309results about "Level indicators by weight measurement" patented technology

Systems and methods for the identification, powering and control of products and product packaging. The systems can include a point of sale display having a contactless power supply. The contactless power supply can provide a source of wireless power for products and product packaging. The products and product packaging can include light emitting diodes, e-ink displays and printed speaker circuits that activate as the operating frequency of the contactless power supply varies. Other embodiments include product level sensors, inductive reader networks, printed temperature sensors, product alignment systems, passive identification circuits and methods for controlling operation of the same.

A filling apparatus and method including a carrier for transporting containers and having a plurality of valves, each of the valves being opened for an individual, specific period of time to control a flow of liquid into the respective containers, while the containers are transported by the carrier. An exit feed path transports the containers after the containers have been filled, and a sensor, such as a camera, detects a level of liquid in the respective containers, while the containers are on the exit feed path. The sensor produces a signal that is stored as data representing the level of liquid for the individual containers. The data is then tracked and used for valve optimization. A period of time that each individual valve is opened for subsequent fillings is adjusted based on the signal and the historical performance of each valve.

A multi-function sensor is disclosed for measuring the conditions within a container, such as fluid level, turbidity, temperature and pressure. The sensor incorporates a fluid level sensor module, a turbidity sensor module, a temperature sensor module and a pressure sensor module. The fluid level sensor module utilizes a plurality of thermocouple junctions grouped in pairs with the pairs being spaced along a line extending generally in the direction in which the liquid level may vary. The thermocouple junctions are connected in series and produce a signal indicative of the level along the sensor. Turbidity, temperature, and pressure sensor modules may also be incorporated in the multi-function sensor. Alternatively, a fluid flow rate sensor module may be included in place of the liquid level sensor module.

Systems and methods for the identification, powering and control of products and product packaging. The systems can include a point of sale display having a contactless power supply. The contactless power supply can provide a source of wireless power for products and product packaging. The products and product packaging can include light emitting diodes, e-ink displays and printed speaker circuits that activate as the operating frequency of the contactless power supply varies. Other embodiments include product level sensors, inductive reader networks, printed temperature sensors, product alignment systems, passive identification circuits and methods for controlling operation of the same.

The present invention comprises a portable measuring vessel with a removably attached digital measuring device. The digital measuring device includes one or more load cells, one or more processors, an input unit, and an output unit. Preferably the input unit is one or more finger-actuatable switches and the output unit is a visual display, such as an LCD. The processor is connected to the input, output, load cell and power source, thereby making a convenient, portable and easily used product.

An IV infusion monitoring device is provided to measure and to display, during whole infusion process, the liquid level data including the weight of remaining medical liquid in an IV bottle, the liquid flow rate and the remaining time from the completion of an IV infusion process. It also gives alarm as the medical liquid in an IV bottle drops to a predetermined low level. The IV infusion monitoring system comprises an electric load sensor, a signal processor, a monitor terminal and a power provided preferably by a battery. The load sensor measures the weight of the medical liquid in the IV bottle. The measured signal is then transmitted to the signal processor for processing and generating the liquid level data, which are then sent to the monitor terminal for display. The monitor terminal can also generate an alarm if the liquid level drops to the predetermined value. Furthermore, the monitoring device combines with a server and a plurality of PDA devices to form a communication network so that a nurse can monitor the IV infusion process from a remote location.

Articles and methods for measuring weight of a liquid in a disposable bag bioreactor are presented. In certain embodiments, bioreactor systems described herein include a supported container (e.g., a flexible bag in a reusable housing) for containing a liquid, and at least two pressure indicating sensors operatively associated with the container. A first pressure indicating sensor can be placed near the bottom of the container to measure the total downward force within the container, including the liquid head in the container and the gas pressure above the liquid. The second pressure indicating sensor can be placed near the top of the container to measure only the pressure at the top of or above the liquid. Signals from the pressure indicating sensors can be directed to a control system that receives the signals and calculates a difference between the signals. This difference can be used to determine a volume or a weight of the liquid in the container. Advantageously, real-time weight measurements can be obtained while the system is in operation and continuous flow processes can be monitored. Moreover, in some embodiments, the pressure indicating sensors are isolated from contact with any fluid (e.g., liquid) in the container and, therefore, do not require cleaning after processing of each batch of reactants. Contamination of the process fluid by contact with the pressure indicating sensors can also be avoided.

A bottle plate mates or is integrated with brackets for mounting a gas bottle atop the plate. An aft end of the bottle plate is spacedly affixed to a top of a base plate, the bottle plate being bendable about its aft end corresponding to the weight of a bottle mounted thereon. A plurality of guide pins disposed at a fore end of the bottle plate prevents lateral movement of the fore end with respect to the base plate, but allows to a limited extent displacement of the fore end due to bottle weight. Any displacement of the fore end due to bottle weight is converted to a corresponding bottle weight and a display indicates same to a user. The base plate is used to securely mount the apparatus.

A device for determining the amount of a substance in a container includes an amount sensor disposed within the container, a transmitter coupled to the sensor and configured to transmit an output thereof, and an electrical power source powering the sensor and the transmitter.

A scale for determining a quantity of material in a container such as a keg. The may include a support member configured to be placed under a portion of the container, a display to indicate the quantity of material in the container, and a weight sensor positioned underneath the support member to determine the quantity of material in the container and to provide a signal to the display.

Provided herein are, among other things, an electronic pad comprising a weight sensor, a gas sensor, a processor and a wireless transmitter. Also provided herein is a safety and fuel level communication system comprising the electronic pad disclosed herein and a wireless transceiver. The electronic pad disclosed herein or the system disclosed herein can automatically provide a low gas level alert when the gas amount remained in a gas container on the electronic pad is below a pre-determined level and/or a gas leak alert when a gas leak is detected. Also provided herein is a method of providing a low gas level alert and a gas leak alert.

A system for automatically measuring and recording when fluid such as urine is introduced to a fluid collection container is provided. The system includes a measuring device that includes a load cell in communication with other various electronic components. The load cell is attached on one end to a fixed object like a hospital bed. At its other end, it is attached to a fluid collection container such as a urine collection bag. When fluid is introduced into the container, the load cell detects a stress change. A strain gauge (or gauges) on the load cell detects a resistance change and reads the change as a voltage change. That voltage change is amplified and digitized and converted to a weight, volume, and flow rate, before being transmitted to a recordkeeping system like electronic medical records. The system thus provides for real time measurement of fluid output collected in the container.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a system for providing storage tank measurements to a remote location is provided. The system includes a control box configured to take a plurality of readings from within the storage tank and transmit those readings to a master computer. The master computer is configured to receive and store the plurality of readings, and in response to receiving a request for a measurement for the storage tank, calculate the requested measurement utilizing the received readings. The calculated measurements are then transmitted to the device requesting the measurements.

A fuel level indicator for a propane tank has a top and a base. The top has means to receive and support a propane tank. The top is spring mounted to a base by bolts surrounded by springs. The top moves downward when a full propane tank is mounted thereon. As the tank empties, the top moves upward from the force of the springs. A level indicator is located on the device to indicate the level of the top above the base. In a further embodiment a remote fuel level indicator is used.

A chemical storage device and a method for monitoring chemical usage are described herein. The device and disclosed method utilize a chemical storage canister and a load cell integrated into one transportable unit. The load cell is capable of compensating for the added weight of attached dispensing devices used in the semiconductor industry. Additionally, the load cell continuously displays the weight of the chemicals as they are withdrawn from the chemical storage device. These functionalities are included in the control logic of the load cell which is incorporated into the load cell itself.

A dosage system for feeding a fluid (A) to a static mixer (1), said system comprising a tank (2) containing said fluid (A) at a predetermined pressure, a fluid passage (3) connecting said container (1) and tank (2), a control valve (4) provided within said fluid passage (3) to control the flow of said fluid (A) from said tank into said container; and a controller (6) for receiving a target flow rate (SP_Q) of said fluid (A), and an actual flow rate (PV_Q) of said fluid (A), and for outputting a control signal (MV_L) to said control valve (4) indicating a valve position to adjust the flow rate. Further provided is a method for controlling said dosage system.

A system and method for detecting and displaying the amount of chemical in a vessel. The system includes a vessel with a variable quantity of gas supported upon a moveable platform. A hydraulic load cell is positioned under the platform, and generates a hydraulic pressure signal, which is a function of the variable quantity of gas in the vessel. An electrical signal transducer converts the pressure signal to an electrical signal which is transmitted to a battery powered microprocessor/display capable of converting the electrical signal into a displayable signal indicative of an amount of gas remaining in the vessel.