With Electrically Controlled Indicator Patents (Class 73/313)
  • Patent number: 11946791
    Abstract: A measuring arrangement includes a first magnetic switch having a first contact and a second contact, and a second magnetic switch having a first contact and a second contact. A first evaluation terminal is connected to the first contact of each of the first magnetic switch and the second magnetic switch. A first resistor is arranged between the second contact of the first magnetic switch and the second contact of the second magnetic switch. A second evaluation terminal is connected to the second contact of the first magnetic switch. A third evaluation terminal connected to the second contact of the second magnetic switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Wema System AS
    Inventor: Harald Aadland
  • Patent number: 11867551
    Abstract: A signal transmitter for a fill level sensor, a conductor path arrangement is printed on a resistor arrangement. The resistor arrangement is located below a slideway and is accessible between conductor path sections for trimming of the resistor. The signal transmitter is of particularly compact configuration and can be produced at low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: VITESCO TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
    Inventors: Gerhard Kallweit, Claus Eichelmann
  • Patent number: 11611201
    Abstract: A tank including a fluid reservoir, a communication module, a controller, and at least one sensor. The fluid reservoir is configured to be in fluid communication with a cable segment. The communication module is configured to communicate with an external device. The sensor is configured to detect an injection parameter value, encode the injection parameter value in a sensor signal, and send the sensor signal to the controller. The controller is configured to automatically instruct the communication module to transmit information to the external device based on the injection parameter value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: NOVINIUM, LLC
    Inventors: Glen John Bertini, Weston Philips Chapin Ford, Helaina Hurwitz, Norman E. Keitges, Kevin Laux, James Steele, Jeffrey Andrew Thomas, Rodrigue Tonfack
  • Patent number: 11460335
    Abstract: A filling level indicator for determining a filling level in a tank, having a resistor network arranged on a carrier substrate, a contact element, and a magnetic element. The contact element is arranged adjacent to the resistor network and the magnetic element is movable relative to the resistor network and the contact element. The contact element has a contact region deflectable by the magnetic element. An electrically conductive connection between the contact region and the resistor network is produced by the deflection of the contact region. The contact element has an attachment region connected to the carrier substrate, and the contact region is formed spaced apart from the resistor network and the carrier substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: VITESCO TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
    Inventors: Hans Guenter Benner, Bernd Pauer
  • Patent number: 11454653
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting electrical currents on or in the vicinity of electrical conductors with at least one Reed switch as a magnetically responsive switch, which is arranged in the vicinity of the electrical conductor such that, when there is a significant current flow through the conductor, the magnetic field created triggers the switch and initiates an evaluation electronics connected to the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: DEHN SE + CO KG
    Inventors: Peter Zahlmann, Josef Birkl, Thomas Böhm, Klaus Bühler, Johannes Maget, Arnd Ehrhardt, Eduard Shulzhenko
  • Patent number: 11456134
    Abstract: A magnet reed switch assembly. The magnetic reed switch assembly includes a reed switch having a body and a pair of electrical contacts disposed in the body. A ring magnet has a bore, and a portion of the body of the reed switch is disposed within the bore, with the ring magnet positioned close to the pair of electrical contacts. The ring magnet is movable along the axis of the body between a first position and a second position. A plunger includes a proximal end coupled to the ring magnet and a distal end having a sensing magnet. When a ferrous target is disposed near the sensing magnet, the plunger moves toward the ferrous target causing the ring magnet to move from the first position to the second position, and the reed switch to move from an open state to a closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: General Equipment and Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. LaFountain, Michael J. Simmons
  • Patent number: 11422021
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of determining the level of a liquid in a reservoir having curved surfaces is described, where the measuring device comprises a support having a radius of curvature conformable to the curvature of the reservoir. A float assembly is captivated to the support so that it may move freely in the vertical direction, but is constrained in rotation with respect to the support by compatible asymmetrical structural features. The float assembly includes an element that can be sensed by a sensor assembly that is positioned along the support over the length of the support encompassing the range of fluid levels to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Gebhard, Adam Kempers, Jeremy Gallagher
  • Patent number: 11366001
    Abstract: Herein provided is a fluid level sensor and associated systems and methods. The fluid level sensor comprises a floater movable along a floater path in response to changes in a fluid level and a sensing circuit disposed along the floater path. The floater path has a first end associated with a low fluid level and an opposite second end associated with a high fluid level. The sensing circuit comprises first and second electrically-coupled circuit branches with first and second sensing terminals arranged proximate to the first end of the floater path, a plurality of passive elements connected in series along the first circuit branch, and plurality of switching elements each connected in parallel between the second circuit branch and the first circuit branch at connection points along the first circuit branch between pairs of adjacent passive elements, the switching elements configured for being actuated by movement of the floater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventor: Andrew Ghattas
  • Patent number: 11300439
    Abstract: A sensor assembly for measuring a level of a liquid includes a measuring section through which a measuring current runs during operation of the sensor assembly and a temperature compensation section. The temperature compensation section compensates a temperature dependent variation of the measuring current within a predetermined operational temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: TE CONNECTIVITY NORGE AS
    Inventor: Niklas Jansson
  • Patent number: 11231339
    Abstract: Various embodiments relate to systems and methods for determining a thickness of a nonaqueous phase liquid layer (NAPL) that is disposed adjacent a second layer of aqueous phase liquid (APL). The system can include a pressure transducer assembly having a total density value between a first density value of the NAPL and a second density value of the APL. The pressure transducer assembly can be configured to measure a first pressure associated with the pressure exerted by the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: AECOM
    Inventors: Daniel Avery Buckley, Brad William Koons, Steven Thomas Gaito, Monal Gajjar
  • Patent number: 11156491
    Abstract: A sensor assembly that includes a sealed housing. A printed circuit board assembly including a first section that includes processing circuitry is disposed within the sealed housing and a second section that includes detection circuitry extends from the sealed housing. The sensor assembly also includes a conductive target movably coupled to the second section of the printed circuit board to vary net voltage of the detection circuitry as the conductive target moves along the second section to provide an output signal. The processing circuitry detects the output signal and converts the output signal into a linear representation of position of the conductive target in relation to the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignees: TE CONNECTIVITY CORPORATION, TYCO ELECTRONICS CANADA ULC et al.
    Inventors: Yiyang Liew, Earl Daniel Swope, Christopher Couch, Lucian Iordache, Tobias Becker, Kiranpal Singh, Mathias Michael, Oliver Schaaf
  • Patent number: 11150124
    Abstract: A liquid level detection device unit includes a liquid level detection device configured to detect a liquid level of liquid stored in a tank, and a fixing member fixing the liquid level detection device to inside of the tank. The liquid level detection device includes a device body, at least one terminal electrically connected to a detection unit in a housing of the device body, and a detection wire in which one end is electrically connected to an exposed part of the terminal exposed from the housing. At least one through opening is provided on an attachment surface of the fixing member so as to face the exposed part of the terminal and prevent the liquid from staying in a connection portion between the terminal and the detection wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinpei Kato, Shintaro Nakajima
  • Patent number: 11073410
    Abstract: A position-measuring device for determining an absolute position includes a measuring scale and a scanning unit that is movable relative to the measuring scale along at least one measuring direction. To generate a scannable signal pattern, the measuring scale has a measuring graduation which includes a raster of stripe elements arranged along the measuring direction at a measuring-scale longitudinal period. For the encoding of an absolute position, the stripe elements have a periodic structure having a measuring-scale transverse period along a transverse direction that is oriented perpendicular to the measuring direction. For scanning the signal pattern, the scanning unit has a two-dimensional detector system having a plurality of detector elements, which includes multiple detector columns having a plurality of detector elements in each case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Weis, Daniel Frese, Wolfgang Holzapfel
  • Patent number: 11070008
    Abstract: The present application provides a sensor, relates to sensing technology field, the sensor includes a sensor body, a main circuit module disposed in the sensor body and an sensing assembly electrically connect to the main circuit module, and further includes a circuit protection module disposed at outside of the sensor body and electrically connected to the main circuit module. In the present application, the main circuit module and the sensing assembly are used as the core components to achieve the functions of sensing and information conversion of the sensor; the circuit protection module is disposed outside the sensor body to realize the circuit protection function of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignees: Measurement Specialties (China) Ltd., Measurement Specialities, Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Li, Lin Zhang, Natasha V. Kachenko, Vincent Wong, Tuyen Nguyen
  • Patent number: 11054296
    Abstract: A kit for connecting to, and monitoring fill levels of a fluid storage tank includes a control module and primary and secondary sensor units. The control module is electronically connected to the primary sensor unit. The control module includes a circuit board with a microprocessor, memory unit, and transmitter. Each sensor unit includes a housing a seal attached to the housing around an opening thereof, attachment structure for attaching the housing to a wall of the tank, and an infrared sensor disposed in the housing proximate the opening. The primary sensor unit also includes a circuit board disposed within the housing, an ambient temperature sensor disposed in the housing, and a communications link for communicating with the control module. A method of monitoring a fluid level in a storage tank, and a system for monitoring and reporting fluid levels in a plurality of storage tanks, are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Mabee Engineered Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Mabee, Austin M. Mabee
  • Patent number: 11041748
    Abstract: Level sensors having conductive target movement sensing are disclosed. An example level sensor includes a lever operatively coupled to a sensing member, a target operatively coupled to the lever, where the target includes a conductor, an inductive coil to generate a magnetic field and measure feedback signatures associated with the target and the magnetic field, and a processor to calculate a position of the sensing member based on the feedback signatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Tom Koch, Davin Nicholas, Benjamin Koch, Kurtis K. Jensen
  • Patent number: 10960336
    Abstract: A medical electronic apparatus includes: a casing including a lid portion provided with: a first inlet duct; a second inlet duct; and an outlet duct, the lid portion being configured to open the second inlet duct when the first inlet duct is blocked; a detection unit configured to detect an open/close state of the lid portion; and an output unit configured to output information regarding blockage of the first inlet duct based on a detection result of the detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: SONY OLYMPUS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Sasaki
  • Patent number: 10953579
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to machines and methods for reaction injection molding. In particular, the present disclosure provides small format reaction injection molding machines having exchangeable molds and reactant material tanks, as well as molds configured for use therein and associated componentry. In one example, a reaction injection molding machine can include a housing, at least one reactant materials tank engagement station in operational engagement with a first reactant material tank, a molding support framework, an injection molding manifold, and an injection molding nozzle engagement station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: BETAJET, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph W. Pruitt, Jerry V. Foster, Jonathan E. Schweiger, Christopher Statham, Michael D. Field
  • Patent number: 10926255
    Abstract: An apparatus and method, the apparatus including a channel; at least one pair of electrodes provided within sides of the channel; a conductor configured to move through the channel such that when the conductor is positioned between the at least one pair of electrodes a current path is provided through the at least one pair of electrodes and the conductor; and wherein the at least one pair of electrodes are configured such that the position of the conductor within the channel controls the length of the current path and enables a time varying voltage to be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventors: Darryl Cotton, Adam Robinson
  • Patent number: 10906735
    Abstract: A plastic fuel container with a fill level transmitter has a floating body, which is disposed on a rotatably mounted carrier via a lever arm, and a magnet, which is disposed on the carrier and which rotates together with the carrier when the carrier rotates as a result of the floating body, and a Hall sensor, which is disposed in a fixed position relative to the magnet, for detecting a field strength, which changes when the magnet rotates, as a measurement for the fill level in the container. In addition, the Hall sensor is disposed on a sensor carrier which can be mounted from the outer side of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: TI AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY CENTER GMBH
    Inventors: Albert J. Boecker, Patrick Gmünd, Gerrit Michaelis, Thorsten Schaefer
  • Patent number: 10809112
    Abstract: Method for calculating a linearization curve for determining the fill level in a container from a filling height, said method comprising the following steps: acquiring three-dimensional data of the container with a mobile end device, having at least one optical camera, a depth sensor and a motion detector, establishing a three-dimensional model of the container, and calculating the linearization curve from the three-dimensional model for determining a fill level from a measured filling height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: VEGA GRIESHABER KG
    Inventor: Marcel Dieterle
  • Patent number: 10794333
    Abstract: A testing device for general aviation carburetors and fuel servos. The testing device is capable of replicating carburetor operating characteristics and using sensors to monitor and record the operating characteristics of both horizontal and vertical type carburetors, and compare the data received with predefined values. The testing device measures both test fluid and air flow through a carburetor. A moveable camera is placed within the throttle body of the carburetor being tested providing visual inspection of the fluid atomization with snap shot capability. The testing device also includes flow sensors to record the performance of the carburetor, providing automated data collection with memory storage. The device is fully portable with lockable caster wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Weaver Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald J. Weaver, Dale Ballenger, Chad Szwarnowicz
  • Patent number: 10712194
    Abstract: A fluid sensor system capable of sensing a fluid level or a volume of fluid held by a reservoir, such as a container or a tank. In one embodiment, the system may include a magnetic element in a flotation device that suspends the magnetic element in the fluid held by the reservoir, so that the magnetic element randomly floats in proximity to a top of the fluid surface. Two or more magnetic field sensors or magnetometers are associated with the reservoir in at least two different locations, spaced apart from one another. The system further includes a processor coupled to the sensors. The magnetic field sensors may sense the strength of the magnetic field around the magnetic element to generate signals that are sent to the processor. The processor may then determine the location of the magnetic element within the reservoir based on the signals. The determined location can be correlated to a volume of fluid within the tank which is output to another device and/or a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Medallion Instrumentation Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Payne, Philip J. VanderWall
  • Patent number: 10648848
    Abstract: A mounting structure includes a mounting object member and a liquid level detecting device. The liquid level detecting device includes a device main body which is mounted on a mounting surface of the mounting object member and a holder which is attached to the device main body and is rotated according to a variation of a liquid level of liquid stored in a tank. The mounting object member has a pair of lock portions which lock side portions of the device main body respectively and a pair of projections. The device main body has a pair of hooks. The hooks have respective claws. The hooks are formed closer to the mounting surface in a thickness direction of the device main body than a holder movable area of the device main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryo Hirose, Shintaro Nakajima, Shinpei Kato, Shingo Nomoto
  • Patent number: 10605644
    Abstract: Provided is a complementary apparatus for measuring a level of urea water includes an ultrasonic measurement unit installed inside a urea water tank to measure a level of urea water using an ultrasonic wave, an inductance measurement unit including a winding coil wound in a vertical direction inside the urea water tank and having a winding density varied toward one side, and measuring a level of urea water using inductance measured as a current is applied to the winding coil, a temperature measurement unit installed in the urea water tank and measuring a temperature, and a controller determining whether to operate the ultrasonic measurement unit or the inductance measurement unit according to the temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit or selectively outputting a level of urea water measured by the ultrasonic measurement unit and the inductance measurement unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: COAVIS
    Inventors: Dong Heon Mo, Jin Hwa Jung, In Seok Sohn, Hyun Tae Lee
  • Patent number: 10591340
    Abstract: Method for calculating a linearization curve for determining the fill level in a container from a filling height, said method comprising the following steps: acquiring three-dimensional data of the container with a mobile end device, having at least one optical camera, a depth sensor and a motion detector, establishing a three-dimensional model of the container, and calculating the linearization curve from the three-dimensional model for determining a fill level from a measured filling height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: VEGA GRIESHABER KG
    Inventor: Marcel Dieterle
  • Patent number: 10458832
    Abstract: A method for the functional diagnosis of an electromechanical fill state measuring device in which a displacement element on a measuring wire is lowered into a filling material in a container such that in an equilibrium state, the weight of the displacement element minus a displacement element buoyancy, which depends upon at least one equilibrium volume, is determined to be equal to a resulting weight of the displacement element. The resulting weight is specified, and the specified resulting weight is kept constant by correspondingly changing the length of the measuring wire in the equilibrium state. The fill state of the filling material is ascertained using the length of the lowered measuring wire. In order to diagnose a function, the specified value of the equilibrium volume of the displacement element is changed, and the resulting change in the length of the measuring wire is ascertained on the basis of the constant equilibrium state of the resulting weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: ENDRESS+HAUSER SE+CO.KG
    Inventors: Yoichi Kamei, Andreas Kaiser, Dietmar Spanke
  • Patent number: 10408666
    Abstract: A fluid sensor system capable of sensing a fluid level or a volume of fluid held by a reservoir, such as a container or a tank. In one embodiment, the system may include a magnetic element in a flotation device that suspends the magnetic element in the fluid held by the reservoir, so that the magnetic element randomly floats in proximity to a top of the fluid surface. Two or more magnetic field sensors or magnetometers are associated with the reservoir in at least two different locations, spaced apart from one another. The system further includes a processor coupled to the sensors. The magnetic field sensors may sense the strength of the magnetic field around the magnetic element to generate signals that are sent to the processor. The processor may then determine the location of the magnetic element within the reservoir based on the signals. The determined location can be correlated to a volume of fluid within the tank which is output to another device and/or a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Medallion Instrumentation Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Payne, Philip J. VanderWall
  • Patent number: 10240964
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for fuel fill volume estimation for a vehicle. An example vehicle includes a fuel tank float, a dashboard display, and an engine control module. The engine control module divides a fuel tank into zones. When the vehicle is not in motion and a position of the fuel tank float changes by a threshold amount, engine control module measures an initial fuel level. When the position of the fuel tank float does not change for a threshold period of time, the engine control module measures a final fuel level. Additionally, the engine control module calculates an amount of fuel added to the fuel tank based on the zones associated with the initial fuel level and a final fuel level and display the amount on the dashboard display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Marla Johnston, Paul A. Mueller, Zdravko Nikolik, David Divis, Boris Gorovets, John Dolinsky, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10197432
    Abstract: Provided is a liquid level sensor for a fuel tank including: a case having a filled liquid filled therein and closed; a resistor substrate provided in the case and a wiper contacting the resistor substrate; and a damper provided in the case and absorbing a pressure change of an inner portion of the case. The liquid level sensor for a fuel tank is configured to absorb a pressure change of the inner portion of the case, thereby making it possible to prevent leakage of the filled liquid that may occur due to the pressure change of the inner portion of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: COAVIS
    Inventors: Dong Heon Mo, Hae Seong Kim
  • Patent number: 10124850
    Abstract: A fuel pump of a straddle type vehicle is provided to be arranged suitably within a fuel tank. The fuel tank of the straddle type vehicle includes a vertically split upper tank and lower tank that have flanges joined by welding. The flanges are arranged to extend along an upper part of left and right main frames, which are inclined so as to extend in a forward and rearward direction. A fuel pump is arranged in an interior of the fuel tank through an opening provided in the lower tank. A pump flange section is provided in the fuel pump so as to close the opening. The lower tank is provided with a substantially horizontal flat portion. The flat portion has the opening, which is located on the lower side in an inclined direction of the main frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yusuke Inoue, Kohei Hirano
  • Patent number: 10094369
    Abstract: A process to pump liquid held in a passive tank to an active tank when the active tank has a liquid level below a set point level and when the passive tank contains liquid at a temperature above the freezing point of the liquid, the active tank including a discontinuous level gauge configured to provide at least x+1 indications of the level of liquid in tank as a function of the relative position of a moving part with respect to x set point levels, x being at least equal to 2. The process includes: reading the level indication from a level gauge; starting a pump and measuring a time during which a pump transfers liquid; stopping the pump if this time is greater than a time constant, which depends on the value of the level indication, and if a next set point level is not reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Plastic Omnium Advanced Innovation and Research
    Inventors: Paul Elong, Mircea Mateica
  • Patent number: 9983025
    Abstract: A motion sensor constituted of: a housing; a rotating member secured to the housing and arranged to rotate about a rotation axis of the rotating member responsive to motion of the housing across a surface; at least one bipolar magnet secured to the rotating member so as to rotate about the rotation axis of the rotating member with the rotation of the rotating member; and a transducer secured to the housing and juxtaposed with the rotating member, the transducer arranged to vary its output voltage in response to changes in magnetic field caused by the rotation of the at least one bipolar magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: ICTV Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Idan Zuta, Dolev Rafaeli, Philip Solomon
  • Patent number: 9964427
    Abstract: A liquid level sensor system is disclosed for remotely monitoring the liquid level in a tank. The system comprises a first fixed portion with a first liquid level response unit, and a second fixed portion with a second liquid level response unit. A guide tube is inserted into the tank and attached to the bottom of the first fixed portion. The guide tube is provided with a multitude of ports, such that the liquid level in the guide tube is flush with the liquid level in the tank. The first liquid level response unit comprises a float floating up and down with the variation of the liquid level in the guide tube, a rotating shaft rotating around a relatively fixed axis of rotation in the up and down floating process of the float, and a permanent magnet. The second fixed portion is attached to the top of the first fixed portion. The second liquid level response unit comprises a PCB, a magnetoresistive angle sensor chip, and a control circuit electrically connected to the magnetoresistive angle sensor chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: MultiDimension Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: James Geza Deak, Mark C. Tondra
  • Patent number: 9945713
    Abstract: A liquid level detector may include a float, an arm member, and a magnetic sensor unit. The float may be attached to the arm member. The arm member may be configured to convert a movement of the float in a vertical direction to a rotational movement. The magnetic sensor unit may include a magnetic sensor and covers. The covers may cover the magnetic sensor. The covers may include a first cover, and a second cover. The first cover may be made of a first resin material. The first cover may cover a whole surface of the magnetic sensor. The second cover may be made of a second resin material different from the first resin material. The second cover may cover a whole surface of the first cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takahiro Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9746452
    Abstract: System including a sensor configured to be disposed within a reservoir of a machine having moving parts that are lubricated by a liquid in the reservoir. The sensor is configured to obtain a measurement of the liquid that is representative of at least one of a quantity or quality of the liquid in the reservoir. The system also includes a device body operably coupled to the sensor. The device body has a processing unit that is operably coupled to the sensor and configured to generate first data signals representative of the measurement of the liquid. The device body also includes a transmitter that is configured to wirelessly communicate the first data signals to a remote reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bret Dwayne Worden, Mahalakshmi Shunmugham Balasubramaniam, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Jingjun Zhang, Jennifer Lynn Coyne, Sachidananda Chinagudi Jagadeesha
  • Patent number: 9453756
    Abstract: Provided is a thin liquid surface detecting apparatus wherein a thickness of a holder is suppressed. A liquid surface detecting apparatus is provided with: a holder rotatably held to a main body section; a magnet fixed to the holder; an arm, which connects the holder and a float floating on the liquid surface of a liquid, and which converts an up-and-down motion of the float into a rotation motion of the holder; and a magnetic detecting element, which is positioned at a rotation center portion of the holder, and is fixed to the main body section such that the magnetic detecting element intersects a magnetic flux of the magnet, and which detects a magnetic change generated with displacement of the magnet and converts the change into electrical signals. The liquid surface detecting apparatus detects the liquid surface on the basis of the electrical signals transmitted from the magnetic detecting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: NIPPON SEIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yukio Ogasawara
  • Patent number: 9318286
    Abstract: A point level float switch is provided. The point level float switch includes a switch, a removable shaft, and a float. The removable shaft includes a first magnet aligned with the switch. The float is arranged to enclose at least a portion of the removable shaft. The float includes a second magnet of a polarity opposite to the first magnet and arranged parallel to the first magnet in the removable shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Ganeshram Muthusamy Devarajan, Amiyo K. Basu
  • Patent number: 9217403
    Abstract: A mount for a level sensor assembly in a fuel tank may include an interconnect member adapted to couple a first tube to a second tube to permit fuel flow through the first tube, the interconnect member and the second tube. The first tube is adapted to be in fluid communication with a fuel pump and the second tube is in fluid communication with fuel in the fuel tank. A bracket is coupled to the interconnect member and adapted to carry at least a portion of the level sensor assembly. In this way, the level sensor assembly may be coupled to fluid tubes associated with the fuel pump, or other tubes, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Walbro Engine Management, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Cotton, Kevin L. Israelson, Douglas W. Salowitz, Jr., Roger N. Smith, David L. Speirs
  • Patent number: 9127940
    Abstract: A depth guide system gives an operator of a watercraft carrier an alert that the carrier is at a proper water depth to launch or stow the watercraft. The system includes an activator device or sensor having a housing vertically adjustable along a length of a vertical member. The device activates and deactivates the alert based on water level within the housing. When water is absent from the housing, the device activates a first LED at the top of the vertical member. When water located within the housing is sufficient to electrically connect two contacts, the device deactivates the first LED and activates a second LED of a different color at the top of the vertical member and can also activate an audible alert. A proximity sensor can be included which warns of any obstructions around the perimeter of the watercraft carrier via a secondary audible alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Lake Red Rock LLC
    Inventor: David B. Nirenberg
  • Patent number: 9123230
    Abstract: This system will alert an occupant of a backup in the sewer or septic system and could be used in a residential or commercial structure. The system is affixed to a sewer waste line and includes a float device and a wireless alert device. When a backup occurs, the float will lift and break the magnetic connection between a magnet connected to the float and a sensor on the wireless alert device. This, in turn, will cause a chime or other alarm device to activate inside the structure, alerting the occupant of a backup. The alarm will enable the occupant to turn off or not use any items which use running water until the problem is resolved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Inventor: Frank T. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20150107355
    Abstract: Provided is a liquid surface detection device providing for compactness and enabling a reduction in displacement of a rotating shaft of a magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: NIPPON SEIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Iryo, Yoshiyuki Shimazaki, Yukio Ogasawara
  • Publication number: 20150096367
    Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring or determining the level or amount of multiple immiscible liquids of different densities in containers utilize multiple floats, with each float having a density less than the density of the liquid to be measured but greater than the density of the next less dense liquid (or fluid) in the container. In this fashion, the position of each float can be determined and used to determine the levels of the various liquids using a single three-terminal potentiometer. A method includes measuring first and second electrical signals corresponding to first and second locations of actuation of the potentiometer. A system includes a three terminal potentiometer capable of magnetic actuation at two locations, a first float configured to magnetically actuate the potentiometer at a first location, and a second float configured to magnetically actuate the potentiometer at a second location that differs from the first location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Spectra Symbol Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Foote Marriott, William Arthur Weatherholtz, II
  • Publication number: 20150090349
    Abstract: A condensate overflow detection device includes a frame, a housing, an affixing device, a surface placement mechanism, a float and an actuator. The housing has a bottom and a plurality of pan engagement side surfaces extending upwardly from the bottom, each of which is disposed at a different angle relative to the bottom surface. The housing defines a vent structure passing therethrough that allows water to pass into the housing. The affixing device clamps a pan engagement side surface to a sidewall of a secondary condensate pan. The surface placement mechanism places one of the pan engagement side surfaces opposite from the affixing device. The float, disposed within the housing, has a first position when no water has entered the housing and a second position when a predetermined level of water has entered the housing. The actuator causes an event when the float is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: DIVERSITECH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Sada, Keith H. Platt
  • Patent number: 8978464
    Abstract: An alternate construction and method for a magnetostrictive probe intended to be used as a tank monitoring device. Height determination, either water or fuel, is referenced to an ultrasonic pickup assembly located inside the shaft at the foot of the probe. With this inverse approach, height measurement uses the relative geothermal stability of underground storage tanks, or the temperature stability offered by the thermal mass of the fuel, to facilitate a tank level determination. At that new location, the detection circuit is isolated from the effect of magnetic risers, large temperature swings and other undesirable phenomenon that often affect magnetostrictive probe measurements that are referenced to the canister. Aside from its primary use as referred to by this disclosure, this probe could be adapted for any application necessitating precise knowledge of height or distance measurement in relation to the foot of the probe without using a reference magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Ambroise Prinstil
  • Publication number: 20150068301
    Abstract: A liquid level transducer for a tank, such as a railroad tank car or the like, includes a mounting head connected to the tank and a sensor assembly extending into the tank from the mounting head. The sensor assembly includes a sensor tube located in the tank and a gauging rod assembly positioned in the sensor tube. The gauging rod assembly can be pulled out of the tank until it magnetically couples with a magnetic float that surrounds the sensor tube. The float moves in response to a change in liquid level and the magnetic coupling provides the user with a visual indication of the liquid level. A sensor board extends along a length of the gauging rod assembly and is responsive to movement of the float for electronically determining the liquid level without the need to magnetically couple the gauging rod assembly to the float.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Herbert G. Ross, JR., Gagik Farmanyan, Carl Alan Taylor
  • Publication number: 20150059470
    Abstract: A measuring device may be provided with a cover configured to close an opening provided on a fuel tank; a plug configured to close a through hole provided on the cover; and a sensor configured to measure a property of fuel inside the fuel tank. The plug may be provided with an electrical connector and a fuel passage. The electrical connector may be configured to electrically connect inside and outside of the fuel tank. The electrical connector may pierce through the plug from an upper surface to a lower surface of the plug The fuel passage may include an inlet configured to open to the inside of the fuel tank to receive the fuel from the inside of the fuel tank. The sensor may be disposed in the fuel passage of the plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masaki Ikeya, Nobuhiro Kato, Chiaki Kataoka
  • Patent number: 8967191
    Abstract: A leak detection system for the rapid and accurate detection of the mean surface level change of a body of liquid is provided. The system is capable of sensing mean surface level changes under static or turbulent surface conditions. In one embodiment, the system includes a rigid walled sensor pod with at least one inner pod cavity that is so positioned to receive liquid from a body of liquid such that dynamic equilibrium is possible and maintained between the mean surface level of the body of liquid and the amount of liquid in the inner cavity. The system further includes a sensor assembly having a stiction free float operating in conjunction with a strain gauge, and microprocessors applying algorithms to process, display, and report the sensor data in accordance with the needs of the end user or to initiate actions for automated control functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventors: Richard DeVerse, Van R. Malan
  • Publication number: 20150040661
    Abstract: An extensometer probe comprising a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) and a novel coaxial clamp and extension tube; useful for reducing thermal error, precisely measuring displacement, and deployment in tight spaces like wells or boreholes. A novel float for measuring free surface elevation of liquid; comprising an autonomous vibrator for reducing effects of bubbles, surface tension, and friction. An embodiment of the probe for measuring convergence or dilation in tunnels, bridges, buildings, etc. Embodiments of the probe and float for measuring water level: a total probe for measuring from a single point directly beneath the float, and an evaporation probe for measuring within a hydraulically isolated evaporation pan. A novel mobile monitoring platform deploys the probes within an impoundment, lagoon, pond or other environmental containment structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Michael A. Olson
  • Publication number: 20140373623
    Abstract: A filling level sensor in a fuel tank of a motor vehicle includes a substrate having a resistance network arranged thereon, one or more electrical contacts, which are in contact with the resistance network in order to produce an electrical signal depending on the pivoting of a lever arm, and a float, which is fastened to the lever arm in such a way that the lever arm can be moved by the float in accordance with the filling level. The filling level sensor is connected to electronics, and the electronics are designed in such a way that the electronics provide a respective corresponding electrical target signal for each of the electrical signals generated by the filling level sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Klein