Abstract: In a water purifier or other liquid dispenser, a sensor configured to transmit and receive a distance measuring signal is installed in a water discharge module moving vertically or disposed at the front of a main body, to sense a height of the inlet of a container accurately without a no-response duration of the sensor. Additionally, in the water purifier, the water discharge module discharges purified water at a point spaced a certain distance apart from the inlet of the container, to prevent the inlet of the container from contacting the lower surface of the water discharge module.

Abstract: In an array-type underwater apparatus for monitoring deformation of a reservoir landslide, an anchor is buried at an underwater monitoring point in a landslide mass, and a floating shell is configured to float on a water surface. A GPS sensor is configured to transmit and receive a GPS signal to obtain a real-time position of the floating shell, a water temperature sensor is used to obtain a water temperature-time relationship, and a gravity wave gauge is used to obtain a wave height-time relationship. An upper end of a pull cord is securely connected to the floating shell via a displacement compensation mechanism, and a lower end of the pull cord is securely connected to the anchor. The displacement compensation mechanism compensates for a displacement after the floating shell floats with a wave. An encoder-type displacement meter measures a real-time distance between the encoder-type displacement meter and the anchor.

Abstract: A tank device for a motor vehicle includes a tank container defined by a tank wall having at least one stop region, and at least one lever sensor arranged in the interior of the tank container. The at least one stop region is an end stop for the lever sensor to prevent adhesion of the lever sensor to the tank wall.

Abstract: A method of testing for a desired specific gravity of a liquid. The method including the use of a temperature calibration gauge and a hydrometer. The temperature calibration gauge has a thermo sensing end and a readout indicating the desired hydrometer reading at the current temperature of the liquid. The method includes the steps of contacting the thermo sensing end and the hydrometer with the liquid and comparing the readout of the temperature calibration gauge with the measurement indicated by the hydrometer.

Abstract: A buoyant float including a body having an interior defined in part by a side wall and a bottom extending inward from the side wall. The side wall has an upper edge defining an open top of the body. The float includes a cover sized and shaped for covering the top of the body. The cover attaches to the body to maintain the cover in position relative to the body to cover the open top. The cover has a tubular skirt extending downward and around the upper edge of the body side wall when the cover is in position covering the top of the body. An air pocket is created at an interface between the cover and the body when the float is positioned in liquid to isolate the interface from the liquid and prevent liquid from entering the hollow interior of the body through the interface.

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 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 leak detection system for the rapid and accurate detection of the mean surface level change of a body of liquid is provided. The system is capable of sensing mean surface level changes under static or turbulent surface conditions. In one embodiment, the system includes a rigid walled sensor pod with at least one inner pod cavity that is so positioned to receive liquid from a body of liquid such that dynamic equilibrium is possible and maintained between the mean surface level of the body of liquid and the amount of liquid in the inner cavity. The system further includes a sensor assembly having a stiction free float operating in conjunction with a strain gauge, and microprocessors applying algorithms to process, display, and report the sensor data in accordance with the needs of the end user or to initiate actions for automated control functions.

Abstract: Provided is a thin liquid surface detecting apparatus wherein a thickness of a holder is suppressed. A liquid surface detecting apparatus is provided with: a holder rotatably held to a main body section; a magnet fixed to the holder; an arm, which connects the holder and a float floating on the liquid surface of a liquid, and which converts an up-and-down motion of the float into a rotation motion of the holder; and a magnetic detecting element, which is positioned at a rotation center portion of the holder, and is fixed to the main body section such that the magnetic detecting element intersects a magnetic flux of the magnet, and which detects a magnetic change generated with displacement of the magnet and converts the change into electrical signals. The liquid surface detecting apparatus detects the liquid surface on the basis of the electrical signals transmitted from the magnetic detecting element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid level measuring system comprising: a liquid container; a measuring stick immersed into the liquid container; and a buoyancy ball attached to the immersed end of the measuring stick. The measuring stick may include numerical markers indicating the liquid level within the liquid container. The liquid level measuring system may also include a threaded cap, where the threaded cap receives the measuring stick for insertion into the liquid container.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a phase separation float assembly, a phase separation detection system, and a method for detecting phase separation. One embodiment comprises a first float subassembly comprising a first float adapted for vertical travel along a fuel level probe shaft and a magnet. This embodiment also comprises a second float subassembly comprising a second float adapted for vertical travel along the shaft. The first float has a first density and the second float has a second density greater than the first density. The second float subassembly further comprises at least one stop feature which engages the first float subassembly when the first float subassembly travels vertically a predetermined distance along the fuel level probe shaft. The first float density is selected such that the first float subassembly travels vertically along the shaft to engage the at least one stop feature in the presence of phase separation.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring fluid level is provided that includes a float, which may be steel or another material that affects magnetic flux. The sensor further includes a housing defining a cavity configured to receive the float. The housing may be, but need not be, tubular, and the cavity may be cylindrical. At least one magnetic coil is wound to the housing along the cavity. The coil may be wound around the housing. The float is positionable in the fluid to move within the cavity in relation to fluid level.

Abstract: A magnetic float is provided for a level indicator system that is suitable for low density liquids at high pressure, such as C3-liquids. The float comprises a hollow tube, first and second endcaps, and a magnet assembly. The hollow tube comprises a carbon fiber reinforced cured resin matrix and has a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the ends. The first and second endcaps are formed from polymer and dome-shaped. They seal the first and second ends of the hollow tube, respectively, to hermetically seal the inside of the float the outside. At least one polymeric reinforcing ring is mounted inside of a midsection of the hollow tube between the first end and the second end to resist radial inward collapse of the tube. The magnet assembly is mounted in the tube near the first endcap and comprises a plurality of longitudinally elongated magnets positioned adjacent the inside wall of the hollow tube.

Abstract: A tank or vessel volume measurement apparatus that includes multiple buoyancy elements. The buoyancy elements can be placed within a perforated tube to reduce any effects from turbulent flow within the tank. The multiple buoyancy load sensors are each made of different density or cross sections to cancel out any accumulation of contamination that may collect on the buoyancy elements placed within the fluid and to determine the density or specific gravity of the fluid within the tank. The buoyancy elements are attached to a load sensor or strain gauge that measures the weight or load from the buoyancy element. Temperature of other sensors can be placed on the buoyancy elements or within the tank to collect other readings or to adjust for temperature variations. The buoyancy elements can be fabricated in pieces and assembled on site or within the tank to accommodate taller tanks or height restrictions.

Abstract: An ultrasonic-based apparatus and method for fuel inventory measurements and for the detection and characterization of materials in a fuel tank, including sludge, water, microorganisms and materials of different viscosities and densities that are present in the tank, presented in an easy-to-interpret picture display that can be remotely located from the tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a float (5) for a fill level sensor, comprised of a fuel-resistant plastic (7), an expanding means (8) and/or filler (9), whereby the expanding means consists of gas-filled plastic balls (11) that are provided in the form of microspheres (8), and the filler consists of micro-hollow balls (9). The microspheres (8) and the micro-hollow balls (9) are surrounded by fuel-resistant plastic (7).

Abstract: A liquid level measuring device includes an elongate handle and an elongate frame arranged in telescoping relationship. The frame is movable between a collapsed position for storage and an extended position for usage. A float is movable lengthwise along the elongate frame. A control rod extends lengthwise in the elongate frame and through a passage in the float. The control rod controls movement of the float relative to the elongate frame. An actuator actuates the control arm to move the float from the locked position to the unlocked position in response to a downward pressure between a lower end of the elongate frame and a bottom surface of the container so that the float is free to seek the liquid level in the container and to move the float from the unlocked position back to the locked position when the downward pressure is released.

Abstract: A sealed fuel level sensor for a fuel tank is provided. The sealed fuel level sensor includes a frame having a cavity therein. The sealed fuel level sensor further includes a variable resistor disposed in the cavity and operatively supported by the frame. The sealed fuel level sensor further includes a wiper disposed in the cavity for rotation relative to the variable resistor and for contacting the variable resistor. The sealed fuel level sensor further includes a cover connected to the frame to enclose the cavity. The cover includes an aperture extending therethrough. The sealed fuel level sensor further includes a bushing disposed within the aperture. The bushing having a body portion and a lip seal portion disposed on the body portion. The lip seal portion and the body portion having a bore therein. The sealed fuel level sensor further includes a float arm having an end extending through the aperture of the cover and the bore of the bushing and connected to the wiper.

Abstract: A system for indicating a level of liquid within a container includes a float housing, a float within the float housing, a cover cap secured to the float housing through a tube, and a rod connected to the float and slidably retained with the tube. The float is configured to move a controlled distance within the float housing in relation to a level of the liquid within the float housing. A distal end of the rod is positioned within the cover cap. The distal end of the rod is configured to indicate a liquid level based on movement caused by the float within the float housing.

Abstract: A metallic ball has a sliding sleeve, a shell, at least one magnet and a mounting bracket. The sliding sleeve has an open upper end, an open lower end and an outer surface. The shell is spherical, is mounted securely around the sliding sleeve between the open upper end and the open lower end of the sliding sleeve and has a reinforcing disk mounted around the outer surface of the sliding sleeve and has a top surface and may have a protruding portion. The magnet is on the top surface of the reinforcing disk. The mounting bracket is mounted around the sliding sleeve and on the top surface of the reinforcing disk to cover the magnet and has a wall extending toward and engaging the reinforcing disk and completely covering the magnet to effectively avoid the magnet being broken or damaged.

Abstract: A fluid level switch for a machine having a fluid reservoir adapted to contain a fluid at an acceptable level. The fluid level switch includes a mounting plate, a float housing, and a float assembly positioned within the float housing. The mounting plate retains first and second contacts. The float housing is configured to receive fluid from the fluid reservoir and the float assembly is movable in response to the level of fluid in the float housing. The float assembly includes a contact member electrically connecting the first and second contacts when the level of the fluid is below the acceptable level. The contact member is coupled to the float for movement with the float and for movement relative to the float.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor for measuring liquid levels in underground and above ground containers includes a frame formed to have an elongate hollow tubular configuration that encloses a cavity. A cam pivot has an end extending into the cavity from a first inner wall portion of the frame. A cam is arranged to be pivotal about the end of the cam pivot. A float is placed in the cavity. A spring is arranged to bias the cam arm into contact with the float to force a side portion of the float into a locked position in frictional engagement with the second inner wall portion of the frame. A cam actuator pivotally mounted in a lower end portion of the frame exerts a force on the cam arm to release the float from the locked position when the lower end of the frame contacts the container bottom.

Abstract: A fuel level measurement device has a fuel level sensor carried by a fuel level float at the distal end of a pivoting float arm of the device which is preferably part of a fuel pump module located inside of a fuel tank preferably for automotive applications. Preferably a sealed arcuate chamber of the float is defined between an electrically conductive cover and a variable electric resistor which preferably is a generally non-conductive ceramic substrate that carries an electrically resistive ink strip. A track exposed in the arcuate chamber has a concave shape that generally faces upward so that a rolling member changes position due to the forces of gravity within the chamber as the float arm pivots generally up and down with changing fuel levels in the tank. The rolling member is electrically conductive and completes the circuit between the electrically conductive cover and the variable resistive ink strip.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to system and method for determining a fluid level. The system comprises a sensing rod assembly comprised of releasably connectable rod segments. Each rod segment carries a processor and a plurality of inductors. Each inductor generates a position signal responsive to a float signal. A float assembly comprises a housing containing a circuit having an integrally formed coil periodically energizable by a processor to emit the float signal. A control assembly receives the generated position signals and determines the fluid level. The method comprises providing releasably connectable rod segments with inductors that generate a position signal responsive to a float signal, determining a sensing rod assembly length, forming the sensing rod assembly, disposing it within a container, providing a float assembly periodically actuated to generate a float signal, generating position signals responsive to the float signal and analyzing those signals to determine the fluid level.

Abstract: A liquid level and density measurement device is disclosed. The device comprises an elongated magnetostrictive transducer and at least two transducer magnets embedded into floats that can freely move along a transducer. One float is relatively more sensitive to liquid density variation than the other float. The less sensitive float is used for liquid level measurement and the more sensitive float is used for liquid density measurement. The liquid density float has a lower part completely immersed into a liquid and an upper part partially immersed into a liquid. The upper part is made substantially in the form of a hollow cylinder with an internal diameter larger than the external diameter of the liquid level float. Therefore the liquid density float can move up and down without touching the liquid level float.

Abstract: An example of an apparatus for detecting the lowering of a top surface of a liquid includes a housing that has a housing hole, and an insertion member attached to the housing. A dowel is inserted into the housing hole, and a float is attached to the dowel. A detector switch that has an actuator arm is also attached to the housing, with the actuator arm of the detector switch located proximate a first end of the dowel. An audio transducer is attached to the housing, to sound an alarm if the first end of the dowel does not push the actuator arm to a position near the body of the detector switch, for example due to the lowering of the top surface of a liquid in which the float is placed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for determining the fuel level in a fuel tank. The apparatus includes an acoustic transducer arranged to transmit an acoustic signal and receive a reflected signal. A float remains buoyant at the surface of the fuel in the tank and has a reflective portion for receiving the acoustic signal and reflecting the reflected signal therefrom. An interface circuit is connected to the transducer and measures an elapsed time between transmitting the acoustic signal and receiving the reflected signal. The interface then produces an output as a function of the elapsed time that is indicative of the fuel level in the fuel tank.

Abstract: An automatic liquid shut-off system for a vessel and having a valve in a liquid passageway to control the level of liquid in the vessel so as to prevent an overflow of the liquid. The shut-off system comprises a conduit extending exterior from one wall of the vessel and in liquid communication therewith. A float is disposed in the conduit, and a stem extends from the float co-axially with the conduit, and is affixed to the valve to actuate the valve to a closed position. When the liquid level in the vessel rises to an undesired level, and the liquid in the vessel therefore reaches a level approximately the level of the float, the liquid acting upon the float will actuate the valve to a closed position, thereby shutting off the liquid.

Abstract: A float mounting plate is provided for a dishwasher to limit the level of water in the dishwasher tub. The float has a stem extending downwardly through a stand pipe in the bottom of the tub and into a switch bracket which houses the water level control switch. A tab is provided on the switch bracket which is adapted to extend around the float stem, thereby slidably retaining the retainer ring of the stem for engagement and disengagement with the switch, and limiting lateral or horizontal movement of the stem. In one embodiment, the tab is integrally formed with the bracket, with a living hinge allowing the tab to pivot between open and closed positions. In a second embodiment, the tab snap fits onto the bracket to capture the float stem.

Abstract: The float valve has a water inlet, a perforated bottom surface and a lift valve mounted between the water inlet and the bottom surface. A float and a rocker arm are used to raise and lower the disc of the lift valve in response to a water level inside the housing. The valve seat has a first vertical axis and the water inlet has a second vertical axis and the first and second vertical axes are parallel to each other and are spaced apart a distance corresponding substantially to a radius of the valve seat. In another feature, a stud on the rocker arm interferes with the valve stem when the float is in a down position, for leaning the valve stem away from the axes of the valve seat and of the water inlet.

Abstract: A float, including rubber material for sensing liquid levels having a chemically resistant protective covering said float having greater resistance to attach from chemicals, such as hydrocarbons, acids, and chlorinated solvents, said float may be made to include magnets, guiding devices or sensors. Also disclosed is the method for manufacturing the float of this invention including the steps of milling acrylonitrile rubber, phenolic resin, sulfur and various additives in a Banbury mill and mixing at an elevated temperature below 250°, compression molding at up to 900 psi pressure between 250° and 350° F., cooling and filling pre made protective skin container with the mixture, closing the container and heating the sealed container to bond the mixture to the container skin.

Abstract: A side-mounted float sensor has eight components: a reed switch, two leads, a molded connector, a sensor body, a sealing grommet, a float, and an activation magnet. The two leads are assembled to the molded connector and the reed switch is welded across the leads. The molded connector is inserted into the sensor body. The sensor body has an opening that receives a portion of the float. The float is keyed to the sensor body and a flange extends from the sensor body so that the float can only be installed on one side of the sensor body. The float rests on an upper portion of the sensor body and is completely contained behind a circular disk which terminates the sensor body and guides the sensor body during insertion through the sealing grommet.

Abstract: A fill valve assembly comprises a valve body extending along a longitudinal axis and defining a fluid inlet, a valve seat and at least one fluid outlet, an axially slidable valve element arranged for axially slidable movement along the longitudinal axis, into and out of sealing engagement with the valve seat, the axially slidable valve element defining a first upstream conical surface having a first surface area and a second downstream conical surface having a second surface area, greater than the first surface area, and a fill sensor operative below a predetermined fill threshold to prevent the axially slidable valve element from establishing sealing engagement with the valve seat.

Abstract: A side-mounted float sensor has eight components: a reed switch, two leads, a molded connector, a sensor body, a sealing grommet, a float, and an activation magnet. The two leads are assembled to the molded connector and the reed switch is welded across the leads. The molded connector is inserted into the sensor body. The sensor body has an opening that receives a portion of the float. The float is keyed to the sensor body and a flange extends from the sensor body so that the float can only be installed on one side of the sensor body. The float rests on an upper portion of the sensor body and is completely contained behind a circular disk which terminates the sensor body and guides the sensor body during insertion through the sealing grommet.

Abstract: In a tank for liquid fuel, particularly a tank for LPG in a system for supply of LPG to the internal-combustion engine of a motor vehicle, the level-sensor device comprises a floating member guided so as to move in a substantially vertical direction within the tank according to the variations of level, and transducer means consisting of an aligned series of reed relays that are activated selectively by one or more permanent magnets carried by the floating member.

Abstract: A fluid tank valve assembly of the type employed for water tanks for toilets has a tank refill valve located atop a fluid inlet supply tube. The refill valve has a lever that is raised and lowered to open and close the valve. An inverted, cup-shaped hood is positioned atop the valve and a float is located about the skirt of the hood and secured thereto by the force of friction. The float can be moved longitudinally along the skirt of the hood in order to vary the water level at which the hood bears down upon the lever arm or is lifted from the lever arm, thereby varying the water level at which the valve is actuated. The valve itself is equipped with a metering pin that is configured to reduce the likelihood of clogging in the longitudinal passage of the core of the valve diaphragm.

Abstract: For measurement of a liquid level, an optical fiber connected at its one end portion to force receiving means movably arranged in liquid to receive force from the liquid is dipped in the liquid together with the force receiving means, and a change in the force acting on said force receiving means when the liquid level changes is detected as a change in strain in the optical fiber by means of an optical fiber strain gauge connected to the other end of the optical fiber, thus measuring a water level of the liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a faucet for filling tanks known as silent and/or fast-closing faucets. The faucet comprises a basic structure and functionalities such as those disclosed in Patent 9400095. The device assembly controlling opening and closing of the faucet has important improvements in comparison with other conventional faucets and in comparison with the above-mentioned patent. The faucet also includes a lever system connecting the float and the piston acting upon the opening and closing device. In additional, improvement deals with the telescopic structure of the fluid outlet tubes to the tank in order to regulate the height thereof depending on the depth of the tank so that the fluid is always discharged into the water with the aim of preventing noises.

Abstract: A compact ball tap with 1 a water level switch which comprises a guide standpipe 5 vertically arranged in a tank T, a float 6 slidably installed on the guide standpipe 5, a valve 3, a lever 4 controlling an open-close action of the valve 3 connected with the float 6, and a water level switch 29 transmitting predetermined control signals when the float 6 shifts to a predetermined water level, wherein one float 6 is shared by the ball tap 1 and the water level switch 29.

Abstract: A ball cock assembly includes a water supply riser with a valve for controlling water flow into a toilet tank. The valve includes an arm extending therefrom for opening and closing the valve. A float container is provided and disposed adjacent to the riser for movement therealong and a float is disposed in the float container for rising within the float container upon water flow into the float container. An actuator is disposed in an operative relationship with the float, float container and valve arm for operating the valve. The actuator includes an outer member attached to the float for moving the valve arm and an inner member for adjusting a level of the float container along the riser independent of movement of the valve arm by the outer member.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a float for a liquid waste disposal apparatus having a simple structure for enabling the content inside a container to be easily visually recognizable and allowing a faster and steadier solidification of an absorbed liquid waste. A water-absorptive material 6 is retained inside a spherical float 5 in a manner where a water-absorptive material 6 is wrapped by a water permeable sheet 22 inside a hemispherical primary structural portion 5a and a secondary structural portion 5b capable of being separated into two portions, and thus structured, a circle shaped hole 5c or a square shaped hole 5d of the float 5 serving as a flow path for flowing downward a liquid waste 21 absorbed from an upper portion into a lying member L is formed at the surface of the float 5. The float 5 is contained inside the lying member L in a floatable manner permitted to revolve in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A redundant level measuring system comprises a chamber for fluidic coupling to a process vessel whereby material level in the vessel equalizes with material level in the chamber. A float including a magnet in the chamber rises and falls with material level in the chamber. A magnet actuated visual indicator is mounted to the chamber for indicating level of the magnet in the chamber. A measurement instrument includes a probe and a measurement circuit. The instrument is mounted atop the chamber with the probe extending downwardly into the chamber. The measurement circuit measures a characteristic of the probe representing level of the material in the chamber. A shield in the chamber isolate the float from the probe.

Abstract: A float retainer is provided for a dishwasher to limit the level of water in the dishwasher tub. The float has a stem extending downwardly through a stand pipe in the bottom of the tub and into a switch bracket which houses the water level control switch. A tab is provided on the switch bracket which is adapted to snap fit around the float stem, thereby slidably retaining the retainer ring of the stem for engagement and disengagement with the switch.

Abstract: A non-fouling liquid level detector and control especially for a sealed system likely to have iron particle contaminants. The device employs a float projecting above the liquid level and bearing above the liquid level a unmagnetized ferromagnetic tell-tale. A magnetic field is generated by a magnet positioned outside the sealed system. The magnetic field extends around the float and tell-tale through a magnetically permeable partition comprising a wall of the sealed system that is positioned between the magnet and the float. The float position is monitored by a magnetic field sensor such as a Hall Effect device positioned adjacent the magnet, outside the sealed system. The sensor responds to the movement of the tell-tale. The output of the sensor is employed to control the monitored liquid level.

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 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: An electro-mechanical liquid level float switch that continuously actuates a switch on sensing a change in the liquid upon reaching a threshold level, where the float-switch requires manual reset once the switch has been actuated. The float switch has an elongated stem with a reed switch embedded in one end of the stem, and a float with a magnetic portion. The float is constrained to move between a stop below the switch and an upper stop above the switch. When the float is abutted against the upper stop, it is aligned with the switch. Once aligned with the switch, the switch is actuated. The float is held is alignment with the switch by a magnet located in the upper stop, where the magnet can support the weight of the float. Once the switch is actuated it remains actuated, unless the float is physically separated from the magnet.

Abstract: A filling level sensor (2) for a fuel container (1) of a motor vehicle has two lever arms (4, 5). One of the lever arms (4) supports a float (10), while the other lever arm (5) is prestressed against the bottom of the fuel container (1). A detecting device (6) for detecting the filling level in the fuel container (1) determines the difference between the positions of the lever arms (4, 5). The detection of the filling level in the fuel container (1) is hereby rendered very accurate.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating a fluid level in a reservoir includes a conduit for communication with a reservoir and including a sight glass. A buoyant primary float is provided within the conduit, and a stop is provided within the conduit for engaging the primary float to prevent travel of the primary float beyond an upper portion of the conduit. A buoyant secondary float in the conduit is moveable together with the primary float when the primary float is not engaged by the stop, and is moveable separately from the primary float when the primary float is engaged by the stop and a fluid level in the conduit exceeds the level of the stop such that a portion of the secondary float may travel separately within the upper portion of the conduit. The secondary float preferable includes an elongate portion that passes through an aperture in the primary float, and a buoyant upper portion that is located above the primary float and is larger than the aperture in the primary float.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing a level of fluid within a container. The apparatus includes a first cantilevered arm having a first float coupled to the container. The apparatus additionally includes a second cantilevered arm having a second float coupled to the first cantilevered arm. The apparatus further includes a position sensing mechanism for sensing the relative positions of the first and second cantilevered arms and responsively determining the level of fluid within the container.