Abstract: A grease delivery system is provided which includes refilling containers with a fluid from a larger reservoir to eliminate excess cost and waste. The container and reservoir are connected using hoses, a pump, and quick connect couplings. The containers are used to provide equipment with the fluid.

Abstract: A liquid transfer device having a housing with a top end, a bottom end, a sidewall, and an inner cavity. The sidewall has an inner surface and an outer surface. There is a plurality of openings traversing said sidewall. Also present is a filtering surface that covers the openings. The water or other liquids are pumped or transferred with a pump contained inside the inner cavity, with a fluid exit used for carrying the water out towards exterior hosing.

Abstract: An elongate device for dispersing a paste-like or sticky substance in a liquid for consumption, injection, or topical use has an integral, outwardly directed hook at a first end for suspending the elongate device from the rim of a container such as a glass, cup, bottle or the like into the interior of the container. The elongate device has one or more scale markings at least on an inner face spaced from the second end of the device for indicating an amount of paste-like substance adhered to a second end portion between a scale marking and the second end.

Abstract: A protective device for a wastewater sensor of a wastewater lift station is characterized by a protector that is sealed against wastewater intrusion at an upper end and open at a tapered lower end, with the protector disposed about at least a portion of a wastewater level sensor assembly. The protector is retained vertically within the lift station such that the bottom opening is proximate a bottom of the lift station. The protector may be incorporated into a wastewater level sensor assembly for a wastewater lift station utilizing, for example, a float-type water level sensor, a multiple discrete electrode-type water level sensor, or a transducer-type water level sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting when the amount of fluid being filled into a tank reaches a certain predetermined level are provided. The portable no-spill fluid level gauge has a substantially clear cylindrical body with a level indicator near one end. Buoyant members and substantially rigid rod having guides at each end thereof are positioned within the body such that the rod is above the buoyant members. A clamp is attached to the exterior of the body for removably affixing the gauge to the tank's opening such that a portion of the gauge is positioned within the tank. During the filling of the tank with fluid, the fluid flows into the body through openings in the body of the gauge thereby causing the buoyant members to exert an upward force upon the rod through one of the guides and thus move the upper guide towards the level indicator.

Abstract: A liquid level warning device with a separate audible alarm is disposed in a liquid tank for indicating the amount of liquid in the tank. The device also includes a plurality of float switches disposed at pre-selected levels within the tank and a plurality of LED's for indicating the level of liquid in the tank. A separate audible alarm independent of the visual indicators sounds an alarm when the tank is at a pre-selected level. A float switch is also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid level indicator (1) is provided for sealing engagement with an opening of a receptacle. A float (8) is used which rests at the liquid level and which is connected to a float rod (7), which in turn is pivotally connected to fixed (5) and slidable rod (6). Upon changing liquid levels, the float (8) and, accordingly, the slidable rod (6) move and the position of the slidable rod with respect to a marked transparent cup (11) disposed outside of the receptacle, indicates the liquid level. The transparent cup (11) covers the portion of the indicator outside of the receptacle and serves to provide a fluid- and air-tight seal between the interior and exterior of the receptacle when the indicator is in place. In one embodiment the liquid level indicator may be used with oil tanks. A transparent cup (11) for use with existing devices is also taught.

Abstract: A protection system for an electric generator includes a fluid sensor to measure a fluid level in a fuel tank, an indicator lamp to display the fluid level, a timer to measure a time interval beginning in response to a low fuel signal from the fluid sensor and a low fuel switch to shut off the electric generator at the end of the time interval.

Abstract: A device measures the high and low fluid levels of a fluid body. A housing has a shaft with a buoyant weight, the shaft protruding through a cap on the housing's top and capable of sliding through the cap. A first ring encompasses the shaft and is initially positioned immediately below the cap, while a second ring is positioned immediately above the cap. As fluid enters the housing, the shaft rises in lockstep with the fluid level causing the first ring to be pushed downwardly on the shaft and when the fluid level falls, the shaft falls causing the second ring to be pushed upwardly along the shaft. The distance between the rings is the amount of fluid level variation. A debris tube attached to the housing measures the upper limit of fluid level. Subtracting the amount of variation from this upper limit yields the lower fluid level limit.

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, a drive rod arranged to rotate in response to vertical movement of the float, and a coupler mechanism mounted between the drive rod and arranged to transfer movement of the actuator to an indicator.

Abstract: A buoyant liquid level indicator device is positioned within liquid drain apparatus having a trough accommodating liquid to form a liquid seal to prevent passage of gas through the liquid drain apparatus. The indicator device will float and be exposed to an outside observer only when a liquid seal is formed by the liquid drain apparatus.

Abstract: A liquid level measuring system includes a housing mounted to a container and a flexible coupling connected between the housing and a tubular frame suspended in a container holding a liquid. The flexible coupling maintains the tubular frame in a vertical orientation in the container. The tubular frame has a pair of 270° rifling grooves therein. A float is mounted in the tubular frame. The float has a pair of projections that extend from opposite sides portion thereof into the rifling grooves so that the float is force to rotate as it moves vertically in the tubular frame to seek the liquid level. A magnetic coupler assembly transfers movement of the float to an indicator. The magnetic coupler assembly includes a pair of facing dielectric discs. Each dielectric disc has three magnets mounted thereon with opposite poles facing one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a fluid level includes a housing with a level indicator adapted to display a measured fluid level. A float is associated with the level indicator and an elongated flexible member is provided with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the float. The apparatus further includes a spool adapted to store at least a portion of the elongated flexible member, wherein the second end of the elongated flexible member is attached to the spool. A biasing member is adapted to urge the spool to automatically uptake portions of the elongated flexible member as the float travels towards the housing and adapted to allow the elongated flexible member to unwind from the spool as the float travels away from the housing. Additional apparatus include a housing with a level indicator having first and second level indicating gears and a first indexing device adapted to prevent its movement away from one of the indexing gears.

Abstract: A device for detecting leaks in containers that are open to the effects of rain and/or evaporation comprising an outer cylinder or container partially submerged in a container or vessel to be measured, such as, a swimming pool, three adjustable legs attached to the bottom of the outer cylinder, an inner tube having a bottom edge fastened to the bottom, an outer, floating guide cap, and an inner floating indicating rod. The device is placed in a swimming pool and submerged to a selected level. The inside of the outer cylinder is filled to a particular level and the relationship of the floating indicator rod and the guide cap is recorded. Periodically, the level is checked to see if there is a change in the level due to a leak in the pool or container. The relationship of the floating indicator rod and the guide cap indicates a net leak in the pool or vessel being tested.

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: An overflow detection device is capable of determining whether liquid outside of the device has reached a predetermined level associated with an overflow condition. A container has a closed end and a capped end opposite the closed end. The container has an enclosing wall which extends from the closed end to an open or capped end to define an interior region. A hole or holes are formed in the enclosing wall. The holes are positioned a predetermined distance from the closed end of the container. The holes permit flow of the liquid into the interior region of the container when the liquid level reaches the predetermined level. A flotation piece is situated in the interior region of the container. The flotation piece is capable of floating on liquid which has flowed into the interior region. A visual indicator piece is coupled to or integral with the flotation piece. The visual indicator piece rises with the flotation piece when the level of the liquid contained in the interior region of the container rises.

Abstract: A fill level indicator assembly for an agricultural material bin such as a seed dispensing hopper. The assembly includes an elongate sighting member which provides a water impermeable cover over an indicator opening in the bin cover and has a transparent portion providing visual access to the interior of the sighting member. An indicator rod extends through the indicator opening and has a distinctive marking located near one end. The opposite end of the indicator member has a foot which engages the agricultural material within the bin. Gravity causes the indicator member to lower as the quantity of agricultural material within the bin is depleted. As the indicator member lowers, the distinctive marking within the sighting member is also lowered thereby providing a visual indication of the quantity of material remaining in the bin.

Abstract: An analytical apparatus, such as a quartz crystal microbalance, comprising a piezoelectric sensor and an oscillator circuit, coupled to the sensor, to oscillate at a frequency substantially determined by a resonant frequency of the sensor, and to provide an output signal at the oscillator frequency at an output, the oscillator circuit incorporates means to maintain a substantially constant drive signal to the piezoelectric sensor. Preferably the substantially constant drive signal is maintained by AGC means (33) within a feedback loop of the oscillator. Advantageously the gain control signal is used as an indication of the Q of the piezoelectric sensor. It is desirable that the drive signal to the sensor is substantially sinusoidal since this provides greater accuracy, sensitivity and stability for the apparatus. This can be achieved by ensuring that all the elements in the feedback loop providing signal gain and attenuation are configured to operate in a substantially linear mode.

Abstract: A liquid level measuring device for measuring the level of liquid in a storage or dispensing tank has an elongated tubular hollow body that carries a threaded coupler adapted for engaging a threaded nipple on top of the tank. A buoyant float is attached to a lower portion of the elongated body. The body slides in relation to the coupler while the coupler remains stationary in relation to the tank. As the liquid is dispensed from the tank, the buoyant float that was positioned on the surface of the liquid in the tank, lowers in relation to the tank, moving the elongated body into the tank. Measuring indicia placed on the exterior surface of the elongated body allows visual observation of the changing level of liquid in the tank.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the amount of liquid contained in a railroad tank car, or any other liquid storage tank having an interior region defining a predetermined relationship between liquid level and volumetric content. A tube having a closed bottom end is disposed within the tank in a substantially vertical orientation with the closed end of the tube emersed in the liquid and the open end of the tube protruding from the top of tank. An elongate member having a longitudinal edge defining a varying profile corresponding to the predetermined relationship between liquid level and volumetric content is slidably received within the tube. A float is slidable vertically along the exterior of the tube and is magnetically coupled to the elongate member such that as the float rises or falls in response to a change in liquid level, the elongate member will be vertically displaced within the tube.

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 device for providing remote indication of the opening of a weighted pallet type tank vent in which a permanent magnet is attached to the end of the pallet guide shaft distal to the pallet. A magnetic induction sensor is secured to the outside of the shaft guide to sense movement of the magnetic field produced by the magnet and produce an electrical signal which may be transmitted to a remote location to indicate that the pallet has opened and relieved pressure in the tank.

Abstract: The present invention is a sewer back-up indicator that is positioned within the hole in the cover of the manhole. The indicator includes a bushing and a rod having a valve at one end and an inflatable balloon at the other. The valve is adapted to receive a gas source which supplies the gas down the length of the rod into the balloon, thus inflating the balloon. When the balloon is in the deflated state, the device can be inserted into position within the hole in the manhole cover and subsequently removed from this position without lifting or removing the cover from the manhole. Connected to the other end of the valve is a flexible member that carries a flag having a legend thereon. When the device is in its up position, the flag and flexible member indicate that fluid within the manhole has risen, thus signaling a potential back-up.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for use with an underground tank of fire suppression fluid in which the fluid level within the tank can be visually determined quickly during pumping operations. Also, the fluid in the underground tank is protected from freezing by draining the fluid standing above the top of the tank. Protection against collapse or rapture of the underground tank is provided by a method of ventilating air into and out of the tank.

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

Abstract: A fuel tank level indicator for indicating at a surface when a fuel tank is filled with fuel, such indicator installed on a fuel inlet pipe and having a loop pipe in line with the inlet pipe with a riser pipe at the top of the loop and a float member disposed in the riser pipe to raise an indicator member above the surface when the loop pipe fills with fuel. The fuel is prevented from backing up the inlet pipe by a back flow preventor and some of the fuel then passes into the riser pipe, raising the float member and its attached indicator member above the surface where it is visible by the person entering fuel into the inlet pipe who will then see the indicator member and stop the flow of fuel.

Abstract: A device for measuring and/or controlling ground water levels and a method of manufacturing such device. An embodiment of the device comprises a first tubular member having a top and bottom end and a plurality of perforations for allowing liquid, such as water, to enter and exit the device. A float dimensioned to be slidably received within the first tubular member is provided. The float has a top and bottom opening, both being in flow communication with each other. The device also comprises a check valve located inside the first tubular member for selectively passing liquid through the bottom opening of the float. Further, the device includes a second tubular member located inside the first tubular member. The second tubular member is in flow communication with the top opening of the float and extends upwardly through and out of the top opening of the first tubular member.

Abstract: The tank-level gauge comprises an outer tube sealed at its lower end and adapted for attachment to the top wall of a tank. The gauge also comprises two telescoping rods axially movable within the outer tube. A float encircles the outer tube. Magnets respectively attach to the float and to the lower end of the inner gauge rod, whereby a rising level causes such inner rod to rise as well. When the liquid level reaches a predetermined level, the inner gauging rod becomes disconnected and a magnet on the outer gauging rod becomes coupled to the float magnet, whereby the outer gauging rod continues to rise. Indicia on the inner gauging rod provide information on the height of the liquid in the tank from its empty condition to a partly full condition. Indicia on the outer gauging rod provide information on the quantity of liquid in the tank from its partly full condition to its full condition.

Abstract: A screened inductance level transducer has a drive winding for setting up a drive field, and a sense winding in which voltage is induced in the presence of the drive field. A conductive screen, which may be of stainless steel, is mounted on a float for movement in response to liquid level. In the presence of the screen, eddy currents are generated to establish a counter-field opposing the drive field and to thereby shade the sense winding to vary the voltage induced in it. The screen is contained within a tubular barrier which may also be of stainless steel, and the windings are located outside the barrier. In this way, the region within which liquid level is to be measured is isolated from the environment to the exterior of the unit, thus facilitating its use for recording liquid levels in hostile conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for checking the workability of a float assembly used to determine the level of liquid in a vessel is disclosed and comprises: a float extension associated with the float of the float assembly and movable when the float assembly is in working order in response to the movement of the float caused by changing the level of liquid in the vessel; a sensor located in spaced relation to the float extension and acting to provide a signal when the float extension is in a predetermined position; and a checking system capable of being activated to move the foat extension into the predetermined position without regard to the level of liquid in the vessel when the float assembly is workable.

Abstract: A monitor and filler assembly providing an easily observable reading as to the fluid level in a reservoir such as an automatic transmission or crankcase of an automobile. The filler may be integrally formed with the monitor to allow for easy replenishing of the reservoir fluid to ensure proper operation of the automobile.

Abstract: A low oil cut off switch is provided and consists of a dual magnetic switch within a housing that is adjustably and slideably mounted to transparent tube of a rising stem fuel indicating gauge of a fuel storage tank. The dual magnetic switch which when attached by a magnetic fuel level indicating element within the fuel indicating gauge will first actuate an alarm to indicate a low fuel level in the storage tank and if undetected will next shut off fuel burner operation before the storage tank runs dry.

Abstract: An indicator placed within a dishwasher showing whether or not the dishwasher has performed its dishwashing cycle employing a two-piece hollowed elongated casing apertured at one end for receiving dishwashing fluid when placed in a vertical position in the dishwasher and having a float positioned within the casing for floating vertically to a raised position when the dishwasher has gone through a dishwashing cycle and assuming another lower position after removing dishwasher fluid from a previous operation when the dishwashing cycle has been performed.

Abstract: A fill gauge is provided which may be used in connection with a storage container to inform an operator of the relative status of a filling operation. A multiplicity of indicia are progressively displayed to provide an initial warning when the filling operation is nearly completed, and to signal when the filling should be terminated, such as when a desired air-gap has been established. Further indicia may also be provided relating to, for example, an overfilled condition. The fill gauge is reusable and inexpensive, and may be sealed for safe storage. Adjustments for use with fluids of differing density are possible.

Abstract: A float operated electrical switch assembly including a body, a float coupled to the body for pivotal movement relative thereto about a first axis, a permanent magnet carried by the float and having its dipole axis parallel to the first axis, and a reed switch within the body is disclosed. The reed switch is positioned with its longitudinal axis at right-angles to the float pivot axis, and, the pivot axis is spaced transversely from the longitudinal axis of the reed switch. The magnet is so positioned relative to the pivot axis that within the intended operating arc of the float relative to the body, the movement of the magnet relative to the reed switch is, in effect, movement of the magnet along the length of the reed switch; the magnet being adjacent one end of the reed switch at one end of the arc, and being adjacent the contact region of the reed switch at the other end of the arc.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for locating the level of liquids for particular use in volumetric dosage techniques. A probe is mounted upon a vertical column which slides axially in a slide fixed in the housing of the apparatus. Adjacent to the slide is a threaded rod rotatably mounted in the housing and a releasable nut which is integral with the vertical column and the threaded rod. The releasable nut permits engagement and disengagement of the vertical column and threaded rod. A drive mechanism connected to the vertical column is employed to control a potentiometer as a function of the position of the vertical column.

Abstract: A cooler and level indicator for beer kegs comprising an insulated container for holding iced water in contact with a keg of beer, an insulated cover for sealing the container and an externally readable level gauge for indicating the iced water level, said level being proportional to the amount of beer remaining in the keg after the keg becomes buoyant.

Abstract: A film-developing tank has a vessel having an opening and being adapted to receive a film to be developed and a developing medium for the film, and a cover axially closing the opening of the vessel. The cover has an axially outer funnel-shaped portion for pouring-in the developing medium therethrough, and an axially inner portion for receiving the developing medium so that the cover simultaneously forms a volume metering container. The outer portion has an inlet and an outlet, and the inner portion surrounds the outlet of the outer portion and is connected with the latter. The inner portion has outlet openings in the region of the opening of the vessel. The cover further has a separate pour-out opening provided in the region of connection of the portions with one another and extending from the interior of the vessel so that the developing medium can pour out from the latter through the pour-out opening.

Abstract: A battery refill indicator including a cap having a screw type base and an enlarged cover including a central opening and a float-type liquid level indicator supported by said cap and including a stem extending outwardly through said central opening in said cap and a float connected to the stem in a position to be suspended within the electrolyte in the battery cell. The stem is limited in its upward travel to a height less than the height of the battery cables and the float is adapted to be adjusted in length to accomodate different size batteries. A guide disc is provided in the cap which limits the upward travel of the indicator and also acts as a splash guard.

Abstract: Percolation testing apparatus comprising an elongated guide rod having one end to be driven into the bottom of a test hole for simple and sole support of the rod along which a gauge rod is slidable by means of guide brackets on the latter and a scale strip is attached to the upper end of said gauge rod for vertical movement relative to a reference marker supported adjustably upon the upper portion of said guide rod. A float is connected to the lower end of the gauge rod for floating movement vertically in the test hole to move the scale strip relative to the reference marker which is stationary on the guide rod.

Abstract: Pots for growing plants including water-level indicators therefor, wherein the pot includes an outer pot and an inner pot supported therein having a lower portion of reduced diameter through which water is conducted upwardly by surface tension activity, and wherein the water-level indicator comprises a float in the water reservoir having a stem extending upwardly through a water inlet to indicate the water level.

Abstract: A tank level indicator having a mounting sleeve and a floating indicator rod slidably mounted in the sleeve. The sleeve has an inner wall from which projects inwardly a series of circumferentially spaced guide pads with gaps therebetween. The pads guide and space the indicator rod with respect to the inner wall. The remainder of the sleeve interior is free of such pads to leave a substantial clearance space between the inner wall of the sleeve and the indicator rod.

Abstract: A solids-level indicator for small dissolving tanks including a transparent pipe secured on the top of the tank and a gauge member slideable in the transparent pipe and having a pad resting on the upper surface of the solid material. The transparent pipe serves as the liquid inlet and the gauging member serves to guide the liquid along itself for distribution adjacent the pad.

Abstract: The invention concerns an accessory unit for plant receptacles for hydroponics, this accessory unit forming the water-level gauge-channel and the pouring-in-and emptying-channel, both of the channels being placed close to each other, rigidly connected together but separated along their whole height by a partition wall.

Abstract: An oil level gauge for vehicles, such as tractor-scrapers, which have an oil reservoir in a relatively inaccessible location. An upright tube of small diameter has an open lower end below the lowest level of oil in the reservoir, and an upper end which is in a location that is readily viewed by a person checking the oil level. A gauge rod in the tube has a float at its lower end and has a bright colored enlargement at its upper end which is visible through a sight glass in a fitting that surmounts and seals the top of the tube. The float and the enlargement serve to guide the rod.

Abstract: An irrigation signal which has a cylindrical body to receive a cylindrical elongated float, the body having an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion being adapted to extend below the bottom of the irrigation ditch in which it is installed in order to form a well in which irrigation water may enter in order to raise said float a substantial distance above the top of the ditch to signal that irrigation water has been present or is present in said ditch. The irrigation signal has a removable plug at the lower end of the body so that when the plug is in place irrigation water will be retained in the body and keep the float in a signalling position, or in which, when the plug is removed, the water will drain from the lower end of the body so that the signalling float will be in signalling position only when there is water in the irrigation ditch.