Abstract: The invention relates to an electric machine comprising a rotor and a stator. The rotor (40, 4) comprises a plurality of permanent magnets (4), the stator comprises a plurality of coils suitable for being powered by an electric current and two Hall effect sensors (6) on supports (60). The sensors are configured to detect a change in gradient of the normal component of a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnets (4). The stator comprises a part (7) comprising —a first zone (7a), —a second zone (7b), and a third zone (7c) extending from the first zone (7a) up to the second zone (7b). The maximum radial thickness of the third zone (7c) is less than the minimum radial thickness of the first zone and the second zone.

Abstract: A non-contact angle/torque sensor comprises an upper rotor in an annular shape having a central axis, and in which magnets are located, the magnets positioned within the annular shape around the central axis with the north and the south poles of adjacent magnets being oriented opposite to one another, and a lower rotor in an annular shape and sharing the central axis of the upper rotor, and located spaced outwardly from an outer circumferential surface of the upper rotor. The lower rotor has upper and lower stators spaced apart along the central axis. The upper stator has upper and lower backplanes and a series of upper and lower extensions extending from the respective backplanes. The upper extensions and the lower extensions are not intermeshed or overlapped.

Abstract: A working vehicle includes a housing member in which fluid is housed, and a gauge that indicates a remaining amount of the fluid in the housing member. The gauge is disposed at a central portion of the housing member in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An embodiment discloses a sensor arrangement comprising disc shaped structure with a plurality of magnetic elements which are at least provided on end faces of the disc shaped structure. The sensor arrangement includes a hollow disc structure, the hollow disc structure comprising two end faces, wherein each of the two end faces of the second structure comprises a plurality of teeth spaced apart from each other, the teeth on the two end faces are arranged in opposing positions. Teeth on a respective same end face of the hollow disc structure are spaced from each other. The disc shaped structure is rotatable with respect to the hollow disc structure. A magnetic field sensor is provided to sense a magnetic field generated by the plurality magnetic elements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a torque sensor unit including a magnetic member fixed to a first output shaft member, a pair of first and second yoke members fixed to an input shaft member and surrounding an outer circumferential side of the magnetic member and a magnetic sensor adapted to detect a magnetic flux passing through between the yoke members. The magnetic member is provided with a sleeve and a permanent magnet. The sleeve is formed of a metal material in a substantially cylindrical shape and has a plurality of radially extending support portions and a plurality of axially extending engagement protrusions between the support portions. The permanent magnet is formed into an annular shape and has a plurality of axially extending engagement grooves cut in an inner circumferential surface thereof. The permanent magnet and the sleeve are coupled via a resin-based filling material.

Abstract: A solid state illuminator and display means are provided for bi-coloured ported water level gauges suitable for use in high pressure steam drums or similar water/steam devices to facilitate making an accurate determination of water level in such a device. The illuminator comprises an array of bi-coloured solid state light emitting diodes (LEDs), as the light source, and a precision lens to focus the light provided from the LEDs through a gauge body and onto the view screen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid level gage and an illuminator therefor. One embodiment of the liquid level gage includes a housing, a liquid column, an illuminator, and a power supply. The housing has a first or front end and a second or rear end. The liquid column includes a plurality of liquid column bodies connected to the front end of the housing. The liquid column also includes a first or front port assembly and a second or rear port assembly connected to each liquid column body. The liquid column is connected, either directly or indirectly, to a vessel. The illuminator includes a plurality of directed light source assemblies connected to the rear end of the housing. Half of the directed light source assemblies emit a first color light and half of the directed light source assemblies emit a second color light. A pair of bi-color directed light source assemblies (i.e.

Abstract: The invention concerns a position sensor, designed in particular for detecting a steering column torsion, consisting of a first magnetic structure including a plurality of magnets and a second magnetic structure including two ferromagnetic rings (6, 7) having a plurality of teeth (11, 12) and defining an air gap wherein is placed at least a magneto-sensitive element (15), the two magnetic structures being respectively integral with two parts in relative rotation. The invention is characterised in that the two ferromagnetic rings (6, 7) are nested and have each a substantially tubular part forming axially oriented teeth (11, 123) connected by a flux-closing zone (13, 14), the detecting air gap being delimited by said flux-closing zones.

Abstract: A solid state illuminator and display means are provided for bi-colored ported water level gauges suitable for use in high pressure steam drums or similar water/steam devices to facilitate making an accurate determination of water level in such a device. The illuminator comprises an array of bi-colored solid state light emitting diodes (LEDs), as the light source, and a precision lens to focus the light provided from the LEDs through a gauge body and onto the view screen.

Abstract: An armored sight gauge assembly of the type having a sight tube that is placed between first and second spaced apart fittings to show a liquid level comprising an elongated main body positioned between and permanently connected to the first and second fittings. The main body incorporates a flanged U-shaped frame member to which there is removably affixed a transparent sight tube shield. A sight tube assembly substantially surrounded by the flanged U-shaped frame member on three sides and is insertably captured by the first and second fittings. A valve assembly and ball check shutoff is incorporated within the internal portion of each of the first and second fittings as is a misalignment union which is removably attached to each fitting.

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: An improved fluid level verification apparatus which may be manufactured or otherwise fabricated as a kit and assembled at a remote location for use on liquid filled containers and configured to reduce inherent mechanical stresses on the inspection tube and resists leakage due to environmental, chemical, thermal or mechanical expansion cycles by using internal grooves and entrapped o-rings.

Abstract: A sight glass assembly for a water heater flame trap and a method of making same is disclosed. A rectangular-shaped sight glass frame casing being comprised of a thin metal plate further comprising a rounded rectangular cut-out window and two metal tabs on opposite sides of the casing acting as a retainer to hold the planar transparent material of the sight window tight to the rectangular-shaped gasket. The metal frame casing of the sight glass assembly attaches to the exterior of the flame trap compartment of the hot water heater by: (a) either inserting the tabs, further comprising metal clips, into the gasket whereby they expand, locking the metal frame casing in place; or in a second embodiment (b) riveting the tabs, now in the shape of a flange, directly to the hot water heater shell. The metal frame casing is formed by a metal stamping procedure that allows for easier and more economic manufacture of the sight glass retainer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an insulated beverage carafe adapted for use in an automatic drip coffee maker fabricated from non-reactive metal, having a heat resistant plastic handle that includes a detachable substantially transparent tubular gauge adapted to measure the amount of beverage within the carafe. Also taught is a method for preparing and serving hot coffee suitable in beverage service in individually dispensed portions, reading the gauge to determine when the carafe is empty; and, cleaning the empty carafe in a commercial dishwasher. An article of manufacture comprising packaging material containing an insulated beverage carafe with a handle that includes a gauge adapted to measure the amount of beverage within the carafe is also taught. The packaging material includes a brochure that provides directions for the use of said carafe.

Abstract: A container of coolant used in a NIKON.TM. stepper is utilizing a transparent duct mounted on a side of the container of coolant to check a liquid level. The container of coolant can be conventional or other similar container of coolant.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring a refrigerant in a vapor compression system utilizes a sight glass in fluid communication with the condenser. Refrigerant collects in the sight glass and, upon reaching equilibrium, can be read to provide an accurate measure of the amount of refrigerant in the entire vapor compression system.

Abstract: A by-pass level indicator includes a main tube in communication with a tank via a pair of by-pass tube members, a float containing a magnet and an indicator attachably mounted to the main tube and having a series of magnetic colored flags reacting with the magnet of the float for indicating level of the tank. Each of the by-pass tube members includes a T-joint having an upright tube receivably engaging with one end of the main tube and a transverse tube integrally extending from the upright tube communicating the main tube to the tank. The transverse tube has a male threaded end portion to partly receiving an O-ring. The by-pass tube member further has a combination of a union and a collar adapted to communicating the transverse tube with the tank. The collar is threadingly engaged with the male threaded end portion of the transverse tube and clamps a connecting tube of the union to the transverse tube simultaneously compressing a protruding portion of the O-ring, thereby achieving a fluid-tight seal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a replaceable sight gauge system to monitor fluid levels in a reservoir or fluid tank. The sight gauge of the present system is mounted to the wall of a fluid tank by two bolt assemblies. The bolt assemblies, which include an entry bolt, an exit bolt, and a fastener, are designed to selectively allow fluid from the tank to flow through the bolt assembly into the sight gauge while holding the sight gauge securely against the fluid tank. The entry bolt houses a valve which opens when the exit bolt is mated with the entry bolt. When the exit bolt is disengaged from the entry bolt, the valve moves back to a closed position so that fluid cannot escape from the fluid tank. The sight gauge can easily be replaced from the disengaged exit bolt.

Abstract: An improved sight glass for use in determining the level of water in steam boilers and similar installations is disclosed. The end flanges are provided with molded inserts, preferably of PTFE or similar fluorocarbon material which serves to provide a sealing washer when the device is connected to communicating pipe flanges at an outer surface thereof, and provides a seal at the annular end surfaces of the sight glass. A concentrically disposed guard tube is also maintained in sealed relation relative to the end flanges, and is preferably of polycarbonate or similar material. The guard tube is supported by oppositely disposed rectangular cross-sectioned "O" rings which provide for the sealing of the cylindrically shaped space between the outer surface of the sight glass and the inner surface of the guard tube. Peripherally positioned tie rods prevent excess tightening of the end flanges, thus preventing excess axially oriented pressure on the sight glass.

Abstract: A sight glass assembly (1) is provided which is securable to a pressure vessel (V). The sight glass assembly includes a body (3) having top, bottom, front, back, and side walls defining a chamber (25) which is in fluid communication with the interior of the vessel. A glass (7) is secured in the sight glass body by a cover (11) to permit viewing of the vessel contents and sensors in the sight glass chamber. A baffle (29) in the sight glass body divides the chamber into a front chamber (33) and a back chamber (31). The baffle causes steam foam or bubbles from the vessel to condense in the back chamber so that only liquid enters the front chamber. The sensors are placed in the front chamber where they cannot be contacted by the foam or bubbles. By preventing foam or bubbles from entering the front chamber, and thus from contacting the sensing devices and the glass, the possibility of false readings by the devices and etching of the glass during operational use of the assembly is reduced.

Abstract: A sight gauge is placed between two spaced apart compression type fittings connected to a vessel to show the liquid level in the vessel. The sight gauge has an elongated tubular transparent tube shield and a slightly longer elongated transparent sight tube that is received within the sight tube shield. An upper and a lower connection plate are each telescopically received by the sight tube, the sight tube shield being captured between the connection plates. An upper and a lower nozzle member each has an opening to respectively capture the upper and lower ends of the sight tube. An upper and lower elastomeric O-ring is received on the sight tube positioned between the connection plates and the nozzle members. Bolts secure the nozzle member to the compression plates to squeeze the O-rings against the sight tube so that the sight tube retains and supports the tube shield. Each nozzle member has an elongated tubular portion that can be received in a compression fitting.

Abstract: A sanitary sight indicator for viewing the contents of a production process is provided. The sanitary sight indicator includes a body, an optical unit, and a sanitary connection between the body and the optical unit. The body includes a process-interfacing portion which is adapted to interface with the production process and an optical-interfacing portion which interfaces with the optical unit. The optical unit includes a viewing portion for viewing the contents of the production process and a body-interfacing portion which interfaces with the optical-interfacing portion of the body. The sanitary connection includes a sanitary gasket having a substantially flat annular portion, and first and second annular projections which are approximately semi-circular in cross-sectional shape and which extend outwardly from opposite sides of the annular portion. The sanitary connection further includes a sanitary gasket-groove in each of the optical unit-interfacing portion and the body-interfacing portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a change in the amount of liquid in a storage tank. The apparatus comprises a vertical upright standpipe for filling with a liquid to a level that generates a hydrostatic head pressure substantially equivalent to that exerted by the liquid in the storage tank; a sensor for sensing hydrostatic head pressure differential between the liquid in the storage tank and the liquid in the standpipe; a connector for connecting the standpipe to the pressure differential sensor, the standpipe connector being substantially horizontally disposed to the standpipe; and a connector for connecting the storage tank to the pressure differential sensor, the storage tank connector being substantially horizontally disposed to the storage wherein the standpipe connector and the tank connector are in substantial axial alignment with each other. Any change in the liquid pressure in the tank as a result of leakage from the tank will change the differential pressure measured by the pressure transducer.

Abstract: A vertically mountable sight gauge is comprised of one or more serially connectable sections for visually determining the level or the volume, or both, of liquid stored in a container. Each section has an upper and lower housing. Each housing has a passage therethrough with a first end and second end, is surrounded by a flange, and is attached to the ends of a straight length of substantially transparent, flexible pipe. The pipe is surrounded by a cylindrical, substantial transparent, rigid shield and a cylindrical, substantially transparent, rigid sleeve. The bottom end of the sleeve is surrounded by a shoulder. The outer diameter of the top end of the sleeve is less than inner diameter of the shield, such that the sleeve telescopically engages the shield. Biasing means bears against the bottom end of the shield and the sleeve's shoulder, surrounds and overlaps the sleeve, and urges the shield against the upper housing and the sleeve against the lower housing.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine including a cabinet having therein a spin tub rotatably disposed within a stationary drain tub, and an additive liquid dispensing system comprised of a multi-load reservoir of additive liquid connected hydraulically through a pump to a liquid ejector nozzle. The reservoir comprises a liquid-tight housing which is vertically elongated and has a triangular cross-sectional shape for fitting into an elongated corner portion of the cabinet adjacent a front defining wall thereof. A side of the housing adjacent the front defining wall has a vertically elongated transparent portion disposed coextensively in alignment with a vertically elongated window in the front defining wall of the cabinet. The transparent portion of the housing may comprise a vertically extending tubular member disposed in communication with additive liquid in the housing such that the level of liquid in the tubular member is an indication of the level of liquid in the housing.

Abstract: A liquid level sight gauge useful in the fuel tank of a recreational vehicle such as a snowmobile is molded in two parts and can be installed without special tools in simple cylindrical holes provided in the wall of the tank or container. The gauge has a tubular body communicating with projecting cylindrical spigots which are passed through sleeves of a resilient gasket which sleeves secure them in the holes of the container wall.

Abstract: A sight flow indication apparatus with multi-sealing protective arrangements includes: an upper and a lower flange coupling member, each member having a stuffing box formed therein; a first and a second gland member each having a gland pipe portion formed in conjunction with the stuffing boxes; a transparent sight flow tube, the periphery of which has a layer of a thin film of a transparent protective material disposed thereon, tightly secured in the stuffing boxes between the upper and lower flange coupling members through the first and second gland members and a plurality of gasket members; and a plurality of gland packing members respectively disposed in the stuffing boxes in connection with the first and second gland members and the transparent sight flow tube; whereby, when the first and second gland members and the transparent sight flow tube are tightly fastened between the upper and lower flange coupling members, effective means of sealing protection are achieved accordingly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bi-color fluviograph of transmission and reflection type, which increases the intensity of the red and green lights. Colored light sources are used and the principles of transmission and reflection of prism are adopted to transmit or reflect red and green light respectively. When there is some water in it, red color can be seen clearly. When there is no water, green color can be seen clearly. This new fluviograph improves the utilizing condition of the former bi-color fluviograph of transmission and reflection type. It can reduce the frequency of cleaning the steam boiler fluviograph which has no water treatment equipment and it can also used for pressure containers with poisonous and combustible.

Abstract: A safety viewing window for observing the interior of a pressure vessel is the subject of this invention. This viewing window is made up of an optically clear window disc fused to a metal frame. A laminate is overcoated over the fused disc and frame to provide a corrosion resistant viewing window. The metal frame has attached to it brackets for securing the entire unit to the vessel in a pressure tight manner.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a sight glass in the lower gearcase of a marine engine wherein the gearcase has a circular opening in its side. The circular opening has three concentric segments, the outermost segment has the largest diameter and is internally threaded. The center segment is sized to accomodate a disc-shaped transparent sight glass. The innermost segment has a diameter less than the center segment and the surface between the center and innermost segments contains an annular groove. An O-ring or resilient waterproof material fits into the annular groove and the disc-shaped sight glass is fitted into the center segment of the opening in the grearcase with its outer edge pressed against the O-ring. A ring-shaped window cover is then threadedly fitted into the outermost segment of the opening in the gearcase and firmly pressed against the sight glass and locked in place by a lock nut screwed into a threaded hole in the adjoining edges of the window cover and the gearcase.

Abstract: A sight glass assembly for observing the lubricant in the lower gearcase of a marine engine. The assembly is designed to be bonded into a circular hole in the lower gearcase housing and includes a window retaining ring which is bonded to the gearcase housing and a lock ring located inside the gearcase, an annular O-ring of resilient water proof material fitted into an annular groove in the retaining ring, a cylindrical disc-shaped transparent sight glass one of whose two outer edges is pressed against the O-ring, and a window cover having a central void and an annular face which is pressed against the second outer edge of the sight glass. The window cover is threadedly joined to the window retaining ring and is preferably locked into place by a lock screw threaded into a hole in the adjoining edges of the window retaining ring and the window cover.

Abstract: A shielded tubular gauge for placement between two spaced apart fittings connected to a vessel to show the level of liquid in the vessel, including an elongated frame having a U-shaped cross-sectional configuration, a connection housing secured to each end of the frame and each having an opening therethrough, the opening being internally threaded in the outer portions thereof, a transparent tubular member received in the frame and in the housings openings, a packing nut received in the threaded opening in each of the housings, each of the packing nuts having a portion extending beyond the housing providing a cylindrical surface receivable in the fittings attached to the vessel, an elastomeric packing ring within each housing engaged by the packing nut and compressed against the exterior of the tubular member and a protective shield, such as of transparent material like polycarbonate or expanded metal, received in the frame providing protection for the tubular member.

Abstract: Apparatus for the visual indication of the level of liquid contained in boilers, tanks, reservoirs or the like is described, comprising an outer tube connected to the receptacle and having a float which contains a permanent magnetic dipole. Adjacent the tube is a column of rotatably mounted bi-colored cylinders, some of which show one color and the rest another when viewed from one direction, to indicate the level of the liquid. In accordance with the invention, the permanent magnetic dipole is automatically orientated by the magnets in bi-colored cylinders as it is mounted rotatably about a vertical axis.

Abstract: A gage glass assembly can be mounted in a standard pipe joint flange and has a sleeve with an inturned flange at the outer end and an outwardly extending flange at the inner end. A pair of cylindrical lenses inside the sleeve are interspaced by a plastic sheet that also extends axially between the inner lens and the sleeve and outwardly over the outwardly extending flange. Both lenses and the sheet are bonded together and to the sleeve by a transparent, plastic material. A liquid level gage has a cover extending over a body having an elongated central chamber and the cover has a similarly elongated recess facing the chamber. A pair of glass lenses are stacked in the recess and a transparent plastic sheet extends between the lenses, along the side of the inner lens and outwardly over the inner side of the cover, where it serves as a gasket between the cover and the body. A plastic bonding material fills the space between the plastic sheet, the two lenses, and the cover recess.

Abstract: A sight gage for indicating the liquid level in a tank having tubular sight members includes a multipart sealing gland to prevent the gage from deteriorating because of corrosion and deposits appearing thereon.

Abstract: A gauge glass protector includes an annular grommet carried by a frustro-conical skirt and an inverted collector rim at the circumference of the skirt. A drainage hole for condensate is located at the juncture of the collector rim and the conical skirt for draining the collected liquid out of the trough formed between the skirt and the rim. The same device may be used as an aerosol mist collector by inverting it. In another embodiment of the invention the skirt may comprise a semi-circular flexible collar which when assembled has a frustro-conical shape. Another embodiment calls for a spiral wire attached to the sight gauge including a conical run-off trough at the point where the wire is tangential to the gauge.

Abstract: Steam turbine hydraulic control system utilizing hydraulic fluid more dense than water accumulates any moisture present as vapor over the fluid reservoir. A detector for such moisture vapor which indicates unacceptable moisture admixed with the hydraulic fluid is connected in gas flow relationship with fluid reservoir at a level above the fluid level. A detector element, preferably a polished ferrous metal plate which readily rusts in the presence of water vapor, is maintained in a detector chamber having transparent portions, allowing for visual inspection to detect rusting and, hence, the presence of moisture in the hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A liquid level gauge having at least one transparent wall and a base wall on the exterior of a vessel. The gauge is secured to and communicates with the interior of the vessel by an eyelet connecting adjacent ports in the gauge and the vessel.