1829results about "Level indicators by floats" patented technology

A surface-modified water-absorbent resin powder is produced continuously with high productivity in a state where the particle diameter distribution is narrow and where the properties are high by a process comprising a polymerizing step, a drying step, a pulverizing step, a classifying step, and a surface-modifying step, and further, conveying steps of connecting them, wherein the conveying steps include at least two hoppers for storing the water-absorbent resin powder. A powder surface detector used favorably for this process includes a float hung down by a hanging line.

A water intake amount management device includes a cup body and a cup cover. The cup body is used to store water, and includes at least one communicating tube and at least one float. The communicating tube is in communication with the stored water. The float is disposed in the communicating tube, and floats on a surface of the stored water. The cup cover is combined with the cup body, and includes a man-machine control interface. When driven, the man-machine control interface senses a distance between the cup cover and the float, converts the distance to a plurality of water amount values, calculates a water intake amount according to the plurality of water amount values, and prompts a user according to the water intake amount.

A device and method for sensing fluid characteristics, including, temperature, pH and chemistry, comprises a switch affixed to or embedded in a container of a size, shape and density such that said container floats stable in said liquid sensors which measure and report other characteristics of the liquid, such as temperature, pH, viscosity, chemistry or biochemistry.

The invention discloses a system and a method for measuring water level based on image vision, which is used for measuring large measuring range water level of places of reservoirs, hydropower station and the like. A CCD camera is arranged right above a floater device for acquiring videos; the videos are converted into digital image frames through a video A/D acquisition module; a floater image area in a dynamic image is influenced by distance changing between the floater and the CCD camera, wherein the distance changing between the floater and the CCD camera is caused by water level changing; the acquired floater image area in the videos is computed through an FPGA processing module, and a relative distance between the floater and the CCD camera is obtained for measuring the water level. In the invention, the water level can be measured indirectly through the floater area in the videos measured by the image vision technology without an expensive water level sensor, and the cost is low; by adopting a modularized design method, the invention has the advantages of simple installation, convenience for on-site measurement and system maintenance, and high adaptability.

Systems and methods for managing scent in an environment include disposing a plurality of scent diffusion devices within an environment, wherein the diffusion devices include a communications facility that enables transmitting signals to and receiving signals from a remote computer and disposing at least one sensor within the environment that transmits sensor data to the remote computer. At least one scent parameter for scenting an environment is received at the remote computer. The remote computer controls diffusion of a liquid from a source of a liquid in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of scent diffusion devices to achieve the scent parameter. Controlling includes setting or adjusting an operation parameter of the scent diffusion device in response to the sensor data.

A fuel level sensor for sensing and monitoring the level of remaining fluid in a container such as a fuel tank for a motorized vehicle is disclosed. The fuel level sensor incorporates an improved float and pivot arm member attached to a hub that rotates about a pivot base. The conventional resistor card technology, commonly found in automotive applications for translating the position of the float into an electrical signal, is replaced by a more reliable non-contact magnetic flux sensing circuit. The fuel level sensor incorporates a magnetic sensor and magnetic circuit in a commonly known and practiced rotational position sensor configuration for determining the angular position of a hub relative to its pivot base, where the hub is attached to a conventional float-arm member and the base remains stationary relative to the fuel container. The preferred embodiment includes a magnetic flux sensor positioned between two movable magnets. The magnetic flux sensing element is a Hall effect integrated circuit, magnetoresistor, magnetodiode, magnetotransistor, or similar magnetic flux sensing element with associated electronic circuitry having adjustable or programmable features including ratiometry, gain, offset voltage, temperature coefficient, and output signal range limiting. Critical electronic components are hermetically sealed making the fuel level sensor fully submersible in fuel for long term fuel exposure.

A remote two-module electronic fluid monitoring system to be used as an agricultural aid in the application of a fluid to a field. A tank module sits atop a field tank and monitors internal fluid level. Fluid level detection is achieved by tracking the position of an embedded permanent magnet associated with a given internal fluid level within an existing float gauge mechanism. An integrated circuit capable of precisely detecting the orientation of magnetic fields senses the angular position of an existing magnet and outputs an angular field reading to an interfaced microcontroller which then translates angular reading to fluid level. The tank module contains a radio frequency transmitter which then sends fluid level information to a display module mounted within the tractor cab. The display module receives the signal from the tank module and reports to the user the present fluid level remaining in tank via a liquid crystal display.

An apparatus for detecting the displacement of a magnet is to be provided. The errors on the detected value due to the variation of temperature or that with time are hardly caused in the apparatus. The apparatus can detect the displacement in high resolution and precision. The apparatus is simple in its structure, and it can be expected that the apparatus can be manufactured in low cost. The apparatus is not limited in its application by the range of the displacement of the magnet. Further, a method for detecting the displacement of a magnet will be provided. An apparatus for detecting the displacement of a magnet M, the apparatus being characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of hall devices H0-H7 disposed in a predetermined spacing DP along a displacing path of the magnet in parallel thereto, wherein each of said hall devices includes a magnetically sensitive surface HS through which a magnetic flux from said magnet M permeate to generate an output the polarity and the voltage of which are depend on the direction and the density of the magnetic flux, and said magnetically sensitive surface HS of each hall device is disposed in a predetermined distance from the displacing path of the magnet M in parallel with the direction defined by the magnetic poles, and wherein two adjacent hall devices inverted in the polarity of their output voltages are detected to determine the general position of the magnet, and the precise position of the magnet between these two hall devices is determined on the basis of the output voltages.

The invention is an improved guided wave level measurement device. A guided wave measuring device includes a waveguide, a signal generator and a signal receiver, where the signal generator and signal receiver are operationally connected to the waveguide. The improvement included a target which is displaceable with respect to the waveguide and coupled to the waveguide. The target presents a reflective surface and the position of the target is detectable through time of flight measurements of a signal generated by the signal generator.

A multifunctional fluid level and quality sensing device including a fluid level sensor and a capacitive sensor for detecting fluid level, fluid quality, errors in the sensing device, and issues in a fluid delivery system. In detecting fluid level, impedance of the capacitive sensor is used in improving sensing performance of the fluid level sensor, while in detecting fluid quality and errors in the sensing device, an expected impedance range with an upper boundary value and a lower boundary value is calculated, and a fault is generated when the measured impedance value is out of the expected impedance range. The fluid level and quality sensing device can also be used in a fluid delivery system for detecting system issues, and the results can be used for further isolating errors in the system. Operating status of higher level system provides more information for this purpose.

A vibrator for generating a signal for measuring a physical quantity using a vibrator is provided, including at least one bending vibration arm vibrating in bending mode along a specified plane and having a first end, an opposed second end, and first and second main faces that are substantially parallel with each other. A base portion is provided at the first provided at the first end of the bending vibration arm, a weight portion is provided at the second end of the bending vibration arm, and grooves are formed on the first and second main faces. The vibrator further includes driving means for exciting a driving vibration in the vibrator, and detecting means provided on one of the bending vibration arms for detecting an output signal based on detection vibrations induced in the vibrator responsive to the physical quantity to be measured.

A fuel tank probe includes a water level float and a fuel level float. A fuel weight sensor is incorporated into the fuel tank probe to report the density of the fuel within the tank. The fuel weight sensor includes a compressible bladder whose shape changes as a function of the density of the fuel. A magnet on the compressible bladder moves in conjunction with the changing shape of the compressible bladder, and allows a fuel column height to be measured. The density of the fuel can be determined from the measured fuel column height.

A fuel level sensor has a rotor with two magnets mounted for rotation therewith, the magnets spaced from one another and with like poles directed toward one another. A Hall effect sensor on the housing is positioned between the two magnets such that increasing the volume of fluid in the tank moves one magnet toward the sensor and decreasing the volume in the tank moves the other magnet toward the sensor. A metal sleeve around the magnets protects the parts from interference from magnetic material in the fuel. A static discharge path is provided from a metal rod connecting a float, a plate contracting the rod, and a pivot pin retaining the rotor to the housing, and a ground connector in contact with the pivot pin.

A fluid monitoring apparatus and method is disclosed for use in an underground utility vault. Specifically, a system utilizing multiple sensors to determine the total amount and type of fluid present in a utility vault is disclosed. A first sensor located above the fluid detects and determines the overall depth of fluid present. A second sensor, relying on specific properties of the fluid(s) present, is located in contact with the fluids present. The information regarding specific fluid level and type is conveyed to a central location for monitoring.

The various embodiments of the present invention generally include a display device having a surface with indicia formed thereon. The indicia are indicative of at least one vehicle parameter. The display device includes a light guide connected to the surface and a light-reflecting portion formed in the light guide. The light-reflecting portion is disposed at least partially over one of the indicia. The light guide collects light, directs the light toward the light-reflecting portion and illuminates at least one of the indicia. The light guide and the light reflecting portion provide an enhanced or decorative effect for one or more of the indicia.

Disclosed herein are sensors, and method for making an using the same. In one embodiment, the sensor comprises: a first electrode disposed on a ceramic substrate, wherein the first electrode comprises an amorphous metal material comprising a first metal selected from the group consisting of a Group 9 metal, a Group 10 metal, a Group 11 metal, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing first metals, and zirconium or at least one of phosphorus and boron.

An automated system for monitoring and testing a sump pump installation includes an electrically-actuated valve which admits liquid to the liquid container in response to a valve control signal. A test control module includes a test control circuit which when actuated supplies a valve control signal to initiate a test cycle during which liquid is admitted to the container to cause the liquid level in the container to rise, after which the sump pump discharges liquid from the container until a predetermined event terminates the test cycle. An indicator circuit indicates in response to completion of the test cycle whether the test was successful or unsuccessful. A communications circuit is included which receives and verifies control signals addressed to the system from an external originator to allow a test cycle to be remotely initiated in the event of impending severe weather or other threats.

A sensor element (30) measures a Hall voltage generated by a movable magnet (16). For this purpose, the sensor element (30) comprises a ceramic base element (40) which has connected therewith a detector element (46). The detector element (46) is protected with the aid of a cover element (42) against an aggressive environment produced by fuel or fuel vapors in a fuel tank (34) of a motor vehicle. The detector element (46) has connected therewith electric conductors (60) which are routed through the cover element (42) and/or the base element (40) for connecting the detector element (46) with a voltage source and/or an evaluation unit. The cover element (42) and possibly the base element (40) reliably encapsulate the detector element (46) against the aggressive environment such that by simple constructive measures the service life of the sensor element (30) is increased.

The present invention is directed to lubrication system having a reservoir having a body. A follower is moveably disposed in the body. The system further comprises an alarm system having an electrical switch operably associated with the follower. The alarm generates a signal when the follower is at a predetermined location in the body. The alarm system may generate a signal when the follower is at a lower location in the body such as when the reservoir has an amount of lubricant representing a predetermined amount of usage time remaining. The alarm system may also generate a signal when the follower is at an upper location in the body such as when the reservoir is filled with lubricant wherein the signal acts to automatically interrupt the fill of lubricant.

In a fuel tank (1) for a motor vehicle, a carrier (12) of a fuel level sensor (8) is manufactured in one piece with a wall of the baffle (4). As a result, the fuel tank (1) is composed of a very small number of components and can be mounted in a particularly simple way. In the region of a mounting for a lever arm (9) carrying a float (10), the carrier (12) is spaced from the baffle (4). The lever arm (9) can thereby engage round the mounting. The filling level sensor (8) has high stability as a result.

A system, method and apparatus for improving the logistical inefficiencies associated with the delivery of liquid petroleum gas or fuel oil to remotely dispersed locations, including a gauge for detecting the level of fluid or liquid in a tank, and a transmission mechanism for transmitting the level detected by the gauge to a remote location for further evaluation and processing to facilitate delivery of the fuel.

A fill level sensor for a liquid soap container or vessel has a float-bearing arm and an accelerometer that is attached to a surface of the arm to detect changes in the volume of liquid soap in the container. A feedback system then conveys fill status information based on the output of the accelerometer, such as to service personnel who may be responsible for replenishing the supply of liquid soap in the container.

A control system for a power unit having a supply of fuel and a supply of reductant is disclosed. The control system may have a first sensor associated with the supply of fuel to generate a signal indicative of a quantity of fuel remaining. The control system may also have a second sensor associated with the supply of reductant to generate a signal indicative of a quantity of the reductant remaining. The control system may further have a controller in communication with the first and second sensors. The controller may be configured to affect operation of the power unit such that the remaining fuel is consumed before consumption of the remaining reductant.

A container system of this invention includes a container for holding a fluid, a follower in the container which moves in the container in response to a change in a level of fluid in the container, and a sensor assembly for sensing the level of fluid in the container. The sensor assembly is especially (albeit not exclusively) suited for viscous fluids.

The invention discloses a reed switch induction soft wood floater water shortage detecting mechanism with a medicine bag. The mechanism comprises a sleeve, a floater, a plurality of limiting grids, a limiting column, a limiting groove, a permanent magnet sheet, a reed switch, a detecting alarm circuit, a medicine bin cover, a through hole and the medicine bag, The upper limiting grid and the lower limiting grid are arranged in the sleeve. The floater is arranged in the sleeve and between the two limiting grids. The limiting column is arranged at the front end of the floater. The limiting groove matched with the limiting column is formed in the inner wall of the sleeve. The permanent magnet sheet is embedded in the rear end of the floater. The reed switch corresponding to the permanent magnet sheet is embedded in the wall of the sleeve. The reed switch is connected with the detecting alarm circuit. A detachably-connected medicine bin is arranged at the upper end of the sleeve. The medicine bin cover, the upper limiting grid and the sleeve are matched with one another to form the medicine bin. The medicine bag is arranged in the medicine bin and filled with traditional Chinese medicines of a health care formula. Compared with the prior art, the mechanism has the advantages of being high in applicability, easy to operate and low in cost, being made from natural materials, and having certain antibacterial and health-care effects.

Two pairs of regulating means, that is, the first stopper and the second stopper, which regulate a rotary angle range of the magnet holder when the first stopper and the second stopper come into contact with the stopper of the arm integrally fixed to the magnet holder, are provided in the body which is a fixing member, and the rotary angle range of the magnet holder regulated by one pair of stoppers is made to be different from the rotary angle range of the magnet holder regulated by the other pair of stoppers. Due to the foregoing, when the expensive body is made to be a common part and a plurality of types of inexpensive arms are manufactured the fuel level gauge can be provided, an increase in the manufacturing cost of which is suppressed, which can cope with rotary angle ranges of the plurality of types of arms.

A flexible liquid level sensor board assembly for application with liquid level sending units is presented. The liquid level sending unit includes a stem, float, and a flexible sensor board assembly. The flexible sensor board assembly is a distinct component of the sending unit and as such is capable of repeated insertion and removal from the stem. The flexible sensor board assembly is therefore ideal for existing/retrofit applications and new installations alike.

The invention discloses a fluid level gage applied to high pressure boiler. The fluid level gage includes a connector connected to the measured container, the connector has a magnetic float elevating with the fluid level, the external side of the connector has a vernier coupled with the magnetic float, several photoelectric switches are arranged on the measured container with the fluid height, the vernier corresponds to different photoelectric switch when it is in different height, thus it is shaded and reflected; each photoelectric switch is connected to the control unit, it outputs voltage different to other photoelectric switch according to the voltage of the photoelectric switch, acquires the fluid height of the measured container. The device in the invention can provide fluid level electric signal output.

An ultrasonic-based or radar-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.

An improved system for delivering propane or other consumable liquid to remotely located storage tanks including a novel combination of remote monitoring of customer tanks and an improved method of using the remote monitoring data to optimally schedule deliveries, improve safety, and more efficiently operate a propane dealership. More accurate and timely information concerning the status of customer tanks serves to improve operational efficiencies and increase safety. Data received from remote sensors can be collected and organized so that it is easily understood and utilized through the implementation of a user interface accessible via the Internet that allows the information to be presented in an efficient graphical and contextual fashion. Operational efficiencies can also be improved by taking historical propane usage for each tank, weather conditions, and projected fuel usage into account. The system can calendar required inspections of customer tanks, homes, and appliances, and data can be combined with accounts receivable information. Remote monitoring of customer tanks can be combined with other products using similar equipment to provide additional non-seasonal revenue streams.