-quantity meter.

Abstract: A weight measuring arrangement for a cooking appliance in which a surface heating unit also functions as a scale platform. A three arm cantilever beam supports the heating unit. A set of four strain gages measures the strain of the three support arms, with one gage each being attached to each of two identical support arms and the remaining two gages being attached to the third arm, which arms are constructed such that the strain measured by each of the gages secured to the third arm is one-half that measured by each of the gages secured to the two identical arms when the ends of all three arms are equally deflected by a utensil placed on the surface unit for heating. The gages are electrically connected in a Wheatstone bridge network such that the output voltage from the bridge network is proportional to the weight of the load carried on the surface unit. This arrangement can be used to monitor the weight of the items being heated, throughout the heating period.

Abstract: In a liquid quantity detecting apparatus, a torsion bar is mounted on a stationary structure to support a container thereon in such a manner that the torsion bar is twisted at a torsional angle in dependence upon the weight of liquid stored within the container. An electric detector is provided to electrically detect the torsional angle of the torsion bar so as to generate an output signal indicative of the quantity of the stored liquid based on the detected torsional angle.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating and collecting plasma from whole blood includes a volume monitoring system which provides a continuous display of the volume of plasma collected. A transducer circuit within the system develops an electrical signal frequency-dependent on the weight of the collected plasma. The frequency of this signal over a present measurement interval is periodically compared with the frequency of the signal over a preceding measurement interval to develop a difference signal. If the difference is determined to be positive and less than a predetermined maximum collection rate so as to constitute a valid collection increment, the difference is cumulatively added to previous collection increments in a cumulative display counter to provide a collected volume display, and the frequency of the present measurement interval is taken as a frequency of the preceding measurement interval for the next comparison.