Abstract: A testing method includes the steps of: (1) providing a negative pressure generator; (2) generating a negative pressure in a fluid passageway and a chamber which are in fluid communication with a guiding section of a fluid reservoir wherein a second sensing element is affixed to a guiding section of the fluid reservoir; (3) transferring a fluid flow stream from the guiding section to the chamber via the fluid passageway and drawing a float having a first sensing element from an upper position to a lower position within the guiding section; (4) generating a signal via the first and second sensing elements as the float moves relative to the second sensing element within the guiding section; and (5) transmitting a signal to at least one of a control unit or a graphical user display.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a telemetric fitting for a liquid-level gauge, the telemetric fitting being configured to derive liquid-level information from the liquid-level gauge when attached thereto and wirelessly transmit at radio frequencies the liquid-level information.

Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed for filling an LPG tank equipped with a spit valve and a fill assembly, the method comprising providing an indication of a level in the LPG tank upon detection of a filling vehicle in a vicinity of the LPG tank, the filling vehicle having a filling hose; initiating a filling of the LPG tank once the filling hose is connected to the fill assembly of the LPG tank; determining when a current level reaches a given level in the LPG tank and stopping the providing of the LPG to the LPG tank once the current level reaches the given level in the LPG tank.

Abstract: A fuel conveying device having a pumping stage, an electric motor to drive the pumping stage, a control unit, a magnetoresistive fill level sensor that generates a fill level signal, including a temperature-effect compensator that generates a compensation signal to compensate for temperature-related influences on the fill level signal, and an evaluation unit (5) designed such that the temperature of a fluid surrounding the fill level sensor can be determined by the evaluation unit by the compensation signal. A fuel tank equipped with a fuel delivery device of said type, a method for determining the temperature of a fluid inside a fuel tank, a method for controlling and/or regulating an electric motor, and a method for controlling and/or regulating an injection of fuel vapors to a combustion process of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The disclosed techniques enable the installation of a level sensor capable of continuously detecting a level of fluid in a vessel or tank and capable of being integrated in a larger control system. Advantageously, sensor head of the disclosed level sensor can be installed on existing installations with an existing displacer or float and an existing member or rod. The disclosed techniques thus enable process plants to easily and affordably replace pneumatic level sensors with a more environmentally friendly option.

Abstract: An autofill pitcher system is provided that includes a removable pitcher, a dispenser, and a controller. The removable pitcher includes a magnet supported for rotation between a first position and a second position. The controller is configured to open a valve in the dispenser to direct water to the pitcher when a sensor in the dispenser detects the magnet and close the valve when the sensor does not detect the magnet.

Abstract: A liquid-level-detector support made of metal includes a support body engaged with a thickness-direction first portion of the liquid level detector and a fixing portion provided in the support body configured to fix the liquid level detector to the support body.

Abstract: A float assembly of a fluid-level sensor includes a float and an arm assembly. The arm assembly has a first attachment portion connectable to a fluid-level sensor and a second attachment portion connected to the float. The arm assembly further has an articulating joint that permits relative movement between the float and the first attachment portion. A sensor attached to the float.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a telemetric fitting for a liquid-level gauge, the telemetric fitting being configured to derive liquid-level information from the liquid-level gauge when attached thereto and wirelessly transmit at radio frequencies the liquid-level information.

Abstract: A fluid-level sensor includes a housing, a substrate supported by the housing and defining an arcuate slot completely though a thickness of the substrate, and electrically conductive traces disposed on a backside of the substrate. A wiper assembly is disposed adjacent to a front side of the substrate and includes an arm pivotal relative to the substrate and a wiper attached to the arm. The wiper has an elongate neck extending through the slot and a head attached to the neck and in contact with the traces to close an electric circuit, wherein the wiper is configured to move along the slot and slide across the traces responsive to pivoting of the arm to vary resistance of the electric circuit to output a fluid-level reading.

Abstract: A liquid level detector includes a frame, a float arm, a holder rotatably supported by the frame, a float arm mounting part configured to mount the float arm to the holder by elastically deforming a first part of the holder when mounting the float arm to the holder and restoring the first part when float arm is mounted to the holder, a float mounted to the float arm, and an elastic deformation preventing part configured to prevent elastic deformation of the first part of the float arm mounting part.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a tethered aerostat communication device for post-disaster emergency communication, comprising: a box body, a balloon arranged in the box body, an air valve control component and a communication sub-system, wherein the communication sub-system comprises a WAN communication module, a main controller, communication protocol converters, a LoRa communication module and a power supply system. The bottom of the balloon is connected to the LoRa communication module through a tethered rope. The air valve control component is detachably connected to the LoRa communication module by magnetism. The present invention further discloses a data transmission method and a network organizing communication method which use the tethered aerostat communication device for post-disaster emergency communication.

Abstract: A high voltage system including: a high voltage bushing having a bushing body configured to be assembled with a tank filled with a dielectric liquid wherein the bushing body has a cavity, and the bushing includes a dielectric liquid level sensor configured to measure a dielectric liquid level in the cavity, and a temperature distribution determining device configured to determine a heat distribution in the bushing based on the dielectric liquid level measured by the dielectric liquid level sensor.

Abstract: Methods and systems can automate the delivery of motor vehicle fuel while reducing the need for operator involvement and driving to a gas station. A server with access to a database and in wireless communication with computers installed in a motor vehicle can collect data from the computers including vehicle fuel level and vehicle geographic location. The data can be compared to the data to a fuel level threshold and geographic boundary. The data can be transmitted wirelessly through a wireless network to the database. A mobile fuel tanker truck can be dispatched to the vehicle's location when at least one of: fuel service is requested by a user of the vehicle or the vehicle's fuel level falls beneath the fuel level threshold. Fuel service can be requested by a user via a smartphone running an application that enables the monitoring, management, selection, and ordering of fuel service.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a telemetric fitting for a liquid-level gauge, the telemetric fitting configured to derive liquid-level information from the liquid-level gauge when attached thereto, and to wirelessly transmit at radio frequencies the liquid-level information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining an offset detection for a fuel level sensor fault. The method includes receiving an electrical resistance reading from a potentiometer of a fuel level sensor and generating an estimated fuel level based on an established fuel usage table that references the electrical resistance reading. The fuel level sensitivity is calculated based on the change in electrical resistance readings divided by the change in the estimated fuel levels (R/F). The fuel level sensitivity is compared to a predetermined sensitivity curve to determine any necessary offset to the electrical resistance reading. Finally, the fuel usage table is updated with the offset to the electrical resistance reading.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor includes a base member disposed above the liquid. A lever arm is pivotally attached to the base member. The lever arm is configured to interact with the liquid so that it has an angular displacement relative to the base member. The angular displacement is a function of the level of the liquid in the liquid channel. A sensor senses angular displacement of the lever arm. A communications circuit transmits the angular displacement of the lever arm to a remote location. In a method of detecting a liquid level, a float that is buoyant in the liquid is placed into the liquid and is coupled to a lever arm. An angular displacement of the lever arm relative to a base member is measured. The liquid level is a function of the angular displacement of the lever arm.

Abstract: In at least some implementations, a fluid level sensor assembly includes a housing, a sensor element carried by the housing, an arm that moves relative to the sensor element, a saddle coupled to at least part of the arm to retain the position of the arm relative to the sensor element, and a retainer. The retainer is coupled to the saddle and overlies a portion of the saddle, the arm or both, to inhibit decoupling of the arm from the saddle.

Abstract: Methods and systems can automate the delivery of motor vehicle fuel while reducing the need for operator involvement and driving to a gas station. A server with access to a database and in wireless communication with computers installed in a motor vehicle can collect data from the computers including vehicle fuel level and vehicle geographic location. The data can be compared to the data to a fuel level threshold and geographic boundary. The data can be transmitted wirelessly through a wireless network to the database. A mobile fuel tanker truck can be dispatched to the vehicle's location when at least one of: fuel service is requested by a user of the vehicle or the vehicle's fuel level falls beneath the fuel level threshold. Fuel service can be requested by a user via a smartphone running an application that enables the monitoring, management, selection, and ordering of fuel service.

Abstract: A device for measuring the level of a material (e.g., a liquid) in a tank is disclosed. An example device includes a non-buoyant flexible member and a plurality of sensor nodes distributed along the length of the flexible member. The sensor nodes are configured to indicate a change in orientation. A buoyant float provides a generally U-shape configuration for the flexible member, and causes an increasing number of the sensing nodes to depart from a substantially vertical orientation as the level of the material rises within the storage tank. A monitor is configured to monitor a signal indicating the change in orientation of the sensor nodes. As such, the device may be implemented to conveniently and accurately measure the liquid level in the tank.

Abstract: An electrical connection includes a first electrical conductor assembly having a first electrical conductor with a first electrical conductor surface and a second electrical conductor assembly having a second electrical conductor with a second electrical conductor surface which is engaged with the first electrical conductor surface such that the second electrical conductor assembly and the first electrical conductor assembly reciprocate relative to each other along a path. The first electrical conductor surface and the second electrical conductor surface provide electrical communication between the first electrical conductor assembly and the second electrical conductor assembly along the path. The second electrical conductor surface has a first area of gold having a first magnitude of hardness which engages the first electrical conductor surface and also has a second area of gold having a second magnitude of hardness which is greater than the first magnitude of hardness.

Abstract: A liquid surface level sensor includes a housing, a float located on a liquid surface, a magnet that rotates in accordance with up-and-down movement of the float, an arm joined with the float and the magnet, and a circuit unit. The circuit unit includes a sensing element that detects rotation of the magnet, and a wireless communication circuit that outputs a liquid surface level detected by the sensing element to a device installed in a vehicle. The circuit unit includes generating element that generate electric power from a change in magnetic flux caused by the rotation of the magnet, and a generation circuit that supplies electric power generated by the generating element to the sensing element and the wireless communication circuit as drive electric power. The circuit unit is included inside the housing in a state isolated from the outside.

Abstract: A liquid level detection device is provided with a fixed body and a rotating body, having a float and an arm. The arm has an insertion portion inserted into the rotating body and an extending portion extending straight and bent relative to the insertion portion. The rotating body has an insertion hole in which the insertion portion of the arm is inserted, a holding portion having a receiving opening receiving the extending portion and holding the extending portion received by the receiving opening, a stopper having an end face and releasing the receiving opening from a blocking state in which the end face blocks the receiving opening, and a protruding wall disposed on an opposite side to the holding portion with the stopper in between and protruding in the opposite direction beyond the end face in the blocking state.

Abstract: A liquid-level detection device includes a rotatable body that rotates in accordance with a liquid surface, a fixation body that includes a main body part fixed to a container and a supporting part projecting from the main body part in an axial direction along a rotation axis of the rotatable body to rotatably support the rotatable body, a pair of magnet parts that are held by the rotatable body in an arrangement positioning the supporting part therebetween and that generates a magnetic flux passing through the supporting part, and a detecting part that includes a magnetoelectric conversion device disposed in the supporting part and that outputs a detection result according to a density of the magnetic flux passing through the magnetoelectric conversion device. The rotatable body includes a magnetic shield member entirely covering a projection region of a space located between the pair of magnet parts, which is projected outward in the axial direction, to limit leakage of the magnetic flux.

Abstract: A liquid level gauge for determining the level or volume of liquid within a tank includes a mounting head adapted for connection to the tank, a gauge assembly connected to one side of the mounting head, and an elongate sensing probe assembly extending into the tank. The gauge assembly includes a rotatable gauge plate with a scale located thereon and a rotatable indicator that moves across the scale in response to a change in liquid level. The gauge plate is weighted for rotation toward a gravitational force vector for orientation with an upper surface of the liquid in the tank independent of tank tilt. The sensing probe includes a float rod with an integral coil spring hinge to facilitate installation of the gauge within the tank. A counterweight is adjustable along the float rod to fine-tune float weight or buoyancy for a particular gauge configuration and liquid type.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring apparatus (10) for measuring a filling level of a container, which measuring apparatus has a measuring arm (12) with a float element (18) which is designed to change its angular position about a rotation axis (38) depending on the filling level. A magnet element (24) is connected to one end of the measuring arm (12) in a rotationally fixed manner. A magnet-sensitive element (26) is designed to output a measurement signal (27) depending on the angular position of the magnet element (24). The measuring apparatus (10) is characterized in that the measuring arm (12) is mounted in a first bearing (22) and additionally in a second bearing (36), wherein the magnet element (24) is arranged in an intermediate space (34) between the first bearing (22) and the second bearing (36).

Abstract: A liquid level detector may include a rotator fixed to an arm, a magnet fixed to the rotator, and a supporter rotatably supporting the rotator. The supporter may include a body, and an outer circumference wall disposed along a rotation direction of the arm on an outer circumference side of the magnet. The rotator may include a cover covering an end part of the outer circumference wall, and an opposing wall opposing at least one of an inner circumference surface and an outer circumference surface of the outer circumference wall. A first clearance between the supporter and the magnet may communicate with an outer space via a second clearance between the outer circumference wall and the cover and a third clearance between the outer circumference wall and the opposing wall. The first clearance may be larger than at least one of the second clearance and the third clearance.

Abstract: In a liquid level detector, a first clearance may expand as at least one of a rotator and a supporter swells with a target liquid. The first clearance may be a smaller one of an inner clearance between an inner circumference side of a first guide rail and an inner circumference portion and an outer clearance between an outer circumference side of the first guide rail and the outer circumference portion, in a state where the rotator and the supporter are not swelled with the target liquid. A second clearance may contract to become smaller than the first clearance as at least one of the rotator and the supporter swells with the target liquid. The second clearance may be a larger one of the inner clearance and the outer clearance in the state where the rotator and the supporter are not swelled with the target liquid.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid-surface detection device in which a holder, which turns concurrently with movement of a float arm that moves based on a change in a liquid surface, is securely and rotatably mounted on a frame. A liquid-surface detection device includes a holder that includes an upper piece and a lower piece, and a frame that includes a bearing, a first groove, and a second groove. When mounting the holder onto the frame, the first groove guides the lower piece to the second groove, and the second groove further guides the lower piece to the bearing part so that the bearing part of the frame is disposed between the upper piece and the lower piece of the holder.

Abstract: Liquid level detectors are described. An example liquid level detector includes a housing and an arm extending through the housing. A lever assembly is coupled to the arm and the housing, and movement of the arm causes the lever assembly to open or close a switch via a magnetic field when a liquid reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: A transducer for determining the level of liquid within a container includes a mounting head adapted for connection to the container and a sensor assembly adapted to extend into the container. A housing of the sensor assembly has a hollow interior that is isolated from liquid within the container. A plurality of sensor elements are located within the interior. A float rod is pivotally connected to the housing and a float is connected to a distal end of the float rod. An actuator located outside the housing is operatively associated with the float rod for pivotal movement therewith. The actuator is operative to change an electrical state of at least one of the sensor elements to thereby indicate a level condition of the liquid within the container. A snap-fit assembly of the mounting head and sensor assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor for use with a container, including a housing with a body defining an interior volume, a switch actuated by an applied magnetic flux field to a closed position, the switch being disposed within the interior volume of the housing, and a float including a body, a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A pivot assembly includes a magnet and couples the housing and the first end of the float such that the float is pivotable about the pivot assembly between a first position and a second position, and a shunt is disposed within the first end of the float body. The shunt is disposed between the magnet and the switch in the first position of the float, thereby shielding the switch from the magnetic flux of the magnet such that the switch is in the open position.

Abstract: A level indicator having a support, a thick-film resistor network arranged on the support, a bow that carries a contact structure that produces, depending on the position of the bow, an electrical signal in the thick-film resistor network, a lever arm that is retained in the bow and has a float on its other end. The float has a seat for the lever arm. The lever arm has a pivoting range in a first plane. The float has a second plane that is perpendicular and that extends perpendicular to the first plane and through the center of mass of the float. The float is mounted on the lever arm to be positionally immobile. The seat for the lever arm is arranged in a region of the float which is arranged on the side of the second plane that faces away from the seat of the bow and that is delimited by the second plane and the outer periphery of the float.

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

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

Abstract: A liquid level detecting device includes a resistor plate having conductive segments, a float that vertically moves in accordance with a displacement of a liquid level, a float arm that has one end to which the float is attached and the other end which is rotatably supported so as to be rotated in association with a vertical movement of the float, and a contact point that slides on the conductive segments in association with a rotation of the float arm. Each of the conductive segments is formed of a first metallic material and a second metallic material. The first metallic material has silver (Ag) and palladium (Pd) and the second metallic material has gold (Au) as a main component. A part which is to be brought into contact with the contact point in each of the conductive segments is formed of the second metallic material.

Abstract: A seal and pivot assembly for a displacement level assembly includes a pivot base, an annular seal and a pivot body. The pivot base includes a cylindrical base member with an axial end surface defining first and second V-shaped grooves. The pivot body includes a cylindrical body member with first and second pivot body arms extending radially outward from opposite sides of the cylindrical body member. The first and second pivot body arms include first and second knife edges, respectively, that re in line contact with the first and second grooves, respectively, of the pivot base such that the pivot body can pivot relative to the pivot base, as well as uniformly distribute unbalanced forces applied to the pivot body across the entirety of the knife edges.

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

Abstract: A liquid level detection apparatus includes a rotation member axially supported by a fixed member. The rotation member includes the following. A contact portion press contacts an end surface making connection between both side surfaces of a magnet member. A pair of elastic deformation portions are protruded from the contact portion; each elastic deformation portion engages with a side surface of the magnet member in an elastically deformed state resulting from press to the magnet. A pair of pawl portions are protruded respectively from the elastic deformation portions while enabling the magnet member to be sandwiched between the contact portion and the pawl portions. A pair of plastic deformation portions are protruded from the elastic deformation portions, respectively; each of the plastic deformation portions engages with the side surface of the magnet member in a plastically deformed state resulting from the press to the magnet.

Abstract: The change in a contact over time is stabilized by lowering intense wear of the contact in the initial sliding stage and imparting stabilized wear characteristics from the initial sliding stage. The contacts (33, 34) of a sliding body (30) have flat tops which contact conductive segments (23) and come into surface contact with the top portions of the conductive segments (23) when the contacts slidingly contact onto the conductive segments (23).

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

Abstract: A liquid level detecting apparatus is provided. A resistance plate has a plurality of elongated conductive segments arranged therein. A float is configured to be moved upward and downward depending on a displacement of a liquid level to be measured. A floating arm has one end attached to the float and the other end rotatably supported to be rotated in response to upward and downward movements of the float. A contact is configured to be slid on the plurality of conductive segments in association with a rotation of the float arm depending on the liquid level. The plurality of conductive segments comprise a plurality of first segments made of a first metal material containing at least silver (Ag) and palladium (Pd), and a plurality of second segments made of a second metal material essentially containing gold (Au).

Abstract: A tank sensor circuit board for a fill level sensor in a vehicle tank, including a support element, on which contact surfaces containing silver are applied using thick layer technology. The contact surfaces are made up of a silver layer and a top layer containing nickel, palladium and gold, completely or partly covering the silver layer.

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

Abstract: A transducer for determining the level of liquid within a container includes a mounting head adapted for connection to the container and a sensor assembly adapted to extend into the container from the mounting head. The sensor assembly includes a housing having an upper portion connected to the mounting head and a lower portion that extends from the upper portion. The lower portion has a hollow interior that is isolated from liquid within the container. A plurality of sensor elements are located within the hollow interior. A float rod is pivotally connected to the housing and a float is connected to a distal end of the float rod to thereby cause pivoting movement of the float rod in response to a change in liquid level within the container. An actuator is located outside of the housing and is operatively associated with the float rod for pivotal movement therewith.

Abstract: An overfill prevention device which includes a first tubular member, a cylindrical piston fitted within the first tubular member, a second tubular member having a cylindrical recess open, a plug arranged within the second tubular member, a float rod having a cam plate, a float connected with a lower end of the float rod, a valve body having a lower end engaged with the first tubular member, a pinion pivotally connected to the second tubular member by the pin, a toothed rack meshed with the pinion and engaged with the second tubular member, a control rod having an upper end extending into the valve body and a lower end secured to the toothed rack, a first magnet mounted at the upper end of the control rod, and a gauge mounted on the valve body and provided with a second permanent magnet and a needle operatively connected with the second magnet.

Abstract: A transducer for determining the level of liquid within a container includes a mounting head adapted for connection to the container and a sensor assembly adapted to extend into the container. A housing of the sensor assembly has a hollow interior that is isolated from liquid within the container. A plurality of sensor elements are located within the interior. A float rod is pivotally connected to the housing and a float is connected to a distal end of the float rod. An actuator located outside the housing is operatively associated with the float rod for pivotal movement therewith. The actuator is operative to change an electrical state of at least one of the sensor elements to thereby indicate a level condition of the liquid within the container. A snap-fit assembly of the mounting head and sensor assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid level sensor assembly comprises a sensor mounted to a sensor housing. A carrier extends from the sensor housing in an angled orientation. A float is located within the carrier such that the float may move along a longitudinal axis of the carrier. A fragment is secured to the float, and the sensor detects a location of the fragment as the float moves within the carrier.

Abstract: A fuel level sensor assembly includes a magnetic sensor for sensing a magnetic field corresponding to fuel level. The magnetic sensor includes a magnetic sensing element packaged within a hermetically sealed non-magnetic metal case. The magnetic sensing element may be a Hall effect, giant magnetoresistive (GMR), or anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) sensor. The case may correspond to the dimensions of a standard transistor outline (TO) package such as TO-3, TO-5, TO-8, TO-18, TO-39, TO-46, TO-52, or TO-72.

Abstract: An assembly structure of a liquid level detecting apparatus includes a sliding arm having a junction for electrically contacting a resistor and an arm holder attached to the sliding arm. The sliding arm moves according to a liquid level so that the junction slides on the resistor. The sliding arm includes a sliding portion extending in a direction from a base end portion of the sliding arm to the junction, and a pawl portion extending from the base end portion. The arm holder includes a slit into which the pawl portion is inserted and a face on which the sliding portion is mounted. The face is inclined at an angle with respect to an insertion direction of the pawl portion.