Abstract: Systems and methods for determining fluid density include receiving calibration data for a fluid density measurement tool. The fluid density measurement tool can include a cantilever beam and at least one strain sensor that is coupled to the cantilever beam. The cantilever beam can be housed in the fluid density measurement tool and is buoyed by a fluid that enters the fluid density measurement tool. The systems and methods measure strain values at the at least one strain sensor and determine a density of the fluid based on the calibration data, and the strain values measured at the at least one strain sensor.

Abstract: To provide a three-dimensional shaping apparatus excellent in accuracy and productivity. In a three-dimensional shaping apparatus 1, a shaped article placing part 4 includes a table 41 on the upper surface of which a shaped article is placed, a drive part 45 that drives the table 41, measurement parts 46 and 47 that measure the position of the table 41 or the position of a slider 42, and a controller 50 that controls the drive part 45 on the basis of measurement values from the respective measurement parts 46 and 47.

Abstract: A three-dimensional shaping apparatus 1 includes a support frame 11, a material supply part 3 supported by the support frame 11, a shaped article placing part 4 which is supported by the support frame 11 and on which a material supplied from the material supply part 3 is placed, an input part 51 that previously inputs thereto the moving amount of a table 41, a storage part 52 that stores the moving amount input thereto from the input part 51, and a controller 50 that controls the material supply part 3 and the shaped article placing part 4. The shaped article placing part 4 includes a table 41 on the upper surface of which a shaped article is placed and a drive part 45 that drives the table 41. The controller 50 moves the table 41 by the moving amount stored in the storage part 52.

Abstract: A physical quantity sensor includes a first sensor element, an outer edge portion arranged on at least a portion of the outer periphery of the first sensor element, in which a first groove portion extending in a first direction is provided on the outer edge portion when the outer edge portion is seen in plan view.

Abstract: A liquid level detection device is provided with a fixed body and a rotating body, having a float and an arm. The arm has an insertion portion inserted in the rotating body and an extending portion extending straight and bent relative to the insertion portion. The rotating body has an insertion hole in which the insertion portion is inserted, a holding portion having a receiving opening receiving the extending portion and holding the extending portion received by the receiving opening, and a stopper releasing the receiving opening from a blocking state in which a blocking portion blocks the receiving opening. The stopper has a sliding surface portion on which the extending portion is allowed to slide. A thickness of the blocking portion at a tip end of the sliding surface portion is greater than a diameter of the extending portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assembling and testing the functionality of a structural unit having a fill level gauge in a non-stationary container for liquids, said container being embodied from thermoplastic synthetic material, wherein the method comprises testing a first and second angular position of a lever arm of the fill level gauge when the latter is in the installed position under the influence of a magnetic field on the empty container.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for fuel level sensing are described herein. An example sensor may include a sealed housing and an electrically conductive coil. The sealed housing may comprise a pivot end, a float end opposite the pivot end, and an interior defined by walls extending therebetween. The pivot end may be adapted to join a pivot point and the float end may be adapted to join to a float at an exterior of the housing. The electrically conductive coil spring is disposed in the housing interior and comprises a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The coil spring is adapted to expand and retract in response to movement of the internal float within the housing and to electrically couple to a circuit configured to sense a change in resistance in the coil spring in response to expansion and retraction of windings of the coil spring.

Abstract: A liquid level detector is provided. A resistance plate has a plurality of conductive segments. A float vertically moves according to change of a liquid level to be measured. A float arm has one end attached to the float and the other end rotatably supported to rotate according to the vertical movement of the float. Contact points slide on the conductive segments with the rotation of the float arm according to the liquid level. The conductive segments are formed of a glass-sintered metallic body made of glass and gold alloy material containing a gold (Au) content equal to or greater than 18% by mass and less than 40% by mass. The contact points are formed of a gold alloy material containing a gold (Au) content equal to or greater than 32.5% by mass and less than 77% by mass.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to lubrication system having a reservoir having a body. A follower is moveably disposed in the body. The system further comprises an alarm system having an electrical switch operably associated with the follower. The alarm generates a signal when the follower is at a predetermined location in the body. The alarm system may generate a signal when the follower is at a lower location in the body such as when the reservoir has an amount of lubricant representing a predetermined amount of usage time remaining. The alarm system may also generate a signal when the follower is at an upper location in the body such as when the reservoir is filled with lubricant wherein the signal acts to automatically interrupt the fill of lubricant.

Abstract: Proposed is a contact material constituting a slider for a fuel sender, the slider moving on a conductor in conjunction with a float moving in accordance with a liquid level, wherein the contact material includes 10 to 25 mass % of nickel and a balance of palladium. The present contact material is useful in the light of material cost in addition to corrosion resistance and durability. The fuel sender is useful for vehicles, such as FFV, using composite fuel of alcohol and the like. The present invention allows for producing a slider for a fuel sender having excellent corrosion resistance and abrasion resistance.

Abstract: A measuring system is disclosed that may include a sensing module that provides a response to a measured quantity, a first mechanical transducer that provides an output signal proportional to the measured quantity, a conversion device that converts the output signal to a second output signal, and a sensor that detects the second output signal and generates an instrument reading within an instrument range of output signals. A bias assembly may forces a second mechanical transducer to provide the second output signal that is detected by the sensor and which generates an instrument reading outside of the specified instrument range when the mechanical transducer is disconnected from the conversion device. A level detector is also disclosed that may include a displacer assembly, a torque rod coupled to the displacer assembly and connected to a magnet, and a non-contact sensor that detects displacement of the magnet assembly within an instrument range.

Abstract: A method and device for determining the flow rate of a flowing medium according to the plummet principle is characterized by a simplified determination of the calibration data sets in that at least one set of calibration data is recorded with at least one reference medium under at least one reference measurement condition. Then, a position of a plummet which is dependent on the flowing medium is determined under a measurement condition which differs from the reference condition. Here, the set of calibration data is converted from the reference measurement condition to the measurement condition, and from a determined position of the plummet, a measure for the flow rate of the medium is then determined.

Abstract: A float for displaying the fill level of a medium (3) in a container (2), wherein the float (1), in the intended use, is guided by the wall of the container (2, 4) and is suitable for reflecting electromagnetic waves emitted from a transmitter (5) toward a receiver (6). The float has improved electromagnetic wave reflecting characteristics regardless of whether or not the float is tilted in that, in the intended use, at least the end of the float facing the transmitter (5) is a reflector (20) for reflecting electromagnetic waves to the receiver (6) and that a field attenuation structure (8) is located behind the reflector (20) from the perspective of the transmitter (5) in such a manner that electromagnetic waves interacting with the field attenuation structure (8) are attenuated.

Abstract: A float gauge assembly for a storage tank having a port with an opening includes a body for attachment to the port of the storage tank and a gauge mountable to the body, the gauge having a gauge face for indicating a level or amount of material present in the storage tank, a float mechanism mounted to the body and cooperating with the gauge, the float mechanism including a float movable relative to the body in an operating position, the float being sized so that the float is unable to be inserted into the storage tank though the opening in the port, and a tube coupled to the float and having a dimension sized for inserting through the opening in the port, and an alignment element configured to rotationally fix the tube to the body when the float is in the operating position so that the gauge face accurately indicates the level of material in the storage tank when mounted to the body.

Abstract: A transducer includes a composite waveguide including a composite wire having an internal core of low electrical resistance material and an outer layer of magnetostrictive material.

Abstract: A resistive liquid level/temperature sensor and transmitter including low voltage impedance measurement circuitry to convert three impedance values into indications of the temperature and the levels of two different liquids (e.g., oil and water) located within a storage tank. A resistive chain network including a plurality of series connected resistors and a corresponding plurality of reed switches extend longitudinally through a liquid level sensing probe that is dipped into the liquids in the tank. A pair of magnetic floats having different specific gravities surround the probe and rise to the two fluid levels. The magnetic floats close adjacent reed switches which create first and second current paths through the resistive chain network. The impedances of the first and second current paths are measured to provide an indication of the liquid levels. A resistive temperature device carried by the probe provides an indication of temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device to measure the level of grain in an opaque grain hopper by using a float positioned on a vertical rod with a cord connected to an indicator weight positioned on the outside of the grain hopper.

Abstract: A fuel pump module includes a reservoir and a sender gauge. The reservoir is configured to contain fuel. A sender gauge includes a card mount and a resistance card. The card mount is fixed within the reservoir. The resistance card is fixed to the card mount and has a length oriented horizontally.

Abstract: A fluid level measurement system for sensing fluid level in a tank is disclosed that includes a float that moves vertically in the interior of the tank, and a force measuring mechanism coupled to the float that generates an output based on the upward force on the float. The system can include an outer tube where the float is contained in the outer tube. A microcontroller can compute fluid level using the force measuring mechanism output. Altitude and other factors can be accounted for. Exemplary force measuring mechanisms can include a Hall Effect sensor sensing position of a magnet coupled to the float, or a force sensor coupled to the float. The length of the float, or the float and uncompressed spring can be substantially equal to the height of the tank. The float can have a generally uniform or non-uniform outside diameter.

Abstract: The invention discloses a low liquid level detecting device comprising a float sensor and a casing. The casing has first to third chambers formed between an upper wall and a bottom wall. The top portion of the first chamber is formed with a top opening. The bottom portion of the first chamber communicates with the bottom portion of the second chamber. The top portion of the second chamber communicates with the top portion of the third chamber. The bottom portion of the third chamber is formed with a bottom opening. A float sensor is mounted inside the third chamber. A drain hole is formed through the bottom part of a chamber wall surrounding the third chamber. A method for detecting a low liquid level using the above low liquid level detecting device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor frequency output system for efficiently communicating a liquid level with reduced power and increased accuracy. The liquid level sensor frequency output system generally includes a sensor that determines a liquid level, a transmitter in communication with the sensor that converts the level data to a signal having a frequency representing the liquid level, and a receiver that receives the signal, wherein the receiver calculates the liquid level based on the frequency of the signal. The calculated liquid level by the receiver can be transmitted to an output device such as a display, switch, warning system or pump.

Abstract: A contact is provided for a fluid level detection apparatus. The contact includes a contact support spring for rotating in response to a change in fluid level. The contact support spring includes a cantilevered spring arm having a proximal end to be fixed to a holder and a free end, and a contact support which is provided at the free end. First and second contacts are attached to the contact support in first and second positions, respectively, the first position being set at one end opposite to an end at which the second position is set. The joining position of the contact support and cantilevered spring arm is set so that a pressing load applied to the first and second contacts on the contact support by the flexure displacement of the contact support spring falls within a predetermined range.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a phase separation float assembly, a phase separation detection system, and a method for detecting phase separation. One embodiment comprises a first float subassembly comprising a first float adapted for vertical travel along a fuel level probe shaft and a magnet. This embodiment also comprises a second float subassembly comprising a second float adapted for vertical travel along the shaft. The first float has a first density and the second float has a second density greater than the first density. The second float subassembly further comprises at least one stop feature which engages the first float subassembly when the first float subassembly travels vertically a predetermined distance along the fuel level probe shaft. The first float density is selected such that the first float subassembly travels vertically along the shaft to engage the at least one stop feature in the presence of phase separation.

Abstract: A fluid level probe for use in a tank containing a first fluid, including a probe shaft, a first float with a first magnet that is slidably disposed for movement along the probe shaft and adapted to float at the top surface of the first fluid, a second float with a first magnet that is slidably disposed for movement along the probe shaft beneath the first float and adapted to float within the first fluid, and electronics adapted to determine a first distance between the first magnet of the first float and the first magnet of the second float which is used to determine a first density of the first fluid.

Abstract: A method for detecting the filling level in a motor vehicle. A device for ascertaining the tank filling level value of moving vehicles, including at least one tank, at least one filling level sensor, at least one control unit and at least one pump.

Abstract: Monitoring and/or tracking systems and devices and methods for making and using the same are described. In some configurations, a system includes the following components: a stationary mounting surface defining an environment; a transmitter coupled to the stationary mounting surface; and a switch having a closed state and an open state. In various configurations, the switch is coupled to the stationary mounting surface and is in electrical communication with the transmitter. In various configurations, the switch occupies the closed state when the environment is in a first condition, the switch is toggled to the open state when the environment is in a second condition and the switch returns to the closed state when the environment returns to the first condition. In some configurations, the transmitter transmits discrete electrical signals corresponding with the closed state and the open state of the switch, respectively. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: An equalizing tank for a hydraulic motor vehicle brake system, with a housing including a housing upper part and a housing lower part, and with a device for monitoring the fluid level in the equalizing tank, the device including a switching unit which is fastened to the housing and has a plug-in connector and a contact carrier, a portion of which projects into a guide pipe which extends into an interior space of the tank, and a sensor element or switching element which is arranged on the contact carrier in the region of the guide pipe and which can be switched by a transmitter in a switching point at which the switching unit generates a signal for an electronic control unit.

Abstract: A water level control system for enhancing the controllability of the level of water retained in a steam drum. A water level control section of the system determines the volume of retained water in a steam-water separator from a detected steam flow rate signal by using a function operator and a first order lag circuit, determines a signal representing the mass flow rate balance of water in the steam-water separator by differentiating the volume of retained water with respect to time with a differentiator, generates a compensated signal by adding the signal to the difference between a detected feed water flow rate signal and the detected steam flow rate signal, and properly compensates a valve area demand for a feed water flow control valve.

Abstract: A water level sensor switch installed in a sidewall of a water tank for detecting its water level is disclosed to include a housing having two bearing portions clamped on two opposite sides of the sidewall of the water tank and a tightening up screw fastened to a vertical wall at a different plane relative to the bearing portions and stop against the sidewall of the water tank to affix the housing to the water tank, a micro switch mounted in the housing, and a float connected to a switching lever of the micro switch outside the housing for biasing the switching lever up and down subject to the level of water in the water tank.

Abstract: A float for displaying the fill level of a medium (3) in a container (2), wherein the float (1), in the intended use, is guided by the wall of the container (2, 4) and is suitable for reflecting electromagnetic waves emitted from a transmitter (5) toward a receiver (6). The float has improved electromagnetic wave reflecting characteristics regardless of whether or not the float is tilted in that, in the intended use, at least the end of the float facing the transmitter (5) is a reflector (20) for reflecting electromagnetic waves to the receiver (6) and that a field attenuation structure (8) is located behind the reflector (20) from the perspective of the transmitter (5) in such a manner that electromagnetic waves interacting with the field attenuation structure (8) are attenuated.

Abstract: An air conditioning system condensate collection pan or water leak containment pan electrical control switch includes a housing or frame for supporting a switch unit which includes an elongated actuator arm. The housing includes a slot disposed adjacent a distal end of the actuator arm for receiving a water soluble tablet engageable with the actuator arm to bias the arm into a predetermined position of the switch. Abnormal accumulation of condensate or leaking water dissolves the tablet and allows the actuator arm to move to a position to effect actuation of the switch. The switch may be connected to a control unit, a thermostat and/or to an alarm generator including a self-contained unit having battery powered audio and/or visual alarm devices, an on-off switch and a circuit test switch.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide an inexpensive reservoir tank in which a light-out fluid level can be moved even farther away from a lead switch while reliably moving a float up and down and stabilizing the operation of the lead switch. [Solution] A fluid volume detection unit 19 of a reservoir tank 5 has a float 23 on which a magnet 22 that switches a lead switch 24 on and off is disposed and which moves up and down in accordance with the fluid level of hydraulic fluid. The lead switch 24 is disposed above the magnet 23. The float 23 has a float body 23a, magnet braces 23b and 23c on an upper end of the float body 23a, a magnet support portion 23d that supports the magnet 22 on upper ends of the magnet braces 23b and 23c, and reinforcement ribs 23b1 and 23b2 and 23c1 and 23c2. Because of this, the magnet 22 stably moves up and down, and the operation of the lead switch 24 is stable.

Abstract: Fuel senders and methods of assembling fuel senders are disclosed. Fuel senders according to the present disclosure include a housing with detector retaining structure, a detector that is wedged against an inside surface of the housing by the detector retaining structure, and a connector for electrically coupling the detector to a display device. In some embodiments, the detector retaining structure consists of two ribs extending longitudinally along the inside surface of the housing.

Abstract: An inexpensive and simple-to-operate ice safety device is provided for deployment in a body of water. Once deployed, the ice safety device can be activated to check whether ice has formed to a predetermined thickness around the ice safety device. If ice has not formed to the predetermined thickness, the ice safety device indicates an unsafe condition. The ice safety device can be moored to a fixed location.

Abstract: A depth determination apparatus is described. The depth determination apparatus includes a rotatable reel for receiving a length of line, a free end of the line being adapted to receive a weight, a hollow elongate leader assembly through which the line is played out and retracted, a measuring arrangement for measuring the length of line played out and/or retracted through the hollow elongate leader; and a drive means for at least retracting the line through the hollow elongate leader.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for sensing a fuel level in a fuel tank for sensing an amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank mounted in a vehicle. The apparatus for sensing a fuel level according to the present invention senses a residual amount of fuel in a fuel tank by contacting a resistance substrate with a wiper, the apparatus including: a case that forms a sealable filling solution filling space and has a filling solution inlet formed on a top thereof; a stopper that blocks the filling solution inlet formed in the case to seal the filling solution filling space; and a filling solution that is filled in the filling solution filling space to perform an anti-rusting and lubricating function, wherein the resistance substrate and the wiper are disposed in the filling solution filling space.

Abstract: A fill level sensor for a liquid soap container or vessel has a float-bearing arm and an accelerometer that is attached to a surface of the arm to detect changes in the volume of liquid soap in the container. A feedback system then conveys fill status information based on the output of the accelerometer, such as to service personnel who may be responsible for replenishing the supply of liquid soap in the container.

Abstract: To achieve a fluid level measurement instrument requiring no detecting pipe that can accurately measure over a long period of time a fluid level in a tank for storing therein fluid without having to use a detecting pipe for sampling the fluid from the tank. A balance tube 41 has no detecting pipes and a solenoid coil 45 is wound around an outside of the balance tube 41. A float 46 containing therein a magnetic material 47 is disposed inside the solenoid coil 45. A cover 59 formed, for example, of metal covers an outer surface of the float 46 to prevent entry of fluid and hydrogen from outside. The float 46 moves according to a fluid level in the balance tube 41, which results also in inductance of the solenoid coil 45 being changed. Measuring the inductance of the solenoid coil 45 allows the fluid level of the balance tube 41 to be measured without having to use the detecting pipe.

Abstract: A signal transmitter for a filling level sensor has two sliding contacts which are manufactured integrally with a holder and with spring elements. This leads to the manufacturing costs of the signal transmitter being particularly low. The sliding contacts are arranged on spring tongues and are connected to one another via a link. The spring tongues and the spring elements are therefore arranged in a row and allow the sliding contacts to be prestressed particularly uniformly against sliding tracks of the signal transmitter.

Abstract: Sealing systems and level monitors for a tank are disclosed. A housing defines a bore and has exterior dimensions suitable for fitting in a port through the tank. An elongate member or cable passes through the bore of the housing. First and second seal assemblies are set within the bore against first and second stops, respectively, in the housing. The first and second seal assemblies are spaced from one another to form a fluid reservoir and are both sealed to the housing and to the elongate member or cable. The fluid reservoir may be pressured by a bias device. The elongate member or cable may be connected to a float.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the fluid level of a container, such as an accumulator, may include both a remote quantity indicator and a direct quantity indicator. The remote quantity indicator may include a remote dial at the end of a flexible cable or an electrical signal receiver receiving an electrical signal from a rotary variable differential transformer (RVDT), such as a potentiometer. The RVDT type of indicator may include an electrical connector on the accumulator to attach an electrical cable to carry the quantity level signal. The direct quantity indicator may include a dial directly mounted on the accumulator. The remote/direct quantity indicators may include, for example, one of the following three combinations: 1) a dial directly on the accumulator and a remote dial at the end of a flexible cable; 2) an RVDT output and a dial directly on the accumulator; and 3) an RVDT output on an accumulator, a remote dial at the end of a flexible cable and a dial directly on the accumulator.

Abstract: An engine includes a volume configured to hold oil for lubricating components of the engine, a pump, a conduit coupled to the pump and extending into the volume, and a visual interface coupled to the conduit. The conduit includes an opening located on the conduit at a position associated with a desired level for oil in the volume. When oil in the volume is at least up to the desired level, operation of the pump draws oil from the volume through the opening and into the conduit. The visual interface communicates whether or not oil in the volume is at least up to the desired level.

Abstract: A float-type oil-level detection apparatus is provided for detecting the surface of engine oil. A housing (81) for housing a float (82) has a through-hole (136) in the sidewall of the side opposite from the sidewall that faces the movement of the oil dipper (69).

Abstract: A floating storage tank roof having a roof cover level monitor apparatus uses a flexible rod having a first end in contact with the storage tank cover bottom surface and a second end in contact with a base mounted to the top of the storage tank roof. As the rod flexes the second end of the rod is pushed into a slot within the base and against a resilient member within the slot. Within the slot are disposed proximity switches. As the rod second end sinks into the slot the proximity switches are actuated by mechanical or magnetic means. The spacing of the switches within the slot is calibrated to represent the level of the storage tank roof. A force transducer may also be used in lieu of the switches.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing the level of a liquid includes a float, a tether attached to the float, a pulley attached to the tether, a rotation sensor connected to the pulley that senses vertical movement of said float and senses the level of the liquid.

Abstract: This invention relates to bulk liquid storage tanks, and in particular to an improved tank gauge for measuring the amount of liquid within the tank and for monitoring the movement or settling of the storage tank.

Abstract: A liquid volume inspection device with improved floating ball is disclosed which comprises an internal pipe, a coil wound about the outside of the internal pipe, an external sleeve, an improved floating ball, a base and an upper fixer, in which a magnetic inductor is accommodated within the improved floating ball, the improved floating ball is installed within the internal pipe, the upper end of the internal pipe is fixedly connected in screw with the upper fixer and the lower end of the internal pipe is fixedly connected to the base; when a liquid flows into the internal pipe, the improved floating ball floats in the internal pipe, thereby forming a smaller contact area between the inner wall of the internal pipe and the improved floating ball, so that the surface of the improved floating ball is not attachable to the inner wall of the internal pipe, and the improved floating ball is allowed to change the position thereof in real-time according to the elevation of the liquid level; then the variation of elec

Abstract: An ultrasonic-based apparatus and method for fuel inventory measurements and for the detection and characterization of materials in a fuel tank, including sludge, water, microorganisms and materials of different viscosities and densities that are present in the tank, presented in an easy-to-interpret picture display that can be remotely located from the tank.

Abstract: An oil level detection apparatus having a float-type oil level detector (50) and a mode switching unit. The oil level detector emits a signal indicating that the oil level has dropped when a movable contact disposed on a float (54) makes contact with fixed contacts once the level of oil (Lu) has dropped to a lower limit level. The mode switching unit switches between one of two modes selected from a first mode for actuating the alarm and stopping the engine (10) in accordance with the level drop signal, and a second mode for actuating the alarm and continuing to operate the engine (10) in accordance with the level drop signal.

Abstract: A storage device testing system includes one or more test racks, and one or more test slots housed by the one or more test racks, each test slot being configured to receive a storage device for testing. The storage device testing system also includes a transfer station for supplying storage devices to be tested. The one or more test racks and the transfer station at least partially define an operating area. The storage device testing system can also include automated machinery that is disposed within the operating area and is configured to transfer storage devices between the transfer station and the one or more test slots, and a cover at least partially enclosing the operating area, thereby at least partially inhibiting air exchange between the operating area and an environment surrounding the test racks.