With Liquid Level Responsive Gauge Or Compensator Patents (Class 73/447)
  • Patent number: 12123817
    Abstract: A device to determine density includes a housing, a first transducer disposed in the housing at a first position, and a second transducer disposed in the housing at a second position. The second transducer is located a distance from the first transducer. The device also includes a controller that reads a first output from the first transducer, and reads a second output from the second transducer. The controller determines a density of a liquid based on the first output, the second output, and the distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Homeland Security
    Inventors: Jeffrey Barber, James C. Weatherall, Duane Karns, Barry T. Smith
  • Patent number: 11761870
    Abstract: A device to determine density includes a housing, a first transducer disposed in the housing at a first position, and a second transducer disposed in the housing at a second position. The second transducer is located a distance from the first transducer. The device also includes a controller that reads a first output from the first transducer, and reads a second output from the second transducer. The controller determines a density of a liquid based on the first output, the second output, and the distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Homeland Security
    Inventors: Jeffrey Barber, James C. Weatherall, Duane Karns, Barry T. Smith
  • Patent number: 9354103
    Abstract: A level sensing device is disclosed that provides a lightweight but robust design and incorporates the use of an LVDT to determine the level of a fluid in a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: AAI Corporation
    Inventor: Richard Uskert
  • Patent number: 8410944
    Abstract: A radiator detecting device of the present invention includes a radiator cap, a sensing unit, a circuit device, a warning device, and an adjusting means. One end of the sensing unit connects to the radiator cap, and another end extends toward a direction away from the radiator cap. The circuit device has a circuit board. The circuit board includes a control circuit for detecting a state of the sensing unit, and the sensing unit selectively makes the control circuit generate a suggestion signal. Once receiving the suggestion signal generated by the control circuit, the warning device generates a warning signal. The adjusting means is used for adjusting a length of the sensing unit received in the radiator. Said sensing unit can be moved with respect to the radiator between a first position and a second position. Thereby, the sensing unit can fit different depths of different radiators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Wen-Hui Hung
  • Patent number: 8011225
    Abstract: An assembly for measuring both the level and specific gravity of a liquid in a container includes a first sensor arrangement for sensing the level of the liquid in the container, and a second sensor arrangement for sensing the specific gravity of the liquid. The first sensor arrangement measures and then independently outputs at least one signal relating to the liquid level in the container. The second sensor arrangement measures and then independently outputs at least one signal relating to the specific gravity of the liquid in the container, thereby providing an integrated device to measure both parameters of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: DUCool Ltd.
    Inventor: Dan Forkosh
  • Patent number: 7674551
    Abstract: A state of charge indicator for a battery having a liquid electrolyte includes a viewing rod having an observation surface at a first end, a conical reflection surface at a second end, and a generally cylindrical outer surface intermediate the first end and the second end. The viewing rod includes a central longitudinal axis. The state of charge indicator also includes a ball cage coupled to the second end of the viewing rod through which the electrolyte can flow and at least one ball guide channel provided in the ball cage and arranged obliquely with respect to the central longitudinal axis. The ball guide channel includes an upper boundary surface adjacent the conical reflection surface. The upper boundary surface is smoothly connected to the conical reflection surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: VB Autobatterie GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Streuer
  • Patent number: 7618593
    Abstract: On an upper surface of a container body, there are disposed at least a base portion of a concentration meter configured to detect the concentration of a liquid reducing agent based on a heat transmission characteristic between two spaced points, and a heat exchanger configured to permit the engine coolant to circulate therein and arranged to surround a detecting section of the concentration meter, which hangs from the base portion of the concentration meter via a supporting column thereof, to thereby perform the heat exchange with the liquid reducing agent, and also, a protector or an encasing element of substantially box shape is arranged to surround a lower portion of the heat exchanger and the detecting section of the concentration meter, and further, a visor is attached on the supporting column of the concentration meter, which is positioned above the protector by a predetermined interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignees: Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd., Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Nishina, Hideki Matsunaga, Shinichi Inoue, Toshimi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7544328
    Abstract: A canopy is removably secured to the container body, is respectively fitted with: a base of a water level indicator for detecting a remaining amount of liquid reducing agent; a base of a densitometer for detecting a concentration of a liquid reducing agent; and a heat exchanger which surrounds detection portions respectively suspended from the bases of the water level indicator and the densitometer, and through which is circulated engine coolant, to perform heat exchange with the liquid reducing agent, and a supply port and a return port for the liquid reducing agent are respectively formed in the canopy. The water level indicator, the densitometer, the heat exchanger, and the supply port and the return port for the liquid reducing agent are formed integrally with the canopy, so that the water level indicator and the densitometer can be dismounted together with the canopy at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Osaku, Toshio Kondou, Kiyoshi Fukuda
  • Patent number: 7454969
    Abstract: A magnetostrictive fuel level probe includes a spring-loaded foot. The probe shaft of the fuel level probe moves up and down within the spring-loaded foot as a function of fuel density. The spring-loaded foot includes a reference magnet whose height relative to the bottom of a fuel storage tank is fixed. Currents generated by the fuel level probe allow measurement of how much of the fuel level probe is positioned above the reference magnet, and from this measurement, the buoyancy of the fuel level probe may be measured. From the buoyancy of the fuel level probe, the fuel density may be calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Veeder-Root Company
    Inventor: Robert P. Hart
  • Patent number: 7430907
    Abstract: A battery and battery condition indicator are provided with a seal as monolithic structures whereby the indicator is inserted in an opening in the battery and sealed there against via ribs in the battery confronted by a surface of the indicator and/or ribs on the indicator embedded in a surface of the battery defining the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Summer, Martin A. Witt
  • Patent number: 7403860
    Abstract: A magnetostrictive fuel level probe includes a spring-loaded foot. The probe shaft of the fuel level probe moves up and down within the spring-loaded foot as a function of fuel density. The spring-loaded foot includes a reference magnet whose height relative to the bottom of a fuel storage tank is fixed. Currents generated by the fuel level probe allow measurement of how much of the fuel level probe is positioned above the reference magnet, and from this measurement, the buoyancy of the fuel level probe may be measured. From the buoyancy of the fuel level probe, the fuel density may be calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Veeder-Root Company
    Inventor: Robert P. Hart
  • Patent number: 7229585
    Abstract: An injection molded plastic rod suitable for use in a battery hydrometer. Stress-relieving formations are provided symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of an injection gate of the rod. The formations distribute injection stresses and shield the gate vestige.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Summer
  • Patent number: 7228737
    Abstract: A light transmissive body for a fluid condition indicator has a substantial length shaped as a cruciform in transverse cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
    Inventors: Mark J. Summer, Martin A. Witt
  • Patent number: 6393910
    Abstract: The battery charge indicator cage is molded as a single integral piece with two cores coming in and shutting off against each other. The battery charge indicator cage includes an internal diagonal channel in which a colored ball or balls traverse dependent upon the presence of a fluid of at least a predetermined density. A stem is formed within the diagonal channel in order to form the one-ball embodiment. This stem is removed in order to form the two-ball embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Holger M. Korb, Rafal Krupa
  • Patent number: 5938885
    Abstract: A method for continuously monitoring and controlling the etch rates within integrated circuits of silicon nitride insulator layers and silicon nitride insulator structures in aqueous ortho-phosphoric acid (H3PO4) solutions. To practice the method of the present invention, there is first provided an etch bath chamber containing therein an aqueous ortho-phosphoric acid (H3PO4) solution. There is provided continuously from the etch bath chamber to a hydrometer cell a sample stream of the aqueous ortho-phosphoric acid (H3PO4) solution. The sample stream of the aqueous ortho-phosphoric acid (H3PO4) solution is analyzed continuously within the hydrometer cell to provide a continuous specific gravity analysis of the sample stream of the aqueous ortho-phosphoric acid (H3PO4) solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Chung Huang, Shu Mei Chen
  • Patent number: 5900547
    Abstract: A differential level hydrometer reduces the possibility for user error and provides an accurate, predictable, easy to use, reliable instrument for measuring the density (specific gravity) of a liquid. The differential level hydrometer works by automatically measuring the level of a liquid within a vessel and floating, in the liquid, a calibrated float having a precisely known volume and density. The instrument automatically measures the level of the liquid within the vessel while the float is floating in the liquid, and automatically calculates the density (specific gravity) of the liquid based on the two measured levels and the volume and density of the float. Temperature and meniscus correction may be used to improve repeatability and accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: ThermoProbe Inc.
    Inventor: Luke Bartkiewicz
  • Patent number: 5045836
    Abstract: A vehicle anti-freeze monitor for monitoring the capability of the vehicle's coolant mixture in the cooling system of the vehicle to resist freezing. The monitor includes a light emitting diode, a reed switch for coupling the indicator to a source of electricity and for selectively activating and deactivating the indicator. Also included is a float for submersion into the vehicle's coolant mixture. The float includes a buoyant body and a magnet which activates the reed switch when the vehicle's coolant mixture is in a safe condition against freezing and deactivates the reed switch when the coolant mixture is in an unsafe freezable condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Inventor: Eugene R. Nobles, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5012589
    Abstract: A level gauge is used on a tank containing a liquid. The gauge utilizes a displacer suspended on a support wire or tape which is wound on a storage wheel. The storage wheel is balanced by a counterweight. Any change in liquid level results in an imbalance which causes a servo motor to energize and rotate the wheel to bring the counterweight and displacer back into balance. The change in level is determined by counting the steps of motor operation. The changes in level are determined using the relationship between length and steps of motor operation. The level gauge is operable to continually correct calculation to compensate for changes in wire length per turn of the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: Magnetrol International
    Inventor: Michel Remion
  • Patent number: 4989453
    Abstract: A battery condition readout device is disclosed. A series of slides of varying densities float or sink according to the amount of charge. An optical system permits slide position to be seen at a point external to the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Inventor: Alan Hiiesalu
  • Patent number: 4972710
    Abstract: A tank leak detection system in which a liquid level multiplier is connected to a differential pressure transmitter one side of which may be piped back into the tank to compensate for internal changes in tank pressure. A capillary having a small bore connects the transmitter and the multiplier to reduce temperature effects. Changes in tank temperature may be sensed, i.e., by a long bulb thermometer and either fed to a temperature transmitter to convert temperature change into a single to a computer used to calculate true tank level and output a signal proportional thereto or fed to the level transmitter to compensate for temperature changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Uhlarik, Jerry A. King
  • Patent number: 4924700
    Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for measuring storage parameters such as level and temperature relating to immiscible liquids or fluids in a tank. The apparatus comprises a pulse generator (1) for generating pulses which are applied to a delay line (3) with reflected pulses being representative of the depths of the various liquids constituting propagation transitions through different media (I, II, III, IV, etc.). Logic means (Li) are switched on by a measurement pulse (Im) and they are switched off by corresponding reflected pulses (Ii) generated by transitions of order i. Integrator means (Ji) for integrating the signals delivered by the logic means (Li) serve to generate respective voltages proportional to the time lapse between the measurement pulse (Im) and each of the reflected pulses (Ii) under consideration. Multiplexer means serve to sequentially deliver the measured values corresponding to the different liquids of order i in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: Whessoe. S.A.
    Inventor: Philippe Habart
  • Patent number: 4866428
    Abstract: A system and sensor for remotely monitoring the state of the condition of the electrolyte within each of the battery cells of a power supply is disclosed. The system includes a sensor having a dual ball-float and track arrangement for shuttering a pair of light sources and so as to independently detect and differentiate predetermined low electrolyte specific gravity and a low level of the electrolyte. Two multiplexing units receive the sensor signals and display separate indications of each battery and the states detected. The detector uses a gravity responsive ball disposed within a track that shutters one light source at a predetermined low specific gravity and a second level responsible ball within a second track located above the gravity track and ball. The level ball has a specific gravity which is less than that of the specific gravity responsive ball and shutters the second light source at a predetermined low electrolyte level independently of changes in the specific gravity of the electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay L. Hinkle
  • Patent number: 4711117
    Abstract: In fluid level measurement apparatus a pressure vessel is tapped into a fluid container the fluid level in which is to be measured such that fluid level in the vessel is representative of fluid level in the container. A plurality of fluid detecting sensors are mounted in the vessel with unequal spacing to compensate for level errors due to density differences between the fluid in the vessel and container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1987
    Assignee: Schlumberger Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry F. Cosser
  • Patent number: 4587923
    Abstract: A battery cap indicator has a transparent cap which permits the viewer to read both electrolyte level and density simultaneously, the indicators also giving the viewer the ability to determine whether the readings are at the higher or lower end of an acceptable range. The float assemblies of the indicator are configured for minimum friction with the guiding structure of the indicator body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1986
    Inventor: Santiago Mejia
  • Patent number: 4240282
    Abstract: There is disclosed a new and improved combined liquid level indicator and hydrometer which includes a light transmitting member having an indicating surface and a reflector surface. The reflector surface is adapted to be submerged in liquid for reflecting light to the indicating surface when the liquid is below a predetermined level. The liquid level indicator and hydrometer further includes a chamber aligned with and partially receiving the reflector surface. The chamber confines and positions a float member relative to the reflector surface for being viewed through the indicating surface responsive to the relative specific gravity of the liquid. A connection means carried by the chamber supports the light transmitting member and aligns the reflector surface with respect to the chamber. The chamber is initially formed in an open condition adapted for accepting the float member therein and is lockable thereafter for capturing the float member within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1980
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: John F. Nelson
  • Patent number: 4155254
    Abstract: A liquid storage tank is provided with an internal fixed support tube. Magnet-bearing liquid level and liquid density indicator floats are concentrically related to the fixed support tube externally thereof. Concentrically related, magnet-bearing indicator tubes are movably disposed within the fixed support tube and furnish liquid level and liquid density readout information when their respective magnets become magnetically latched with the float magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1979
    Assignee: Kaiser Aerospace & Electronics Corp.
    Inventor: Eugene F. Colditz
  • Patent number: 4142419
    Abstract: A device for indicating changes in the specific gravity of a liquid comprises first and second floats adapted to float on the surface of the liquid, the float having different shapes and/or densities so that the depth of the floats in the liquid varies in accordance with the specific gravity of the liquid and means for producing an electrical signal dependent upon the depth to which the floats are immersed relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1979
    Assignee: Lucas Industries Limited
    Inventors: Ivor Fenne, Paul Lakra
  • Patent number: 3968687
    Abstract: A device for indicating the specific gravity and/or the level of the electrolyte in a wet storage battery with the device having a magnetically actuated switch which is energized by a magnet on a floatation member which senses both specific gravity and the electrolyte level. An adjustable bias magnet is provided to modify the magnetic force applied by the first magnet on the switch to accommodate for manufacturing tolerances in the device and also to accommodate for dimensional differences in battery construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1976
    Assignee: Walter Kidde & Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald C. Fester
  • Patent number: 3954010
    Abstract: A combined visual and electronic liquid indicator which may be used as a battery hydrometer is disclosed. An outer housing of a generally cylindrical shape receives a centrally located elongated light transmitting viewing rod. The lower portion of the rod extends into a channel at the lower end of the outer housing. A float is retained in the channel by a retaining cage. A second generally cylindrical inner member which fits over the rod and into the outer housing has a light sensor and a light detector secured at its lower end across diametrically opposite portions of the float channel, and the outer housing and the inner member are then sealed together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1976
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Hilblom