Abstract: A modular gas level measuring device in a liquefied gas tank includes a plurality of modular float assemblies releasably connecting together. Each of the plurality of modular float assemblies includes a float. A sensing assembly releasably connects with the plurality of modular float assemblies and includes a biasing member subject to weights of the plurality of modular float assemblies and with an original length. The biasing member deforms from the original length thereof and has various deformed lengths with respect to displacements of the plurality of modular float assemblies.

Abstract: A measuring system places a plurality of sensor arrays in a lateral enclosure, the sensors being able to measure movement of magnetic floats from which a liquid level can be calculated. The plurality of sensor arrays is serially positioned in the lateral enclosure in order to enable monitoring of the entire lateral enclosure. The plurality of sensor arrays uses a circuit board with a plurality of a Hall-Effect sensors and a microcontroller to detect the magnetic floats. The circuit boards are also provided with male and female interconnectors to allow an arbitrary sensor array to be connected to an adjacent sensor array; through these connections each of the plurality of sensor arrays is grouped and in combination able to monitor the entire area of the lateral enclosure. A segmented construction for the lateral enclosure is also possible, with each segment containing one of the sensor arrays.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting phase separation in storage tanks is provided. At least one float has a density calibrated to detect a density differential among surrounding fluids. The float is buoyant on a relatively more dense lower layer of fluid such as phase separated fuel or pure water, while remaining submerged in a relatively less dense upper layer of fluid such as a gasoline/ethanol blend. A detection device sends a signal when the float rises or falls above or below a preset acceptable level.

Abstract: A system for a fluid tank for storing a urea solution in a motor vehicle, the system including a first float having a first density and a second float having a second density, the first and second floats being movably arranged on a guide in the fluid tank, the first density is less than a density of the urea solution at a reference temperature but greater than a density of water at the reference temperature, and the second density is less than the density of water at the reference temperature. The system further includes a control system configured to receive signals indicative of a level of the floats, and to generate an anomaly signal in response to detecting sinking of the first float and floatation of the second float.

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: A method of determining if phase separation into an upper layer of a first fluid and a lower layer of a first fluid has occurred in a tank containing a first fluid, the method including determining a first density of the first fluid adjacent a top surface of the first fluid, determining a second density of the first fluid adjacent a bottom of the tank, and comparing the first density of the first fluid to the second density of the first fluid to determine if the first fluid has separated into the upper layer of the first fluid and the lower layer of the first fluid separated by a phase separation boundary.

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 draft gauge, including: four balancing float tanks, a central control room, a first and second connection beam, a pump-valve chamber, a longitudinal connection beam, flexible centering brackets, a lateral connection beam, a scanning sensor, and a side scanner. The four balancing float tanks are arranged at two sides of a hull with every two balancing float tanks arranged at each side of the hull. The flexible centering brackets are fixed on an inner side of the first connection beam and on an inner side of the second connection beam, respectively. Every two balancing float tanks at opposite sides of the hull are connected via the lateral connection beam. The scanning sensors are evenly arranged on the lateral connection beam. The side scanner is arranged on one side of the balancing float tank in a close proximity to the hull.

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 tank or vessel volume measurement apparatus that includes multiple buoyancy elements. The buoyancy elements can be placed within a perforated tube to reduce any effects from turbulent flow within the tank. The multiple buoyancy load sensors are each made of different density or cross sections to cancel out any accumulation of contamination that may collect on the buoyancy elements placed within the fluid and to determine the density or specific gravity of the fluid within the tank. The buoyancy elements are attached to a load sensor or strain gauge that measures the weight or load from the buoyancy element. Temperature of other sensors can be placed on the buoyancy elements or within the tank to collect other readings or to adjust for temperature variations. The buoyancy elements can be fabricated in pieces and assembled on site or within the tank to accommodate taller tanks or height restrictions.

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: What is disclosed is a tank fullness monitoring system. The tank fullness monitoring system includes a plurality of buoyant sensor nodes coupled in series along a line, where the buoyant sensor nodes are configured to hang in series along the line, and where each of the buoyant sensor nodes is configured to indicate when floating at a fluid interface. The tank fullness monitoring system also includes a control node attached to the tank and coupled to a first one of the buoyant sensor nodes, and configured to monitor the buoyant sensor nodes.

Abstract: A fuel level measuring system for a liquid fuel tank may utilize a primary sender gage assembly employing at least a primary sender gage, a primary sender arm, and a primary sender float. The system may further utilize a secondary sender gage assembly employing at least a secondary sender gage, a secondary sender arm, and a secondary sender float. A dash indicator may display a fuel level of fuel within the fuel tank based upon resistances from the sender gages. The primary sender float and the secondary sender gage are contained within a single unit that is buoyant in liquid fuel. The fuel tank may have a top dome portion and a bottom dome portion that the secondary sender float is capable of occupying while the sender gages transmit a signal corresponding to fuel levels in the tank.

Abstract: A fuel level measuring system for a liquid fuel tank may utilize a primary sender gage assembly employing at least a primary sender gage, a primary sender arm, and a primary sender float. The system may further utilize a secondary sender gage assembly employing at least a secondary sender gage, a secondary sender arm, and a secondary sender float. A dash indicator may display a fuel level of fuel within the fuel tank based upon resistances from the sender gages. The primary sender float and the secondary sender gage are contained within a single unit that is buoyant in liquid fuel. The fuel tank may have a top dome portion and a bottom dome portion that the secondary sender float is capable of occupying while the sender gages transmit a signal corresponding to fuel levels in the tank.

Abstract: A multiphase-liquid level sensing system for sensing a layer depth and thickness of a liquid of a first phase that floats on a liquid of a different second phase includes an elongated stem that defines an elongated cavity. A float, which exhibits a sensible property, is disposed coaxially around the elongated stem and has negative buoyancy relative to the liquid of the first phase and positive buoyancy relative to the liquid of the second phase. A level sensor senses the sensible property and indicates a second phase liquid distance from the float to the bottom of the stem. An overburden sensor extends downwardly from the stem senses total liquid thickness of the liquid above the overburden sensor. A computational circuit calculates a layer depth and thickness of the liquid of the first phase, based on input from the level sensor and the overburden sensor.

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 liquid level measuring apparatus for measuring the level of a liquid in a bladder with flexible walls in which liquid in a container raises and lowers a plurality of floats, each float containing a magnetic element oriented in a vertical position. The floats are positioned within an inner guide tube. Pins of non-magnetic material restrict the vertical movement of the floats to sections of the inner guide tube with one float per section. The inner guide tube is placed inside the bladder. After placement of the inner guide tube, an outer sleeve is slid over the inner guide tube from the outside of the bladder with the bladder wall between the inner guide tube and outer sleeve. The outer sleeve contains magnetic reed switches that can be activated by the magnetic elements in the inner guide tube.

Abstract: The internal movement of one embodiment of a sealed fuel level sender employs two magnets disposed diametrically opposite each other about a pivot. The actuator that is operated by in-tank fuel level has two magnets disposed diametrically opposite each other about the axis with one pole of each magnet of the actuator confronting an opposite pole of a respective magnet of the movement to provide the magnetic coupling for causing the movement to follow the fuel level while minimizing, and preferably substantially eliminating, cross thrust on the pivot. Pole pieces may be associated with the magnets in a further embodiment. Still another embodiment employs magnets to only one side of the pivot, but with pole pieces that reduce cross thrust.

Abstract: An optical liquid measuring system for measuring the amount of flammable liquid in a storage tank consisting of a pair of encoder disks that are operatively connected to a pair of floats through a pair of pulley systems. The floats are designed so that the first float will float on top of flammable liquid such as gasoline, and the second float will float on top of water. Optical encoder reader heads or optical connectors are located proximate to the respective encoder disks to receive light that is reflected by or transmitted through the encoder disks. The optical connectors include a plurality of optical fibers that receive the light from the encoder disks and transmits signals to a CPU. The CPU then takes the information derived from the received signals and uses an algorithm to accurately calculate the amount of gasoline and water in the storage tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a segmented cylindrical tide staff system [11] for erection at remote areas for dynamic calibration of electronic tide meters and computer models of tides, said tide staff system consisting of plurality of cylindrical tubes [12], said cylindrical tube being coupled to a flange [13] at its end through a circular orthogonal hole [20] drilled on a flat surface of the flange, said flange being provided with plurality of equally spaced slots [15] drilled on the flat surface of the flange, an outwardly protruding tide indicating arm [14] being mounted on the flange wherein said tide indicating arm consists of two mutually orthogonal planes [22] and [23], wherein plane [22] is perpendicular to the axis of the tide staff and plane [23] is parallel to the axis of the tide staff, said perpendicular plane [22] being provided with a mounting terminal [21] and a circular

Abstract: A liquid level measuring apparatus is provided, which includes an input circuit configured to receive electrical signals from level sensors configured to provide an electrical signal proportional to a liquid level in a tank portion. The input circuit provides a single output signal proportional to the combined liquid level in one or more liquid storage vessel portions. The apparatus may further include or be connected to a transmitter such as a wireless transmitting device.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating a fluid level in a reservoir includes a conduit for communication with a reservoir and including a sight glass. A buoyant primary float is provided within the conduit, and a stop is provided within the conduit for engaging the primary float to prevent travel of the primary float beyond an upper portion of the conduit. A buoyant secondary float in the conduit is moveable together with the primary float when the primary float is not engaged by the stop, and is moveable separately from the primary float when the primary float is engaged by the stop and a fluid level in the conduit exceeds the level of the stop such that a portion of the secondary float may travel separately within the upper portion of the conduit. The secondary float preferable includes an elongate portion that passes through an aperture in the primary float, and a buoyant upper portion that is located above the primary float and is larger than the aperture in the primary float.

Abstract: A level control device is adapted for use in a wastewater pump station. The level control device cooperates with a discharge pump to control the volume of wastewater contained in the pump station. The level control device includes a buoyant housing for being located in the pump station, and capable of floating on a surface of the wastewater. A control switch is adapted for being operatively connected to the motor starter of the discharge pump to activate the pump when the housing reaches a predetermined elevation in the pump station due to an increasing level of wastewater. An anti-accumulation surface of the housing acts to resist accumulation of grease and other waste.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing a level of fluid within a container. The apparatus includes a support coupled to the container. The apparatus additionally includes first and second floats. Each of the first and second floats is pivotally coupled to the support proximate a first end. The apparatus further includes a position sensing mechanism for sensing the relative positions of the first and second floats and responsively determining the level of fluid within the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing a level of fluid within a container. The apparatus includes a first cantilevered arm having a first float coupled to the container. The apparatus additionally includes a second cantilevered arm having a second float coupled to the first cantilevered arm. The apparatus further includes a position sensing mechanism for sensing the relative positions of the first and second cantilevered arms and responsively determining the level of fluid within the container.

Abstract: An improved float and valve assembly for a liquid-gas accumulator including a buoyant float having a density selected in accordance with the working pressure, a float which can be lengthened or shortened, and friction and drag is reduced by optimizing the bore to rod length, honing coacting parts, providing a crown engaging the spring, and providing grooves in the exterior of the valve stem.

Abstract: A fluid level sensor for a fluid tank of a marine vessel is provided. The sensor includes a sensor mount and further includes a circuit housing that is pivotally connected to the mount to pivot about a predetermined pivot axis. A float assembly is configured to supply an actuating angle substantially impervious to fluid tank tilt and/or fluid splash at least along an axis generally perpendicular to the pivot axis. A circuit in the circuit housing is responsive to the actuating angle from the float assembly to provide an output signal indicative of the fluid level in the tank.

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 magnetostrictive position sensing device is disclosed where a probe assembly surrounding a waveguide is anchored at one end to the bottom of a tank and terminates in a transducer assembly attached to the top of the tank. The probe assembly compensates for differential coupling between two sections of the probe assembly. The sensing device also includes one or more fluid level floats movably surrounding a portion of the probe.

Abstract: An automated waste cooking grease recycling tank having a top, a bottom, at least one side wall defining an inside and an outside of the tank with a plurality of openings in the tank. A liquid level sensor is inserted into the inside of the tank through one of the plurality of openings with the liquid level sensor operatively connected for sensing at least first and second different liquid levels inside of the tank. A control panel is positioned outside of the tank, operatively coupled to the level sensor and having first and second indicators thereon responsive to signal the first and second different liquid levels sensed inside of the tank. A fill pump is operatively coupled to the control panel and responsive to the control panel for adding grease.

Abstract: A highly reliable digital level sensor assembly is provided to replace optical and capacitance type sensors in high purity chemical delivery systems. The digital level sensor assembly is particularly useful in bulk chemical refill delivery systems for high purity chemicals employing a manifold that ensures contamination free operation and canister change outs with a minimum of valves and tubing.

Abstract: A non-slip sleeve fits over a shaft for a float level sensor so a float moves up and down on the sleeve surface. This non-slip surface prevents deposits forming thereon when used in tanks with sludge or other solids suspended in liquids. The thin walled sleeve is formed of a polytetrafluoroethylene polymer (PTFE) thus avoiding having to deposit or coat a shaft with PTFE which is expensive and time consuming.

Abstract: A device for detecting leaks in containers that are open to the effects of rain and/or evaporation comprising an outer cylinder or container suspended in a container or vessel to be measured, such as, a swimming pool, an inner tube, an outer floating tube, an inner floating indicating rod and a float attached to the end of the floating indicating rod. The device is suspended in a swimming pool by a chain or rope attached to the outer cylinder. The inner tube is fastened to the bottom of the outer cylinder and a hole is formed in the bottom of the outer cylinder and an optional, long capillary tube is inserted in the hole. The inside of the outer cylinder is filled to a particular level and the relationship of the floating indicator rod and the environmentsl indicator tube is recorded. Periodically, the level is checked to see if there is a change in the level due to a leak in the pool or container.

Abstract: An engine oil regulating device may monitor and regulate a fluid level for stationary engines or compressors for gravity feed and pressurized oil applications. Oil may be received in a float chamber that may have a safety shutdown float and an oil level regulating float. The engine oil regulating device may also include a safety shutdown mechanism to actuate an alarm and/or a shutdown switch such as an ignition cut-off switch. The safety shutdown mechanism may be configured as a single switch or a plurality of switches. A two switch safety shutdown mechanism may utilize a side-by-side layout or a stacked layout. The safety shutdown mechanism may include a high-low level shutdown, low level shutdown only, or high level shutdown only. A testing mechanism such as a rotatable test knob assembly may be provided to test the safety shutdown mechanism. An engine oil level adjusting mechanism such as an adjustable threaded thumb valve orifice member may also be provided.

Abstract: A highly reliable bulk chemical refill system for high purity chemicals is provided. The system employs at least one metallic level sensor in a refillable ampule. The refillable ampule of the present invention comprises a metallic level sensor for sensing a high level or full level in the ampule. The metallic level sensor transmits this signal to a control unit that automatically stops the refilling process. Additionally the refillable ampule includes a low level sensor that either provides an automatic signal for starting the refilling process or an audible or visual alarm to alert an operator that the container is empty and requires refilling. At the same time, the low level sensor sends a signal to the processing equipment indicating the empty state of the ampule.

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

Abstract: A dipstick for measuring oil levels provides an electronic indication when oil in an internal combustion engine sump is low or high. The electronic dipstick does not have to be removed as is normal for most dipsticks which determine level from observing a wet line on the stick. The dipstick has an elongated member for insertion into an aperture of a sump, the member has a high mark and a low mark thereon representing oil level in the sump. A float is mounted for movement within a cage integral with the elongated member, the float having a magnet to activate a switch. A first switch is associated with the high level and a second switch is associated with the low level. An indicating arrangement indicates when the magnet in the float activates either the first switch and/or the second switch.

Abstract: A float-operated switch assembly is mounted in an opening in the top of a tank. It includes a vertical non-magnetic pipe having a pair of floats normally hanging beside it. Each of the floats has a magnet thereon normally in a position proximate the pipe when the float is down. A magnetic field between this magnet and a switch operator support magnet inside the pipe normally holds the latter magnet in a set position. The floats are located at a height such that, when the liquid has risen to the desired upper limit, the rising liquid has caused the floats to swing up and outward from the pipe, pulling their respective magnets out of supporting relationship to the switch operator support magnet whereupon the support magnet drops and a switch is operated for activating a signal circuit. A manual test knob is provided to remotely, manually lift the floats.

Abstract: A flood warning system including a stilling well having three vertically spaced apart float switches therein for detecting the level of flood waters. Upon the water level reaching and closing the lowest float switch, a telephone alarm dialer is actuated to transmit a first low stage flood warning message to a remote location. Upon the water level reaching and closing the second or middle level float switch, the lowest float switch is disabled and the upper float switch is enabled. Upon the water reaching and closing the upper float switch the telephone alarm dialer is actuated to transmit a high stage flood warning message to the remote location. As the water recedes, upon dropping below and opening the middle level float switch the lowest float switch is enabled and the upper float switch is disabled thereby actuating the telephone alarm dialer to transmit a second low stage flood warning message to the remote location. This second low stage flood warning message indicates that the flood has crested.

Abstract: A fluid level indicator for a small watercraft is provided which can be used to effectively detect and indicate a fluid level in a small watercraft even when the watercraft is experiencing severe rocking or up and down movements during operation and which is able to detect and distinguish the fluid level at a number of different positions. The fluid level indicator comprises a fluid level detector which includes a guide member, preferably cylindrical, generally vertically disposed in a fluid tank. A plurality of floats each having a magnet are slidably received for movement along the guide member within a designated section. In the illustrated embodiments, reed type switches one or more of which are associated with each of the floats are positioned within the guide member for detecting the position of the corresponding float along the guide. An indicator plate, preferably of the LDC type, is operatively connected to the fluid level detector for indicating the detected fluid level in the tank.

Abstract: A groundwater pollutant recovery system using the cone of depression approach, in which a sensing probe having liquid level sensors responsive to both water and pollutant levels and having attached to it the pollutant intake is deployed in a recovery well above the submerged water and pollutant pumps. The pollutant intake on the sensing probe is attached to the pollutant pump by an extendable hose so that the sensing probe may be raised and lowered in response to changing hydraulic conditions in the well, without the necessity of changing the water or pollutant pump positions. The recovery sequence is controlled by a microprocessor under the control of a program responsive to the liquid levels indicated by the sensors in the sensing probe.

Abstract: A level indicating assembly for use in a tank mounted in a vehicle, such as an RV or boat, includes a fitting body for mounting the assembly in the top of the tank, and probes extending through the body into the tank. At least one of the probes has a hollow probe shaft which is of a flexible material such as flexible pvc. One of the probes provides an "empty" indication for the tank, while the other probes provide a "full" indication, and a mid-level indication. A socket or like element with a knock-out plug optionally provides a vent in the fitting body. During installation the position of the probe shafts with respect to the fitting body are adjusted, and any unneeded portion of the probe shaft above the shaft fitting is cut off.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for the measurement of the level or volume of a liquid contained in a reservoir of the type comprising a casing that houses an element defining two generally vertical, separate, electrical tracks, at least one of which is electrically resistant, and a float that is capable of following the level of the liquid and bears a slider capable of connecting the two tracks, said device comprising at least one spacer that connects the housing and the element defining the tracks, at least two floats placed on either side of the spacer and means ensuring that at least the slider of the upper float is separated from at least one of the tracks when it reaches the lower final stage of its movement adjacent to the spacer.

Abstract: A groundwater pollutant recovery system using the cone of depression approach, in which a sensing probe having liquid level sensors responsive to both water and pollutant levels and having attached to it the pollutant intake is deployed in a recovery well above the submerged water and pollutant pumps. The pollutant intake on the sensing probe is attached to the pollutant pump by an extendable hose so that the sensing probe may be raised and lowered in response to changing hydraulic conditions in the well without the necessity of changing the water or pollutant pump positions. The recovery sequence is controlled by a microprocessor under the control of a program responsive to the liquid levels indicated by the sensors in the sensing probe.

Abstract: Displacement sensors which are communicated with a stationary reference side are placed at the measuring points of a large structure. Displacement at each measuring point is electrically measured by utilizing the fact that the liquid levels at the stationary reference side and each measuring point are at the same level.

Abstract: A signalling device for signalling danger from water over a low water crossing area is provided. The device has a support post, a message panel, and flashing lights in electrical connection with an energy source, the electrical connection being completed by triggering a switch lever by either a tank float rigidly mounted to a bottom end of a centrally disposed elongate guide member or by a donut-shaped tank float received about the elongate guide member and stopped by a stop member, either the rigidly mounted float pushing the elongate rod upwards and triggering the switch lever, or the donut shaped tank float and stop pushing the elongate rod upwards and triggering the switch lever.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for indicating the temporally variable quantity of a liquid contained in a reservoir or tank, whatever the indication of this reservoir with respect to the horizontal, wherein the device comprises an auxiliary recipient fast with the reservoir, which is arranged therewith in an at least partially enveloping arrangement and which contains an invariable quantity of an auxiliary liquid of which the level serves as reference for assessing, by comparison of level, the variable quantity of liquid contained at a given instant in the reservoir. The invention is more particularly applicable to the determination of the level of fuel in a tank connected to a vehicle, of the oil in a gearbox of a vehicle, etc.

Abstract: A high-sensitivity device for measuring the mutual level differentials among a certain number of reading locations, the device comprising a plurality of containers, one for each reading location, mutually connected at the bottom ends by a piping opening into a balancing tank which holds a liquid mass. Each container is equipped in its interior with a float which is held spaced apart from the container walls by flexible retaining members, a level-differential sensitive transducer being mounted in correspondence with the walls. The apparatus further comprises a device for measuring the signals delivered by the transducers.

Abstract: There are provided at least two liquid level detectors in a liquid tank, such as an automobile fuel tank. The detectors are connected so as to obtain the sum of the output signals of the detectors. The positions of the detectors in the tank are determined on the basis of a predetermined reference point. If the reference point lies on a liquid surface formed by a certain amount of a liquid contained in the tank when the tank is horizontal, then the liquid level at the reference point is constant when the tank is inclined so that a horizontal axis of the tank slopes down in one direction at a predetermined angle with the horizontal and when the tank is inclined so that the horizontal axis slopes down in the opposite direction at the same angle with the horizontal. One of the detectors is disposed in a first vertical plane, and the other in a second vertical plane.

Abstract: A fluid measurement gauge is principally used to measure the fluid level in large underground storage tanks, such as for storing gasoline at service stations. A housing is positioned vertically in the fluid and includes a leadscrew which is driven by a stepper motor. A nut is mounted for longitudinal movement along the leadscrew. A float encircles the housing and includes a magnet at the surface of the fluid level. A magnetic sensor, such as a Hall-effect switch, is mounted on the nut and driven in selected steps downward to encounter the magnet mounted in the float. A reference position is marked at the top of the housing and the fluid level is measured downward from the reference position by detecting the magnet by operation of the magnetic sensor. An additional float can be provided to detect the interface between two fluids such as gasoline and water. The second float is further provided with a magnet to be detected by the magnetic sensor.