Abstract: A fire suppressant storage device (20) comprises: a tank (22) having a first port (40), a second port (70), and an interior (32) for storing fire suppressant. A discharge assembly (46) is mounted to the first port and comprises a discharge valve (48) and a charge conduit (50) at least partially within the interior. The discharge conduit has an interior and an exterior. A liquid level measurement assembly (82; 200; 250; 300; 400) is mounted to the second port and comprises: a tube (100) at least partially within the tank interior and having an interior sealed relative to the surrounding tank interior and an exterior; a float (120; 220) surrounding the tube; and a member (122; 222; 252; 302) axially movable within the tube interior. One of the float and the member comprises an upper magnet (130; 230) and a lower magnet (132; 232). The other of the float and the member magnetically cooperates with the upper magnet and the lower magnet to relatively axially trap the member to the float.

Abstract: A storage tank includes a frame, tank assembly, and scrubber system. The tank assembly including a vessel supported by the frame and having a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending from the first end to the second end. The vessel further has a top, a bottom, at least one side, an internal surface, and an outlet fluidly coupled with the bottom. A scrubber tank is supported by the frame and fluidly connected to the a top of the vessel to receive vapors from the vessel in a way that when a vapor absorption material is disposed in the scrubber tank, the vapors pass into the vapor absorption material.

Abstract: A liquid level indicating system including a rope, cord or the like that is guided through a pulley system having at least two side-mounted pulleys attached to a bracket having an upstanding leg, the bracket being attached to floating roof of a liquid-containing tank or container. One end of the rope/cord is connected to either a floating roof in the tank or another object floating on the surface of a liquid contained within the tank or container. Another end of the rope/cord can be attached to an indicator that can visually show or output the level of a liquid within the tank or container. The rope/cord can be guided up and down through the pulley system and along the side of the tank or container simultaneously with the level of the floating roof in the tank or another object floating on the surface of a liquid. The side-mounted pulleys resist tangling and snagging of the rope, cord or the like while guided through the gauge device and permit easy maintenance.

Abstract: A storage tank including a frame and a tank assembly. The tank assembly including a vessel supported by the frame and having a first end, a second end, and a polygonal sidewall extending from the first end to the second end. The vessel further having a top, a bottom, at least one side, and an internal surface, and an outlet fluidly coupled with the bottom; and a chemical-resistant lining associated with the internal surface of the sidewall and being substantially flexible. The frame is configured to support the tank assembly so that the bottom of the vessel is elevated a distance above a surface to allow for visual inspection of the top, bottom, and the at least one side of the sidewall.

Abstract: A cosmetic container includes a piston in which content contained in the container always reaches a content inlet of an airless discharge pump as the piston rises upward along and on an inner wall of the container with operation of the airless discharge pump. More specifically, the content amount remaining in the container is indicated in association with the rising movement of the piston. The cosmetic container includes a container body, an airless discharge pump installed to the container body, a piston installed in the container body so that a topmost level of content contained in the container body reaches a content inlet of the airless discharge pump as the piston moves upward along and on an inner wall of the container body with operation of the airless discharge pump, and an indicator indicating content amount remaining in the container body in association with rising movement of the piston.

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

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

Abstract: A fouling-resistant arrangement useful for guiding lengths of cables having functional devices including a float, counterweight, and indicator bob attached at their ends, collectively useful in indicating the liquid level of a storage tank to which a system as herein provided is attached, to a passer-by upon casual glance.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices useful for guiding cables, wires, cords, and the like. A device according to the present invention is particularly useful for guiding a cable that is used in providing an external liquid-level gauge on an oil tank. A cable guide means according to the present invention provides gauging means for judging the liquid levels in tanks which are more reliable than provided by the prior art, and which are essentially maintenance-free over their lifetime.

Abstract: A rotary remote visual liquid quantity indicator allows a user to remotely determine the amount of liquid in a container, such as an accumulator on an aircraft. A flexible rotary cable assembly may be coupled between a rotatable drum and a remote indicator having a rotatable cap, the rotatable drum responsive to axial motion of a sweeper within the accumulator. Changes in the fluid level of the accumulator may be translated into rotational motion of the rotatable drum, which, via the flexible rotary cable assembly, changes a reading on a remotely located indicator.

Abstract: A remote visual liquid quantity indicator comprises a flexible cable within a flexible outer sleeve and allows a user to remotely determine the level of a liquid in a container, such as an accumulator without the need for electrical power or a direct line of sight to the container. The flexible cable may be coupled between a reservoir sweeper of the accumulator and an indicator. Changes in the fluid level of the accumulator may provide a linear movement to the flexible cable, which in turn provides a change to the measurement reading of the indicator. The flexible cable/outer sleeve allows for the complex routing scenarios necessary in the congested spaces surrounding aircraft accumulators.

Abstract: A float adapted to track an interface between two liquids of differing density, includes a hollow buoyant body having an interior cavity adapted to retain liquid. At least one upper access opening is provided in the body, which is adapted to permit filling of the interior cavity with liquid. The interior cavity is capable of holding sufficient liquid to retard the buoyancy of the body. By filling the interior cavity with a liquid of a first density, the hollow buoyant body can be made to float at an interface with a lighter liquid of a second density.

Abstract: A system for actuating an indicator in response to a depth change in a liquid that is confined to a container comprises a housing, a float constrained to vertical movement in response to changes in liquid depth in the container, an actuator connected to the housing and arranged to move in response to vertical movement of the float, and a coupler mechanism mounted between the actuator and the housing and arranged to transfer movement of the actuator to the indicator.

Abstract: A dual-phase level monitoring (DPLM) instrument that provides continuous signals that enables determination of the location of the top surface of the lighter of two immiscible fluids (the product) and the hydrostatic pressure below the total fluid column of both immiscible fluids. By knowing the fluid specific gravities, the output signals are processed to yield the location of the air/product and liquid/liquid interfaces, and the depth of the lighter phase. The instrument is intended for use in groundwater monitoring wells with a light non-aqueous phase liquid (product) and tanks or vessels with dual-phase liquids and level monitoring and/or control issues. The DPLM instrument includes a first pressure transducer situated beneath the surface of the liquid with a greater specific gravity, which will typically be ground water. A level element with a float selected so as to be buoyant and float on the surface of the lighter fluid is positioned above the first pressure transducer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for measuring a force component or torque component, in particular weight, the device having a deformation member and a separate measuring element (5) for measuring at least one force component, and an electronics unit (6) connected to the measuring element (5) for evaluating a measuring signal of the measuring element (5). The present invention also relates to a method for measuring with the aid of such a device.

Abstract: A liquid level indicator for an oil-filled transformer, power choke or tap changer in which a sensor part has a float which rises and falls with the oil level and rotates a sensor shaft and the sensor shaft is coupled to an indicator shaft on which a pointer is provided to cooperate with a dial. The gauge also includes a contactless angle encoder operating with a magnetic hub and coupled to the indicator shaft for outputting a signal representing the oil level.

Abstract: An ultrasound system is described which exhibits reduced power consumption and improved reliability. When the ultrasound system is idle for a period of time it automatically invokes a sequence of energy-saving procedures, including readying the system for use at a predetermined time. The use of periodically invoked low power states, even if only for seconds at a time, will over the long term save energy including the cost of air conditioning the site of the ultrasound system. Such low power states also reduce the heat dissipation and exposure of components to heat, one of the major causes of component failure. Thus an embodiment of the present invention can improve ultrasound system reliability and long term effectiveness and cost.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a fluid level in a tank comprises a housing including a level indicator for displaying a measured fluid level in the tank. A rod extends from the housing and a float is adapted to travel along the rod. A first end of an elongated flexible member is attached to the float and an opposite end of the elongated flexible member is attached to a spool. The spool stores at least a portion of the elongated flexible member. The apparatus further includes a spring adapted to urge the spool to automatically uptake portions of the elongated flexible member as the float travels towards the housing and to allow the elongated flexible member to unwind from the spool as the float travels away from the housing.

Abstract: This invention discloses a fluid level monitor including a buoyant element suspended from a filament wound on a spool, a load sensor that senses a tensile force in the filament and a rotation sensor that senses the rotation of the spool around which the filament is wound, wherein the buoyant element is adapted to be initially at least partially submerged at an equilibrium position at an initial level of a fluid, thereby creating a nominal tensile force in the filament, wherein a change in the level of the fluid changes the tensile force in the filament, a positive change in the tensile force corresponding to a downward movement of the buoyant element and a negative change in the tensile force corresponding to an upward movement of the buoyant element, wherein the rotation of the spool corresponds to an amount of distance traveled by the buoyant element.

Abstract: A piston pump elevator having fluid level measurement capability which is capable of providing an electrical signal proportional to the approximate amount of fluid remaining in a container from which fluid is being withdrawn.

Abstract: A water-monitoring apparatus includes a frame installed by water. A reel is mounted on the frame. A cable including lower and upper ends is wound on the reel. A buoy is connected with the cable. At least one sensor is used to detect a water quality parameter and to produce a signal representative of the water quality parameter. The at least one sensor is carried via the buoy and electrically connected with the lower end of the cable. The reel can be rotated to adjust a length of the cable extending from the reel so that the at least one sensor can always be immersed in the water. A signal relay includes a first block electrically connected with the at least one sensor and a second block electrically connected with a monitoring station wherein the first and second blocks are connected with each other in a non-contact electric manner.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for indicating the amount of liquid contained in a railroad tank car, or any other liquid storage tank having an interior surface defining a liquid level reference point. A readily portable liquid level indicator gauge is provided having a tube defining an opening extending along its length, and an elongate rod slidably received therein. A buoyant member is attached to the rod to cause the rod to be vertically displaced in response to the vertical displacement of the buoyant member resulting from a corresponding change in liquid level. A reference arm is connected to the tube and a portion thereof forms an abutting relationship with an interior surface of the tank at the liquid level reference point. A clamping device connected to the tube is adapted to releasably attach the portable gauge to the tank in a substantially vertical orientation.

Abstract: A fluid level measuring device for measuring a fluid filling level in a container contains a float disposed in the container and a magnet disposed in the container. The magnet is coupled to the float in terms of movement and, in the event of a change in the fluid filling level, executes a movement that corresponds to a change in fluid level. A magnetic field sensor is disposed in a zone of influence of a magnetic field generated by the magnet and outputs an electrical signal which is representative of a height of the fluid level.

Abstract: A level gauge for a tank of a driven sensor type includes a drum around which is wound a thread on the end of which is suspended a driven level sensor. A reversible servomotor drives the drum with the drum being driveable in reverse directions. The rotation of the drum is recorded and a variation in the force of the thread is detected. The force is directly related to the relative position of the sensor with respect to the level being measured. The detector for detecting the variation in the force in the thread includes an element rotatably mounted about a horizontal axis, with an oscillation of the element being limited by a damping arrangement, with movement of the element enabling the force exerted on the thread to be measured.

Abstract: A reversible float assembly includes a float, an elongated flexible member, a first attachment disposed on a first surface of the float body, and a second attachment disposed on a second surface of the float body. The lower end of the elongated flexible member is connected to one of the first and second attachments. At least one guide eye connected with the float body is constructed and arranged to receive an elongated guide member to restrict movement of the body to generally vertical movement. The guide eye is disposed on the body at a position between the first attachment and the second attachment so that when the body floats on a liquid in the first orientation the guide eye is submerged in the liquid, and when the body floats on a liquid in a second orientation, the guide eye is disposed above the liquid.

Abstract: A gauge assembly for measuring the level of a liquid product in a storage tank includes a float member that is constructed and arranged to float on the liquid product in the storage tank, a housing that is constructed and arranged to be mounted on an exterior of the storage tank and a drum that is mounted inside the housing for rotation about an axis. A filament is wound about the drum, and extends through an opening defined in the housing to an attachment with a float member. A spring is provided for biasing the drum in a first rotary direction that will wind the filament onto the drum, whereby the drum will tend to pull the float member toward the housing, keeping the filament taut. A clock-type face is mounted on the housing, and has distance indicia marked there around that is in a base-twelve numbering system to represent feet and inches, rather than hours and minutes. A small hand is mounted to traverse the clock face to represent feet, and is connected to the drum via a gear train.

Abstract: A system for sensing the surface level of flowable material within a container, comprises a drop weight secured to a cable through a pulley for being disposed above the material and brought into contact with the surface level of the material. The cable is wound and anchored to a spool driven by a reversible motor. A transducer operably secured to the pulley provides an output responsive to the strain on the cable exerted by drop weight. A signal processor connected to the transducer generates an output signal responsive to the drop weight being supported by the material. A pulse generator for generating a plurality of pulses the number of which is proportional to the amount of rotation of the spool.

Abstract: A liquid level gauge assembly which has particular utility for petroleum products has a threaded cylindrical projection which allows quick installation onto a storage tank. The gauge assembly operates by measuring the displacement of a float member through a filament which extends through a restrictive opening in the outer housing of the gauge assembly. An adapter is connected to the free end of the filament outside the outer housing. The opening is sized so that the adapter is prevented from passing therethrough, thus preventing the filament from retracting completely into the housing. The gauge assembly also includes a transparent cover member which can be removed prior to installation of the gauge assembly to permit quick manual calibration of the indicator hands on the analog display of the gauge assembly.

Abstract: A liquid level gage system is disclosed. This system includes a displacer secured to a cable and movable in response to winding or unwinding said cable around or from around a rotatable drum. The rotatable drum is coupled to a driven shaft, and a drive assembly is provided to drive the driven shaft. An indicator subsystem is included which provides an indication of a change in the apparent weight of the displacer as the displacer is moved across a liquid level. A strain gage is a key component of the indicator subsystem. In one embodiment, an assembly is provided for powering the indicator subsystem and transferring data from the indicator subsystem which involves two pair of coils. In another embodiment, the gage system can be effectively remotely programmed using light signals.

Abstract: A motor assembly useful for rotating a drum comprising: a hub adapted to be removably secured to the drum so that the drum rotates in response to rotation of the hub, the hub including a first outer surface adapted to face toward the drum and a second outer surface adapted to face away from the drum; a motor comprising a spring element having a first end adapted to be secured to the hub and being in aligned position relative to the hub to be wound around the hub between the first and second outer surfaces to apply a force to the hub which force urges the hub to rotate in one direction; and a housing adapted to hold the hub and the motor in aligned position substantially without frictional contact with the first and second outer surfaces of the hub.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a vessel capable of receiving a variable supply of an aqueous ice slurry in which an upper packed ice bed can float on an aqueous volume; a hollow conduit having a first end located in the lower internal space of the vessel and a second end located exterior of the vessel; a float positioned in the vessel lower internal space; and a movable line in the hollow conduit joined at one end to the float, and the line second end extending out of the conduit second end thus permitting it to be displaced to indicate the position of the float, and thus the bottom of the packed ice bed, when it contacts a packed ice bed bottom.

Abstract: A tank gauge for oil tanks wherein a double pulley is provided on a common shaft with the shaft being journaled in the wall of a sealed housing which is in communication with the interior of the tank. One of the pulleys is within the sealed housing on the shaft while the other pulley is outside of the housing fixed to the same shaft. A float on a suspension cable extends downwardly from the pulley in the sealed housing while a weighted indicator on the other pulley extends downwardly along the outside wall surface of the tank. The pulley within the housing and the cable thereon is kept sealed from the atmosphere while the other pulley and the indicator cable are in the open atmosphere on the exterior of the tank.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a level of material held in a confining means, a device therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the system comprising a rotatable reel, an electrically operated motor operatively interconnected to the reel for causing rotation of the reel in either direction of rotation thereof, a flexible support wound on the reel and having a free end, a probe operatively interconnected to the free end of the support to be carried thereby, a brake operatively interconnected to the reel for holding the reel stationary when the brake is in one condition thereof, and a control unit operatively interconnected to the motor and to the brake for causing the brake and the motor to raise and lower the probe by winding up the support on the reel and unwinding the support from the reel, the motor comprising an electrically operated stepper motor.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating level of material comprises a cable vertically suspended so as to contact and be surrounded by the material. The cable is suspended from a cam follower mechanism that engages a cam coupled to a motor for selectively introducing slack in the cable, such that the upper portion of the cable unsupported by the material engages and is suspended from a load cell. Circuitry is responsive to cable weight measured by the load cell for indicating level of the material. The motor comprises a rotary electric motor having a horizontal axis of rotation perpendicular to the vertical cable. The cam comprises a cam plate coupled to the motor to rotate about the motor axis and having an asymmetric periphery surrounding the axis of rotation. The cam follower mechanism comprises an arm pivotally mounted in fixed position adjacent to the cam plate and supporting a roller that engages the cam plate periphery.

Abstract: Cement weighing and measuring apparatus includes a primary mixing chamber into which two different types of material are placed, and the materials are measured separately. The different materials are fed into the primary mixing chamber from two separate hoppers, a wet materials hopper and a dry materials hopper. The material in the wet materials hopper is measured by weight and the material in the dry materials hopper is measured by weight and volume. The wet and the dry materials are mixed together in the primary mixing chamber. In addition, other materials, such as foaming agents, bonding agents, etc., may be mixed in with the wet and dry materials in the primary mixing chamber. From the primary mixing chamber, the mixed materials flow outwardly and are conveyed ultimately into molds for curing before use.

Abstract: An automatic reading gauge is provided and consists of an elongated flexible measuring member having a scale thereon with a float affixed to one end and a counterweight at other end. The measuring member is disposed within an O-shaped body having a weep hole, an air check valve and a top sight area. When the body is placed through a filler hole to extend to bottom of a tank, the amount of fluid within the tank will be indicated at the top sight area.

Abstract: A drop-weight material level indicator in which a spool is mounted above material whose level is to be sensed and is coupled to a motor for selectively unwinding and winding a drop line wound on the spool. The drop line is trained over an idler pulley carried at the end of a pivot arm, and over a second idler pulley to a drop weight. Level sensing electronics are coupled to the second idler pulley for measuring the amount of cable unwound as the drop weight descends toward the upper surface of the material. A magnet is carried on the pivot arm, and a reed switch is positioned adjacent thereto for sensing removal of tension from the drop line and consequent pivotal motion of the arm, and thereby indicating rupture of the drop line to an operator.

Abstract: An improved rain gauge in which a large rain collector feeds collected rain into a receptacle having 1/5 the cross-sectional area, and in which a float and counterweight connected by a flexible strand passing over a pulley mechanism creates electrical impulses with each 1/100 inch of rainfall added to the receptacle, and in which the receptacle is periodically emptied by a syphon device of generally U-shaped contour providing intake leg and discharge leg, wherein complete emptying of the syphon tube is facilitated by incorporating within the discharge leg thereof a small diameter tube closed at the top end, open at the bottom end, and having a plurality of small holes spaced longitudinally thereof, whereby air entering the small tube and passing through the longitudinally spaced holes therein, serves to equalize air pressure and permit the full discharge of liquid from the syphon tube.

Abstract: A portable liquid level device is provided for measuring the depth of liquid in a storage tank. The device has a portability similar to that of a regular dip stick, but provides more accurate measurement of liquid level especially with liquids which do not show up clearly on a dip stick. The device has a tube which is open at its lower end and a guideway within the tube along which a float can move. Rollers are mounted near the upper and lower ends of the tube and carry a loop of flexible tape connected to the float. The tape has indicia on its external surface which can be read on a sight glass mounted at the upper end of the tube. All of the moving parts are protected within the tube.

Abstract: A mechanical fluid indicator 10 of the type comprising an endless belt 18 having a float 22 and marking elements 20 affixed thereto extending about top and bottom pulleys 16 comprises a tube 12 in which the entire mechanism is mounted. In this respect, holes are machined in the tube's walls at opposite ends thereof and first and second two-piece shafts 28 and 36 are "snapped" into the holes at the opposite ends for respectively mounting the pulleys therein so that the belt and its attachments are mounted in the tube.

Abstract: An in-ground tank measuring system for monitoring the level of fuel in a plurality of tanks. A float is provided in each tank connected by cable to a biased take-up reel connected to a potentiometer. A palm-sized monitor with provision to switch from one potentiometer has a switch to select the tank to be monitored, supply the reference voltage, receive the wiper voltage, and produce a liquid crystal digital display of fuel level.

Abstract: In liquid measuring apparatus, a cable supporting a sensing plate is attached to a drum that is connected via a magnetic clutch with the drive shaft of a servomotor. The servomotor is supported in a pivot mount which is flexibly rotatively connected to the apparatus housing. In response to liquid level changes, a contactless sensor generates a signal which is compared with a balance of moments reference signal in a comparator to develop a deflection signal which, after conversion into frequency pulses in fast servocontrol circuitry, activate the servomotor in one direction or the other as determined by a polarity switch activated by a directional decoder. Inaccuracies due to parts vibrations are compensated for. Also, measurement disturbances caused by waves at the surface of the liquid are avoided with the aid of slow servocontrol circuitry which, after a delay, activates the servomotor with an adjustable frequency supplied by an oscillator.

Abstract: A process for continuously measuring the pour point of oil comprises introducing the oil into the lower portion of a substantially vertical tube at a pressure sufficient to cause the oil to move up the tube and subjecting the oil to a temperature gradient as it rises through the tube such that the oil is cooled in the lower portion of the tube to a temperature below the pour point and solidifies, and in the upper portion of the tube the temperature of the oil is raised so that the oil becomes liquid again thereby forming a solid/liquid interface in the tube. A temperature sensing means which is axially moveable in the tube is arranged to rest at the solid/liquid interface and provides a continuous signal, representing the pour point of the oil sample at the interface to a measuring and/or recording device. The invention also includes apparatus for carrying out the process.

Abstract: A direct reading tank gauge is made of plastic tape or thin metal in an endless loop. Measuring indicia are applied to one surface of the tape in a display tape assembly. An armature is fixedly mounted to the tape. A tank float is magnetically coupled to the armature, which follows the float and fluid level. A hinged window enables visual observation of tape indicia representing the position of the float, armature and liquid level and removal of the entire display tape assembly for service or repair.

Abstract: An automatic liquid level indicator and alarm system (10) that automatically emits an alarm when liquid in a vessel reaches a preselected low or high level. The system (10) is particularly adaptable for use on petroleum storage tanks (50) of the type found on petroleum tank farms. The system (1) comprises a low-level and a high-level permanent magnet (10) (11); a low-level and a high-level magnetic sensor (24) (25); an encoder-RF transmitter (15) (16); an RF receiver-decoder (18) (19); an alpha-numeric display (20) and an audible alarm (21). The magnets (10) (11) are attached to an existing movable tape (31) whose position at any instant is relative to the position of a float (41) within the tank (50). The magnets (10) (11) are located at positions indicative of the preselected low or high level marks.

Abstract: The device senses the level of a float which may rest on the surface of the liquid whose level is to be determined or may rest on the surface of liquid (e.g., mercury) of a manometer which measures the level of liquid in accordance with the purge bubble principle. The fluctuation of the float turns a pulley which causes oscillatory movement of an arm carrying a magnet. In proximity to the path of the magnet is a board carrying radially disposed, angularly spaced reed switches. As the magnet passes each switch it closes same and passes a signal to a digital accumulator. A slip clutch between the arm and a second arm causes the latter to oscillate in the same direction as the first arm, but only for a limited distance. The second arm also carries a magnet which changes the direction of a second reed switch and dampens hunting of the first series of switches by preventing activation of the accumulator except when the second reed switch is closed.

Abstract: An improved indicator for fill content of a fire extinguishing system including a pressure vessel having an outlet through which the fire extinguishing material may flow. The indicator includes a non-magnetic, closed housing, mounted on the vessel and having one end within the vessel and the other end exteriorly of the vessel. At least one of the vessel and the housing are sealed to the atmosphere and a visual access opening is provided on the exterior end of the housing to allow one to look into the interior of the housing. A tape is mounted within the housing for movement in a path past the visual access opening and includes indicia along its length.

Abstract: A drop-weight type material level indicator apparatus, method and system wherein an optical disc rotationally coupled to an idler pulley in a modular sensor unit mounted at the top of a material storage bin generates counting pulses as a cable trained over the idler pulley lowers a drop weight. The counting pulses are fed in a remote readout unit to an up/down counter selectively for indicating in an up-counting mode of operation the ullage or head space between the sensor and material level, and in a down-counting mode of operation the level of material in the storage bin. Switches are provided for presetting the counter in the down-counting mode of operation to a value corresponding to bin height.

Abstract: An outdoor well depth indicator including a sleeve vertically slidable along a pipe extending above the well house and connected by a line to a float on the surface of the water in the well. The indicator sleeve can be seen from a distance and from any direction around a well. Also disclosed is a cutoff system for terminating a supply of water from the well when the level of water in the well reaches a minimum desired level, without immediately shutting off the pump motor.

Abstract: A liquid level meter having a first and second rotatable shaft mounted within a housing coaxially one within the other and coupled for relative rotation. A drum is mounted on one shaft and has a float suspended therefrom, for engagement with the liquid. Detecting means for sensing the torque on the drum is provided comprising an energy source and an energy receiver and a pair of relatively movable shield means located therebetween. One of the shield means is conjointly movable with one shaft and the other shield means is conjointly movable with the second shaft. Each of the shield means has spaced apertures aligned respectively with each other to permit selective passage of energy between the source and receive depending upon the degree of relative movement of the shield plates. A signal is produced in response to the sensing of energy variation which operates a motor coupled to one shaft to drive the same and consequently to rotate the other shaft in the direction of the torque exerted on the drum.