Abstract: A level indicator for a portable toilet comprises a visible indicator on the exterior of the toilet's holding tank, a float mechanism on the tank's interior operable to sense the level of liquid material in the tank, and a magnetic coupling between the float mechanism and the indicator for causing the indicator to be operated to a position corresponding to the level of liquid material sensed by the float mechanism. The indicator is in the form of a wheel journaled on a receptacle in the top wall of the holding tank. A magnet mounts on the wheel in radially spaced relation to its axis. The float mechanism comprises an arm which is operated along an arc in response to changes in the level of liquid material in the tank. The arm has a magnet which swings in a corresponding arc and which confronts the wheel magnet so that the wheel is rotated about its axis as the float arm is operated about its own axis.

Abstract: Components of a .pi.-network of resistors and magnetically responsive reed switches are encapsulated to form modules with keyed ends for end-to-end interlocking assembly. Conductive tabs of one module mate with those of the next module to establish electrical connection therebetween. Keying polarizes the modules to prevent incorrect assembly. The modules can be made with 2.sup.n switches where n is any positive number including zero. Probe assemblies of any length can be produced with the spacing interval between reed switches being uniform throughout the length of the probe.

Abstract: A liquid level indicator includes a magnetized float and a plurality of magnetized indicator elements which are pivoted by the float magnet and which have distinguishable opposite surfaces to provide the liquid level indication, the indicator elements being formed from a material which provides magnetic fields of opposite magnetic polarity which extend substantially continuously along the opposite edges of the indicator elements.

Abstract: Safety level gauge for liquified gas tanks, of simplified construction and adapted for mass-production, operated by an internal, small-sized drive system provided with a single vertically-moveable magnetic element moved by a slender rod which is guided in a tubular member carrying at the lower end thereof a fork-shaped member having pivoted thereto a cam which is connected to a rocker-arm provided with a float at the free end thereof, and an external graduated dial mounted on a suitably-adapted valve body, dial comprising a freely-rotatable central spindle with an indicating hand and a cross-shaped member incorporating a needle constituting a ferrous member which is magnetically affected an indirectly actuated by the internal element which is moved by the float and attendant drive system.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor adapted to be installed inside a reservoir of a liquid to be monitored. The level sensor includes a float made from magnetic material which moves between two opposed end positions along a predetermined up-and-down path following the top surface level of the liquid. An a.c. coil driven by a pulse generator is located at one end of the float path such that the magnetic material of the float is closer to the coil at this one end of the path than at the opposite end, and is thus a variable part of the "core" of the coil which changes in response to the liquid level in the reservoir. The magnetic flux generated by the coil and/or its inductive reactance, also being a function of the variable core and thus a function of the liquid level, can be monitored electrically to provide an indication of the liquid level to an operator. The level sensor can be used to provide a signal at a predetermined level, or to provide an output which is proportional to the level of the liquid in the reservoir.

Abstract: An electric remote readout for fluid flow meters wherein a magnetic follower moves in accordance with the quantity of the fluid flowing through the meter and it carries electric contacts therewith. An electric resistor is positioned in contact with the electric contact to indicate the electric resistance in accordance with the position of the indicator. The resistor and the contact are of low friction material, and the resistor is adjustable in a general setting position as well as in a fine setting position by means of an adjusting screw. A remote electric readout is connected with the resistor an an electric conductor operating therewith, all to give a digital readout of the quantity of fluid flowing.

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: The invention contemplates a float-operated electrical switching system with two fluid-level indications and with provision for mechanical adjustment of the difference in elevation between the two indicating points. The switches are magnetically actuated in accordance with proximity of a permanent magnet carried by the float. The float is guided on an upright magnetically transparent tube which houses the switches, and for at least one of the switches mechanical adjustment of elevation within the tube is available via external access at the upper end of the tube.

Abstract: A flexible stick tank gauge is made of a thin metal or plastic tape. The tape is sufficiently thick to be self-supporting when held vertically from the lower end. Alternatively, the tape is curved to be a narrow sector of a cylinder. Measuring indicia are applied to at least one surface of the tape. The tape remains flexible at extreme environments of temperatures and will not break in normal use such as airline fuel measuring operations.

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

Abstract: In the preferred and illustrated embodiment of the disclosed apparatus, a constant pressure cylinder is set forth. Improvements included therewith are a vortex mixer for mixing the accumulated sample or specimen therein. The mixer is slidably mounted on a stainless steel centered rod to avoid damage to the cylinder wall surrounding said vortex mixer. The vortex mixer is slidably mounted on an elongate rod centered and aligned in the cylinder. Moreover, the device additionally incorporates a clear acrylic tracker tube receiving a piston tracker magnetically attracted to the piston for indicating to an observer the elevation of the piston in the constant pressure cylinder.

Abstract: A float assembly for a sensor provides a float member having a channel passing therethrough, a mounting for the sensor on the float, a guide passing through the channel for guiding the movement of the float member, a stop including a magnet located on the guide for limiting the movement of the float, and a magnetically activated switch included in the float member for activating when in proximity to the stop magnet for indicating that the float member is in proximity to the stop.

Abstract: A mechanical flowmeter is provided for measuring the flow of hydraulic fluid in a system in which the flowmeter is connected. The flowmeter contains a spring biased piston which is responsive to the rate of flow through an annular space surrounding the piston as it moves in a tapered bore. A toroidal armature of ferrous (magnetic) material is mounted on a rod extending from the piston for movement therewith. Movement of the armature and the piston rod within a hollow guide is tracked by a permanent magnet of toroidal shape which is mounted surrounding the guide in sliding relationship. A sight glass surrounding the guide and magnet is calibrated with a scale for converting the position of the magnet to an indication of flow rate. For fluid flow in the reverse direction, the piston is moved out of the tapered bore, thus permitting free flow in the reverse direction with minimal energy loss.

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

Abstract: A powder level measurement probe is described for use in a polypropylene gas phase reactor. The apparatus comprises a support tube which extends downwardly from the upper end of the reactor and which has a non-metallic powder probe holder mounted on the lower end thereof. The holder is provided with upper and lower recessed areas formed therein. A metal proximity sensor is positioned in the upper recessed area and is operatively connected to a signal device such as a light or the like which is positioned remote from the reactor. A metal plate is movably positioned in the lower recessed area of the holder and has a probe secured thereto which extends downwardly therefrom which is adapted to be engaged by the powder within the reactor. Movement of the probe by the powder causes the metal proximity sensor to be activated which in turn activates the signal device connected thereto.

Abstract: An armored rotameter capable of accurately measuring low flow rates, the meter including a metal body provided with a bore defining a vertical flow tube having a lower inlet into which a fluid to be metered is admitted and an upper outlet from which the fluid is discharged. Disposed in the flow tube is a float having a guided stem which includes a lateral pin projecting through a slot in the front wall of the meter body, the pin riding up and down the slot as the float moves up and down the tube as a function of flow rate. The pin is coupled to one end of a bar magnet link that is external to the meter body and is swingable about a center pivot, the link being caused to swing to an extent and direction in accordance with float movement. The slot and link are sealed by a pressure plate secured to the front face of the meter body.

Abstract: A liquid level detecting device which comprises an annular float adapted to float constantly on the surface of a body of liquid subjected to level detection, a barrel passing through the float so as to guide the motion of the float, permanent magnets disposed in the float and a magnetically operatable lead switch disposed in the barrel permits the detection of liquid level to be effected on the principle that the lead switch is magnetically turned into its ON state at the time that the float, while in motion, reaches the position at which the barrel incorporates the lead switch.

Abstract: A liquid level gauge for a tank, especially a pressurized railway tank car, has a housing with a bottom opening mounted at a top opening of the tank. A horizontal shaft is rotatably mounted in the housing between opposed walls having parallel flat vertical inner surfaces. A sprocket is fixedly mounted on the central part of the shaft, on each end of which is fixedly mounted a ring magnet spaced from one of these walls. Complementary ring magnets are rotatably mounted outside but adjacent these opposed walls. The four ring magnets constitute a pair of magnetic drives. A track and cable guide assembly, supported in the tank, extends from the bottom portion of the tank. A perforated tape is trained over the sprocket on the shaft and another sprocket rotatably mounted in the bottom portion of the tank so that the tape is under tension. A probe assembly connected to the tape moves vertically when the sprocket in the housing is rotated.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the level of fuel in a fuel oil storage tank including a vertically positioned tube having a multiplicity of longitudinally spaced and movable floats therein and a multiplicity of associated reed switches and resistors positioned on the outside of the tube and spaced from each other. The switches are actuated by magnets on the associated floats, which rise and fall with the fuel level, and shunt varying amounts of current by the resistors so that a fuel level readout can be obtained on a meter.

Abstract: A dual fluid reservoir for a tandem master cylinder includes front and rear fluid chambers communicated to each other and comprises a lateral partition provided within the casing of the reservoir to block free fluid communication between the two chambers after the fluid level within the chambers drops below a lowest level defined by the lateral partition, and an annular partition provided on the lateral partition to form a float chamber therein, the annular partition being higher than the lateral partition in a predetermined length and including a pair of recessed portions corresponding to the lateral partition to permit fluid flow from the two fluid chambers into the float chamber. Thus, a magnetically operable switch device is mounted on the casing between the two chambers to actuate a warning device and a float is disposed within the float chamber for vertical movement and operatively connected to the switch.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor having a vertical guide tube with one or more magnetically operated switches therein at vertically spaced locations and a free float thereon which rises and falls with the liquid level and as it passes each switch magnetically latches it in one condition until the float returns in the opposite direction and unlatches it. The switches may be normally open, normally closed, or any combination, so that movement of the float past the switches may provide any desired circuit sequence.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor having a vertical guide tube with one or more magnetically operated switches therein at vertically spaced locations and a free float thereon which rises and falls with the liquid level and as it passes each switch magnetically latches it in one condition until the float returns in the opposite direction and unlatches it. The switches may be normally open, normally closed, or any combination, so that movement of the float past the switches may provide any desired circuit sequence.

Abstract: A differential pressure gauge of the type comprising a controlling magnetic helix device carrying a pressure indicating arm, the position of which is controlled by a magnet mounted on the free end of a cantilevered leaf spring actuated by a pressure diaphragm exposed to differential pressures. While the helix is preferably of the monoflange or single lobe type, either single or double lobe forms may be employed and they cooperate with a parallelepiped shaped magnet having a planar pole face paralleling the axis of the helix and defining a magnetic axis that is normal to and intersects the helix axis. The magnet and helix are closely spaced, and the magnet is formed from a suitable high energy product type material. The gauge housing defines an integral one piece pressure wall that separates the helix from the magnet and defines within the gauge housing pressure cavity an operating space within which the magnet and its supporting leaf spring are mounted and operate.

Abstract: A liquid level indicator with a magnetic acting float which is movable along the exterior of a ribbed tube which extends substantially vertically in the liquid container. Within the tube is movable up and down a sensor which reacts magnetically on the float and thereby controls the direction of rotation of an electric motor which via a gear wheel and a longitudinally perforated metal band which is coated with insulating material and acts as one electric conductor, and the tube acts as the second electric conductor from the sensor via a gliding contact.

Abstract: The level of liquid in a tank or a boiler is determined initially by enclosing the liquid in a column and then sensing the liquid surface in the column by causing a plunger to pass through the non-liquid medium in the column above the liquid to the liquid surface and noting the abrupt change in descent rate of the plunger when it hits the liquid surface due to the great difference between the viscosities of the non-liquid and liquid mediums. The level of liquid in the boiler is reflected on a continuing basis by permitting the plunger to float or levitate in or on the liquid as it is supported by an entrapped gas bubble. The difference in the position of the plunger when it encounters the liquid surface and the position of the plunger thereafter, as it is supported on the liquid is the correction factor that is maintained steadily until pressure or temperature changes necessitate a new determination of that difference with a fresh gas bubble at the current temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A rotameter system adapted to produce an output indication that is linearly proportional to flow. The primary element of the system includes a float contained in a variable area tube through which flows the fluid to be measured, the float being raised or lowered in the tube as a function of flow rate, and a bar magnet mechanically coupled to the float and axially movable therewith. The secondary element of the system includes a rotatable follower magnet magnetically coupled to the bar magnet and a pointer mounted on the shaft of the follower magnet whereby the pointer sweeps from zero to maximum along a scale as the float travels from its low to its high position. A mass is eccentrically mounted on the shaft of the follower magnet, the position of the mass relative to the shaft axis being adjusted to produce a moment compensating for the non-linear relationship between flow rate and pointer movement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetically actuated fluid-level indicator for indicating the level of a fluid contained in a vessel having a gauge tube attached thereto and having a magnet-containing float floating in the gauge tube, the indicator comprising a plurality of interlocking elements united with one another, wherein each element comprises a support body and a magnetically actuated indicator means supported thereon.