Abstract: A method and apparatus for casting molten metal in an opaque container and for determining the level of the metal within the container. This is accomplished by locating a strain sensing transducer over the container and metal, and sending a current pulse from the transducer along a wire located in the tube connected to the transducer and extending toward the vessel and molten metal. A permanent magnet is located on a stem connected to a float within the container, the float being effective to rest and float on the upper level of the molten metal within the container. A current pulse is sent along the wire from the transducer, which pulse produces a magnetic field, and which field interacts with a magnetic field of the permanent magnet. The interaction of the two fields exerts a strain on the tube, which strain is sensed by the transducer.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive liquid level probe in a double-walled liquid container develops liquid level data and external sensors in the space between the walls respond to the presence of liquid leaked into the space from inside or outside the container. Other sensors external of the liquid level probe may sense other conditions. The probe electronics determines binary states of the external sensors and digitally encodes the states for inclusion in data transmission of the liquid level information to a remote controller via a two-wire transmission line. One embodiment develops pulses spaced as a digital function of the sensor states and includes liquid level data between the pulses for transmission. The pulse space is measured at the remote controller and decoded to determine the external sensor states, while the liquid level data is analyzed to determine the contents of the container.

Abstract: An improved liquid level measuring device with an armless float which is equipped with a pair of symmetric multi-point contact arms hidden inside the armless float so as to protect the same from being damaged in mounting. The present liquid level measuring device has a circuit including two portions each of which is disposed on one side of the sliding pole of the liquid level measuring device, permitting the reduction of the size of the same. A plurality of liquid discharge ditches which can be defined in any form are disposed on each portion of the circuit path for easy expelling of liquid particles adhered on the surface thereof. The multi-point contact arms can scrape off insulating oxydized coatings on the circuit paths in repeated sliding operation thereof so as to permit the contact between the arms and the paths constantly in an effective manner.

Abstract: A digital liquid level measuring device determines the liquid level by reading a scale of a vertical series of horizontal binary coded numbers representing linear divisions. The measurement is direct rather than inferential and provides more accurate reading than existing methods. The digital measuring system does not suffer from the disadvantages of signal stability, drift, accuracy, calibration, error detection and size of range. The device has a fixed vertical scale, a float movable in a substantially vertical path maintaining a controlled distance from the fixed scale, a reading head on the float to read each of the horizontal binary coded numbers individually on the scale representing liquid level and a connection from the reading level to a display which provides an indication of liquid level.

Abstract: An apparatus has a liquid level sender providing a sender output signal which varies with a measure of a liquid and which varies with a slosh of the liquid. A main control circuit couples and decouples the sender output signal to a process circuit, the process circuit provides an output signal to a liquid level indicator. Two monitor circuits monitor the output of the process circuit and provide a control signal to the main control circuit if the sender output signal varies from the output of the process circuit by more than a predetermined amount. A switch within the main control circuit decouples the sender output signal from the process circuit in response to the control signal. Sample circuitry within the process circuit drives the output of the process circuit in accordance with a sampled signal when the sender out signal is decoupled from the process circuit.

Abstract: A cesspit water level indicator is provided. The water level indicator includes an expansible element which carries a sliding rod to move up and down relative to a fixed rod responsive to the change of water level in a cesspit. The sliding rod includes an electrical contact in the form of a pin. The pin slidably engages a resistive plate mounted to the fixed rod. The change in electrical resistance is indicative of the change of water level in the cesspit.

Abstract: The detector is a foldable one constructed of unit elements 1a-1n connected with each other through hinge members 6. The members 6 are staggered in arrangement along the longitudinal direction of the unfolded or stretched detector so as to permit the detector to be folded in staggered manner. In storage and transport, the detector is folded to facilitate its handling. In installation, the detector is unfolded or stretched to assume a long-reach form to facilitate its installation in a liquid-level gauge system of a storage tank 13.

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: Disclosed herein is an electronic float gauge for indicating the level of liquid in a tank. A float follows the liquid level and causes a rotor that has magnets on it to rotate. Surrounding the magnets, in a concentric array, are a series of reed switches. The rotation of the magnets feeds information to the reed switches about the level of fluid in the tank. The reed switches are connected to a fluid level indicator.

Abstract: For liquid-level sensing in a tank, the invention provides a tank-mounted first subassembly that is adapted for suspension of a vertical guide from the top of the tank, such that a guided float may coact with an elongate vertical ribbon, to angularly displace a magnetic element carried by the upper end of the ribbon. The tank-mounting of this first subassembly completes closure of the tank and its contents, and closure structure of this first subassembly assures containment of the ribbon and its magnetic element within the closed volume of the tank. A second subassembly of magnetically responsive electrical means is encapsulated by a housing which is detachably connectable to the closure structure of the first assembly, solely by access that is external to the closed tank. Electrical output of the second subassembly is flexibly available to remote indicating and/or monitoring circuitry which forms no part of the invention.

Abstract: A liquid level switch assembly is provided which can be adjusted as to what liquid level will actuate the switch. A support bracket is mountable to the tank and a float arm is pivotally mounted to the support bracket inside the tank by way of a pivot axle. A magnet is mounted to the pivot axle such that the magnet rotates as the float arm pivots to follow the liquid level on the tank but such that the angular position of the poles of the magnet can be adjusted relative to the float arm when the float arm is retained as the magnet is rotated. A reed switch is mounted on the support bracket near the magnet such that when the float arm is in a predetermined range of angular position relative to the horizontal, the reed switch is actuated by the magnet.

Abstract: A liquid level indicator comprising a rod (10) of insulating material. The rod is a carrier for two parallel helically wound resistance wires (12, 13) and is surrounded by a float (11) of insulating material displaceable along the rod (10) by variations in the liquid level. The resistance wires are connected to electrically conducting contact by means of a contact element (14) arranged on the float (11) with resilient contact plates arranged on each side of the rod for respective resistance wires. In this manner a circuit through the wires (12, 13) and the contact element is achieved whose resistance varies depending on the position of the float (11) along the rod (10). In order to improve the float's ability to follow variations in the liquid level, the contact element (14) is pivotably carried on the float (11) so that the contact element can pivot somewhat about an axis which normally is directed transversely to the longitudinal direction of the rod (10).

Abstract: A gauge assembly (10) utilizing a voltage divider circuit to provide reliable and accurate measurement of a fluid level within a tank (16) or other environment. A pointer assembly (52) pivots about an axis (42) in response to a moving float to indicate the fluid level. A plurality of contact arms (114, 116, 118) extending from a contact plate (58) on the pointer assembly (52) resiliently engage a point (120) along a resistive element (88). The first end of the resistive element is connected to a voltage regulator (100) which is connected to a first contact (94). The second end of the resistive element forms a second contact (96). The point (120) of contact between the contact arms and resistive element is connected to an amplifier (102) which is connected to a third contact (95) forming a low impedance voltage divider circuit.

Abstract: The apparatus of the invention is a water level probe comprised of a probe body, a sleeve having openings permitting fluid flow and encasing part of a magnetostrictive sensor, and an external housing encasing electronic circuitry for processing and transmitting the electric signal generated by the magnetostrictive sensor and sealing the circuitry from fluids. The sensor comprises a float slidably mounted on a rod, the float designed to float in water but sink in a petroleum product, thereby ensuring that it will float at the interface between the water and the product. The water level probe is used in the method of the invention to measure the depth of the water in a vessel storing hydrocarbon product at predetermined time intervals. The longitudinal angle of inclination of the vessel with respect of the horizon having previously been determined, the volume of water in the vessel is calculated from the depth measurements.

Abstract: A position sensor comprises a pair of elongated members of strip or tape shape having a high specific ohmic resistance, and a target member capacitively coupling two electric signals respectively flowing through the pair of elongated members, which target member is disposed in a relationship allowing sliding movements following the pair of elongated members, wherein the position of the target member relative to a reference section of the pair of elongated members is determined as a function of a phase angle difference between an alternating electrical signal supplied to one extremity of one of the pair of elongated members and another alternating electrical signal associated with the supplied electrical signal and taken off from one extremity of the other of the pair of elongated members.

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: An improved liquid level fuel sender of the type having a resistor card mounted in a plastic housing affixed to the interior of a fuel tank, and a float arm assembly connected to pivot relative to the housing to slide a contact wiper over the resistor card to generate signals corresponding to fuel level. The connecting structure and bearing surfaces of the components of the fuel sender are designed to increase the stability, uniformity, accuracy and repeatability of the sender over its life. In one embodiment the plastic housing defines a first pivot bearing for the float arm assembly, and the ground terminal defines a second pivot bearing for the float arm assembly spaced from the first pivot bearing to improve rotational stability of the float arm assembly. A support arm and wiper arm assembly are mounted therebetween, the support arm connected to the float arm and freely rotating on an axial bearing surface on the housing to transfer float arm motion to the conductive wiper arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a curve transfer function to an input signal comprises a first set of memory for storing values representing boundary points or distance differences along a curve of the transfer function, a second set of memory for storing slope values of lines connecting adjacent boundary points along the curve, a counter unit for maintaining a position count indicating position along the curve of the transfer function with respect to the stored boundary point values, an addressing unit, responsive to the position count, for selecting, from the second set of memory memory, the slope value corresponding to the position count, an accumulator for adding the selected slope value to an accumulator output value; and a comparator and data latch for determining when the accumulator output value corresponds to the input signal, and for selecting the corresponding accumulator output value as an output signal representing the application of the curve transfer function to the input signal.

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: An Eddy current position sensor for providing an electrical signal proportional to the position of a metallic ring positioned around and movably positionable axially along the length of an elongated wire wound core. The metallic ring serves as a movable target with respect to the fixed coil/core and may be made buoyant for liquid level measurement or connected to other movable objects. The electrically conductive wire winding around the elongated preferably cylindrical ferromagnetic core has a progressively increasing spacing between each turn of wire from one end of the coil to the other. Each end of the wire is connected to a linear oscillator and signal conversion unit which serves to both input a radio frequency current through the coil and to monitor the absorption of the metallic ring around a conical shaped electromagnet field produced by the energized coil. The field absorption by the metallic ring varies linearly with the axial positioning of the ring over the coil.

Abstract: A device for measuring the level of fuel in a motor vehicle tank, the device being of the type comprising: a float suitable for following the level of the fuel; a lever hinged to a support and carrying the float; and an electrical transducer controlled by the lever so that the transducer supplies a signal representative of the level of fuel in the tank; wherein: the electrical transducer is placed in a fixed housing linked to a wall of the tank; the lever support is urged permanently against the bottom wall of the tank to follow any displacement thereof; and rotary link means are provided to provide a rotary connection between the float-carrying lever and a control shaft of the electrical transducer.

Abstract: A three wire potentiometric liquid level sensor for measuring liquid levels in a container is disclosed. The sensor includes a conductive strip, a float, a contact means attached to the float, a resistive strip, and a conductive rod buried beneath an insulator. A second embodiment of the invention includes a first conductive strip, a second conductive strip, a float, a contact means attached to the float, and an insulating rod. The sensor produces a resistance directly proportional to the liquid level in the container.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor is disclosed for measuring the amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank of a motor vehicle. The liquid level sensor comprises a vertically oriented resistor element, a float, and a contact assembly. A conductive strip and a continuous pad resistive strip are both located on the same side of the resistor element. The contact assembly is removably locked in the float, and is movable with the float along the resistor element. A contact connected to the end of a contact arm of the contact assembly is biased against the conductive strip, and another contact is biased against the resistive strip. At any point along the resistor element, the contact assembly electrically connects the conductive strip and the resistive strip to complete a circuit having a resistance proportional to the height of the float to indicate the level of liquid in the vessel.

Abstract: A method for the selective detection of liquid phase hydrocarbons in the C.sub.6 -C.sub.16 range includes a matrix comprising a silicone polymer having dispersed therein a conductive carbon black filler of high structure and comprises signaling the presence of hydrocarbon liquid phase when the electrical resistivity of the sensor increases to a preselected threshold level intermediate the vapor and liquid phase resistivities.

Abstract: The input voltage from a fuel tank level sender is processed by an anti-slosh circuit which has a short time constant during a fast acquire operation and a longer time constant during normal operation. The slew rate of the output voltage provided to a gauge is determined by the clock rate of an up/down counter which is determined by switched resistances and a small valued capacitor. Either analog or digital anti-slosh outputs are provided.

Abstract: A total precipitation gauge (10) incorporates a float gauge (16) extending downward to a liquid level (18) in a precipitation storage container. The float gauge (16) is formed with an elongate stillwell (20) extending into the liquid level (18), a float element (22) suspended in the stillwell (20) for rising and falling motion within the stillwell in response to the liquid level, and an elongate code bearing surface (24) coupled to the float (22). A code sensor (34) senses motion of the code bearing surface (34) for generating electrical signals (35) corresponding to motion of the float element and liquid level. The code bearing surface is a flexible coded strip (24) secured at one end to the float element (22) and at the other end to a spring loaded reel (25). The spring force of the spring loaded reel (25) is less than the weight of the float element (22) and ballast (26).

Abstract: The invention is an electric float switch with an electric connection cable whose sheath surrounds current-carrying electric conductors that are insulated relative to each other, and which is sealingly connected to the casing of said float switch, characterized in thata) the sheath of said prefabricated cable is made from a softly adjusted polypropylene prepared from a thermoplastic polypropylene granule mixture that is not cross-linked;b) and that said sheath is connected in one operation in an injection molding machine to said casing which accommodates said prefabricated float switch and consists of rigidly adjusted polypropylene, whereby a connecting component of rigidly adjusted polypropylene granule is formed.

Abstract: A water leakage detector is disclosed herein sensitive to the presence of moisture, having an elongated sensor strip comprising a pair of conductors separated by insulation. Each conductor includes an electrode coupling with a wire lead extending via a cable to an electrical plug. A circuit housing is provided having an audible alarm operably connected to an electrical socket adapted to detachably connect with the plug. A low voltage battery and auxiliary output socket are carried on the housing and connected with the alarm and the first mentioned socket whereby the presence of moisture across the pair of sensor conductors activates the alarm. A battery test pair of electrodes is provided to manually test battery condition.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting leaks in fuel storage tanks. A float suspended in the tank liquid determines liquid levels and transmits the liquid level information via an infrared beam to a probe processor in the upper portion of the tank. The probe processor stores a plurality of level indications for subsequent uploading to an external computer which analyzes the level information to generate leakage rate information.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated float switch assembly for use with a submersible pump, comprises a float rod with two spaced stops, a movable float carried by the rod which moves between the stops in response to fluid level, the rod being mounted in a vertical oriented position for movement upwardly and downwardly in response to float movement against the two spaced stops, a magnetic body carried at the upper end of the rod for movement therewith, a generally U-shaped magnetic follower element with two spaced, magnetically responsive arms on one side of the magnetic body, or two sets of arms disposed on either side of the magnetic body to provide a dual U-shaped arrangement, the follower element being rotatably mounted with the arms thereof in a generally horizontal position, one above the other for movement of the arms thereof upwardly and downwardly in a vertical plane, the arms and magnetic body being positioned relative to each other so as to dispose the magnetic body for movement from arm to arm to thereby allow

Abstract: The invention is directed to a liquid level sensing device having a float (4) configured as a hollow body and slidably mounted on a slide tube (3) for the actuation of reed-type switches (11) provided in the interior of the slide tube (3). In order to perform a check for proper functioning, the float (4) is movable independently of the filling level into a signalling position by an electromagnetic actuation device (15). The hollow space (7) of the float (4) contains a gas pressurized to above or below atmospheric and is connected via a flexible tube (12) to a pressure monitoring device (13) which responds whenever the gas pressure deviates from a predetermined value.

Abstract: A fuel sensing and monitoring apparatus and method is disclosed. The apparatus includes two spaced conductive coils constituting a primary and secondary winding of a transformer. A short coupling member is mounted to a movable member to which a float is attached, the float being located in the fuel tank of a vehicle. The float and movable member move in response to a change in fuel level in the tank. When the fuel level changes, the short coupling member moves relative to the primary and secondary windings. This movement adjusts or alters the transformer coupling between the primary and secondary and produces a variable output signal which can be correlated, through the use of appropriate circuitry, to a representation of the level or fuel in the tank as indicated by the position of the movable member to which the float is attached.

Abstract: A two wire and a three wire resistive fluid level sensor for measuring fluid levels within a container are disclosed. The sensor includes a plurality of resistors connected in series. The sensor produces an output signal by providing a short circuit to the circuit nodes between the resistors so that a stair-step output signal is created as the float moves in conjunction with the liquid level in a container. The value of the resistances can be varied in order to accommodate various cross-sectional tank contours and thus produce a usable, readily and easily configurable sensor. The structure of the sensors enables measurement of depth variances far in excess of prior art sensors.

Abstract: The improved device for measuring liquid-level changes in storage tanks uses a float to track vertical displacement of the surface of a liquid and a linear variable differential transducer (LVDT) sensor positioned below the surface of the liquid to measure changes in the surface level. The center of gravity of the device is located below the center of buoyancy, thereby minimizing instability of the LVDT sensor.

Abstract: A sphere-actuated float switch including (i) a cage defining a longitudinal raceway, (ii) a yoke pivotally mounted externally to the cage and having first and second legs which extend into the raceway, (iii) an electrical switching means which is electrically open when the yoke is in a first position and electrically closed when the yoke is in a second position, (iii) an over-center spring capable of biasing the yoke into the appropriate electrically open and the electrically closed positions once the yoke is urged past a transition point, and (iv) a sphere within the raceway for urging the yoke between the electrically open and the electrically closed positions.

Abstract: A magnetic sight gage sensor comprises a sensor for determining the liquid level in a process vessel utilizing a magnetic float on the interior of a tube. The tube is connected at different levels to a process vessel and contains a liquid that is maintained at the same level as the liquid inside the process vessel. A magnetostrictive displacement transducer is coupled to the tube or sight glass on the exterior of such glass, so it is out of the process fluid. The transducer provides signals indicating the position of the float relative to a reference position on the transducer. The tube or sight glass is made of a non-magnetic material in order to allow transmission of the magnetic field from the float to the transducer.

Abstract: A three wire potentiometric liquid level sensor for measuring liquid levels in a container is disclosed. The sensor includes a conductive strip, a float, a contact means attached to the float, a resistive strip, and a conductive rod buried beneath an insulator. A second embodiment of the invention includes a first conductive strip, a second conductive strip, a float, a contact means attached to the float, and an insulating rod. The sensor produces a resistance directly proportional to the liquid level in the container.

Abstract: A liquid level detector includes a pivotally mounted bent arm which supports, adjacent opposite ends thereof, a float and a component of a signal generator. As the level of a fluid contacted by the float rises and falls, the opposite end of the arm will move into proximity to or away from a support. The second component of the signal generator is mounted on the support and a signal indicative of the juxtapositioning of the second end of the arm to the float will be generated.

Abstract: The invention is an electronic sensor for producing an indication of fluid level in a hose or tube and an electronic indicating circuit that uses the sensor's indication of fluid level for asserting one of three indicators depending upon whether the fluid level is above a reference by a small distance, within the small distance of the reference, or below the reference by the small distance. A float retaining a core having a relative magnetic permeability significantly greater than one is supported by fluid near three vertically disposed coils. The center coil is excited by a source of alternating current and the position of the core above or below the center coil determines the voltages present in the top and bottom coil. The voltages present in the top and bottom coils are rectified and added in polarity opposition to produce an indication of fluid level. A plurality of voltage comparators, supplied by the indication of fluid level and fixed voltages, are used to assert the appropriate indicator.

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 method of measuring the level of a corrosive, high-pressure, high-temperature liquid in a closed container of a nuclear reactor, by providing a generally tubular structure connected to the closed container of the nuclear reactor so that the level of liquid in the tubular structure is indicative of the level of liquid in the closed container, providing a sealed buoyant float sized to move vertically up an down within the tubular structure, the float being formed of beryllium, detecting from outside the tubular structure the vertical position of said buoyant float, the position corresponding to the level of liquid in the closed container.

Abstract: A float control assembly for controlling the flow rate through the discharge duct of a steam infusion apparatus, the assembly including a hollow torus shaped float mounted in the discharge duct a portion of the float projecting above level of fluid in the discharge duct, a magnet mounted in said float, a set of proximity switches mounted on the discharge duct to monitor the position of the magnet in the discharge duct, and a fluid control system response to the position of the float for controlling the rate of flow of fluid through the duct.

Abstract: A cutoff switch for refrigerant recovery storage container will indicate when the storage container reaches a maximum safe level. The switch will disable the compressor to prevent further recovery of refrigerant. The switch is located in a sensor housing that couples to a magnet housing. The magnet housing mounts to the upper end of the storage container and connects with the float. A magnet will move vertically in response to movement of the float. At least one Hall Effect sensor mounts in the sensor housing. The Hall Effect sensor will sense the presence of the magnet and disable the compressor accordingly.

Abstract: A liquid level detector for detecting liquid level height in a vessel includes a housing adapted to float in the liquid, first and second spaced, fixed stops disposed in the housing, a pendulum having a end pivotally mounted in the housing wherein the pendulum is movable between the stops in response to a change in orientation of the housing due to a change in liquid level height in the vessel, an electrical switch disposed of in the housing adjacent to the first stop and actuable by the pendulum and a cable for tethering an end of the housing to the vessel.

Abstract: A device for measuring the level of fuel in a motor vehicle tank, the device being of the type comprising: a base for fixing to a wall of the tank; a support hinged about a horizontal axis to the portion of the base inside the tank; a shoe carried at the bottom end of the support so that the shoe rests against the bottom of the tank; a resistor element carried by the support; a float carried by an arm which is hinged about a non-vertical axis to the support to track the level of fuel; and a cursor carried by the arm and engaging the resistor element to define a resistance which varies as a function of the level of liquid contained in the tank, wherein the shape of the shoe is such that regardless of the position of the bottom of the tank, due to possible deformation of the tank, whenever the level of fuel corresponds to the same minimum measurable depth, the arm of the float always occupies the same position relative to the support.

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: A linear sensing device containing an electrically conductive reed strip which, in the presence of an external actuating horseshoe magnet, makes electrical contact to a resistive strip at the location of that magnet. The conductive reed strip is attached along one end to a supporting member, formed from a material with coefficient of thermal expansion similar to the reed strip, to prevent warping of the reed strip over a range of environmental temperatures. The sensing device is of a modular construction with elongate cap, to which the resistive strip is attached, and an elongate base, to which the reed strip support member is attached. The cap and base mate together to form an inner container which then slides into an outer container.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled system and method for automaticaly determining the rate of leakage from a fluid storage tank. The method includes four phases. In Phase #1 the operator manually enters into the system the phase setting, the tank type, the tank material, the tank diameter, the tank volume, and the type of product in the tank. In Phase #2 the operator manually enters into the system the API gravity and the API temperature of the product it the tank. In Phase #3 the microcontroller calculates the thermal coefficient of expansion of the product, and maintains the level of product in a stand tube and computes the product being put in and taken out of the stand tube.

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 level measuring device for measuring the level of a liquid in a container. The device has an elongated support which extends approximately horizontally into the container and is fastened at a fastening end 6 to a wall 3 of the container while its other resting end 3 rests under initial spring pressure against the bottom 2 of the container. On the support there is fastened a carrier 12 on which a mechanical-electrical transducer is disposed and on which there is pivotally mounted a lever 13 which bears a float 14 and acts on the transducer. The support is developed as an elastic spring in the region between its fastening end 6 and the carrier 12.