| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 073290000 |
Vibratory type
| 154 |
| 073304000 |
Immersible electrode type
| 145 |
| 073305000 |
Float
| 141 |
| 073299000 |
Hydrostatic pressure type
| 31 |
| 073291000 |
With other measuring device
| 28 |
| 073295000 |
Thermal type
| 26 |
| 073323000 |
Sight glass
| 16 |
| 073293000 |
With illumination
| 15 |
| 073296000 |
Weighing type
| 8 |
| 073290000 |
Ullage volume | 1 |
| 20080271526 | LIQUID LEVEL SENSOR WITH FLOW RESTRICTOR - A liquid level sensor system actuated by a column pressure includes a hollow member having a distal open end adapted to be positioned into a liquid reservoir to a depth below a liquid surface level, and a sensor head unit. The sensor head unit is responsive to the column pressure to provide an indication of a liquid level in the reservoir. A flow restrictor is positioned to dampen instantaneous differential column pressure changes presented to the bellows member while permitting steady state column pressure to be communicated to the bellows member. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080276703 | Volume measurement gauge/device for an arbitrarily shaped container or glass - This patent application is associated with the provisional patent application No. 60/917,116 and claims the filing date of May 10, 2007. This patent application is for a device or gauge that is used to measure and determine the volume in a glass or container, as well as determine the amount missing from the container. This device or gauge is designed to be placed on the side of any arbitrarily shaped container or glass in order to determine either the amount of substance (liquid or solid) in the container and/or the amount of substance missing from the container. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080282792 | Device and Method For Measuring and Monitoring the Level of Liquid Metal in a Crystalliser - A device and method for measuring the surface level and/or the presence of a molten metal bath in a cooled container, particularly a crystalliser for a continuous casting process, comprising a source of an electromagnetic field, wherein said source of an electromagnetic field is a transmission coil fed with electrical energy at a predetermined frequency. The information on the level and/or the presence of said surface level is obtained by processing the total impedance (Z), as measured on said transmission coil, in order to calculate the contribution to said impedance (Z) of the currents induced in the walls of the crystalliser, which depend on temperature of the crystalliser and, from it, the value of said surface level and/or the presence of the molten metal bath. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080314141 | Fluid level measuring gauge - A fluid level measuring gauge for accurately measuring and reading a fluid level in a fluid level access chamber having one or more bends and interior chamfered shoulder zones, the fluid level measuring gauge including an elongate blade having an upper and lower portion where the upper and lower portions of the fluid level measuring gauge are in a constant twist formation for creating a nonwiping motion during insertion of the fluid level measuring gauge into and out of a fluid gauge access chamber, a flat shaped measuring region, including an upper port and a lower port in an up and down direction on the measuring region, a handle attached to the blade for controlled insertion and removal of the fluid level measuring gauge, and a spherical chamfer advancing guide affixed to the leading end of the elongate blade, opposite the handle. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20090038393 | LIQUID LEVEL SENSING APPARATUS WITH SELF-DIAGNOSIS FUNCTION AND METHOD FOR SELF-DIAGNOSING THEREOF - A liquid level sensing apparatus with self-diagnosis function suitable for sensing liquid level in a storage tank is provided. The liquid level sensing apparatus includes a lifting apparatus, a separated tank, and a liquid level sensor. The separated tank is disposed on the lifting apparatus and communicates with the storage tank. The liquid level sensor is disposed inside the separated tank. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090056436 | SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR MONITORING VEHICLE FUEL LEVEL - A process is provided for monitoring the amount of fuel remaining in a vehicle's storage tank, the vehicle including a fuel level sensor. The process includes the steps of searching for a refueling event, establishing a base line fuel level utilizing the fuel level sensor when a refueling event is detected, tracking fuel consumption, and calculating the amount of fuel remaining in the storage tank as a function of fuel consumption and the base line fuel level. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090071245 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SENSING A LIQUID LEVEL - Aspects of the invention are directed to methods and apparatus for dispensing liquids to and aspirating liquids from a container. In particular, one aspect is directed to a liquid level sensing system that includes a probe constructed and arranged to be moved relative to a liquid sample, a signal source coupled to the probe to apply an applied signal to the probe, at least one detector coupled to the probe to detect at least one detected signal, the detected signal being related to the applied signal and having a rising edge and a falling edge, and a controller coupled to the detector and configured to detect presence of a noise signal based on at least one of the rising edge and the falling edge of the detected signal. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090126479 | Depth Indicator for Indicating The Depth of a Settable Material and a Method of Applying a layer of a Settable Material onto a Support Surface - An indicator ( | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090139323 | NOVEL ION EXCHANGE POROUS RESINS FOR SOLID PHASE EXTRACTION AND CHROMATOGRAPHY - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to porous resins for solid phase extractions. The resins feature at least one hydrophobic component, at least one hydrophilic component and at least one ion exchange functional group. The resins exhibit superior wetting and ion exchange performance. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090145218 | FLUID LEVEL SENSING ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR CONFIGURING SAME - A level sensing assembly senses the level of a fluid in a tank. The tank includes a fluid port that is disposed below the level of the fluid and an air port disposed above the level of fluid. The level sensing assembly includes a lower port in fluid communication with the fluid port of the tank. An upper port is in fluid communication with the lower port of the tank. A measuring vessel is disposed between the lower and upper ports and is in fluid communication therebetween. The measuring vessel includes an auxiliary port disposed adjacent the upper port. The level sensing assembly also includes a level sensor extending down through the auxiliary port into the measuring vessel to measure the level of the fluid in the measuring vessel and the level of the fluid in the tank. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090205418 | PROCEDURE FOR CONTROLLING A DIGITAL FUEL LEVEL SENSOR - Procedure for controlling a digital tank fuel level sensor in a tank that is subjected to movements is thereby characterized, in that sloshing events are determined and in that the fuel level around the encoder position ( | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090249870 | Liquid Level Sensing Apparatus - A fluid level gauge assembly for measuring a level of a fluid in a fluid container is provided. The fluid level gauge assembly includes a first coaxial cable section having a first end and a second end, the first coaxial cable section including a first center conductor, a first outer conductor and a solid dielectric between the first center and outer conductor; a second coaxial cable section having a first end and a second end, the second coaxial cable section including a second center conductor, a second outer conductor and an air dielectric between the second center and outer conductor; and a coupling between the second end of the first coaxial cable section and the first end of the second coaxial cable section. The second coaxial cable section being disposed in a fluid for determining a level of the fluid. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090260432 | Liquid level detection - The filling noise generated inside a pressurized container when liquid is injected into the container is detected at the outer end of a vent tube which extends into the container. When the level of liquid in the container reaches the lower end of the vent tube, the filling noise detected at the outer end is abruptly diminished. This abrupt change is detected and used to automatically terminate filling of the tank. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090288482 | Fill Level Measuring in Mobile Containers or Transport Silos - A fill level in a mobile container or in a transport silo is determined using a position sensor that measures the angle of inclination of the container. The fill level data is acquired using a fill level sensor. On the basis of the measured data of the position sensor it is possible to detect whether or not the fill level measuring is valid. In this way incorrect readings may be rejected. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090301186 | ENGINE OIL LEVEL DETECTING DEVICE - An oil level detecting device for detecting an oil level in an oil storing chamber formed in a crankcase of an engine includes a fan, a power generator and an oil level determination unit. The fan is rotated by an oil flow produced by dipping up oil for lubricating the engine. In response to rotation of the fan, the generator generates a corresponding amount of electric power on the basis of which the oil level determination unit determines the oil level. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090308154 | Fuel Cartridge Structure with Sensor Apparatus - The present invention relates to a fuel cartridge structure with sensor apparatus, comprising a main fuel solution tank provided with a casing with accommodation space, the accommodation space being used for storing the fuel solution; and a sensor apparatus mainly having two sensor components, the two sensor components being disposed on exterior surface or in the structure of the casing of the main fuel solution tank for achieving the objective of measurement. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20100024542 | HYDROGEN STORAGE TANK AND METHOD OF USING - A hydrogen storage tank for containing solid-state hydrogen storage media, and method for determining the hydrogen fill level in the tank. The tank has at least one compartment for storing the storage media, passages for transporting hydrogen gas to and from the compartment, and a heat distribution system for establishing a substantially uniform temperature in the storage media. A look-up table is generated for the tank that relates hydrogen pressure changes in the tank versus hydrogen fill levels in the tank as a function of temperature. The tank is filled to full capacity by adsorbing hydrogen on the storage media. Thereafter, hydrogen is released from the storage media for a time period during which there is a substantially constant demand on the tank, the change in pressure of the released hydrogen gas is measured, and the look-up table is applied to determine the hydrogen fill level in the tank. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100139392 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING LIQUID LEVEL IN A VESSEL - A level control system for controlling a liquid level in a vessel containing a two-phase fluid includes a plurality of sensors configured to measure parameters related to the vessel. The parameters include liquid level in the vessel, vapor flow rate leaving the vessel, pressure in the vessel, temperature of the vessel, and feed-liquid flow rate entering the vessel indicative of a state of the vessel. A predictive controller is configured to receive output signals from the plurality of sensors and predict a volume of liquid over a predetermined time period in the vessel based on output signals from the plurality of sensors and a variation in pressure, thermal load, or combinations thereof in the vessel. The controller is configured to generate a liquid level set point of the vessel based on the predicted volume of liquid in the vessel; and further control a liquid level in the vessel based on the generated liquid level set point by manipulating one or more control elements coupled to the vessel. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100139393 | SCAN LOCK AND TRACK FLUID CHARACTERIZATION AND LEVEL SENSOR APPARATUS AND METHOD - A liquid characterization and level sensor with a coaxial probe attached to a closed loop servo circuitry combined with a DSP and novel algorithms to scan, lock and track signals to ascertain the level and purity of fluid in a container. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100186498 | Method for the calculation of fluid interface level - A method for calculating the boundary layer level between fluids, in particular the boundary layer level between oil and water in connection with the use of a segment-based boundary layer meter. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100186499 | ELECTRO-OPTIC LIQUID LEVEL SENSING SYSTEM FOR AIRCRAFT BEVERAGE BREWING - The electro-optic liquid level sensing system detects a level of liquid in a container having an upper opening, such as for a server container of a beverage maker for a transport system, such as for aircraft, trains, trucks, buses and the like. A support housing mates with the upper opening of the container, and a primary liquid level sensor is mounted in the support housing for non-intrusively measuring the liquid level. A secondary liquid level sensor may be mounted in the support housing to sense a predetermined liquid level to prevent accidental overflows. Protective lenses may be placed in front of the primary liquid level sensor. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100192685 | Apparatus And Method For Detecting Ink In A Reservoir - A method detects the level of ink in a printhead reservoir by monitoring the power drawn by a thermistor positioned within the printhead reservoir. The method includes dissipating power in a thermistor in an ink reservoir, controlling the power dissipated in the thermistor to maintain the thermistor at a temperature that is a fixed differential above a reservoir temperature, measuring a parameter that corresponds to the power dissipated in the thermistor, and comparing the measured parameter to a predetermined value to detect ink in the reservoir contacting the thermistor. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100192686 | BLOOD TREATMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Dialysis systems comprising actuators that cooperate to perform dialysis functions and sensors that cooperate to monitor dialysis functions are disclosed. According to one aspect, such a hemodialysis system comprises a user interface model layer, a therapy layer, below the user interface model layer, and a machine layer below the therapy layer. The user interface model layer is configured to manage the state of a graphical user interface and receive inputs from a graphical user interface. The therapy layer is configured to run state machines that generate therapy commands based at least in part on the inputs from the graphical user interface. The machine layer is configured to provide commands for the actuators based on the therapy commands. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100263443 | Tank Sensor Circuit Board For A Fill Level In A Vehicle Tank - A tank sensor circuit board for a fill level sensor in a vehicle tank, including a support element, on which contact surfaces containing silver are applied using thick layer technology. The contact surfaces are made up of a silver layer and a top layer containing nickel, palladium and gold, completely or partly covering the silver layer. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100281971 | FLUID CONDITION AND LEVEL SENSOR - A fluid condition and level sensor is provided that includes a solenoid body, a coil, and an armature surrounded by the coil. The solenoid body defines an armature chamber in which the armature is movable in response to energizing of the coil. The sensor is mounted to a reservoir such that a first portion of the solenoid body extends into a cavity defined by the reservoir, and so that movement of the armature is substantially transverse to a direction of fluid level change in the reservoir. The first portion of the solenoid body defines an opening permitting fluid communication between the cavity and the armature chamber, such that fluid enters and is displaced from the armature chamber through the opening as the armature moves, movement of the armature within the armature chamber thereby being affected by fluid level in the reservoir. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100307235 | AIRCRAFT FUEL TANK WEIGHT MEASUREMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD - An aircraft fuel tank weight measurement apparatus comprising a first solid element defining a load path for an aircraft fuel tank, an EMW emitter and an EMW detector arranged such that a first EM wave from the EMW emitter to the EMW detector passes through the first solid element, the detector arranged to detect a phase shift in the first wave resulting from a change in length of the first wave path caused by deformation of the first solid element. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20110011177 | LIQUID LEVEL SENSOR FOR GALLEY INSERTS - The liquid level sensing device includes rotating electrically conductive probes and uses a self-cleaning rotary electrical connection system with a contact stylus on a rotating conductive barrel, for sensing a liquid level in a dispensing container of an aircraft galley insert. The probes, pivot arms of the probes, rotating drum and stylus may have an exterior surface formed of an electrically conductive, corrosion resistant material. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110016969 | DEVELOPER LIQUID LEVEL SENSOR - An apparatus for detecting developer liquid ( | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110030470 | Water Level Display Device Using LED, And Water Level Measurement System Including The Same - The present invention includes: plural common terminals; plural water level measurement terminals that are arranged at a certain interval along a longitudinal direction; a water level measurement control unit that measures the water level of a measurement subject by letting an electric current flow to the plural common terminals, then reading the state information of an electric current flowing to the plural water level measurement terminals; and an LED unit that reads and displays the water level measurement results through plural LEDs. The water level measurement system according to the invention comprises: the above-mentioned water level display device; a main control module that controls the water level display device to read the water level measurement results from the water level display device and display the water level measurement results in numerical form or on a scale; a power supply module that supplies power to the water level display device under the control of the main control module; and a display module that displays the water level measurement results according to control of the main control module. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110041599 | Method for Operating a Tissue Processor - A method for operating a tissue processor is described. During the operation of a tissue processor a reagent is fed from a container into a retort of the tissue processor, which retort does not contain any tissue samples. Thereafter, the reagent is returned into the container. During feeding, returning and/or in between feeding and returning a measured value is detected by a sensor of the tissue processor. This value is representative of a concentration of the reagent. During this feeding, this returning and/or in between no tissue sample is placed in the retort. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110048125 | LEVEL MEASUREMENT USING AN INCLINED ARRAY OF SOURCES OF IONISING RADIATION - A method and apparatus for determining the location of a substantially horizontal fluid interface within a vessel, comprising providing at least one generally linear source array comprising a plurality of sources of penetrating radiation and providing at least one generally linear detector array comprising a plurality of radiation detectors capable of detecting radiation emitted by the sources, said source and detector arrays being located such that radiation emitted from each of the sources is capable of following a linear path from the source, through the vessel and material to at least a respective one of the detectors, (iii) comparing the amount of radiation received by at least two of the detectors from a respective source to provide an indication of the relative density of the material through which radiation has passed to the detectors, the method being characterised in that the linear axis of the source and detector array is oriented with respect to the horizontal interface such that the linear axis intersects the plane of the interface at an angle between 10 degrees and 80 degrees. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110120218 | Hand-Held Detection Device for Determining the Height of a Material in a Container and Methods of Use - According to an aspect of the invention, a hand-held detection device for determining the height of a material in a rigid-walled container from the outside of the container without accessing the interior of the container comprises: (a) means for detecting, through the wall of the container, the presence or absence of the material inside the container adjacent to the detector; (b) means for generating a first output corresponding to the presence or absence of the material inside the container adjacent to the detector, whereby the location of the surface level of the material inside the container can be determined through the wall of the container by moving the device and observing the first output; (c) means for measuring the vertical distance between the surface level of the material and a reference point associated with the container; (d) means for generating a second output corresponding to the vertical distance between the surface level of the material and the reference point; and (e) a power storage source. According to another aspect of the invention, a method for determining the height of a material in a container comprises the steps of: (a) providing the hand-held detection device; (b) positioning the detection device on the outside of the container adjacent to the surface level of the material; and (c) determining the height of the material contained in the container by using the second output. According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for calculating the volume of a material in a container is provided. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110132084 | LIQUID LEVEL SENSING SYSTEM - A system for detecting a presence of a liquid within a liquid receptacle includes a liquid level sensor configured to be positioned within the liquid receptacle. The liquid level sensor includes a helical probe. The system may also include a transducer operatively connected to the liquid level sensor. The transducer is operable to generate and receive wave energy with respect to the liquid level sensor. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110203365 | DEVICE FOR DETECTING THE LIQUID LEVEL IN THE WASHING BATH OF A WASHING MACHINE - The device ( | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110209543 | System and Method for Accurately Measuring Fluid Level in a Vessel - An apparatus and method for measuring a level of a liquid is provided. Generally, the apparatus contains a first coaxial cable section including a first center conductor, a first outer conductor and a solid dielectric between the first center conductor and first outer conductor. The apparatus also contains a second coaxial cable section including a second center conductor, a second outer conductor and an air dielectric between the second center conductor and second outer conductor. Further, a coupling is provided between the first and second coaxial cable sections, wherein the second coaxial cable section is disposed in a liquid for determining a level of the liquid. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110232380 | SYSTEMS, METHOD AND DEVICES FOR MONITORING FLUIDS - Method and apparatus for detecting leaks in a fluid vessel. The apparatus comprises a pressure sensor for measuring a pressure difference between a reference cell and a sample cell. The sample cell is open to the fluid vessel. The method and apparatus detects a leak in the fluid vessel when the pressure difference exceeds a predetermined threshold. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110303003 | ACCUMULATOR WITH BOTH DIRECT AND REMOTE QUANTITY LEVEL INDICATION - An apparatus for determining the fluid level of a container, such as an accumulator, may include both a remote quantity indicator and a direct quantity indicator. The remote quantity indicator may include a remote dial at the end of a flexible cable or an electrical signal receiver receiving an electrical signal from a rotary variable differential transformer (RVDT), such as a potentiometer. The RVDT type of indicator may include an electrical connector on the accumulator to attach an electrical cable to carry the quantity level signal. The direct quantity indicator may include a dial directly mounted on the accumulator. The remote/direct quantity indicators may include, for example, one of the following three combinations: 1) a dial directly on the accumulator and a remote dial at the end of a flexible cable; 2) an RVDT output and a dial directly on the accumulator; and 3) an RVDT output on an accumulator, a remote dial at the end of a flexible cable and a dial directly on the accumulator. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20120096938 | PNEUMATIC INDICATOR FOR DETECTING LIQUID LEVEL - A pneumatic sensor/indicator device includes a sensor assembly having a bellows receiving chamber and sensor housing. An elastic bellows is in the bellows receiving chamber. A shaft connects to the bellows so bellows extension/retraction causes shaft axial movement. A magnet connected to the shaft generates a field moving an indicator ring. An indicator dome connects to the sensor body. The indicator ring is in the sensor housing in a non-indicating condition and displaces into the indicator dome providing a visible indicating condition. A flexible sensor tube connected to the sensor/indicator device extends into a well tube having a level sensing tube extending therefrom. A well fluid level rising above a level sensing tube inlet end increases inlet pressure port pressure inducing bellows axial displacement causing indicator device movement toward the indicating condition. The dome and indicating ring are isolated from the well preventing well contents entering and fogging the dome. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120125095 | Washing machine and method to detect suds thereof - A washing machine to detect suds using an acceleration sensor and a method to detect suds thereof are disclosed. By driving a motor and rotating a drum at a predetermined target RPM during a washing cycle and measuring displacement data of the drum changed according to the rotation of the drum, it is possible to accurately detect excess suds in the drum and to increase suds detecting accuracy. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120137767 | TIME DOMAIN REFLECTOMETRY DEVICE AND METHOD - Time domain reflectometers are described that include a sensor circuit, a feed line, a lead line, and a signal generator. The feed line and lead line are configured such that when a signal propagates through the feed line and the guide line at least one of the reflected signals of the plurality of reflected signals is delayed beyond full measurement range of the apparatus so as to prevent the reflected signal from being possibly sensed. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120216610 | AUTOMATIC ANALYSIS APPARATUS - An automatic analysis apparatus that can suction a target sample through an sample dispensing probe at a single sample dispensing position by transferring a sample rack holder having one or more sample containers from a first sampler unit to a second sampler unit and by moving the transferred sample rack in a horizontal direction and up-and-down directions at the fixed single sample dispensing position. By fixing a fluid sampling position of a sample container held by a sample rack at the single position, a sample dispensing accuracy of an automatic analysis apparatus can be increased. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120255352 | CYCLICALLY LIQUID FEEDING APPARATUS - An outer tank and an inner tank having liquid at different temperatures, and a load are connected to each other via outer and inner tank liquid circulating channels and a valve unit. A first opening-and-closing valve is connected to a first bypass flow-channel connecting an outer tank feed channel and an inner tank feedback channel, a second opening-and-closing valve is connected to a second bypass flow channel connecting an inner tank feed channel and an outer tank feedback channel to detect the liquid level of the liquid in the outer tank and the liquid level of the liquid in the inner tank by a liquid level sensor. The liquid levels are adjusted by selectively opening the first opening-and-closing valve and the second opening-and-closing valve when the liquid levels in both tanks become uneven in the process of cyclically feeding the liquid from the tanks to the load. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120285238 | FUEL LEVEL GAUGE CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A system includes a fuel level determination module, an adjusting module, and a gauge control module. The fuel level determination module outputs a measured fuel level based on a fuel level signal generated by a fuel level sensor. After an ignition system of the vehicle is turned on, the adjusting module adjusts a present fuel level toward the measured fuel level based on a first rate when a refueling event was detected while the ignition system was off and adjusts the present fuel level toward the measured fuel level based on a second rate when a refueling event was not detected while the ignition system was off. The first rate is faster than the second rate. The gauge control module controls a fuel level gauge to display the present fuel level. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20130036814 | FLUID RESERVOIR FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM - A motor vehicle hydraulic brake system fluid reservoir for use with an electronic control unit. The hydraulic brake system fluid reservoir has a housing including a reservoir interior space having at least one fluid chamber, and a device for monitoring a reservoir filling level including a switch unit, which with a contact carrier projects into a guide sleeve, which extends into a separate chamber of the reservoir interior space. A sensor element or switch element is arranged on the contact carrier and is operable by a pickup carried on the guide sleeve at a switching point, at which the switch unit generates a signal for the electronic control unit. The separate chamber is connected to the fluid chamber by way of a fluid connection. Valve means are also provided, which serves to control the fluid flow between the separate chamber and the fluid chamber. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130111986 | FLUID DETECTION APPARATUS - Fluid detection apparatus including fluid non-retention members and fluid detection members is disclosed. The fluid non-retention members have concave curved portions having a concavity in an outwardly direction from the respective fluid detection member. The fluid non-retention members are configured to prevent retention of the fluid on at least one of the respective fluid detection members. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130111987 | LEVEL DETECTION DEVICE IN A CASTING EQUIPMENT AND RELATIVE DETECTION METHOD - A level detection device in casting equipment oscillating linearly, in a manner concordant with a substantially vertical direction of advance of molten steel in the casting equipment at a desired frequency of oscillation includes the device oscillating at the same frequency and disposed at a predetermined operating height. The device generates a continuous magnetic field, and the field generator is oriented transversely to the direction of advance of the steel in the casting equipment, so as to generate alternate induced currents in the molten steel. The device detects a variable induced magnetic field generated by and concatenated with said alternate induced currents, wherein the intensity of the variable induced magnetic field as detected is correlated to the level of the molten steel in the casting equipment with respect to the operating height. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130118251 | Evaluation device and method for determining a characteristic variable for the location of a boundary surface in a container - An evaluation apparatus and a method for determining a characteristic variable for the location of a boundary surface in a container are described, wherein a multiple echo having at least the order of one is recognized in an echo curve. The characteristic variable for the location of the boundary surface in the container is determined based on the position of the multiple echo and the order of the multiple echo. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130205893 | LIQUID LEVEL SENSING SYSTEM - A linear liquid level sensing system ( | 08-15-2013 |
| 20130255372 | OIL LEVEL GAUGE STRUCTURE - An oil level gauge structure with an oil level gauge attachment hole functioning as an oil filling opening provided in a casing of an engine with an oil level gauge for closing up the attachment hole. The oil level gauge has a columnar portion formed on the lower end side of an external thread. The columnar portion has a predetermined length and is continuous with the external thread for attaching the oil level gauge to the casing. A guide hole into which the columnar portion is fitted to restrict the position of the columnar portion is provided on the lower end side of an internal thread of an attachment hole of the casing. The columnar portion of the oil level gauge is formed to have such an axial length that the lower end of the columnar portion exceeds the depth of the internal thread of the casing. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130276529 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE FILL LEVEL OF A MEDIUM AND CORRESPONDING DEVICE - A method for determining the fill level of a medium, wherein a transmission signal is transmitted, a return signal is received, and the return signal is evaluated in view of the process variable in a manner which allows a general and flexible handling of interfering signals in the received signals. This result is obtained by filtering at least one of the return signal, a signal derived from the return signal and an envelope curve formed from the return signal into at least one sub-signal, and using said at least one sub-signal for evaluating the return signal for at least determining the fill level. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130276530 | WATER LEVEL MEASURING SYSTEM AND NON-CONDENSABLE GAS DISCHARGE DEVICE FOR SAME - A water level measuring system ( | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130276531 | FUEL DELIVERY UNIT - A fuel delivery unit in a fuel tank of a motor vehicle, having a surge pot, a fuel pump is arranged in the surge pot fuel out of the surge pot to an internal combustion engine of the motor vehicle, a pump holder for fastening the fuel pump in the surge pot, and a fill level sensor for determining the fill level in the fuel tank. The fill level sensor ( | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130291634 | LEVEL GAUGE - The present invention relates to a level gauge, and more particularly, to a level gauge provided on a device such as an engine or transmission of a vehicle to discharge aft from the device and prevent a foreign substance from being introduced therein. In addition, the level gauge and an oil net can be integrated into a single module, to thereby save costs. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20140013839 | WATER SOFTENER SYSTEM AND METHOD - An apparatus for detecting salt level within a water treatment system is provided and includes a biasing member, a paddle operatively connected to the biasing member, and an actuator operatively connected to the biasing member. The biasing member biases the paddle in a first position when the salt level is below the bottom of the paddle. The paddle is configured such that when the salt level is above the bottom of the paddle sufficient force from the salt is applied to one of the sides of the paddle to overcome the biasing force of the biasing member and move the paddle to a second position. The actuator is configured to cause a signal to be outputted that indicates that the salt level needs to be replenished in response to the paddle being in the first position. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140013840 | STORAGE TANK ASSEMBLY AND SYSTEM FOR STORING WASTE COOKING OIL - A storage tank and method for monitoring thereof is provided. The tank includes a first panel that defines a mounting surface for carrying a heating element. The heating element extends into the tank for heating liquids stowed therein. A sidewall interconnects the first panel and a spaced-apart second panel. A support extends from a bottom-facing surface of the second panel for supporting the tank in a spaced-apart relation from a nearby surface. The support further defines an upward-facing pocket for receiving a portion of the heating element. A control system may monitor the storage tank and alert a service provider of operative conditions thereof. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140083182 | Condensate sensing device - A condensate sensing device to generate a condensate signal when condensate within a condensate collector reaches a predetermined level comprising a hollow shell and overmold integrally formed to form a water tight enclosure to operatively house a signal generator including electronic components to selectively generate the condensate signal when the condensate within the predetermined level reaches the predetermined level to control the operation of equipment and/or energize an alarm. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140109666 | Apparatus for Determining or Monitoring the Fill Level of a Substance in a Container - An apparatus for determining or monitoring the fill level of a substance in a container, including a high frequency oscillator, an in/out coupling unit, an antenna, which transmits measuring signals, which are coupled in via the in/out coupling unit, in the direction of the surface of the fill substance, respectively receives the measuring signals reflected on the surface of the fill substance, and an evaluating circuit, to which the measuring signals reflected on the surface of the fill substance are supplied and which ascertains the fill level in the container via a travel-time difference method. The high frequency oscillator includes a transistor with a source branch, a drain branch and a gate branch, at least one frequency tuning component and at least one frequency determining component. The frequency determining component of the high frequency oscillator is arranged in the source branch of the transistor. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140116130 | MEASURING DEVICE, MEASURING ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING A MEASURED QUANTITY - A measuring device, measuring arrangement and a method for determining a measured quantity. The measuring device a sensor device, an evaluation device and an interface. The sensor device generates measurement information which is dependent on the measured quantity and the evaluation device determines a result value for the measured quantity. To devise a measuring device which manages with a limited power demand and storage demand and which also allows a complex evaluation for obtaining the result value for the measured quantity, the evaluation device of the measuring device outputs the measurement information or information dependent on it via the interface to a separate data device of the measuring arrangement, receives intermediate information from the data device which is generated depending on the measurement information or the information dependent on it and determines the result value based on the intermediate information. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140157888 | WETLAND METER | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140251005 | Connected Tableware for Quantifying Dietary Intake - Connected tableware is provided with various sensors and systems for quantifying a user's dietary intake. Sensors and systems include a weight sensing system, a fluid level sensor, a fat content sensor, and a temperature sensor. Further, the connected tableware is comprised in a system including a data transfer medium (i.e. “smartphone”) and the Cloud, which allows for data transfer between multiple platforms from the connected tableware. The connected tableware and the system operate in conjunction to identify the dietary items contained on the connected tableware, thus quantifying dietary intake of a user. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140260600 | Liquid modulated antenna - One embodiment of a liquid-modulated antenna using an antenna of a type commonly used in the field of wireless identification which is placed within sufficient proximity of a source of liquid to allow the liquid to flow onto the antenna, thereby altering (modulating) the characteristics of the signal being transmitted from the antenna to a signal receiving unit. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140290356 | DEVICE FOR MEASURING LIQUID LEVEL | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140305201 | Electronic liquid level sensing device and gauge for liquid-immersed power transformers, reactors and similar equipment - An electronic liquid level measuring device and gauge for liquid-immersed transformers, reactors or similar equipment with complex and dynamic liquid temperature distributions that utilizes measured liquid pressure and temperature measurements with programmed settings and algorithms to determine the level and volume of liquid in the equipment. The measuring device also has capabilities of providing output data or display for the liquid level, liquid volume, and measured data, as well as alarms for adverse operating conditions. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140318236 | LIQUID LEVEL DETECTION SYSTEM FOR A DRIVELINE COMPONENT - The present disclosure relates to a detection system for detecting a liquid level in a rotating driveline component. The detection system may include a first sensor for detecting the liquid, a second sensor for detecting a rotational position of the driveline component, and a receiver for determining the liquid level based on the first and second sensors. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140352425 | HIGH ACCURACY LEVEL TRANSDUCER - A level transducer has a power supply module, a tuning fork module, a sensing-phase corrector and a controller. The tuning fork module has a tuning fork, at least one piezoelectric driving element, and at least one piezoelectric sensing element. The at least one piezoelectric driving element and the at least one piezoelectric sensing element are stacked on each other, and are mounted on the tuning fork. The power supply module is electrically connected and outputs a voltage to the at least one piezoelectric driving element to deform the at least one piezoelectric driving element. The at least one piezoelectric sensing element is extruded and outputs a voltage signal. The sensing-phase corrector obtains the voltage signal and outputs a clock signal to feedback control the voltage on the at least one piezoelectric driving element to optimize a deformation frequency of each piezoelectric element. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140366625 | LEVEL MEASUREMENTS IN METALLURGICAL VESSELS - The vertical filling level of electrically conductive material in a cavity of a metallurgical vessel is measured by a system including a transmitting conductor for generating an electromagnetic field when connected to an alternating power source, and a receiving conductor which senses the electromagnetic field for generation of an output signal. The conductors are arranged inside a metal casing of the vessel to co-extend with a mutual spacing defining a spacing area that faces the cavity and extends along the periphery in an essentially closed loop. The mutual spacing is selected such that changes in the output signal is dominated by changes to the electromagnetic field caused by local changes in the amount of the conductive material adjacent the spacing. Part of the spacing area defines a vertical measurement region slanted along the periphery so as to diverge from the horizontal and vertical directions of the vessel. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140373622 | WIRELESS FUEL SENSOR - Embodiments of the disclosure include wireless fuel systems for an aircraft. The system include wireless fuel sensors having a sensor configured to measure an indication of an amount of fuel in a fuel tank, a transmitter coupled to the sensor, an antenna coupled to the transmitter and a generator configured to provide power to the sensor and the transmitter. The system also includes a controller configured to receive data from each of the plurality of wireless fuel sensors and to responsively calculate the amount of fuel in a fuel tank. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20150040659 | CAPACITIVE FLUID LEVEL DETECTION SENSOR - The present invention relates to a fluid level detection sensor, and an objective of the present invention is to provide a capacitive fluid level detection sensor, in which an electrode for sensing a fluid level in a capacitive method is formed on a film in a printing method so that the film can be easily attached to and detached from a connector module having a wireless transmission function, and thus a value of a sensed fluid level can be transmitted to a central control office at a remote site, and the film can be used as a disposable item. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150052995 | WATER LEVEL SENSOR AND HEAT EXCHANGER STERILIZING AND HUMIDIFYING APPARATUS HAVING THE SAME - A water level sensor is closely adhered to a storage tank, and a heat exchanger sterilizing and humidifying apparatus allows the water level sensor to be mounted at the outside of the storage tank, thus having a simple configuration. The water level sensor may include a holder, a cap connected to the holder so as to reciprocate within the holder, a case connected to the cap so as to reciprocate within the holder, a sensor part attached to the case to sense the water level in the storage tank, and a spring located between the holder and the cap, wherein the sensor part mounted at the outside of the storage tank and attached to the case by restoring force of the spring when the storage tank contacts the case may be closely adhered to the storage tank and thus may sense a level of water stored in the storage tank. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150059468 | SYSTEM FOR MONITORING PROPANE OR OTHER CONSUMABLE LIQUID IN REMOTELY LOCATED STORAGE TANKS - An improved apparatus and method for monitoring the levels of propane or other consumable liquid in remotely located storage tanks and coordinating delivery of liquid to those tanks, including an improved method of using the remote monitoring data to identify out-of-ordinary conditions at remote tanks, optimally schedule purchases or 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 calculating site-specific Degree-days and K-factors for each tank and by taking historical propane usage for each tank, weather conditions, and projected fuel usage into account. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150114103 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING A MASS OF FUEL WITHIN A VARIABLE GEOMETRY CONTAINER - A system and method for measuring a mass of fuel contained in a variable geometry container. The container comprises a container assembly, formed by a variable geometry container disposed on a rigid support, a three-axis load cell coupled with the rigid support and providing a first set of three signals with a magnitude proportional to the force exerted by the container assembly, a three-axis accelerometer coupled with the rigid support and providing a second set of three signals with a magnitude proportional to the acceleration to which the container assembly is subjected, and a signal processing device configured to convert the first and the second set of signals into force and acceleration data, for three perpendicular directions of the space, and configured to calculate a measure relative to the mass of fuel contained in the variable geometry container. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150300867 | DEVICE WITH FUNCTION FOR MEASURING THE VOLUMETRIC CHANGES IN A SUBSTANCE - This invention relates to a device with function for measuring volumetric changes in a substance. In particular, the device with function for measuring volumetric changes in a substance comprises a sensor that detects the amount of light intensity produced by a light source aligned with said sensor when passing through a column of two liquids which are immiscible among each other contained in a transparent tube, wherein the sensor and the aligned light source are mounted on an arm that travels on a vertically arranged rail, wherein the arm is attached to a strap which acts by means of a first and a second pulley causing the movement of said arm, wherein the movement of said pulleys comes from a motor and a gearbox and the entire mobility system is mounted on a frame. The device further comprises data acquisition means which record the change of light intensity and control the arm movement. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150308309 | OIL LEVEL DETECTION MECHANISM - An oil level detection mechanism for detecting an oil level in the inside of a case | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150323369 | Constant Fluid Level and Equipment Monitor - A flexible array of sensor pairs are used to monitor lubricant condition in an oiler carrying lubricant. The array of sensor pairs are placed adjacent a reservoir and detect the fluid level in the reservoir. The sensor pairs are coupled a chassis and transmit data through communications components which transmit the data to an accessible site for aggregation, monitoring and alarm features. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150330577 | Expansion Tank with a Predictive Sensor - An expansion tank which comprises a tank having a predetermined volume capacity; an expandable elastomeric bladder in the tank, partitioning tank volume into a liquid-containing portion for holding liquid and a gas-containing portion for holding a gas under a pressure that defines a normal pressurized gas volume when the liquid-containing portion holds a predetermined liquid volume; and a proximity sensor mounted to the tank at the gas-containing portion thereof and adapted to emit an alarm signal when volume of the gas-containing portion is reduced. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150343132 | DIALYSIS SYSTEM AND METHODS - Dialysis systems and methods are described which can include a number of features. The dialysis systems described can be to provide dialysis therapy to a patient in the comfort of their own home. The dialysis system can be configured to prepare purified water from a tap water source in real-time that is used for creating a dialysate solution. The dialysis systems described also include features that make it easy for a patient to self-administer therapy. For example, the dialysis systems include disposable cartridge and patient tubing sets that are easily installed on the dialysis system and automatically align the tubing set, sensors, venous drip chamber, and other features with the corresponding components on the dialysis system. Methods of use are also provided, including automated priming sequences, blood return sequences, and dynamic balancing methods for controlling a rate of fluid transfer during different types of dialysis, including hemodialysis, ultrafiltration, and hemodiafiltration. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20160054165 | LIQUID LEVEL MEASURING DEVICE - A liquid level measuring device comprises an inner-tube unit having an inner tube and at least one inner-tube coil surrounding the inner tube; an outer-tube unit having a plurality of outer tubes, each outer tube having a plurality of outer-tube coils disposed thereon, the outer tubes being stacked, the inner tube being arranged inside the outer tubes and being risen and fallen as a level of a liquid in the outer tubes varies; and a control unit electrically connecting to the respective outer-tube coils, the control unit transmitting a set of position coded signals to the outer-tube coils disposed on an individual outer tube, the control unit determining the liquid level according to an induced signal generated by the inner-tube coil. Said device has many advantages including low cost and modular design, and such a device is easily to be deployed. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160167889 | METHOD FOR DETECTING THE FILL LEVEL OF A TRANSPORT SECTION | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160202106 | DEVICE FOR DETERMINING THE FILL LEVEL OF A MEDIUM | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160202107 | DEVICE FOR DETERMINING THE FILL LEVEL OF A MEDIUM IN A CONTAINER | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160252385 | Coaxial probe having a tensioned internal conductor | 09-01-2016 |
| 20190145813 | Fill Level Measurement Device with Potential Isolation in a Waveguide | 05-16-2019 |
| 20220136885 | LOW LEVEL WATER SENSOR AND METHOD OF USE - A low level water sensor and method of use in, e.g., mitigating acidic corrosion in a fuel storage tank is disclosed. | 05-05-2022 |
| 20100018308 | Vehicle Engine With Fluid Measuring System - The present disclosure relates to a fluid measuring system for use in a vehicle engine. The engine includes a fluid return channel through which a tube is inserted. The fluid measuring system also includes a dipstick that can be inserted in the tube. One end of the dipstick is in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir and is configured to indicate the fluid level of the engine. The tube can be composed of an elastic material. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20080210003 | LEVEL METER - A level meter for measuring the fill level of a medium in a vessel, includes a reference container that can be connected to the vessel in a manner whereby the level in the reference container is identical to that in the vessel. The reference container is provided with an adapter unit for a microwave level meter operating by the radar principle which adapter unit encompasses an injection device for coupling-in a microwave signal. This constitutes a low-cost solution for connecting a microwave level meter to a reference container, ensuring optimized signal injection. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080236275 | Remote Monitoring of Fluid Storage Tanks - Arrangement and method for monitoring a fluid storage tank which includes a housing defining an interior receivable of a removable fluid. An interior sensor system is arranged on the housing to obtain information about any fluid in the interior of the housing different than the location of the tank. A location determining system is arranged on the housing to monitor the location of the tank, and a communication system is coupled to the interior sensor system and the location determining system and which is arranged to transmit the information about the fluid in the interior of the housing and the location of the tank to one or more remote facilities. The communication system may be arranged on the housing itself, which is especially applicable when the housing is movable, for example, such as the housing of a Frac tank. The location and condition of the fluid in the tank can thus be known at all times. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080257035 | Apparatus for Determining and/or Monitoring at Least One Process Variable - An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium and includes: A mechanically oscillatable unit, which executes mechanical oscillations in a direction and which is secured at a seating. Included is an exciting/receiving unit, which excites the mechanically oscillatable unit to mechanical oscillations and which receives the mechanical oscillations of the mechanically oscillatable unit; and a control/evaluation unit, which controls the mechanical oscillations of the mechanically oscillatable unit and which determines and/or monitors the process variable. At least one compensating mass is also provided, which is mechanically coupled with the mechanically oscillatable unit and which is embodied and/or secured in such a manner that it executes mechanical oscillations in a direction, wherein the direction of the oscillations of the compensating mass are essentially perpendicular to the direction of the oscillations of the mechanically oscillatable unit. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20090013778 | Method for Checking the Proper Functioning of a Level Indicator - A method for checking proper functioning of a fill-level measuring device working according to the travel time principle. For this purpose, in predetermined or selectable time intervals (ta), a current measured value curve at a current fill level (hactual) is ascertained; on the basis of the current measured value curve, a current wanted echo signal is determined. Subsequently, on the basis of the current wanted echo signal, an expected value (E) for quality of a wanted echo signal at at least one predetermined fill level (hdesired) is ascertained. The ascertained expected value (E) for quality of the wanted echo signal at the predetermined fill level (hdesired) is compared with a predetermined critical value for quality, and an error condition is diagnosed, when the ascertained expected value falls below the critical value for quality. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090013779 | LIQUID SENSING APPARATUS FOR A LIQUID CONTAINER FOR SUPPLYING A LIQUID TO A LIQUID CONSUMING APPARATUS, AND A LIQUID CONTAINER IN WHICH THE LIQUID SENSING APPARATUS IS BUILT - A liquid sensing apparatus includes a liquid sensing chamber | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090019929 | ULTRASONIC FLUID MEASUREMENT METHOD - A method of measuring the level of a fluid in a tank of an aircraft, the method comprising: moving an ultrasonic transducer to a predetermined measurement position; measuring the level of the fluid by: transmitting ultrasound from the transducer into the fluid via an external surface of a wall of the tank, receiving an ultrasonic echo at the transducer, and deducing the fluid level based on the time of arrival of the ultrasonic echo; and removing the transducer from the measurement position. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090025474 | Ultrasonic fuel level monitoring system incorporating an acoustic lens - An ultrasonic liquid level monitoring system includes an ultrasonic transducer unit that is mountable to a tank. The unit has an emitter to generate an ultrasonic beam passing through the wall of the tank. The emitter further receives an echo of the ultrasonic beam off a liquid surface. An acoustic lens is disposed between the emitter and the tank wall to receive and shape the ultrasonic beam to compensate for lensing effects of the tank wall. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090038394 | Apparatus for Measuring the Filling Level of a Liquid in a Container - Apparatus for measuring the filling level of a liquid in a container comprising a transmitting device | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090049908 | Device And Method For Qualitative Determination Of The Cavitation Energy Of Ultrasound In Containers - The present invention relates to a measuring chamber ( | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090071246 | Measuring device for determining and/or monitoring the amount of contents in a container - The invention relates to a fill-measuring device for determining and/or monitoring the fill level of a container, said device being comprised of:
| 03-19-2009 |
| 20090095070 | Sludge Level Probe, Sedimentation Plant and Method for Determining the Sludge Level - The invention relates to a sedimentation plant comprising a sedimentation basin ( | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090126480 | Apparatus for Determining and/or Monitoring a Process Variable - Apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium in a container. The apparatus includes at least one mechanically oscillatable unit, and at least one driving/receiving unit, which excites the mechanically oscillatable unit to execute mechanical oscillations, and which receives the mechanical oscillations of the mechanically oscillatable unit. The mechanically oscillatable unit has at least one membrane, or diaphragm. The membrane, or diaphragm, is connected with a housing. The driving/receiving unit is arranged between the membrane and a holding unit, and the holding unit is secured to the housing. The invention holding unit is embodied in such a manner and secured to the housing in such a manner, that a radial force, which acts essentially in the direction of the normals of the housing, produces a force component and/or a moment, which acts essentially in the direction of a normal of the holding unit. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090126481 | Fuel Inventory Monitoring System - An ultrasonic-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. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090158839 | Method for ascertaining and/or evaluating fill-state of a container containing at least one medium - A method for ascertaining and/or evaluating the fill-state of a container filled with at least one medium, wherein high-frequency, electromagnetic, measuring signals are emitted by a fill-level measuring device and received back as wanted echos reflected at an interface of the media. The electromagnetic, measuring signals are received back as an end echo reflected at a measuring range end, wherein, from the received wanted echos and the end echo, an echo curve is formed as a function of travel-time and/or the travel-distance, wherein, by means of a search algorithm integrated in the fill-level measuring device, number, existence and/or position of individual wanted echos and of the end echo in the echo curve are/is ascertained and applied for classifying the currently present fill-state in the container relative to predetermined, stored, fill situations in the container. On the basis of the classified fill situation in the container, with a distance value of the fill-level and/or a distance value of the separating-layer are/is associated belonging travel-times and/or belonging travel-distances of the individual wanted echos and/or end echo in the echo curve. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090178478 | Apparatus for Ascertaining and Monitoring Fill Level of Medium in a Container - An apparatus for ascertaining and monitoring fill level of a medium in a container by means of a travel-time measuring method utilizing high-frequency measuring signals. An antenna, having an antenna coupling region and an antenna region, or a waveguide having a probe coupling region and a probe measuring region extending into the container is included. Hollow spaces present in the antenna coupling region, in the antenna region, in the probe coupling region and/or in the probe measuring region are filled at least partially with a dielectric filling body. The dielectric filling body has internally at least one, hermetically sealed, reserved volume and the hermetically sealed, reserved volume is so embodied, that the dielectric filling body has a predetermined wave resistance and/or the high-frequency measuring signals have a predetermined propagation characteristic. | 07-16-2009 |
| 20090183564 | Ultrasonic liquid level detector - An ultrasonic liquid level detector for use within a shielded container, the detector being tubular in shape with a chamber at its lower end into which liquid from in the container may enter and exit, the chamber having an ultrasonic transmitter and receiver in its top wall and a reflector plate or target as its bottom wall whereby when liquid fills the chamber a complete medium is then present through which an ultrasonic wave may be transmitted and reflected from the target thus signaling that the liquid is at chamber level. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090193888 | Non-Contact Radar Based Level Measurement Device - A system and method for using a probe-based guided-wave radar sensor to measure fluid level in a container in a non-contact mode are provided. The system and method of the current invention replaces a wall section of the fluid container, such as a steel slurry tub with a panel of radar-transparent material, such as plastic. The level probe is mounted external to the container, adjacent to the radar-transparent panel. By avoiding contact between the sensor probe and the fluid, whether the fluid be cement slurry or another fluid prone to probe degradation, it is possible to eliminate the possibility of contamination, build-up, caking and/or damage to the probe along with the associated degradation in sensor performance. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090205419 | Ultrasonic Measuring Device for a Container - The invention relates to an ultrasound measuring device for a container. A coupling device supporting an ultrasound transducer serves for coupling and asymmetric alignment of the ultrasound transducer with respect to the container. This causes a sound field of the interfering signal in an ultrasound measurement to propagate within the container in an asymmetric fashion with respect to planes of symmetry of the container, whereby the interfering signal that is received at the site of injection is attenuated relative to a useful signal. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090217753 | Fuel Inventory Monitoring System - 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. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090235736 | Verfahren zur Auswertung und Korrektur von Gesamtmesssignalen - An improved and more accurate method for evaluating and correcting total measurement signals (TS(n)) of measuring devices. The invention concerns a method for evaluating and correcting total measurement signals (TS(n)) of a measuring device, wherein measuring signals are transmitted in the direction of a medium and reflected on a surface of the medium as wanted echo signals or on a surface of a disturbing element as interference signals and received. In the case of a modification of at least one technical, process condition in the container and/or a modification of at least one technical, measurement condition of the measuring device, an independent reference curve is ascertained on the basis of a current static reference curve, wherein the interference signals are masked out of the raw echo curve on the basis of a masking algorithm, which applies the independent reference curve. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090235737 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACCURATELY MEASURING FLUID LEVEL IN A VESSEL - A system and method for accurately measuring fluid level in a vessel is provided. Generally, the system contains an elongated portion being a coaxial tube having a hollow center, an arm being coaxial in shape, and a sensor containing a transmitter capable of creating and transmitting an excitation electromagnetic pulse for traversing the elongated portion and the arm, and a receiver for receiving reflected pulses, wherein a proximate end of the elongated portion joins a distal end of the arm in a manner to create a waveguide for an electromagnetic pulse provided by the sensor. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090282910 | Method for measuring reactor bed level from active acoustic measurement and analysis - The present invention is a non-intrusive method to determine the fluid level in a vessel. In a preferred embodiment, the vessel is a delayed coker drum in a refinery. Waves are generated in the vessel from an outside source. For wall vibration generated in the frequency range of 1-20,000 Hz, accelerometers on the exterior wall of the vessel measures the frequency of the vibration modes of the vessel. The fluid level can be related to the frequency of the vibration mode. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090282911 | Fluid level measurement device - The present invention relates to a device ( | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090293607 | Liquid level measurement device - The present invention relates to a device ( | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090301187 | MULTICHAMBER ULTRASONIC SENSOR FOR DETERMINING A LIQUID LEVEL - An ultrasound sensor for determining a fluid level with an elongated housing ( | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090314080 | Method for measuring reactor bed level from active acoustic measurement and analysis - The present invention is a non-intrusive method to determine the fluid level in a vessel. In a preferred embodiment, the vessel is a delayed coker drum in a refinery. Waves are generated in the vessel from an outside source. For wall vibration generated in the frequency range of 1-20,000 Hz, accelerometers on the exterior wall of the vessel measures the attenuation of the vibration modes of the vessel. The fluid level can related to the attenuation of the vibration mode. For wall vibration generated in the ultrasonic range, the wave traveling in the vessel wall are guided waves. The guided wave will leak energy into the fluid inside the vessel and will attenuate depending on the fluid level. Ultrasonic receivers on the outside of the vessel measure the attenuation. The fluid level can be related attenuation of the ultrasonic waves. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20100000314 | Arrangement for fill level measurement - An arrangement for measuring fill levels of fill substances located in containers with a single fill-level measuring device operating according to the travel time principle, and arranged removed from the measuring locations at which a fill level is to be measured and having an antenna for directed sending of microwaves and for receiving microwaves. The arrangement includes: a mirror arrangement, which has, arranged at a measuring location above the fill substance, at least one mirror, which transmits, to the surface of the fill substance, microwaves sent from the antenna in their transmission direction and which transmits, back to the antenna, their echoes reflected on the surface of the fill substance; and a measuring device electronics, which is fed, in measurement operation, received signals received with the antenna, and which, on the basis of the received signals, ascertains the travel times of the microwaves reflected at the measuring locations on the surface of the fill substance and ascertains therefrom, on the basis of the positions of the mirrors arranged above the fill substance at the measuring locations, the fill levels at the measuring locations. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100005878 | FLUID LEVEL DETECTOR - A fluid detector includes a piezoelectric element that outputs a first ultrasonic signal in response to an input electrical signal and a lens with an upper portion and a lower portion. A housing is integral with an outer surface of the wall of a container and defines a cylindrical central bore for receiving the lens. The piezoelectric element is coupled to the upper portion of the lens so that the lens focuses the first ultrasonic signal toward the wall so that it enters the wall. An ultrasonic detector is disposed adjacent the outer surface of the wall, for receiving a second ultrasonic signal from the wall that results from the first ultrasonic signal and that is affected by the presence or absence of fluid. The ultrasonic detector generates an output electrical signal corresponding to the second ultrasonic signal. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100018309 | FLUID LEVEL MEASURING METHOD AND SYSTEM THEREFOR - An ultrasound system for measuring the fluid level in a tank includes means for emitting an ultrasound detecting beam towards a surface of the fluid in the tank from a first position relative to the tank, yielding at least a portion of a path of the ultrasound detecting beam being generally perpendicular to the bottom of the tank and defining an axis intersecting the bottom of the tank, the first position being adjacent the bottom of the tank; means for receiving echoes from the ultrasound detecting beam reflected from the surface of the fluid in the tank at a second position biased from the first position; and means for determining the fluid level using the echoes received from the ultrasound detecting beam and a distance between the first and second positions. Such a system allows eliminating the limitation caused by the transducers' dead zone without requiring the use of a waveguide. A reference target can be used to calibrate the system for the speed of sound of the fluid mixture in the tank and for measuring the fluid mixture density. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100024543 | DISCRETE FLUID LEVEL SENSOR AND MOUNT - A level sensor for determining the presence or absence of a liquid in contact with the sensor includes an elongate probe, a transducer operably connected to the probe and configured to produce compressional waves in the probe, and circuitry for detecting acoustic energy emitted into the liquid when liquid is in contact with the probe. A mount for the releasably holding the sensor includes a base have a receiving region formed in part by a plurality of flexible securing fingers. The fingers have locking projections extending therefrom. A contact is mounted to the base and extends into the receiving region. A cartridge supports the level sensor and is received in the receiving region. The cartridge includes a circumferential recess for receiving the securing fingers. When the level sensor is positioned in the cartridge and the cartridge is inserted into the base, the level sensor is operably connected to the contact and the cartridge is resiliently secured in the base. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100031743 | DEVICE FOR MONITORING THE LEVEL OF THE CONDENSATE COLLECTED IN THE MEASURING CYLINDER OF A STANDARDIZED DISTILLATION APPARATUS AND METHOD IMPLEMENTED BY USING THIS DEVICE - Device for monitoring, the level of the condensate collected in the measurement cylinder of a standardized distillation apparatus for automatically distilling liquid specimens, characterized in that it comprises: oil the one hand, a double optical barrier emitting a central beam centred on the measurement cylinder ( | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100058856 | Measuring Cup Sensor and System - A measuring device for use with at least one measuring cup comprised of: a microprocessor, an ultrasonic transmitter, and an ultrasonic sensor, all positioned on a printed circuit board housing, all of which are contained within a housing, and a display screen on the housing. The transmitter emits a signal (e.g. an ultrasonic pulse that reflects off of the top surface of a liquid contained in the measuring cup,) and the ultrasonic sensor detects the reflected ultrasonic pulse. The microprocessor calculates the precise volume of liquid within the measuring cup and displays the volume on the display screen. The measuring device can alternately be programmed to emit an alert when a predetermined volume is reached. The measuring device and measuring cup unit can also be used with solids and/or slurries. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100077853 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING CONTACT OF A PIPETTING NEEDLE WITH A LIQUID IN A VESSEL - A method and level sensor apparatus for detecting contact of a pipetting needle with at least a liquid contained in a vessel are disclosed. The apparatus provides a pipetting needle made of a material suitable for transmitting ultrasonic waves, a needle holder for holding the needle, a electromechanical transducer for generating ultrasonic pulses to be transmitted towards the needle, for receiving echo pulses reflected at the tip of the needle, and for generating an electrical output signal representative of the echo pulses, and electronic circuit means for generating and applying a driving signal to the transducer, which generates corresponding pulses which are transmitted to the needle towards the tip thereof, and for monitoring and evaluating the output signal to detect the position of the needle at which the tip of the needle contacts the liquid and for providing a resulting signal representative of the result of said evaluation. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100083750 | APPARATUS FOR ASCERTAINING AND/OR MONITORING A PROCESS VARIABLE OF A MEDIUM - An apparatus for ascertaining and/or monitoring of a process variable of a medium. The apparatus includes: A mechanically oscillatable unit; an exciting/receiving unit, which excites the mechanically oscillatable unit to execute mechanical oscillations and which receives the mechanical oscillations; and an electronics unit, which supplies the exciting/receiving unit with an electrical, output signal, and which receives from the exciting/receiving unit an electrical, input signal. In the electronics unit there is provided an amplifier unit, which amplifies the electrical, input signal to an amplified signal (S | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100083751 | Process for measuring a fill level or limit state, circuit for a device that measures a fill level or limit state, and device that measures a fill level or limit state - The invention relates to a process for measuring a fill level or limit state using an electromagnetic vibrating system, in which a transmission signal (s) is generated; a vibrating body ( | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100095762 | RADIO FREQUENCY TRANSMITTING/RECEIVING ANTENNA WITH MODIFIABLE TRANSMITTING-RECEIVING PARAMETERS - Radio transmitting and receiving slot antenna, comprising a transmitting and receiving portion, means for connection to a transmitting and/or receiving circuit, said transmitting and receiving portion being formed of two volumes of liquid delimiting a slot, and means to modify the shape of said volumes of liquid and to modify the width of the slot, said means to modify the shape of said volume of liquid using electrostatic forces, the liquid being electrically conductive, and a control unit controlling the means to deform the volumes of fluid. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100101320 | ULTRASONIC LEVEL MEASUREMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD HAVING VARIABLE TRANSMIT POWER - The invention provides a method for improving the accuracy of level measurement by reducing or eliminating receive circuit saturation in ultrasound level measurement apparatus. The method involves adjusting the transmit power in order to control echo amplitude, in particular to avoid saturation, when the surface being monitored is within a pre-defined distance from the ultrasound transducer. The particular advantage of the invention is that it may be implemented without change to the electronic circuitry embodied in the apparatus. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100126267 | LEVEL SENSOR SYSTEM FOR PROPANE TANKS AND OR THE LIKES - A level sensor system according to the present invention includes a controller and a sensor assembly defined by a transducer assembly and a mounting assembly configured for a quick connection or non permanent attachment of the transducer assembly to the tank or container. The ultrasound transducer assembly emits ultrasound pulses in the tank along a detecting path, receives ultrasound echoes indicative of at least one of the first and second fluids and produces echo signals representative of the at least one of the first and second fluids. The mounting assembly is configured for receiving the ultrasound transducer assembly and for operatively mounting the ultrasound transducer assembly to the tank for ultrasound measurement. The controller is coupled to the ultrasound transducer assembly, receives the echo signals and determines the position of the fluid interface therewith; the level of the first fluid being defined by the position of the fluid interface. The fact that the sensor assembly is configured so as to be removably mounted to the tank allows replacing the tank, for example when it is empty, without having to replace the sensor assembly. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100132453 | Bottom up contact type ultrasonic continuous level sensor - An ultrasonic sensor for measuring the level of liquid in a vessel has an elongated tubular probe, a tube within the probe, and a transducer that converts electrical energy to ultrasonic energy mounted at or near one end of the tube so as to transmit ultrasonic energy horizontally across the probe. An element having a surface that reflects ultrasonic energy is at an angle, preferably of about 45°, to the probe longitudinal axis opposite to an ultrasonic energy emitting part of the transducer to reflect ultrasonic energy received from the transducer upwardly in the probe to an air-liquid interface from which it is downwardly reflected to the angled reflector element that directs the energy reflected from the interface back to the transducer for conversion to an electrical signal that is used by an electronic module to measure the liquid level in the probe which is the liquid level in the vessel. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100147069 | Device for determining and/or monitoring the filing level of a medium - According to the invention, the apparatus ( | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100162811 | METHOD FOR ASCERTAINING AND MONITORING FILL LEVEL OF A MEDIUM IN A CONTAINER USING A TRAVEL TIME, MEASURING METHOD - A method for ascertaining and monitoring fill level of a medium in a container by means of a field device using a travel time, measuring method, wherein transmission signals are transmitted and reflection signals received. The received reflection signals are registered as echo signals in an echo function, wherein masking curve, evaluation curves and/or echo parameters of the echo signals in the echo function are ascertained or predetermined, as well as stored in a first measuring cycle. By means of a static echo search algorithm, through the masking curve, the evaluation curve, the echo parameters, position and/or amplitude of at least one wanted echo signal are/is ascertained, wherein, by means of a dynamic echo search algorithm, a continuous echo tracking of positional changes and/or amplitude changes of individual echo signals and/or the wanted echo signal in the echo function is performed. On the basis of positional changes and/or amplitude changes of individual wanted echo signals, masking curve, evaluation curve and/or echo parameters of the static echo search algorithm are adjusted. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100170336 | Device For Treating Specimens And Method For Determining The Fill Level Of Reagent Containers - The invention relates to a device ( | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100175470 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETERMINING THE LEVEL L OF A LIQUID WITHIN A SPECIFIED MEASURING RANGE BY MEANS OF RADAR SIGNALS TRANSMITTED TO THE LIQUID SURFACE AND RADAR SIGNALS REFLECTED FROM THE LIQUID SURFACE - The invention relates to a method for determining the level L of a liquid within a specified measuring range by means of radar signals transmitted to the liquid surface and radar signals reflected from the liquid surface, comprising the steps of i) transmitting radar signals to the liquid surface in time sequence; ii) receiving radar signals reflected from the liquid surface in time sequence; iii) determining the level L partially on the basis the transmitted radar signals and the reflected radar signals. The invention further relates to a device for determining the level L of a liquid within a specified measuring range, at least comprising a radar antenna disposed above the liquid for transmitting radar signals to the liquid and receiving radar signals reflected from the liquid surface, as well as means for determining the liquid level L on the basis of the transmitted radar signals and the reflected radar signals. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100186500 | Fuel Delivery Unit With A Filling Level Sensor Operating With Ultrasonic Waves - A fuel delivery unit for insertion into a fuel tank of a motor vehicle has a swirl pot, a flange for closing an opening in the fuel tank, and a support element arranged between the flange and the swirl pot that prestresses the swirl pot towards a bottom of the fuel tank. A filling level sensor is arranged on the swirl pot. The swirl pot has at least one receptacle. The receptacle extends to a bottom of the swirl pot and completely surrounds the periphery of the support element and has an opening in the bottom region through which fuel from the fuel tank can enter the receptacle. The filling level sensor comprises a transmission and receiving unit for ultrasonic waves arranged in the fuel delivery unit such that the ultrasonic waves run in the receptacle and the support element. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100206066 | Device and Method for Determination Regarding the Liquid Level in Containers - A measurement device ( | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100212418 | LIQUID LEVEL MEASUREMENT DEVICE AND METHOD - At least one embodiment of the present invention relates to a device for providing a compensated measurement of the level of a liquid in a tank. In at least one embodiment, the device includes a transducer adapted to transmit and receive acoustic signals; a waveguide connected to the transducer and adapted to extend into the liquid; at least one collecting device for collecting free-moving portions of said liquid; and at least one directing device for directing fluid originating from liquid collected by the collecting device into or along a portion of the waveguide which during operation is located above the liquid level. At least one embodiment of the present invention also relates to a corresponding method. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100218599 | Acoustic Volume Indicator - Acoustic volume indicators for determining liquid or gas volume within a container comprise a contactor to vibrate a container wall, a detector to receive vibration data from the container wall, a processor to convert vibration data to frequency information and compare the frequency information to characteristic container frequency vs. volume data to obtain the measured volume, and an indicator for displaying the measured volume. The processor may comprise a microprocessor disposed within a housing having lights that each represent a particular volume. The microprocessor is calibrated to provide an output signal to a light that indicates the container volume. The processor may comprise a computer and computer program that converts the data to frequency information, analyzes the frequency information to identify a peak frequency, compares the peak frequency to the characteristic frequency vs. volume data to determine the measured volume, and displays the measured volume on a video monitor. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100242593 | ULTRASONIC LIQUID LEVEL MONITORING SYSTEM - An ultrasonic liquid level monitoring system includes an ultrasonic transducer unit that is externally mountable to a tank. An ultrasonic emitter may generate an ultrasonic beam and receive an echo of the ultrasonic beam off a liquid surface inside a tank. An acoustic lens is coupled to the ultrasonic emitter to shape the ultrasonic beam to compensate for lensing effects of the tank wall. An acoustic coupler may be disposed between the acoustic lens and the tank wall to improve the acoustic coupling between the ultrasonic emitter and the tank wall. The system determines a time-of-flight between generating the ultrasonic beam and receiving the echo. Using the time-of-flight and geometry of a tank, the system may calculate the liquid volume inside the tank. The time-of-flight may be transmitted via a satellite data link or a local data link. The local data link may further be used to configure and maintain the system. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100257931 | LEVEL MEASUREMENT SYSTEM - An apparatus and method for the identification of different phases ( | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100294034 | FLUID LEVEL DETECTOR - A transducer for use in a fluid detector for determining a presence of a fluid within a container, the transducer comprising a piezoelectric element that outputs an ultrasonic signal in response to an input electrical signal, characterized in that said transducer further comprises, a lens with an upper portion, a lower portion, and a focal point, the upper portion including a curved surface with convex side. The piezoelectric element is coupled to the upper portion of the lens so that, when the lens is disposed adjacent an outer surface of a wall of the container such that the lens is intermediate the piezoelectric element and the wall, the lens focuses the ultrasonic signal toward the focal point of the lens and on the inner surface of the wall. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20110083503 | Methods and Apparatus for Designing a Cement Composition - A method comprising preparing a baseline cement slurry comprising a cement, water, and one or more additives, placing a sample of the baseline cement slurry into a sample container having a vertical height, and measuring time of flight of energy through the sample at one or more locations along the vertical height to determine a settling property of the baseline cement slurry. A method comprising providing a settling test apparatus comprising a column having a vertical height and at least one pair of transducers positioned opposite each other with the column there between, placing a cement slurry sample within the column, and measuring time of flight of ultrasonic energy through the sample at one or more locations along the vertical height to determine a settling property of the cement slurry. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110094299 | Method for evaluating the measurement signals of a propagation-time based measurement device - A method which allows especially the extrapolation of the measured value at the upper and lower end of a measuring range where normally no direct measurement range where normally no direct measurement is possible by superposition of interfering signals, for example by reflection on a radar antenna. In the presence of strong interference signals, for example by reflection of a radar antenna. In the presence of strong interference signals, which are for example caused by the natural resonance of the container or neck in which the measuring device is mounted, the direct level indicator signal can be regularly used if it has a high amplitude caused by a superposition with the interfering signal lies between two interfering signals and does not extend beyond these, the level indicator value can be interpolated by the shift of the signals from the point of reflection. The inventive method automatically adapts itself to a prevailing measuring situation while according to known methods for the user has to decide between a measurement via a shift of EOL signal or a measurement via the direct level indicator echo. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110100118 | Detector of liquid consumption condition - A detector of liquid consumption condition includes first and second vibrating parts that can vibrate relatively to a containing space that can be filled and refilled with a liquid. At least a portion of the first and second vibrating parts are exposed to the containing space. Each of the vibrating parts are caused to vibrate by piezoelectric devices based on a driving signal and can generate a counter electromotive force signal by a vibration of the vibrating parts. A liquid consumption condition detecting part can detect a liquid consumption condition, based on the counter electromotive force signal from at least one of the piezoelectric devices. The containing space can contains a predetermined volume of the liquid, and the first vibrating part is placed near a surface of the liquid at a first level, and the second part is placed near a surface of the liquid at a second level. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110138905 | LIGHTING APPARATUS - A lighting apparatus is disclosed. The lighting apparatus is capable of achieving improved aesthetics by irradiating mood lighting into a storage container and also, of functioning to display a variety of status information about the storage container to the outside and to sterilize the interior of the storage container. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110167904 | METHOD OF USING A LEVEL METER EMPLOYING THE RADAR PRINCIPLE - A method of using of a level meter employing the radar principle, serving to measure the fill level of a medium in a container and incorporating an electric conductor system for conducting an electromagnetic signal into the container and returning reflected components of the electromagnetic signal from the container, the electric conductor system terminating at a predefined level in the container. In practicing the method a variation of the component of the electromagnetic signal reflected at the container-oriented end of the conductor system is utilized as an indicator of the attainment of the predefined fill level by the medium. This permits the detection of very small amounts of a medium for instance in the monitoring of drain pipes, spillway basins or leak-detection systems. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110214502 | LEVEL - The present invention provides a level sensor, preferably a level switch, which in use is mounted at the position at which a fluid level is to be monitored and uses a relatively low resolution TDR circuit to discriminate only between wet and dry states. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110219871 | FLUID LEVEL DETECTOR - A fluid detector for determining a presence of a fluid within a container, the detector including a sensor assembly with a lens and a sensor element that outputs a first ultrasonic signal in response to an input electrical signal. A generally cylindrical wall extends outwardly from an outer surface of the container and defines a housing with a cylindrical central bore having a base surface. The sensor assembly is coupled to the lens so that the lens focuses the first ultrasonic signal toward the wall. The sensor assembly is positioned such that it receives a second ultrasonic signal from the wall that results from the first ultrasonic signal. The sensor assembly then generates an output electrical signal corresponding to the second ultrasonic signal. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110226054 | VIBRATING ELEMENT APPARATUS - The invention provides a method of, and means for detection the condition of the fork of a vibrating fork level sensor. Changes in the normal operating frequency are compared with previous measurements and an alert generated if the change becomes significant. The method is preferably used to detect significant levels of coating build-up on the fork. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110232381 | System for monitoring liquid level in underground storage tank - The system for monitoring a liquid level in an underground storage tank provides an external visual indication of a liquid level, such as water level, within a sealed underground storage tank. The system includes an ultrasonic transducer for generating regularly pulsed ultrasonic signals and for receiving reflected ultrasonic signals, which are reflected from a surface of the liquid stored in the underground storage tank. A pulser connected to a timer is in communication with the ultrasonic transducer for generating regularly pulsed ultrasonic signals. The timer is further used to measure the time period between generation of one of the pulsed ultrasonic signals and reception of the corresponding reflected ultrasonic wave. The height between the ultrasonic transducer and the liquid surface is then calculated based upon the measured time period. The liquid level is then displayed to the user on an external display. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20120031182 | Acoustic liquid level detection - The filling noise generated inside a pressurized container when liquid is injected into the container is detected at the outer end of a vent tube which extends into the container. When the level of liquid in the container reaches the lower end of the vent tube, the filling noise detected at the outer end is abruptly diminished. This abrupt change is detected and used to automatically terminate filling of the tank. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120060600 | ARRANGEMENT FOR MEASURING FILL LEVEL WITH A FILL LEVEL MEASURING DEVICE WORKING WITH MICROWAVES - An arrangement for measuring fill level of a fill substance in a container, comprising: a fill level measuring device, wherein the device includes measuring device electronics and an antenna connected to the measuring device electronics; and at least one feedthrough installed in a signal path of the microwave signals or the reflection signals; the feedthrough. The feedthrough comprises a hollow conductor, into which a microwave transparent window is inserted gas tightly. The window comprises: a disk, whose thickness corresponds approximately to a half wavelength or a small integer multiple of the half wavelength of a first, hollow conductor propagation capable, signal mode of the microwave signals at a predetermined signal frequency in the disk; and two matching layers located on oppositely lying, outer surfaces of the disk. The thickness of each matching layer corresponds approximately to a fourth of the wavelength of the first, hollow conductor propagation capable, signal mode of the microwave signals at the predetermined signal frequency in the matching layers. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120085165 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING OR MONITORING A PREDETERMINED FILL LEVEL, A PHASE BOUNDARY OR A DENSITY OF A MEDIUM - A method and an apparatus for determining or monitoring a predetermined fill level, a phase boundary or a density of a medium in a container with an oscillatable unit. The oscillatable unit is placed at the height of the predetermined fill level and is excited to oscillate successively with discrete exciter frequencies following one another in a frequency scanning operation (sweep) within a predeterminable frequency band in the working range of the oscillatable unit. The corresponding oscillations of the oscillatable unit are received in the form of received signals; wherein that exciter frequency is ascertained in the frequency scanning operation, at which the oscillatable unit oscillates with an oscillation frequency, which has a predetermined phase shift between the transmission signal and the received signal; and wherein the transmitting/receiving unit excites the oscillatable unit to oscillate with the ascertained oscillation frequency. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120096939 | Level Sensor And Reservoir For Housing Liquid - A sensor for determining level of liquid in a reservoir, a reservoir containing such sensor, and a method for determining level using such sensor. The sensor comprises a liquid-proof housing, at least one actuator operatively connected to the inner side of the housing and configured to generate vibrations, and at least one vibration sensor operatively connected town inner side of the housing and configured to measure vibrations. The actuator comprises an electromagnet directly or indirectly fixedly connected to the inner side of the housing, and a permanent magnet movably suspended in the housing, wherein the electromagnet and the permanent magnet are configured such that activation of the actuator creates an oscillating mutual displacement in parallel with a longitudinal center axis of the electromagnet. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120103088 | APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING AND/OR MONITORING A PROCESS VARIABLE - An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium. The apparatus includes: at least one mechanically oscillatable unit, which comes in contact at least partially with the medium; at least one transducer unit, which excites the mechanically oscillatable unit to execute mechanical oscillations and which receives mechanical oscillations from the mechanically oscillatable unit; and at least one housing. At least one limiting element is provided. The limiting element is embodied and arranged in such a manner that the limiting element at least partially surrounds the mechanically oscillatable unit and the therefrom resulting reduction of volume surrounding the mechanically oscillatable unit increases the measuring sensitivity of the apparatus. Furthermore, the invention relates to a limiting element. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120111106 | VIBRATING ELEMENT APPARATUS - The invention provides a vibrating fork level switch with alternative self-checking modes. The individual modes are user selectable and allow the switch to be readily adapted for use with liquids of differing viscosities. This, in turn, allows a wider range of failure modes to be determined. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120118059 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF DETERMINING A QUALITY AND/OR DEPTH OF DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID - A system for determining a quality and/or depth of a fluid in a tank. The system includes a controller, one or more transducers, and a temperature sensor. A fixed distance transducer transmits a sound wave toward a fixed surface. A depth transducer transmits a sound wave which reflects off a surface of the fluid. The temperature sensor senses a temperature of the fluid in the tank and provides an indication of the temperature to the controller. The controller measures the elapsed time for the sound waves to travel between the fixed distance transducer and a fixed surface and the elapsed time for the sound waves to travel between the depth transducer and the surface of the fluid held within the container. Using the elapsed times and the temperature of the fluid, the controller is able to determine a quality and the depth of the fluid. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120137768 | RADAR LEVEL GAUGE WITH DIELECTRIC ROD CONNECTION - A radar level gauge using electromagnetic signals to determine a filling level of a product in a tank, comprising an electronics unit including transceiver circuitry, a signal propagation device arranged to direct electromagnetic signals into the tank and to return electromagnetic signals reflected from the tank, and a directional coupler. The gauge further comprises a wave guiding structure comprising a rod of a dielectric material. A mounting portion of the electronics unit defines an opening and is detachably mountable on the dielectric rod so that the rod extends through the opening and is at least partly surrounded by the opening. The mounting portion is further arranged to secure the circuitry portion relative the rod so that said directional coupler is in a position to couple signals between the transceiver circuitry and the rod. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120152015 | Multichamber Ultrasonic Sensor for Determining a Liquid Level - An ultrasound sensor arrangement for determining a fluid level includes an elongated housing with a lid and a floor, and a measuring chamber in the housing, in which a fluid has the same level as the fluid outside the measuring chamber, and an ultrasound transmitter/receiver on the floor within or outside the housing in the area of the measuring chamber. Transmitted sound signals from the ultrasound transmitter/receiver reflect from the fluid surface and are received by the ultrasound transmitter/receiver to determine the fluid level from the signal transit time. At least one further chamber is arranged at least partially in front of or around the measuring chamber. The outermost chamber forms the inlet chamber. The several chambers are connected to each other for fluid flow. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120167676 | WIRELESS FUEL LEVEL SENSOR FOR A VEHICLE FUEL TANK - A vehicle fuel tank is provided. The vehicle fuel tank includes a housing defining an interior region, a fuel level sensor coupled to the interior region, the fuel level sensor responsive to a fuel pressure, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) device electronically coupled to the fuel level sensor configured to wirelessly transmit a signal indicative of a fuel level in the fuel tank. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120174664 | Amplitude profiling in filling-level measuring devices - An electronics unit and a method for a filling-level measuring device for determining a filling level. The unit including an arithmetic unit determining a functional relationship between a distance between a filling material surface and the filling-level measuring device and an amplitude of a signal component reflected by the filling material surface and received by the filling-level measuring device; an amplitude profiler creating a profile of amplitude values of filling level echoes which have been measured so far; and an amplitude evaluator determining an expected amplitude of the filling level echo at a particular location with help of the profile of amplitude values. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120186339 | Measuring device of process automation technology for ascertaining and monitoring a chemical or physical process variable in a high temperature process in a container - An apparatus forming a measuring device for ascertaining and monitoring a chemical or physical process variable in a high temperature process in a container, wherein the measuring device is formed from at least a sensor element located in the process and at least a measurement transmitter located outside the process. At least a first sealing element is provided for sealing against penetration of process medium into the sensor element. The sensor element has a boundary location between a first sensor element region, which faces the process and which is embodied with a high thermal resistance, and a second sensor element region, which faces away from the process and which has a low thermal resistance, and that the temperature sensitive element is arranged in the sensor element at the boundary location. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120234091 | Device for ascertaining a fill level of a medium - In the case of a device for ascertaining a fill level of a medium inside a collection container, having at least one measuring chamber, in which an ultrasonic sensor is arranged, connected to conduct media to the collection chamber, and having at least one antechamber connected upstream from the measuring chamber, which has at least one inlet opening for the medium from the collection chamber, at least one flow damper for the medium, according to the invention, is arranged in at least one subarea of the antechamber. Thereby multiple antechambers, which are connected in series one behind another to conduct media, are connected upstream from the measuring chamber. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120260728 | FLUID LEVEL SENSOR SYSTEM - Fluid level sensor. The sensor includes first and second RFID tag antennas disposed in spaced-apart relation on the outside of a container including fluid therein. An RFID reader transmits power to, and receives backscatter power from, the first and second RFID tag antennas. A difference in backscatter power from the first and second tag antennas indicates the presence of fluid behind the second RFID tag antenna. In another aspect, a single RFID tag antenna is disposed on the outside of a container including fluid therein. An RFID reader transmits power over a selected range of frequencies to the tag antenna and receives backscatter power from the tag antenna. The tag response across all frequencies in the selected range indicates no liquid in the container while tag response in only the higher frequencies of the selected range indicates presence of fluid in the container. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120324994 | Determination of media characteristics in fill-level measuring - For calculating the fill level in a container two echo curves are acquired that image the reflection conditions along two different measuring paths. On their way to the filling material surface or the separating layer surface the corresponding measuring signals cover different electrical distances. From the two echo curves a characteristic value can be calculated that reflects a physical characteristic of the covering medium. From this, the fill level can then be determined with increased accuracy. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20130000400 | Device for emulsion measuring by means of a standpipe - A measuring device is for determining a separating layer or a mixing ratio in a container. The measuring device comprises two fill-level measuring apparatuses that acquire the echo curves in a standpipe and outside the standpipe, respectively. Solely from these two echo curves the position of a virtual boundary layer or the mixing ratio of the two different liquids can be determined. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130036815 | BEVERAGE MACHINE WITH INTEGRATED ULTRASONIC TRANSCEIVER - The present invention discloses a beverage machine ( | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130047719 | ULTRASONIC LIQUID LEVEL DETECTOR - An ultrasonic sensor detects the presence or absence of a fluid in contact with the sensor and a level of fluid along the sensor. The sensor includes a first probe having a. transducer element operably connected thereto. The transducer element is configured to transmit an ultrasonic signal through the first probe, A second probe has an other than straight shape. The second probe has a transducer element operably connected thereto that is configured to receive the ultrasonic signal transmitted by the first probe to determine the presence or absence of a fluid and when present, the location of fluid along the second probe. The other than straight shape of the second probe increases the path length of the received signal to increase the resolution and accuracy of sensing the presence or absence of the fluid, and when present, the resolution and accuracy of a location along the second probe at which the fluid is present. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130091946 | LIQUID LEVEL SENSOR WITH IMPROVED TEMPERATURE RANGE - An ultrasonic liquid-height detector employs conductive rods extending from a housing, and corresponding transducers, into a liquid, where elastic seals surround the rods at their exit point from the housing. Acoustic crosstalk between the rods through the seals and the housing (rather than through the liquid) is minimized by displacing the seals from each other as measured through the housing to increase a path length through the housing so that the crosstalk energy is delayed with respect to the direct energy indicating liquid height. A sampling window is positioned to sample transmitted sound across the rods at a time before the arrival of the crosstalk energy. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130118252 | MEASUREMENT DEVICE - The present invention concerns a measuring apparatus for detecting a filling level of a fluid (F) in a tank (T) by means of ultrasound signals. The measuring apparatus comprises a sensor unit ( | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130118253 | ACOUSTIC ARRAY SENSOR - A level sensor includes a substrate having at least one reflective side surface, at least one wave generator on one end of the substrate configured to transmit a wave down the surface of the substrate and a plurality of reflective echelons mounted on the substrate such that each echelon is at an angle relative to reflective side surface. The reflective echelons are configured to convert a wave of a first mode in to a wave of a second mode. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130139585 | Device for Determining and/or Monitoring at least one Predetermined Fill Level - A device for determining a predetermined fill level of a liquid in a container, with a sensor unit, comprising a unit capable of oscillating mechanically, a transmitter unit, and a receiver unit, which is electrically and mechanically coupled to the transmitter unit, and which transduces the oscillation of the unit capable of oscillating into an electrical receiving signal. An electronic unit, comprising a regulating unit, which regulates a phase difference that exists between the electrical transmission signal and electrical receiving signal to a determined value at which the unit capable of oscillating conducts oscillations at a resonant frequency, and which forms an oscillation circuit with the transmitter unit, receiving unit and the unit capable of oscillating. The electronic unit comprises a compensation path with a compensation unit, which for compensating additional signal components in the receiving signal, which results from the mechanical and/or electrical coupling between transmitter unit and receiver unit, at least intermittently produces a compensation signal from the transmission signal and supplies this compensation signal to the receiving signal. The compensation unit produces the compensation signal in a way such that the compensation signal is opposite to the additional signal components in the receiving signal. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130213132 | METHOD FOR MONITORING AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A FILL LEVEL SENSOR SYSTEM USING THE RADAR PRINCIPLE AND A CORRESPONDING FILL LEVEL SENSOR - A method for monitoring the operability of a fill level sensor acting as a FMCW radar device in which the frequency of a radar signal to be sent from the fill sensor during measurement of a fill level of a medium is modulated with a set of pre-settable measuring parameters and a measured value of the fill level determined from at least one received signal received during measurement of the fill level. The method enables simple automatic monitoring of the operability of a fill level sensor acting as a FMCW radar device in that, during a test phase, the frequency of the radar signal to be sent is modulated with at least one set of pre-settable test parameters and a test measured value is determined from at least one test received signal received during the test phase, which is evaluated to establish the operability of the fill level sensor. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130220011 | DIELECTRIC ANTENNA AND FILL LEVEL SENSOR USING THE RADAR PRINCIPLE - A dielectric antenna ( | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130228011 | MICROWAVE WINDOW AND FILL LEVEL SENSOR USING THE RADAR PRINCIPLE - A microwave window ( | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130233070 | Level Detector/Transmitter System - A level detector mounts to a tank containing a liquid. The detector transmits and receives ultrasonic pulses. The pulses are processed by a microprocessor which periodically measures the liquid level of the tank. When the liquid level reaches a pre-established level, a cell phone automatically transmits data to a remote location. A schedule for emptying the tank is generated by a server at the remote location. A service man uses the schedule to visit the tank location and empty the tank. In addition, a portable charger/calibrator is mounted to the level detector to charge the power supply of the detector and calibrate the liquid level. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130239676 | LEVEL GAUGE SYSTEM WITH WETTABLE PROPAGATION DEVICE - The present invention relates to a level gauge system for determining a filling level of a product contained in a tank, comprising a transceiver for generating, transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals; a signal propagating device connected to the transceiver and arranged to propagate a transmitted electromagnetic signal along a generally vertical path towards a surface of the product inside the tank, and to return a surface echo signal resulting from reflection of the transmitted electromagnetic signal at the surface of the product contained in the tank; and processing circuitry connected to the transceiver and configured to determine the filling level based on the surface echo signal. A surface of the signal propagating device comprises a surface portion that exhibits a wettability defined by a contact angle between the surface portion and water being less than 30°. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130255373 | Method and Apparatus for Measuring Water Level - A method and apparatus for measuring water level in a container using RFID tag is provided. The water level tag group mounted inside the container is tested by a signal transmission and receiving device in order to determine whether there is a complete water level tag group in the testing area or not. Further, one complete water level tag group is chosen, and an inquiry process is made to all RFID tags of the selected complete water level tag group by the signal transmission and receiving device. An effective RFID tag will respond to the inquiry by sending out a radio frequency signal to the signal transmission and receiving device. The signal transmission and receiving device will then perform a data analysis and select a minimum water level value so as to obtain a real-time water level value of the container. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130263657 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE LIQUID LEVEL IN AN UN-MODIFIED TANK - A method for determining the level of fuel in tanks otherwise un-modified is provided. The method is based on the variation of the acoustic frequency response of the tank in the sonic range with the fuel level in the tank. In a preferred embodiment, the tank is a reservoir for propane used as fuel for preparing food. The operator, such as a homeowner, attaches the tank to his/her grill. The operator engages the proposed new art by tapping the tank and receiving the acoustic signal emanating from the tank with a microphone such as one embedded in a smartphone. The smartphone examines a cluster of peaks in the sonic frequency spectrum between 0 Hz and 20 kHz. By capturing the frequency of the first large peak above 900 Hz in the frequency spectrum, the smartphone converts the frequency into an estimate of the amount of fuel remaining in the tank. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130269430 | ADVANCED ANTENNA PROTECTION FOR RADARS IN LEVEL GAUGING AND OTHER APPLICATIONS - A level gauge includes at least one antenna configured to transmit wireless signals towards a material in a tank and to receive wireless signals reflected from the material in the tank. The level gauge also includes a housing having an outer portion, a raised rim within the outer portion, an angled portion that extends between the outer portion and the rim, and a concave portion within the rim. The concave portion forms a crater within the housing. The at least one antenna is configured to transmit and receive the wireless signals through the concave portion of the housing. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20130327140 | DEVICE FOR MEASURING LIQUID FILLING LEVELS - The invention relates to a device ( | 12-12-2013 |
| 20130333465 | PULSED LEVEL GAUGE SYSTEM WITH ADAPTIVE TRANSCEIVER CONTROL - The method comprises the steps of generating a transmission signal; propagating the transmission signal towards the product; receiving a reflected signal; providing a reference signal exhibiting a time-varying phase difference in relation to the transmission signal; forming a measurement signal; and determining the filling level based on the measurement signal. The method further comprises the steps of: determining a reduced time period comprising a time when the time-varying phase difference corresponds to an anticipated filling level, the reduced time period being shorter than the measurement sweep time period; controlling the level gauge system to change from a low-power state to a high-power state at a start of the reduced time period; and controlling the level gauge system to change back from the high-power state to the low-power state at an end of the reduced time period. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20140007674 | GAS-TIGHT WAVEGUIDE COUPLING, HIGH-FREQUENCY MODULE, FILL-LEVEL RADAR AND USE - A gas-tight waveguide coupling is for coupling an electromagnetic transmission signal from a high-frequency module into a waveguide. The waveguide coupling includes a planar radiator, which is arranged on a carrier and is used for emitting the transmission signal. The waveguide coupling further includes a dielectric sealing element, which seals off the waveguide in a gas-tight manner. In this way, explosion protection can be provided. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140026651 | Linear relationship between tracks - Described are a delay-based fill-level measurement device and a delay-based fill-level measurement method, in which the echoes of successive echo curves are grouped and combined into tracks. Subsequently, the linear relationship between two tracks is determined and this linear relationship is used so as to determine one or more unknowns therefrom. From this, for example the dielectric constant of the filling medium, the container depth or probe length of a probe of the device or the position of an expected echo can be derived. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140047917 | MICROWAVE WINDOW AND LEVEL-MEASURING SYSTEM THAT WORKS ACCORDING TO THE RADAR PRINCIPLE - A microwave window for the spatial, pressure-impervious and diffusion-impervious separation and microwave connection of a first space from/to a second space, and a level-measuring system that works according to the radar principle, is provided with a barrier that has two opposite sides and is at least partially permeable to microwaves. To provide a microwave window that makes possible a reliable sealing of a process space and exact measurement, the microwave window has the barrier designed as a disk on at least one side of which at least one plano-convex dielectric lens, which has an essentially homogenous body. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140060177 | LIQUID LEVEL GAUGING SYSTEM WITH BUBBLE SHEDDING REFLECTORS - A reflector target includes a reflector defining a tapered reflector surface. The reflector includes an apex opening and an opposed base opening, wherein the base opening has a larger perimeter than the apex opening. The tapered reflector surface extends between the openings forming a tapered passage there-between. The tapered reflector surface is configured to resist the accumulation of surface bubbles on the reflector surface by movement of bubbles along the reflector surface out through the apex opening. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140069186 | ACOUSTIC FLEXURAL ORDER LEVEL SENSOR - A liquid level sensor includes a rod having a first portion and a second portion, and a wave generation unit affixed to one end of the rod. The wave generation unit generates a wave group that propagates in at least a shear order and a flexural order, and the frequency of the shear wave is based on the diameter of the rod. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140083183 | ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR TESTING A LEVEL GAUGE SYSTEM - The invention relates to a test arrangement comprising a waveguide, a first signal reflecting device and a second signal reflecting device. The first signal reflecting device is configured to reflect an electromagnetic signal traveling along the waveguide from the second signal reflecting device back towards the second reflecting device and to allow, at least during a time period, an electromagnetic signal traveling along the waveguide from the second signal reflecting device towards the first signal reflecting device to pass the first signal reflecting device. Hereby, a selected number of passages through a waveguide can be used to simulate passage through a much longer waveguide, and that this allows for use of a high-quality waveguide which would otherwise be too bulky, too heavy or too expensive to use depending on field of application. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140083184 | Tracking taking account of a linear relationship - In accordance with one aspect of the invention, previously obtained findings concerning the role of individual echoes are taken into account, so as to improve the continued following of these echoes by tracking. By calculating a linear correspondence between two tracks, the expected position of an echo can be determined and it can be established whether this position corresponds to an actual echo position in the echo curve. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140096602 | OSCILLATING DEVICE FOR A FILL-LEVEL MEASUREMENT SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING THE SAME - An oscillating device for a fill-level measurement system includes a drive element in operative connection with a diaphragm. The drive housing receives the drive element at an open-ended front side and includes a first housing part and a second housing part in an operative axially interfitting arrangement proximate the drive element. A flexible conductor in operative connection joins the drive element and extends in a sung-fit arrangement between the first housing part and the second housing part providing improved operative performance. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140130594 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE LEVEL OF A SUBSTANCE IN A CONTAINER BASED ON MEASUREMENT OF RESONANCE FROM AN ACOUSTIC CIRCUIT THAT INCLUDES UNFILLED SPACE WITHIN THE CONTAINER THAT CHANGES SIZE AS SUBSTANCE IS ADDED OR REMOVED FROM THE CONTAINER - Level of a substance in a container can be determined by exciting vapor in unfilled space within the container. Variable frequency oscillator and emitting transducer can provide signals to excite resonance of vapor. A sensor can measure the peak resonant signal of vapor excited in unfilled space within the container as the amount of substance in the container changes. A signal-processing unit coupled to the sensor and variable frequency oscillator can process signals sensed by the sensing transducer and can extract them from background noise affecting the acoustic signal of the system using correlation functions by referencing the signal generated by the variable frequency oscillator. A computer can obtain the signal processed by the signal-processing unit and calculate unfilled space within the container and derive therefrom an amount of filled space representing the amount of the substance contained therein. A gauge can indicate the amount of substance in the container. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140174172 | IDENTIFYING UNDESIRED CONDITIONS IN THE FUNCTION OF A FLOATING ROOF OF A TANK - A method for identifying an undesired condition in the function of a floating roof of a tank, the method comprising determining a filling level of a product in the tank, detecting a reference distance between a reference position on the roof and the surface using a level gauge mounted on the roof, forming a reference distance deviation as a difference between the reference distance and an expected value, and comparing the reference distance deviation with a specified range. If the reference distance deviation is outside the specified range, a data set including the reference distance deviation and the filling level is stored. These steps are repeated for a plurality of points in time, and the undesired condition is then identified based on stored data sets of reference distance deviations and filling levels. The present invention thus provides an economical method to provide diagnostics of a floating tank roof. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140182370 | PARABOLIC ANTENNA WITH AN INTEGRATED SUB REFLECTOR - A sensor for a fill level measuring device for determining the fill level in a container by determining the delay time of high-frequency signals, comprising a main reflector having an edge region and an inner region, a sub reflector, which is connected to the edge region of the main reflector via a radome, an inner space, which is encompassed by the radome and the main reflector, and a hollow waveguide which is connected to the main reflector and has a front end, which is oriented toward the sub reflector for coupling electromagnetic waves in and/or out, wherein the radome and the sub reflector are embodied as integral or unitary in formation. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140196536 | THREE-MODE SENSOR FOR DETERMINING TEMPERATURE, LEVEL, AND CONCENTRATION OF A FLUID - A three-mode ultrasonic sensor for determining temperature, level, and/or concentration of a fluid. In one embodiment, the sensor includes a target positioned at a level; a controller, and a transducer electrically connected to the controller. The controller is configured to generate an ultrasonic signal, to receive a reflection of the ultrasonic signal from at least one of the target and a surface of a fluid, and generate a signal based on the reflection. The controller is further configured to receive the signal, and determine whether a level of the surface of the fluid is one of the following group: above the level of the target, below the level of the target, and substantially the same as the level of the target. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140208845 | SURFACE MAPPING BY VIRTUAL ARRAY PROCESSING VIA SEPARATE TRANSMISSIONS - A system for measuring the height of bin contents includes transmitters for transmitting pulses of wave energy towards the upper surface of the contents and receivers for receiving echoes of the pulses and producing corresponding signals. The transmitters and receivers are distributed aerially above the contents. The system also includes a processing apparatus, for using the received signals to map the upper surface, that includes correlators that correlate pulse waveforms with the signals, and a beamformer. In one embodiment, the beamformer computes, from the signals considered as corresponding to echoes, of pulses from fewer synthetic transmitters, received at a synthetic receiver array, respective directions of arrival of the signals. In another embodiment, the beamformer computes respective directions of transmission and arrival of the signals, and the processing apparatus also includes a processor that selects, according to the computed transmission and arrival directions, which signals to use for the mapping. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140230542 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MEASURING THE LEVEL OF A LIQUID WITHIN A CONTAINER - A device for measuring the level of a liquid within a container, in particular the level of liquid gas, comprises a housing and a piezoelectric element adapted for generating vibrations when energized. A coupling pad is provided which is bonded to the piezoelectric element for transmitting the vibrations to a surface of the container. Further, a non-tilting element is provided which surrounds the coupling pad. A method for measuring the level of liquid within a container uses a piezoelectric element for generating vibrations which are transmitted into the shell of the container. An analyzing strategy is used which distinguishes between normal post-pulse oscillations of the piezoelectric element after a measurement was triggered, and extended post-pulse oscillations which are the result of echoed oscillations in the shell of the container. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140298902 | System and Method for Environmental Measurements - A system for conducting measurements in an environment of a fluid containment and for displaying said measurements in real time is disclosed. The system contains a plurality of sensors including a distance sensor, a gyroscope and optionally a rainfall gauge and a methane sensor. The signals are processed by a communication converter and a central processing unit, then transmitted through an antenna to a receiver containing a modem. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140338442 | ULTRASONIC LIQUID LEVEL SENSING SYSTEMS - Embodiments of the present invention provide an ultrasonic probe having an increased number (e.g., twelve) of ultrasonic sensors for measuring the level of liquid within a sealed container. The ultrasonic probe includes a neck tube that enables the ultrasonic probe to be used with existing, standardized container fittings despite having an enlarged barrel to accommodate the increased number of ultrasonic sensors. Embodiments of the present invention also provide a system and method in which ultrasonic sensors within an ultrasonic probe are activated one at a time to reduce crosstalk between the ultrasonic sensors and their wiring. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140338443 | ULTRASONIC LIQUID LEVEL SENSING SYSTEMS - Embodiments of the present invention provide an ultrasonic probe having an increased number (e.g., twelve) of ultrasonic sensors for measuring the level of liquid within a sealed container. The ultrasonic probe includes a neck tube that enables the ultrasonic probe to be used with existing, standardized container fittings despite having an enlarged barrel to accommodate the increased number of ultrasonic sensors. Embodiments of the present invention also provide a system and method in which ultrasonic sensors within an ultrasonic probe are activated one at a time to reduce crosstalk between the ultrasonic sensors and their wiring. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140338444 | Fill Level Sensor For Detecting The Fill Level Of A Liquid In A Container - A fill level sensor for detecting the fill level of a liquid in a container includes an ultrasonic transceiver, an inner tube for arrangement inside the container, the inner tube being arranged above the ultrasonic transceiver such that a liquid present in the container forms a liquid column in the inner tube the level of which can be detected by the ultrasonic transceiver, an outer tube surrounding the inner tube, and a cap which covers the inner tube and the outer tube toward the top. The cap has an inner tubular section adjoining the inner tube, an outer tubular section adjoining the outer tube, an inner vent opening for the inner tubular section and an outer vent opening for the outer tubular section. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140345377 | Level transmitter - A filling level transmitter for measuring a filing level of a liquid includes: a filling level sensor having: an ultrasonic transceiver configured to emit ultrasound, and sensor electronics; a sound-conducting tube having two reflectors spaced apart from one another, the first reflector being configured to deflect ultrasound emitted by the transceiver in the direction of the second reflector, and the second reflector being configured to deflect the emitted ultrasound in the direction of the surface of the liquid. A third reflector is arranged in the second reflector such that emitted ultrasound impacting the third reflector is reflected in the direction of the first reflector. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140352426 | ULTRASOUND LEVEL TRANSMITTER - A filling level transmitter includes a sound-conducting tube and a filling level sensor. The filling level sensor has: a housing including a ceramic substrate and a metal lid soldered to the substrate, an ultrasonic transceiver arranged in the housing and having a sound-outputting region, the ultrasonic transceiver being connected by at least the sound-outputting region to the substrate, and sensor electronics arranged in the housing. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140352427 | Apparatus for Determining and/or Monitoring at least one Process Variable - An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium in a container and comprises an oscillatable unit for introduction into the container, a housing, wherein the oscillatable unit is connected with the housing in such a manner that the oscillatable unit closes the housing terminally, and wherein present in the oscillatable unit is at least one hollow space, which is accessible from an inner space formed by the housing, a driving/receiving unit for exciting the oscillatable unit to execute mechanical oscillations and for receiving the mechanical oscillations and for transducing them into an electrical, received signal. The invention is distinguished by features including that the driving/receiving unit is present in such a manner in the hollow space and the hollow space is filled with a potting material in such a manner that the driving/receiving unit is connected via the potting material for force coupling with a wall of the hollow space. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140360263 | Multi-limit level measuring device - To detect a limit level, a multi-limit level measuring device is employed, which uses two different measured data evaluation methods. The measured data to be evaluated is acquired by a multi-limit level sensor arrangement which can use different physical measurement principles. In this manner, the likelihood of the limit level being erroneously detected may be reduced. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140360264 | Method and Measuring Device for Fill Level Measurement - A method for measuring fill level and a measuring device for performing the method, wherein, in measuring cycles following one after the other, signal pulses of predetermined frequency sent by means of a transmitting and receiving system with a predetermined repetition frequency into a container, and their signal components reflected back in the container in the direction of the transmitting and receiving system after a travel time dependent on their traveled path, are received as received signal. A fill level is measured taking into consideration a phase relationship between the transmitted and received signals related physically with the fill level to be measured. In each measuring cycle, based on the received signal, an auxiliary signal is derived reflecting amplitude and phase information in the received signal as a function of travel time, based on the auxiliary signal, a travel time of a signal fraction reflected on a surface of the substance is determined as fundamental travel time are determined, based on the travel times of the zero crossings of the auxiliary signals determined in the current and in a plurality of preceding measuring cycles, a phase appearance-frequency distribution is derived as a function of travel time, which gives appearance-frequencies, with which zero crossings were present on the respective travel times in the associated auxiliary signals, a travel time of a maximum of the frequency distribution lying nearest the fundamental travel time is determined as fill level travel time, and the fill level is determined based on the fill level travel time. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140366626 | LIQUID LEVEL MEASURING APPARATUS, METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Provided is a liquid level measuring technique capable of measuring a liquid level with high accuracy even if a liquid stored in a container is boiling. The liquid level measuring apparatus includes: ultrasonic sensors each configured to transmit and receive an ultrasonic wave, the ultrasonic sensors being respectively set at a plurality of positions on an outer surface of a container that stores a liquid; a transmission/reception controlling unit configured to set, as a target, any one of the ultrasonic sensors at the plurality of positions and control the transmission and reception of the ultrasonic wave of the target; an intensity detecting unit configured to detect an intensity of the ultrasonic wave that satisfies at least 2≦N (N: natural number), of the ultrasonic waves that are reflected N times on an inner surface of the container; a gas/liquid determining unit configured to determine which of the liquid and a gas a reflection point on the inner surface is in contact with, on a basis of the detected intensity of the ultrasonic wave; and a level determining unit configured to determine a liquid level of the liquid on a basis of gas/liquid determination results respectively derived by the ultrasonic sensors at the plurality of positions. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20150013452 | Device for Providing a Gas Composition and Temperature Compensated Acoustic Measurement of a Liquid Level - The present device provides for a gas composition and temperature compensated acoustic measurement of the level of a liquid in a tank. The device comprises a transmitter, a receiver, a processing circuitry, a waveguide for guiding acoustic signals from the transmitter to the liquid level surface and for guiding reflections of the acoustic signals back to the receiver. The waveguide comprises a first end connected to the transmitter, a second end adapted to extend into the liquid, at least one inlet for introducing gas originating from the liquid in the tank into the waveguide, and an outlet for discharging gas out from the waveguide into the tank. The outlet is arranged closer to the first end than at least one of said at least one inlet. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150033844 | FREQUENCY MODULATION CONTINUOUS WAVE RADAR LEVEL METER AND MEASURING METHOD FOR THE SAME - A measuring method for a frequency modulation continuous wave radar level meter is performed after presetting a previous-cycle weight and a current-cycle weight and acquiring a measured result in a previous cycle, and has steps of constantly transmitting a frequency modulation (FM) signal and receiving multiple reflected signals, obtaining a frequency difference between the FM signal and each reflected signal, selecting a characteristic frequency from a frequency spectrum, and calculating a measured result in the current cycle taken as the measured result in the previous cycle for calculating a measured result in a next cycle with a sum of a product of the measured result in the previous cycle and the previous-cycle weight and a product of a distance corresponding to the characteristic frequency so as to reduce variations of the measured result in each cycle and facilitate statistical analysis. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150047428 | Apparatus for Monitoring a Predetermined Fill Level - Apparatus for monitoring a predetermined fill level of a medium in a container, including a mechanically oscillatable unit, a driving/receiving unit for exciting the mechanically oscillatable unit to execute mechanical oscillations and for receiving the oscillations of the mechanically oscillatable unit, and an electronics unit for producing an electrical exciter signal and for evaluating an electrical, received signal. The electronics unit is embodied to excite the mechanically oscillatable unit by means of the driving/receiving unit to execute mechanical oscillations within a fixedly predetermined, narrow frequency band with discrete, sequentially following, exciter frequencies, wherein the frequency band contains the resonant frequency of the mechanically oscillatable unit in the case of an oscillation under standard conditions, and the electronics unit is embodied to detect whether, within the predetermined frequency band an oscillation of the mechanically oscillatable unit occurs, whose amplitude exceeds a predetermined threshold value. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150068300 | Fill-Level Measuring Device - fill-level measuring device having an oscillatory system, which has at least one external, tubular, oscillatory element and an inner oscillatory element. The outer oscillatory element at least sectionally coaxially surrounds the inner oscillatory element. In an inner space of the inner oscillatory element, a compensation apparatus shiftable in the axial direction and having at least a first locking element, a second locking element and a coupling element is arranged. The locking elements and the coupling element are composed of piezoelectric material, wherein the coupling element, the first locking element and the second locking element are connected with one another, and wherein the first locking element and the second locking element in a resting state are each connected by force interlocking, e.g. friction interlocking, with a wall of the inner space, and the fill-level measuring device has an electronics unit, which is embodied to position the compensation apparatus at a predeterminable position by means of electrical signals. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150075278 | FLUID LEVEL DETECTOR - A transducer for use in a fluid detector for determining a presence of a fluid within a container, the transducer comprising a piezoelectric element that outputs an ultrasonic signal in response to an input electrical signal, characterized in that said transducer further comprises, a lens with an upper portion, a lower portion, and a focal point, the upper portion including a curved surface with convex side. The piezoelectric element is coupled to the upper portion of the lens so that, when the lens is disposed adjacent an outer surface of a wall of the container such that the lens is intermediate the piezoelectric element and the wall, the lens focuses the ultrasonic signal toward the focal point of the lens and on the inner surface of the wall. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150082881 | APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING AND/OR MONITORING AT LEAST ONE PROCESS VARIABLE OF A MEDIUM - An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium in a container or pipeline, including a resonator, which is in contact with an interior of the container or the pipeline, an active element for producing a high-frequency signal in the resonator and an electronics unit, which is embodied to receive from a unit formed of the resonator and the active element an electrical output signal. The electrical output signal is evaluated with reference to frequency. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150101405 | METHOD FOR FILL LEVEL MEASUREMENT USING THE TRAVEL TIME PRINCIPLE - A method for measuring fill level of a fill substance located in a container with a fill-level measuring device. Transmission signals are sent by means of a transmitting and receiving unit into the container and their fractions reflected on reflectors in the container back to the transmitting and receiving unit, and received as received signals. Based on the received signals echo functions are derived, which give amplitudes of the received signals as a function of position corresponding to associated travel time, and wanted echos of predetermined wanted echo types respectively contained in the echo functions and identifiable based on predetermined echo recognition methods are ascertained. Each wanted echo is a local maximum and is attributable to a reflection on a reflector associated with its wanted echo type, especially a surface on the fill substance, a container floor or a disturbance located in the container. Echo quality of each wanted echo is determined, wherein the echo quality is higher, the more peak shaped the echo function is in the region of the respective wanted echo, and the more isolated from other local maxima the respective wanted echo is in the echo function, and fill level is determined taking into consideration echo qualities of the wanted echos. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150101406 | REAL-TIME LEVEL MONITORING FOR FIXED BED CATALYST LOADING USING MULTIPLE LEVEL SENSORS - In various aspects, methods and systems are provided for monitoring catalyst bed levels using multiple sensors that are temporarily installed in a reactor during catalyst loading. The multiple sensors are able to take distance measurements at substantially the same time and at predetermined time intervals so as to provide a catalyst time profile. The catalyst time profile allows an operator monitor catalyst levels during and after catalyst loading. Once catalyst loading is completed, the multiple sensors are removed from the reactor. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150107354 | METHOD FOR MEASURING THE FILL LEVEL OF A FLUID - In a method for measuring the fill level of a fluid in a housing using an ultrasound sensor, detected multiple echoes in relation to a signal are reflected from a reference point and level echoes in relation to the signal reflected from the fluid level are evaluated in relation to their fluctuation width. The level echoes can be identified in this manner and the fill level determined from the transit times of the signals to the reference point and to the fluid level. | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150114104 | Spooled Tank Level Sensor System and Method - A spool system for the deployment of a fluid level sensor with a flexible element. The system may be used with a variety of different sensors that may be deployed into a fluid containment tank from the spool. The sensor deployment system may be installed on closed or open tanks and is operable with tanks of various construction materials. The system is operable with tanks containing a wide range of fluids (water, oil, etc.) although it finds preferred application with remotely located oil field storage tanks The system includes a flexible sensor line positioned on a spool within a sealed enclosure. The spool may be rotated manually through the use of an external hand crank, or may be operated automatically. The spool enclosure is in open communication through a top collar of the tank (for closed tanks) for deployment of the flexible sensor. For tanks that are pressurized the spool enclosure serves to maintain the tank pressure. For open tanks the system may be mounted on a bracket on the side wall of the tank. Adjacent the spool enclosure is a sealed electronics enclosure in signal communication with the flexible sensor on the spool through slip ring contacts and signal wire conductors. The electronics of the system may preferably include a power input connector and RF (or other electromagnetic wave) transmitters, receivers, and antennas. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150122013 | Pivotable horn antenna for a radar level indicator - Disclosed is a pivotable horn antenna intended for a radar level indicator and includes a ball joint, the joint socket of which can be screwed into a threaded hole in the container. This allows for optimisation of the echo signal and correction of slanted installation of the horn antenna. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150122014 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE LEVEL OF A SUBSTANCE IN A CONTAINER BASED ON MEASUREMENT OF RESONANCE FROM AN ACOUSTIC CIRCUIT THAT INCLUDES UNFILLED SPACE WITHIN THE CONTAINER THAT CHANGES SIZE AS SUBSTANCE IS ADDED OR REMOVED FROM THE CONTAINER - Level of substance in a container can be determined by exciting vapor in unfilled space within the container. Variable frequency oscillator and emitting transducer can provide signals to excite resonance of vapor. Sensors can measure the peak resonant signal of vapor excited in unfilled space within the container as the amount of substance in the container changes. A signal-processing unit coupled to the sensor and variable frequency oscillator can process signals sensed by the sensing transducer and can extract them from background noise affecting the acoustic signal of the system using correlation functions by referencing the signal generated by the variable frequency oscillator. A computer can obtain the sign processed by the signal-processing unit and calculate the unfilled space within the container and derive there from an amount of filled space representing the amount of the substance contained therein. A gauge can indicate the amount of substance in the container. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150135826 | Apparatus for Determining and/or Monitoring at least One Process Variable - An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium in a container, comprising: a mechanically oscillatable unit; an electrodynamic transducer unit for exciting the oscillatable unit by means of an exciter signal to execute mechanical oscillations and for receiving the mechanical oscillations of the oscillatable unit and transducing them into an electrical, received signal; and an electronics unit, which at least determines and/or monitors the process variable based on the received signal. The invention is distinguished by features including that the electrodynamic transducer unit has exactly one coil, which serves both as a drive element as well as also a receiving element. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150135827 | Heated Antenna - The invention describes a fill level measuring device, comprising a microwave transceiver, an antenna connected to the microwave transceiver, which comprises an outlet opening for a targeted emission of microwave radiation as well as an antenna cover arranged at the outlet opening, which closes the outlet opening in a sealing fashion, with the fill level measuring device additionally comprising a heating device, by which the antenna cover can be heated to avoid the formation of condensate. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150323373 | METHOD FOR MEASURING ULTRASONICALLY THE FILL LEVEL OF A LIQUID - A method for measuring the fill level of a liquid additive in a tank using an ultrasonic sensor includes initially carrying out a measurement of a first propagation time of an ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic sensor to a liquid level of the liquid additive. This is followed by cleaning of at least one reference surface in the liquid additive with the aid of at least one ultrasonic pulse. Then at least one second propagation time of an ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic sensor to the at least one reference surface is measured and the fill level is calculated from the first propagation time and the second propagation time. A delivery unit having at least one ultrasonic sensor for installation in a liquid additive tank is also provided. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150346012 | APPARATUS FOR ESTIMATING THE LEVEL OF FEED IN A BULK FEED TANK - An apparatus for estimating the level of feed present within a bulk feed storage tank allows the empty volume of the storage tank above the level of feed to be estimated in order to evaluate the need to order new supplies of feed to be placed within the storage tank. The apparatus includes a slide mechanism having a slide block moveable within a vertically oriented slide tube. A rope entrained around a pulley is attached to the slide block to power movement of the slide block upwardly. A striker member is connected to the slide block and positioned externally of the slide tube. A second rope is attached to the striker member to permit selective actuation thereof to strike the exterior side of the storage tank. The pitch of the reverberation from the striking of the striker member provides an indication of the level of feed within the storage tank. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150346015 | RADAR-BASED FILL-LEVEL MEASURING DEVICE HAVING A SYNTHESIZER CIRCUIT - A radar-based fill-level measuring device comprising at least one synthesizer circuit having a plurality of circuit components for producing phase controlled microwave signals for a travel-time measurement and at least three electrical potentials for supplying the synthesizer circuit, wherein the synthesizer circuit has at least three circuit groups. Each circuit component is associated with at least one circuit group, wherein each of the at least three circuit groups is fed by means of at least one potential difference between two of the at least three different potentials. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150362350 | External Sensing Device for Machine Fluid Status and Machine Operation Status - A flexible array of sensor pairs are used to monitor lubricant condition in an oiler carrying lubricant. The array of sensor pairs are placed adjacent a reservoir and detect the fluid level in the reservoir. The sensor pairs are coupled a chassis and transmit data through communications components which transmit the data to an accessible site for aggregation, monitoring, and alarm features. A recharging system for providing power to the sensors by harvesting light, thermal, or kinetic energy produced by the oiler. | 12-17-2015 |
| 20150377680 | SINGLE CONDUCTOR PROBE RADAR LEVEL GAUGE SYSTEM AND TANK ARRANGEMENT - A radar level gauge system comprising a single conductor probe extending through a tubular mounting structure towards and into the product in the tank, a shielding structure radially spaced apart from the single conductor probe and extending along a top portion of the probe inside the mounting structure and past the lower end of the mounting structure, and processing circuitry connected to the transceiver for determining the filling level of the product in the tank. The shielding structure at least partly encloses the top portion of the single conductor probe, and is open in a radial direction to allow entry of the product. The shielding structure exhibits a total enclosing arc angle around the single conductor probe greater than 180° inside the tubular mounting structure, and a total enclosing arc angle around the single conductor probe that decreases with increasing distance from the lower end of the mounting structure. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150377681 | RADAR LEVEL GAUGE INCLINATION SYSTEM - A radar level gauge arrangement for determining the fill level of a filling material in a tank is disclosed, which arrangement is mounted on a hatch of a tank and/or on a support which is adapted to be mounted on a hatch of a tank. The arrangement comprises a transmitter for transmitting measuring signals at least along a first axis for determining the fill level of the tank; a receiver for receiving echo signals corresponding to the distance to the surface; a first processing circuitry for receiving the echo signals and to determine a fill level of the tank based on the echo signal; an inclinometer attached to the support and adapted to generate an inclination output corresponding to the inclination relative the surface normal; a second processing circuitry for generating, based on the inclination output, an angular output when there is an angular difference between the first axis and the surface normal. The arrangement also comprises a presenter for communicating information about the angular difference externally of said system, or a communication path for communicating the angular output to said first processing circuitry. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150377683 | A SENSOR, A SENSOR SYSTEM, AND A METHOD OF SENSING | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150377684 | DEVICE FOR MEASURING A FILLING LEVEL OF A LIQUID IN A CONTAINER WITH AN ULTRASOUND SENSOR - A device for measuring the filling level of a liquid in a container is provided, which uses an ultrasound sensor. The ultrasound sensor is associated with a damping cup with at least one antechamber, and the antechamber has at least one outer ring and one inner ring. The inner ring is arranged within the outer ring and the ceiling of the inner ring has different heights. The ceiling has a lowest point and a highest point. In the area of the ceiling the inner ring is provided with a venting connection with the outer ring. The venting connection between the inner ring and the outer ring is located at the highest point of the inner ring. The ceiling of the outer ring has different heights including a lowest point and a highest point. A vent hole is provided at the highest point of the outer ring. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20160011036 | Sonic monitor system for a tank | 01-14-2016 |
| 20160041022 | FLUID LEVEL AND VOLUME MEASURING SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME - Magnetic field response sensors for use in measuring the volume of a fluid, the type of fluid and/or any contaminants within a fluid container or tank. Fluid containers having sensors systems including two or more sensors for use in measuring fluids and methods of using the same. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160041024 | THROUGH-WALL TANK ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER - Technology is described for tank coupled to an ultrasonic sensor subassembly where the combination of the tank and ultrasonic sensor subassembly for an ultrasonic sensor. In an embodiment, ultrasonic sensor subassembly is configured to form an ultrasonic sensor upon coupling to a tank having a tank wall. The ultrasonic sensor subassembly includes a sensor subassembly housing, a planar piezoelectric element located within the sensor subassembly housing, and a circuitry electrically connected to the planar piezoelectric element, where the planar piezoelectric element includes a surface coupled to the tank wall such that the tank wall forms a matching layer of an ultrasonic sensor, and the circuitry configured to produce a signal to drive the planar piezoelectric element to generate a sound wave, and receive an indication of a detected echo from the planar piezoelectric element. Various other methods and systems are also disclosed. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160047684 | METHOD FOR FILL LEVEL MEASUREMENT USING THE TRAVEL TIME PRINCIPLE - A method for measuring a fill level of a fill substance in a container with a fill-level measuring device working according to the travel time principle. The fill-level measuring device in measurement operation sends transmission signals toward the fill substance in the container and, based on their signal fractions reflected back in the container, derives echo functions, which give the amplitudes of the signal fractions as a function of their travel time. With the assistance of a table, whose rows correspond to discrete fill levels and whose columns correspond to discrete travel times, and in which are stored as historical measurement points, in each case, in that row, whose row index corresponds to the associated fill level, information derived from echo functions derived in the past concerning travel times of echo function maxima attributed to reflections on reflectors located in the container, that also delivers reliable measurement results, when measuring conditions at the location of use of the fill-level measuring device can change, wherein the table is continuously updated based on current echo functions derived in ongoing measurement operation, wherein current measurement points derived from current echo functions are stored. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160054168 | APPARATUS FOR SENSING FUEL LEVEL - Provided is an apparatus for sensing a fuel level, and more particularly, an apparatus for sensing a fuel level that is installed in a fuel tank of a vehicle to sense the fuel level. The apparatus for sensing a fuel level may improve reliability of the sensing of the level because a pipe is vertically installed in the fuel tank and an ultrasonic wave sensor is provided to a lower end of an interior of the pipe to measure the level of the fuel by an ultrasonic wave, and a filter is installed in a fuel inflow and outflow hole formed in the pipe and prevents an inflow of foreign materials into the pipe, thereby making it possible to more accurately sense the level of the fuel. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160061645 | ULTRASONIC LIQUID LEVEL SENSING SYSTEMS - An ultrasonic probe having ultrasonic sensors (e.g., piezoelectric crystals) for measuring the level of liquid within a sealed container and having features that make the probe more reliable and enable more precise liquid level readings as the container nears an empty state. Embodiments include spacing the ultrasonic sensors more closely at the lower end of the probe, offsetting the sensors to enable tighter vertical spacing, matched pairs of sensors for redundancy, and a downward facing sensor located at the lower end of the probe to decrease the minimum liquid level that can be accurately measured by the probe. A sump may also be provided to further decrease the minimum liquid level that can be accurately measured by the probe. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160069730 | Fill-Level Measuring Device - The invention is a fill-level measuring device having the following features: a housing, a membrane, a first drive unit have a first bolt, the bolt being coupled to the membrane, a second drive unit having a second bolt, the second bolt being operatively connected to the membrane and being connected to the housing at an end of the second bolt facing the membrane by means of an intermediate bottom, and the first drive unit and the second drive unit are mechanically connected to each other in series. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160116324 | MOBILE ULTRASONIC FUEL DETECTION SYSTEM - A mobile ultrasonic fuel detection system includes an ultrasonic sensor and a control unit. A control unit guard is included to protect the control unit from the external environment and to minimize tampering with the control unit. An activator arm may be included that permits a user to interact with the control unit from the exterior of the control unit guard. The system may also be configured to wirelessly provide measurement data from a remote location. Such data may be obtained manually or automatically according to a predetermined schedule. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160123787 | Measuring Instrument - A measuring instrument ( | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160146657 | FLUID LEVEL DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A fluid level detecting system provides an input signal at a specific frequency to a sample in a container. A probe contacts the energized sample and provides a signal to a level sensing circuit. The level sensing circuit amplifies the signal from the probe and then bandpass filters, tuned to the specific frequency, the amplified signal. This filters out extraneous signals received from, for example, a cover on the container, and specifically identifies when the probe has contacted the sample fluid by comparing the filtered signal to threshold levels. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160153822 | METHOD FOR ASCERTAINING AND MONITORING FILL LEVEL OF A MEDIUM IN A CONTAINER USING A TRAVEL TIME MEASURING METHOD | 06-02-2016 |
| 20160161320 | Limit Level Measuring Device - Limit level measurement device for monitoring the level of contents with a sensor that can be mounted to a container where the limit level sensor has a protective housing which at least partially surrounds and/or covers the mechanical oscillator. | 06-09-2016 |
| 20160178426 | CONTAINER FILL LEVEL MEASUREMENT AND MANAGEMENT | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160187180 | FLUID GAUGE WITH LOW LEVEL DETECTION - Systems, methods and computer readable media are provided for measuring fluid level in a tank. A system may include: a transmitter gauge installed on or in the tank, the transmitter gauge comprising a probe arranged to be at least partially immersed in the fluid and adapted to conduct energy pulses generated by an energy source within the transmitter gauge; a refractometer module operatively coupled to the transmitter gauge, the refractometer module comprising a processor configured to measure travel times of the energy pulses conducted along the probe and to determine the fluid level in the tank based on the measured travel times: if the fluid level in the tank is below a threshold level, according to a first mode of operation, by determining the fluid level in the tank based on the measured travel time of an energy pulse reflected from a terminal end of the probe, a length of the probe, a speed of the reflected energy pulse in air, and a speed of the reflected energy pulse in the liquid. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160195422 | A METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING A TORQUE IMPULSE GENERATOR | 07-07-2016 |
| 20160202109 | Threshold measuring arrangement | 07-14-2016 |
| 20180023994 | ULTRASONIC LIQUID LEVEL SENSING SYSTEM | 01-25-2018 |
| Entries |
| Document | Title | Date |
|---|
| 20080271526 | LIQUID LEVEL SENSOR WITH FLOW RESTRICTOR - A liquid level sensor system actuated by a column pressure includes a hollow member having a distal open end adapted to be positioned into a liquid reservoir to a depth below a liquid surface level, and a sensor head unit. The sensor head unit is responsive to the column pressure to provide an indication of a liquid level in the reservoir. A flow restrictor is positioned to dampen instantaneous differential column pressure changes presented to the bellows member while permitting steady state column pressure to be communicated to the bellows member. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080276703 | Volume measurement gauge/device for an arbitrarily shaped container or glass - This patent application is associated with the provisional patent application No. 60/917,116 and claims the filing date of May 10, 2007. This patent application is for a device or gauge that is used to measure and determine the volume in a glass or container, as well as determine the amount missing from the container. This device or gauge is designed to be placed on the side of any arbitrarily shaped container or glass in order to determine either the amount of substance (liquid or solid) in the container and/or the amount of substance missing from the container. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080282792 | Device and Method For Measuring and Monitoring the Level of Liquid Metal in a Crystalliser - A device and method for measuring the surface level and/or the presence of a molten metal bath in a cooled container, particularly a crystalliser for a continuous casting process, comprising a source of an electromagnetic field, wherein said source of an electromagnetic field is a transmission coil fed with electrical energy at a predetermined frequency. The information on the level and/or the presence of said surface level is obtained by processing the total impedance (Z), as measured on said transmission coil, in order to calculate the contribution to said impedance (Z) of the currents induced in the walls of the crystalliser, which depend on temperature of the crystalliser and, from it, the value of said surface level and/or the presence of the molten metal bath. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080314141 | Fluid level measuring gauge - A fluid level measuring gauge for accurately measuring and reading a fluid level in a fluid level access chamber having one or more bends and interior chamfered shoulder zones, the fluid level measuring gauge including an elongate blade having an upper and lower portion where the upper and lower portions of the fluid level measuring gauge are in a constant twist formation for creating a nonwiping motion during insertion of the fluid level measuring gauge into and out of a fluid gauge access chamber, a flat shaped measuring region, including an upper port and a lower port in an up and down direction on the measuring region, a handle attached to the blade for controlled insertion and removal of the fluid level measuring gauge, and a spherical chamfer advancing guide affixed to the leading end of the elongate blade, opposite the handle. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20090038393 | LIQUID LEVEL SENSING APPARATUS WITH SELF-DIAGNOSIS FUNCTION AND METHOD FOR SELF-DIAGNOSING THEREOF - A liquid level sensing apparatus with self-diagnosis function suitable for sensing liquid level in a storage tank is provided. The liquid level sensing apparatus includes a lifting apparatus, a separated tank, and a liquid level sensor. The separated tank is disposed on the lifting apparatus and communicates with the storage tank. The liquid level sensor is disposed inside the separated tank. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090056436 | SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR MONITORING VEHICLE FUEL LEVEL - A process is provided for monitoring the amount of fuel remaining in a vehicle's storage tank, the vehicle including a fuel level sensor. The process includes the steps of searching for a refueling event, establishing a base line fuel level utilizing the fuel level sensor when a refueling event is detected, tracking fuel consumption, and calculating the amount of fuel remaining in the storage tank as a function of fuel consumption and the base line fuel level. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090071245 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SENSING A LIQUID LEVEL - Aspects of the invention are directed to methods and apparatus for dispensing liquids to and aspirating liquids from a container. In particular, one aspect is directed to a liquid level sensing system that includes a probe constructed and arranged to be moved relative to a liquid sample, a signal source coupled to the probe to apply an applied signal to the probe, at least one detector coupled to the probe to detect at least one detected signal, the detected signal being related to the applied signal and having a rising edge and a falling edge, and a controller coupled to the detector and configured to detect presence of a noise signal based on at least one of the rising edge and the falling edge of the detected signal. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090126479 | Depth Indicator for Indicating The Depth of a Settable Material and a Method of Applying a layer of a Settable Material onto a Support Surface - An indicator ( | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090139323 | NOVEL ION EXCHANGE POROUS RESINS FOR SOLID PHASE EXTRACTION AND CHROMATOGRAPHY - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to porous resins for solid phase extractions. The resins feature at least one hydrophobic component, at least one hydrophilic component and at least one ion exchange functional group. The resins exhibit superior wetting and ion exchange performance. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090145218 | FLUID LEVEL SENSING ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR CONFIGURING SAME - A level sensing assembly senses the level of a fluid in a tank. The tank includes a fluid port that is disposed below the level of the fluid and an air port disposed above the level of fluid. The level sensing assembly includes a lower port in fluid communication with the fluid port of the tank. An upper port is in fluid communication with the lower port of the tank. A measuring vessel is disposed between the lower and upper ports and is in fluid communication therebetween. The measuring vessel includes an auxiliary port disposed adjacent the upper port. The level sensing assembly also includes a level sensor extending down through the auxiliary port into the measuring vessel to measure the level of the fluid in the measuring vessel and the level of the fluid in the tank. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090205418 | PROCEDURE FOR CONTROLLING A DIGITAL FUEL LEVEL SENSOR - Procedure for controlling a digital tank fuel level sensor in a tank that is subjected to movements is thereby characterized, in that sloshing events are determined and in that the fuel level around the encoder position ( | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090249870 | Liquid Level Sensing Apparatus - A fluid level gauge assembly for measuring a level of a fluid in a fluid container is provided. The fluid level gauge assembly includes a first coaxial cable section having a first end and a second end, the first coaxial cable section including a first center conductor, a first outer conductor and a solid dielectric between the first center and outer conductor; a second coaxial cable section having a first end and a second end, the second coaxial cable section including a second center conductor, a second outer conductor and an air dielectric between the second center and outer conductor; and a coupling between the second end of the first coaxial cable section and the first end of the second coaxial cable section. The second coaxial cable section being disposed in a fluid for determining a level of the fluid. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090260432 | Liquid level detection - The filling noise generated inside a pressurized container when liquid is injected into the container is detected at the outer end of a vent tube which extends into the container. When the level of liquid in the container reaches the lower end of the vent tube, the filling noise detected at the outer end is abruptly diminished. This abrupt change is detected and used to automatically terminate filling of the tank. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090288482 | Fill Level Measuring in Mobile Containers or Transport Silos - A fill level in a mobile container or in a transport silo is determined using a position sensor that measures the angle of inclination of the container. The fill level data is acquired using a fill level sensor. On the basis of the measured data of the position sensor it is possible to detect whether or not the fill level measuring is valid. In this way incorrect readings may be rejected. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090301186 | ENGINE OIL LEVEL DETECTING DEVICE - An oil level detecting device for detecting an oil level in an oil storing chamber formed in a crankcase of an engine includes a fan, a power generator and an oil level determination unit. The fan is rotated by an oil flow produced by dipping up oil for lubricating the engine. In response to rotation of the fan, the generator generates a corresponding amount of electric power on the basis of which the oil level determination unit determines the oil level. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090308154 | Fuel Cartridge Structure with Sensor Apparatus - The present invention relates to a fuel cartridge structure with sensor apparatus, comprising a main fuel solution tank provided with a casing with accommodation space, the accommodation space being used for storing the fuel solution; and a sensor apparatus mainly having two sensor components, the two sensor components being disposed on exterior surface or in the structure of the casing of the main fuel solution tank for achieving the objective of measurement. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20100024542 | HYDROGEN STORAGE TANK AND METHOD OF USING - A hydrogen storage tank for containing solid-state hydrogen storage media, and method for determining the hydrogen fill level in the tank. The tank has at least one compartment for storing the storage media, passages for transporting hydrogen gas to and from the compartment, and a heat distribution system for establishing a substantially uniform temperature in the storage media. A look-up table is generated for the tank that relates hydrogen pressure changes in the tank versus hydrogen fill levels in the tank as a function of temperature. The tank is filled to full capacity by adsorbing hydrogen on the storage media. Thereafter, hydrogen is released from the storage media for a time period during which there is a substantially constant demand on the tank, the change in pressure of the released hydrogen gas is measured, and the look-up table is applied to determine the hydrogen fill level in the tank. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100139392 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING LIQUID LEVEL IN A VESSEL - A level control system for controlling a liquid level in a vessel containing a two-phase fluid includes a plurality of sensors configured to measure parameters related to the vessel. The parameters include liquid level in the vessel, vapor flow rate leaving the vessel, pressure in the vessel, temperature of the vessel, and feed-liquid flow rate entering the vessel indicative of a state of the vessel. A predictive controller is configured to receive output signals from the plurality of sensors and predict a volume of liquid over a predetermined time period in the vessel based on output signals from the plurality of sensors and a variation in pressure, thermal load, or combinations thereof in the vessel. The controller is configured to generate a liquid level set point of the vessel based on the predicted volume of liquid in the vessel; and further control a liquid level in the vessel based on the generated liquid level set point by manipulating one or more control elements coupled to the vessel. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100139393 | SCAN LOCK AND TRACK FLUID CHARACTERIZATION AND LEVEL SENSOR APPARATUS AND METHOD - A liquid characterization and level sensor with a coaxial probe attached to a closed loop servo circuitry combined with a DSP and novel algorithms to scan, lock and track signals to ascertain the level and purity of fluid in a container. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100186498 | Method for the calculation of fluid interface level - A method for calculating the boundary layer level between fluids, in particular the boundary layer level between oil and water in connection with the use of a segment-based boundary layer meter. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100186499 | ELECTRO-OPTIC LIQUID LEVEL SENSING SYSTEM FOR AIRCRAFT BEVERAGE BREWING - The electro-optic liquid level sensing system detects a level of liquid in a container having an upper opening, such as for a server container of a beverage maker for a transport system, such as for aircraft, trains, trucks, buses and the like. A support housing mates with the upper opening of the container, and a primary liquid level sensor is mounted in the support housing for non-intrusively measuring the liquid level. A secondary liquid level sensor may be mounted in the support housing to sense a predetermined liquid level to prevent accidental overflows. Protective lenses may be placed in front of the primary liquid level sensor. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100192685 | Apparatus And Method For Detecting Ink In A Reservoir - A method detects the level of ink in a printhead reservoir by monitoring the power drawn by a thermistor positioned within the printhead reservoir. The method includes dissipating power in a thermistor in an ink reservoir, controlling the power dissipated in the thermistor to maintain the thermistor at a temperature that is a fixed differential above a reservoir temperature, measuring a parameter that corresponds to the power dissipated in the thermistor, and comparing the measured parameter to a predetermined value to detect ink in the reservoir contacting the thermistor. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100192686 | BLOOD TREATMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Dialysis systems comprising actuators that cooperate to perform dialysis functions and sensors that cooperate to monitor dialysis functions are disclosed. According to one aspect, such a hemodialysis system comprises a user interface model layer, a therapy layer, below the user interface model layer, and a machine layer below the therapy layer. The user interface model layer is configured to manage the state of a graphical user interface and receive inputs from a graphical user interface. The therapy layer is configured to run state machines that generate therapy commands based at least in part on the inputs from the graphical user interface. The machine layer is configured to provide commands for the actuators based on the therapy commands. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100263443 | Tank Sensor Circuit Board For A Fill Level In A Vehicle Tank - A tank sensor circuit board for a fill level sensor in a vehicle tank, including a support element, on which contact surfaces containing silver are applied using thick layer technology. The contact surfaces are made up of a silver layer and a top layer containing nickel, palladium and gold, completely or partly covering the silver layer. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100281971 | FLUID CONDITION AND LEVEL SENSOR - A fluid condition and level sensor is provided that includes a solenoid body, a coil, and an armature surrounded by the coil. The solenoid body defines an armature chamber in which the armature is movable in response to energizing of the coil. The sensor is mounted to a reservoir such that a first portion of the solenoid body extends into a cavity defined by the reservoir, and so that movement of the armature is substantially transverse to a direction of fluid level change in the reservoir. The first portion of the solenoid body defines an opening permitting fluid communication between the cavity and the armature chamber, such that fluid enters and is displaced from the armature chamber through the opening as the armature moves, movement of the armature within the armature chamber thereby being affected by fluid level in the reservoir. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100307235 | AIRCRAFT FUEL TANK WEIGHT MEASUREMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD - An aircraft fuel tank weight measurement apparatus comprising a first solid element defining a load path for an aircraft fuel tank, an EMW emitter and an EMW detector arranged such that a first EM wave from the EMW emitter to the EMW detector passes through the first solid element, the detector arranged to detect a phase shift in the first wave resulting from a change in length of the first wave path caused by deformation of the first solid element. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20110011177 | LIQUID LEVEL SENSOR FOR GALLEY INSERTS - The liquid level sensing device includes rotating electrically conductive probes and uses a self-cleaning rotary electrical connection system with a contact stylus on a rotating conductive barrel, for sensing a liquid level in a dispensing container of an aircraft galley insert. The probes, pivot arms of the probes, rotating drum and stylus may have an exterior surface formed of an electrically conductive, corrosion resistant material. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110016969 | DEVELOPER LIQUID LEVEL SENSOR - An apparatus for detecting developer liquid ( | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110030470 | Water Level Display Device Using LED, And Water Level Measurement System Including The Same - The present invention includes: plural common terminals; plural water level measurement terminals that are arranged at a certain interval along a longitudinal direction; a water level measurement control unit that measures the water level of a measurement subject by letting an electric current flow to the plural common terminals, then reading the state information of an electric current flowing to the plural water level measurement terminals; and an LED unit that reads and displays the water level measurement results through plural LEDs. The water level measurement system according to the invention comprises: the above-mentioned water level display device; a main control module that controls the water level display device to read the water level measurement results from the water level display device and display the water level measurement results in numerical form or on a scale; a power supply module that supplies power to the water level display device under the control of the main control module; and a display module that displays the water level measurement results according to control of the main control module. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110041599 | Method for Operating a Tissue Processor - A method for operating a tissue processor is described. During the operation of a tissue processor a reagent is fed from a container into a retort of the tissue processor, which retort does not contain any tissue samples. Thereafter, the reagent is returned into the container. During feeding, returning and/or in between feeding and returning a measured value is detected by a sensor of the tissue processor. This value is representative of a concentration of the reagent. During this feeding, this returning and/or in between no tissue sample is placed in the retort. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110048125 | LEVEL MEASUREMENT USING AN INCLINED ARRAY OF SOURCES OF IONISING RADIATION - A method and apparatus for determining the location of a substantially horizontal fluid interface within a vessel, comprising providing at least one generally linear source array comprising a plurality of sources of penetrating radiation and providing at least one generally linear detector array comprising a plurality of radiation detectors capable of detecting radiation emitted by the sources, said source and detector arrays being located such that radiation emitted from each of the sources is capable of following a linear path from the source, through the vessel and material to at least a respective one of the detectors, (iii) comparing the amount of radiation received by at least two of the detectors from a respective source to provide an indication of the relative density of the material through which radiation has passed to the detectors, the method being characterised in that the linear axis of the source and detector array is oriented with respect to the horizontal interface such that the linear axis intersects the plane of the interface at an angle between 10 degrees and 80 degrees. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110120218 | Hand-Held Detection Device for Determining the Height of a Material in a Container and Methods of Use - According to an aspect of the invention, a hand-held detection device for determining the height of a material in a rigid-walled container from the outside of the container without accessing the interior of the container comprises: (a) means for detecting, through the wall of the container, the presence or absence of the material inside the container adjacent to the detector; (b) means for generating a first output corresponding to the presence or absence of the material inside the container adjacent to the detector, whereby the location of the surface level of the material inside the container can be determined through the wall of the container by moving the device and observing the first output; (c) means for measuring the vertical distance between the surface level of the material and a reference point associated with the container; (d) means for generating a second output corresponding to the vertical distance between the surface level of the material and the reference point; and (e) a power storage source. According to another aspect of the invention, a method for determining the height of a material in a container comprises the steps of: (a) providing the hand-held detection device; (b) positioning the detection device on the outside of the container adjacent to the surface level of the material; and (c) determining the height of the material contained in the container by using the second output. According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for calculating the volume of a material in a container is provided. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110132084 | LIQUID LEVEL SENSING SYSTEM - A system for detecting a presence of a liquid within a liquid receptacle includes a liquid level sensor configured to be positioned within the liquid receptacle. The liquid level sensor includes a helical probe. The system may also include a transducer operatively connected to the liquid level sensor. The transducer is operable to generate and receive wave energy with respect to the liquid level sensor. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110203365 | DEVICE FOR DETECTING THE LIQUID LEVEL IN THE WASHING BATH OF A WASHING MACHINE - The device ( | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110209543 | System and Method for Accurately Measuring Fluid Level in a Vessel - An apparatus and method for measuring a level of a liquid is provided. Generally, the apparatus contains a first coaxial cable section including a first center conductor, a first outer conductor and a solid dielectric between the first center conductor and first outer conductor. The apparatus also contains a second coaxial cable section including a second center conductor, a second outer conductor and an air dielectric between the second center conductor and second outer conductor. Further, a coupling is provided between the first and second coaxial cable sections, wherein the second coaxial cable section is disposed in a liquid for determining a level of the liquid. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110232380 | SYSTEMS, METHOD AND DEVICES FOR MONITORING FLUIDS - Method and apparatus for detecting leaks in a fluid vessel. The apparatus comprises a pressure sensor for measuring a pressure difference between a reference cell and a sample cell. The sample cell is open to the fluid vessel. The method and apparatus detects a leak in the fluid vessel when the pressure difference exceeds a predetermined threshold. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110303003 | ACCUMULATOR WITH BOTH DIRECT AND REMOTE QUANTITY LEVEL INDICATION - An apparatus for determining the fluid level of a container, such as an accumulator, may include both a remote quantity indicator and a direct quantity indicator. The remote quantity indicator may include a remote dial at the end of a flexible cable or an electrical signal receiver receiving an electrical signal from a rotary variable differential transformer (RVDT), such as a potentiometer. The RVDT type of indicator may include an electrical connector on the accumulator to attach an electrical cable to carry the quantity level signal. The direct quantity indicator may include a dial directly mounted on the accumulator. The remote/direct quantity indicators may include, for example, one of the following three combinations: 1) a dial directly on the accumulator and a remote dial at the end of a flexible cable; 2) an RVDT output and a dial directly on the accumulator; and 3) an RVDT output on an accumulator, a remote dial at the end of a flexible cable and a dial directly on the accumulator. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20120096938 | PNEUMATIC INDICATOR FOR DETECTING LIQUID LEVEL - A pneumatic sensor/indicator device includes a sensor assembly having a bellows receiving chamber and sensor housing. An elastic bellows is in the bellows receiving chamber. A shaft connects to the bellows so bellows extension/retraction causes shaft axial movement. A magnet connected to the shaft generates a field moving an indicator ring. An indicator dome connects to the sensor body. The indicator ring is in the sensor housing in a non-indicating condition and displaces into the indicator dome providing a visible indicating condition. A flexible sensor tube connected to the sensor/indicator device extends into a well tube having a level sensing tube extending therefrom. A well fluid level rising above a level sensing tube inlet end increases inlet pressure port pressure inducing bellows axial displacement causing indicator device movement toward the indicating condition. The dome and indicating ring are isolated from the well preventing well contents entering and fogging the dome. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120125095 | Washing machine and method to detect suds thereof - A washing machine to detect suds using an acceleration sensor and a method to detect suds thereof are disclosed. By driving a motor and rotating a drum at a predetermined target RPM during a washing cycle and measuring displacement data of the drum changed according to the rotation of the drum, it is possible to accurately detect excess suds in the drum and to increase suds detecting accuracy. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120137767 | TIME DOMAIN REFLECTOMETRY DEVICE AND METHOD - Time domain reflectometers are described that include a sensor circuit, a feed line, a lead line, and a signal generator. The feed line and lead line are configured such that when a signal propagates through the feed line and the guide line at least one of the reflected signals of the plurality of reflected signals is delayed beyond full measurement range of the apparatus so as to prevent the reflected signal from being possibly sensed. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120216610 | AUTOMATIC ANALYSIS APPARATUS - An automatic analysis apparatus that can suction a target sample through an sample dispensing probe at a single sample dispensing position by transferring a sample rack holder having one or more sample containers from a first sampler unit to a second sampler unit and by moving the transferred sample rack in a horizontal direction and up-and-down directions at the fixed single sample dispensing position. By fixing a fluid sampling position of a sample container held by a sample rack at the single position, a sample dispensing accuracy of an automatic analysis apparatus can be increased. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120255352 | CYCLICALLY LIQUID FEEDING APPARATUS - An outer tank and an inner tank having liquid at different temperatures, and a load are connected to each other via outer and inner tank liquid circulating channels and a valve unit. A first opening-and-closing valve is connected to a first bypass flow-channel connecting an outer tank feed channel and an inner tank feedback channel, a second opening-and-closing valve is connected to a second bypass flow channel connecting an inner tank feed channel and an outer tank feedback channel to detect the liquid level of the liquid in the outer tank and the liquid level of the liquid in the inner tank by a liquid level sensor. The liquid levels are adjusted by selectively opening the first opening-and-closing valve and the second opening-and-closing valve when the liquid levels in both tanks become uneven in the process of cyclically feeding the liquid from the tanks to the load. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120285238 | FUEL LEVEL GAUGE CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A system includes a fuel level determination module, an adjusting module, and a gauge control module. The fuel level determination module outputs a measured fuel level based on a fuel level signal generated by a fuel level sensor. After an ignition system of the vehicle is turned on, the adjusting module adjusts a present fuel level toward the measured fuel level based on a first rate when a refueling event was detected while the ignition system was off and adjusts the present fuel level toward the measured fuel level based on a second rate when a refueling event was not detected while the ignition system was off. The first rate is faster than the second rate. The gauge control module controls a fuel level gauge to display the present fuel level. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20130036814 | FLUID RESERVOIR FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM - A motor vehicle hydraulic brake system fluid reservoir for use with an electronic control unit. The hydraulic brake system fluid reservoir has a housing including a reservoir interior space having at least one fluid chamber, and a device for monitoring a reservoir filling level including a switch unit, which with a contact carrier projects into a guide sleeve, which extends into a separate chamber of the reservoir interior space. A sensor element or switch element is arranged on the contact carrier and is operable by a pickup carried on the guide sleeve at a switching point, at which the switch unit generates a signal for the electronic control unit. The separate chamber is connected to the fluid chamber by way of a fluid connection. Valve means are also provided, which serves to control the fluid flow between the separate chamber and the fluid chamber. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130111986 | FLUID DETECTION APPARATUS - Fluid detection apparatus including fluid non-retention members and fluid detection members is disclosed. The fluid non-retention members have concave curved portions having a concavity in an outwardly direction from the respective fluid detection member. The fluid non-retention members are configured to prevent retention of the fluid on at least one of the respective fluid detection members. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130111987 | LEVEL DETECTION DEVICE IN A CASTING EQUIPMENT AND RELATIVE DETECTION METHOD - A level detection device in casting equipment oscillating linearly, in a manner concordant with a substantially vertical direction of advance of molten steel in the casting equipment at a desired frequency of oscillation includes the device oscillating at the same frequency and disposed at a predetermined operating height. The device generates a continuous magnetic field, and the field generator is oriented transversely to the direction of advance of the steel in the casting equipment, so as to generate alternate induced currents in the molten steel. The device detects a variable induced magnetic field generated by and concatenated with said alternate induced currents, wherein the intensity of the variable induced magnetic field as detected is correlated to the level of the molten steel in the casting equipment with respect to the operating height. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130118251 | Evaluation device and method for determining a characteristic variable for the location of a boundary surface in a container - An evaluation apparatus and a method for determining a characteristic variable for the location of a boundary surface in a container are described, wherein a multiple echo having at least the order of one is recognized in an echo curve. The characteristic variable for the location of the boundary surface in the container is determined based on the position of the multiple echo and the order of the multiple echo. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130205893 | LIQUID LEVEL SENSING SYSTEM - A linear liquid level sensing system ( | 08-15-2013 |
| 20130255372 | OIL LEVEL GAUGE STRUCTURE - An oil level gauge structure with an oil level gauge attachment hole functioning as an oil filling opening provided in a casing of an engine with an oil level gauge for closing up the attachment hole. The oil level gauge has a columnar portion formed on the lower end side of an external thread. The columnar portion has a predetermined length and is continuous with the external thread for attaching the oil level gauge to the casing. A guide hole into which the columnar portion is fitted to restrict the position of the columnar portion is provided on the lower end side of an internal thread of an attachment hole of the casing. The columnar portion of the oil level gauge is formed to have such an axial length that the lower end of the columnar portion exceeds the depth of the internal thread of the casing. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130276529 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE FILL LEVEL OF A MEDIUM AND CORRESPONDING DEVICE - A method for determining the fill level of a medium, wherein a transmission signal is transmitted, a return signal is received, and the return signal is evaluated in view of the process variable in a manner which allows a general and flexible handling of interfering signals in the received signals. This result is obtained by filtering at least one of the return signal, a signal derived from the return signal and an envelope curve formed from the return signal into at least one sub-signal, and using said at least one sub-signal for evaluating the return signal for at least determining the fill level. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130276530 | WATER LEVEL MEASURING SYSTEM AND NON-CONDENSABLE GAS DISCHARGE DEVICE FOR SAME - A water level measuring system ( | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130276531 | FUEL DELIVERY UNIT - A fuel delivery unit in a fuel tank of a motor vehicle, having a surge pot, a fuel pump is arranged in the surge pot fuel out of the surge pot to an internal combustion engine of the motor vehicle, a pump holder for fastening the fuel pump in the surge pot, and a fill level sensor for determining the fill level in the fuel tank. The fill level sensor ( | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130291634 | LEVEL GAUGE - The present invention relates to a level gauge, and more particularly, to a level gauge provided on a device such as an engine or transmission of a vehicle to discharge aft from the device and prevent a foreign substance from being introduced therein. In addition, the level gauge and an oil net can be integrated into a single module, to thereby save costs. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20140013839 | WATER SOFTENER SYSTEM AND METHOD - An apparatus for detecting salt level within a water treatment system is provided and includes a biasing member, a paddle operatively connected to the biasing member, and an actuator operatively connected to the biasing member. The biasing member biases the paddle in a first position when the salt level is below the bottom of the paddle. The paddle is configured such that when the salt level is above the bottom of the paddle sufficient force from the salt is applied to one of the sides of the paddle to overcome the biasing force of the biasing member and move the paddle to a second position. The actuator is configured to cause a signal to be outputted that indicates that the salt level needs to be replenished in response to the paddle being in the first position. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140013840 | STORAGE TANK ASSEMBLY AND SYSTEM FOR STORING WASTE COOKING OIL - A storage tank and method for monitoring thereof is provided. The tank includes a first panel that defines a mounting surface for carrying a heating element. The heating element extends into the tank for heating liquids stowed therein. A sidewall interconnects the first panel and a spaced-apart second panel. A support extends from a bottom-facing surface of the second panel for supporting the tank in a spaced-apart relation from a nearby surface. The support further defines an upward-facing pocket for receiving a portion of the heating element. A control system may monitor the storage tank and alert a service provider of operative conditions thereof. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140083182 | Condensate sensing device - A condensate sensing device to generate a condensate signal when condensate within a condensate collector reaches a predetermined level comprising a hollow shell and overmold integrally formed to form a water tight enclosure to operatively house a signal generator including electronic components to selectively generate the condensate signal when the condensate within the predetermined level reaches the predetermined level to control the operation of equipment and/or energize an alarm. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140109666 | Apparatus for Determining or Monitoring the Fill Level of a Substance in a Container - An apparatus for determining or monitoring the fill level of a substance in a container, including a high frequency oscillator, an in/out coupling unit, an antenna, which transmits measuring signals, which are coupled in via the in/out coupling unit, in the direction of the surface of the fill substance, respectively receives the measuring signals reflected on the surface of the fill substance, and an evaluating circuit, to which the measuring signals reflected on the surface of the fill substance are supplied and which ascertains the fill level in the container via a travel-time difference method. The high frequency oscillator includes a transistor with a source branch, a drain branch and a gate branch, at least one frequency tuning component and at least one frequency determining component. The frequency determining component of the high frequency oscillator is arranged in the source branch of the transistor. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140116130 | MEASURING DEVICE, MEASURING ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING A MEASURED QUANTITY - A measuring device, measuring arrangement and a method for determining a measured quantity. The measuring device a sensor device, an evaluation device and an interface. The sensor device generates measurement information which is dependent on the measured quantity and the evaluation device determines a result value for the measured quantity. To devise a measuring device which manages with a limited power demand and storage demand and which also allows a complex evaluation for obtaining the result value for the measured quantity, the evaluation device of the measuring device outputs the measurement information or information dependent on it via the interface to a separate data device of the measuring arrangement, receives intermediate information from the data device which is generated depending on the measurement information or the information dependent on it and determines the result value based on the intermediate information. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140157888 | WETLAND METER | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140251005 | Connected Tableware for Quantifying Dietary Intake - Connected tableware is provided with various sensors and systems for quantifying a user's dietary intake. Sensors and systems include a weight sensing system, a fluid level sensor, a fat content sensor, and a temperature sensor. Further, the connected tableware is comprised in a system including a data transfer medium (i.e. “smartphone”) and the Cloud, which allows for data transfer between multiple platforms from the connected tableware. The connected tableware and the system operate in conjunction to identify the dietary items contained on the connected tableware, thus quantifying dietary intake of a user. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140260600 | Liquid modulated antenna - One embodiment of a liquid-modulated antenna using an antenna of a type commonly used in the field of wireless identification which is placed within sufficient proximity of a source of liquid to allow the liquid to flow onto the antenna, thereby altering (modulating) the characteristics of the signal being transmitted from the antenna to a signal receiving unit. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140290356 | DEVICE FOR MEASURING LIQUID LEVEL | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140305201 | Electronic liquid level sensing device and gauge for liquid-immersed power transformers, reactors and similar equipment - An electronic liquid level measuring device and gauge for liquid-immersed transformers, reactors or similar equipment with complex and dynamic liquid temperature distributions that utilizes measured liquid pressure and temperature measurements with programmed settings and algorithms to determine the level and volume of liquid in the equipment. The measuring device also has capabilities of providing output data or display for the liquid level, liquid volume, and measured data, as well as alarms for adverse operating conditions. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140318236 | LIQUID LEVEL DETECTION SYSTEM FOR A DRIVELINE COMPONENT - The present disclosure relates to a detection system for detecting a liquid level in a rotating driveline component. The detection system may include a first sensor for detecting the liquid, a second sensor for detecting a rotational position of the driveline component, and a receiver for determining the liquid level based on the first and second sensors. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140352425 | HIGH ACCURACY LEVEL TRANSDUCER - A level transducer has a power supply module, a tuning fork module, a sensing-phase corrector and a controller. The tuning fork module has a tuning fork, at least one piezoelectric driving element, and at least one piezoelectric sensing element. The at least one piezoelectric driving element and the at least one piezoelectric sensing element are stacked on each other, and are mounted on the tuning fork. The power supply module is electrically connected and outputs a voltage to the at least one piezoelectric driving element to deform the at least one piezoelectric driving element. The at least one piezoelectric sensing element is extruded and outputs a voltage signal. The sensing-phase corrector obtains the voltage signal and outputs a clock signal to feedback control the voltage on the at least one piezoelectric driving element to optimize a deformation frequency of each piezoelectric element. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140366625 | LEVEL MEASUREMENTS IN METALLURGICAL VESSELS - The vertical filling level of electrically conductive material in a cavity of a metallurgical vessel is measured by a system including a transmitting conductor for generating an electromagnetic field when connected to an alternating power source, and a receiving conductor which senses the electromagnetic field for generation of an output signal. The conductors are arranged inside a metal casing of the vessel to co-extend with a mutual spacing defining a spacing area that faces the cavity and extends along the periphery in an essentially closed loop. The mutual spacing is selected such that changes in the output signal is dominated by changes to the electromagnetic field caused by local changes in the amount of the conductive material adjacent the spacing. Part of the spacing area defines a vertical measurement region slanted along the periphery so as to diverge from the horizontal and vertical directions of the vessel. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140373622 | WIRELESS FUEL SENSOR - Embodiments of the disclosure include wireless fuel systems for an aircraft. The system include wireless fuel sensors having a sensor configured to measure an indication of an amount of fuel in a fuel tank, a transmitter coupled to the sensor, an antenna coupled to the transmitter and a generator configured to provide power to the sensor and the transmitter. The system also includes a controller configured to receive data from each of the plurality of wireless fuel sensors and to responsively calculate the amount of fuel in a fuel tank. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20150040659 | CAPACITIVE FLUID LEVEL DETECTION SENSOR - The present invention relates to a fluid level detection sensor, and an objective of the present invention is to provide a capacitive fluid level detection sensor, in which an electrode for sensing a fluid level in a capacitive method is formed on a film in a printing method so that the film can be easily attached to and detached from a connector module having a wireless transmission function, and thus a value of a sensed fluid level can be transmitted to a central control office at a remote site, and the film can be used as a disposable item. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150052995 | WATER LEVEL SENSOR AND HEAT EXCHANGER STERILIZING AND HUMIDIFYING APPARATUS HAVING THE SAME - A water level sensor is closely adhered to a storage tank, and a heat exchanger sterilizing and humidifying apparatus allows the water level sensor to be mounted at the outside of the storage tank, thus having a simple configuration. The water level sensor may include a holder, a cap connected to the holder so as to reciprocate within the holder, a case connected to the cap so as to reciprocate within the holder, a sensor part attached to the case to sense the water level in the storage tank, and a spring located between the holder and the cap, wherein the sensor part mounted at the outside of the storage tank and attached to the case by restoring force of the spring when the storage tank contacts the case may be closely adhered to the storage tank and thus may sense a level of water stored in the storage tank. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150059468 | SYSTEM FOR MONITORING PROPANE OR OTHER CONSUMABLE LIQUID IN REMOTELY LOCATED STORAGE TANKS - An improved apparatus and method for monitoring the levels of propane or other consumable liquid in remotely located storage tanks and coordinating delivery of liquid to those tanks, including an improved method of using the remote monitoring data to identify out-of-ordinary conditions at remote tanks, optimally schedule purchases or 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 calculating site-specific Degree-days and K-factors for each tank and by taking historical propane usage for each tank, weather conditions, and projected fuel usage into account. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150114103 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING A MASS OF FUEL WITHIN A VARIABLE GEOMETRY CONTAINER - A system and method for measuring a mass of fuel contained in a variable geometry container. The container comprises a container assembly, formed by a variable geometry container disposed on a rigid support, a three-axis load cell coupled with the rigid support and providing a first set of three signals with a magnitude proportional to the force exerted by the container assembly, a three-axis accelerometer coupled with the rigid support and providing a second set of three signals with a magnitude proportional to the acceleration to which the container assembly is subjected, and a signal processing device configured to convert the first and the second set of signals into force and acceleration data, for three perpendicular directions of the space, and configured to calculate a measure relative to the mass of fuel contained in the variable geometry container. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150300867 | DEVICE WITH FUNCTION FOR MEASURING THE VOLUMETRIC CHANGES IN A SUBSTANCE - This invention relates to a device with function for measuring volumetric changes in a substance. In particular, the device with function for measuring volumetric changes in a substance comprises a sensor that detects the amount of light intensity produced by a light source aligned with said sensor when passing through a column of two liquids which are immiscible among each other contained in a transparent tube, wherein the sensor and the aligned light source are mounted on an arm that travels on a vertically arranged rail, wherein the arm is attached to a strap which acts by means of a first and a second pulley causing the movement of said arm, wherein the movement of said pulleys comes from a motor and a gearbox and the entire mobility system is mounted on a frame. The device further comprises data acquisition means which record the change of light intensity and control the arm movement. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150308309 | OIL LEVEL DETECTION MECHANISM - An oil level detection mechanism for detecting an oil level in the inside of a case | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150323369 | Constant Fluid Level and Equipment Monitor - A flexible array of sensor pairs are used to monitor lubricant condition in an oiler carrying lubricant. The array of sensor pairs are placed adjacent a reservoir and detect the fluid level in the reservoir. The sensor pairs are coupled a chassis and transmit data through communications components which transmit the data to an accessible site for aggregation, monitoring and alarm features. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150330577 | Expansion Tank with a Predictive Sensor - An expansion tank which comprises a tank having a predetermined volume capacity; an expandable elastomeric bladder in the tank, partitioning tank volume into a liquid-containing portion for holding liquid and a gas-containing portion for holding a gas under a pressure that defines a normal pressurized gas volume when the liquid-containing portion holds a predetermined liquid volume; and a proximity sensor mounted to the tank at the gas-containing portion thereof and adapted to emit an alarm signal when volume of the gas-containing portion is reduced. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150343132 | DIALYSIS SYSTEM AND METHODS - Dialysis systems and methods are described which can include a number of features. The dialysis systems described can be to provide dialysis therapy to a patient in the comfort of their own home. The dialysis system can be configured to prepare purified water from a tap water source in real-time that is used for creating a dialysate solution. The dialysis systems described also include features that make it easy for a patient to self-administer therapy. For example, the dialysis systems include disposable cartridge and patient tubing sets that are easily installed on the dialysis system and automatically align the tubing set, sensors, venous drip chamber, and other features with the corresponding components on the dialysis system. Methods of use are also provided, including automated priming sequences, blood return sequences, and dynamic balancing methods for controlling a rate of fluid transfer during different types of dialysis, including hemodialysis, ultrafiltration, and hemodiafiltration. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20160054165 | LIQUID LEVEL MEASURING DEVICE - A liquid level measuring device comprises an inner-tube unit having an inner tube and at least one inner-tube coil surrounding the inner tube; an outer-tube unit having a plurality of outer tubes, each outer tube having a plurality of outer-tube coils disposed thereon, the outer tubes being stacked, the inner tube being arranged inside the outer tubes and being risen and fallen as a level of a liquid in the outer tubes varies; and a control unit electrically connecting to the respective outer-tube coils, the control unit transmitting a set of position coded signals to the outer-tube coils disposed on an individual outer tube, the control unit determining the liquid level according to an induced signal generated by the inner-tube coil. Said device has many advantages including low cost and modular design, and such a device is easily to be deployed. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160167889 | METHOD FOR DETECTING THE FILL LEVEL OF A TRANSPORT SECTION | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160202106 | DEVICE FOR DETERMINING THE FILL LEVEL OF A MEDIUM | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160202107 | DEVICE FOR DETERMINING THE FILL LEVEL OF A MEDIUM IN A CONTAINER | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160252385 | Coaxial probe having a tensioned internal conductor | 09-01-2016 |
| 20190145813 | Fill Level Measurement Device with Potential Isolation in a Waveguide | 05-16-2019 |
| 20220136885 | LOW LEVEL WATER SENSOR AND METHOD OF USE - A low level water sensor and method of use in, e.g., mitigating acidic corrosion in a fuel storage tank is disclosed. | 05-05-2022 |
| 20100018308 | Vehicle Engine With Fluid Measuring System - The present disclosure relates to a fluid measuring system for use in a vehicle engine. The engine includes a fluid return channel through which a tube is inserted. The fluid measuring system also includes a dipstick that can be inserted in the tube. One end of the dipstick is in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir and is configured to indicate the fluid level of the engine. The tube can be composed of an elastic material. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20080210003 | LEVEL METER - A level meter for measuring the fill level of a medium in a vessel, includes a reference container that can be connected to the vessel in a manner whereby the level in the reference container is identical to that in the vessel. The reference container is provided with an adapter unit for a microwave level meter operating by the radar principle which adapter unit encompasses an injection device for coupling-in a microwave signal. This constitutes a low-cost solution for connecting a microwave level meter to a reference container, ensuring optimized signal injection. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080236275 | Remote Monitoring of Fluid Storage Tanks - Arrangement and method for monitoring a fluid storage tank which includes a housing defining an interior receivable of a removable fluid. An interior sensor system is arranged on the housing to obtain information about any fluid in the interior of the housing different than the location of the tank. A location determining system is arranged on the housing to monitor the location of the tank, and a communication system is coupled to the interior sensor system and the location determining system and which is arranged to transmit the information about the fluid in the interior of the housing and the location of the tank to one or more remote facilities. The communication system may be arranged on the housing itself, which is especially applicable when the housing is movable, for example, such as the housing of a Frac tank. The location and condition of the fluid in the tank can thus be known at all times. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080257035 | Apparatus for Determining and/or Monitoring at Least One Process Variable - An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium and includes: A mechanically oscillatable unit, which executes mechanical oscillations in a direction and which is secured at a seating. Included is an exciting/receiving unit, which excites the mechanically oscillatable unit to mechanical oscillations and which receives the mechanical oscillations of the mechanically oscillatable unit; and a control/evaluation unit, which controls the mechanical oscillations of the mechanically oscillatable unit and which determines and/or monitors the process variable. At least one compensating mass is also provided, which is mechanically coupled with the mechanically oscillatable unit and which is embodied and/or secured in such a manner that it executes mechanical oscillations in a direction, wherein the direction of the oscillations of the compensating mass are essentially perpendicular to the direction of the oscillations of the mechanically oscillatable unit. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20090013778 | Method for Checking the Proper Functioning of a Level Indicator - A method for checking proper functioning of a fill-level measuring device working according to the travel time principle. For this purpose, in predetermined or selectable time intervals (ta), a current measured value curve at a current fill level (hactual) is ascertained; on the basis of the current measured value curve, a current wanted echo signal is determined. Subsequently, on the basis of the current wanted echo signal, an expected value (E) for quality of a wanted echo signal at at least one predetermined fill level (hdesired) is ascertained. The ascertained expected value (E) for quality of the wanted echo signal at the predetermined fill level (hdesired) is compared with a predetermined critical value for quality, and an error condition is diagnosed, when the ascertained expected value falls below the critical value for quality. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090013779 | LIQUID SENSING APPARATUS FOR A LIQUID CONTAINER FOR SUPPLYING A LIQUID TO A LIQUID CONSUMING APPARATUS, AND A LIQUID CONTAINER IN WHICH THE LIQUID SENSING APPARATUS IS BUILT - A liquid sensing apparatus includes a liquid sensing chamber | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090019929 | ULTRASONIC FLUID MEASUREMENT METHOD - A method of measuring the level of a fluid in a tank of an aircraft, the method comprising: moving an ultrasonic transducer to a predetermined measurement position; measuring the level of the fluid by: transmitting ultrasound from the transducer into the fluid via an external surface of a wall of the tank, receiving an ultrasonic echo at the transducer, and deducing the fluid level based on the time of arrival of the ultrasonic echo; and removing the transducer from the measurement position. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090025474 | Ultrasonic fuel level monitoring system incorporating an acoustic lens - An ultrasonic liquid level monitoring system includes an ultrasonic transducer unit that is mountable to a tank. The unit has an emitter to generate an ultrasonic beam passing through the wall of the tank. The emitter further receives an echo of the ultrasonic beam off a liquid surface. An acoustic lens is disposed between the emitter and the tank wall to receive and shape the ultrasonic beam to compensate for lensing effects of the tank wall. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090038394 | Apparatus for Measuring the Filling Level of a Liquid in a Container - Apparatus for measuring the filling level of a liquid in a container comprising a transmitting device | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090049908 | Device And Method For Qualitative Determination Of The Cavitation Energy Of Ultrasound In Containers - The present invention relates to a measuring chamber ( | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090071246 | Measuring device for determining and/or monitoring the amount of contents in a container - The invention relates to a fill-measuring device for determining and/or monitoring the fill level of a container, said device being comprised of:
| 03-19-2009 |
| 20090095070 | Sludge Level Probe, Sedimentation Plant and Method for Determining the Sludge Level - The invention relates to a sedimentation plant comprising a sedimentation basin ( | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090126480 | Apparatus for Determining and/or Monitoring a Process Variable - Apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium in a container. The apparatus includes at least one mechanically oscillatable unit, and at least one driving/receiving unit, which excites the mechanically oscillatable unit to execute mechanical oscillations, and which receives the mechanical oscillations of the mechanically oscillatable unit. The mechanically oscillatable unit has at least one membrane, or diaphragm. The membrane, or diaphragm, is connected with a housing. The driving/receiving unit is arranged between the membrane and a holding unit, and the holding unit is secured to the housing. The invention holding unit is embodied in such a manner and secured to the housing in such a manner, that a radial force, which acts essentially in the direction of the normals of the housing, produces a force component and/or a moment, which acts essentially in the direction of a normal of the holding unit. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090126481 | Fuel Inventory Monitoring System - An ultrasonic-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. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090158839 | Method for ascertaining and/or evaluating fill-state of a container containing at least one medium - A method for ascertaining and/or evaluating the fill-state of a container filled with at least one medium, wherein high-frequency, electromagnetic, measuring signals are emitted by a fill-level measuring device and received back as wanted echos reflected at an interface of the media. The electromagnetic, measuring signals are received back as an end echo reflected at a measuring range end, wherein, from the received wanted echos and the end echo, an echo curve is formed as a function of travel-time and/or the travel-distance, wherein, by means of a search algorithm integrated in the fill-level measuring device, number, existence and/or position of individual wanted echos and of the end echo in the echo curve are/is ascertained and applied for classifying the currently present fill-state in the container relative to predetermined, stored, fill situations in the container. On the basis of the classified fill situation in the container, with a distance value of the fill-level and/or a distance value of the separating-layer are/is associated belonging travel-times and/or belonging travel-distances of the individual wanted echos and/or end echo in the echo curve. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090178478 | Apparatus for Ascertaining and Monitoring Fill Level of Medium in a Container - An apparatus for ascertaining and monitoring fill level of a medium in a container by means of a travel-time measuring method utilizing high-frequency measuring signals. An antenna, having an antenna coupling region and an antenna region, or a waveguide having a probe coupling region and a probe measuring region extending into the container is included. Hollow spaces present in the antenna coupling region, in the antenna region, in the probe coupling region and/or in the probe measuring region are filled at least partially with a dielectric filling body. The dielectric filling body has internally at least one, hermetically sealed, reserved volume and the hermetically sealed, reserved volume is so embodied, that the dielectric filling body has a predetermined wave resistance and/or the high-frequency measuring signals have a predetermined propagation characteristic. | 07-16-2009 |
| 20090183564 | Ultrasonic liquid level detector - An ultrasonic liquid level detector for use within a shielded container, the detector being tubular in shape with a chamber at its lower end into which liquid from in the container may enter and exit, the chamber having an ultrasonic transmitter and receiver in its top wall and a reflector plate or target as its bottom wall whereby when liquid fills the chamber a complete medium is then present through which an ultrasonic wave may be transmitted and reflected from the target thus signaling that the liquid is at chamber level. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090193888 | Non-Contact Radar Based Level Measurement Device - A system and method for using a probe-based guided-wave radar sensor to measure fluid level in a container in a non-contact mode are provided. The system and method of the current invention replaces a wall section of the fluid container, such as a steel slurry tub with a panel of radar-transparent material, such as plastic. The level probe is mounted external to the container, adjacent to the radar-transparent panel. By avoiding contact between the sensor probe and the fluid, whether the fluid be cement slurry or another fluid prone to probe degradation, it is possible to eliminate the possibility of contamination, build-up, caking and/or damage to the probe along with the associated degradation in sensor performance. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090205419 | Ultrasonic Measuring Device for a Container - The invention relates to an ultrasound measuring device for a container. A coupling device supporting an ultrasound transducer serves for coupling and asymmetric alignment of the ultrasound transducer with respect to the container. This causes a sound field of the interfering signal in an ultrasound measurement to propagate within the container in an asymmetric fashion with respect to planes of symmetry of the container, whereby the interfering signal that is received at the site of injection is attenuated relative to a useful signal. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090217753 | Fuel Inventory Monitoring System - 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. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090235736 | Verfahren zur Auswertung und Korrektur von Gesamtmesssignalen - An improved and more accurate method for evaluating and correcting total measurement signals (TS(n)) of measuring devices. The invention concerns a method for evaluating and correcting total measurement signals (TS(n)) of a measuring device, wherein measuring signals are transmitted in the direction of a medium and reflected on a surface of the medium as wanted echo signals or on a surface of a disturbing element as interference signals and received. In the case of a modification of at least one technical, process condition in the container and/or a modification of at least one technical, measurement condition of the measuring device, an independent reference curve is ascertained on the basis of a current static reference curve, wherein the interference signals are masked out of the raw echo curve on the basis of a masking algorithm, which applies the independent reference curve. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090235737 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACCURATELY MEASURING FLUID LEVEL IN A VESSEL - A system and method for accurately measuring fluid level in a vessel is provided. Generally, the system contains an elongated portion being a coaxial tube having a hollow center, an arm being coaxial in shape, and a sensor containing a transmitter capable of creating and transmitting an excitation electromagnetic pulse for traversing the elongated portion and the arm, and a receiver for receiving reflected pulses, wherein a proximate end of the elongated portion joins a distal end of the arm in a manner to create a waveguide for an electromagnetic pulse provided by the sensor. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090282910 | Method for measuring reactor bed level from active acoustic measurement and analysis - The present invention is a non-intrusive method to determine the fluid level in a vessel. In a preferred embodiment, the vessel is a delayed coker drum in a refinery. Waves are generated in the vessel from an outside source. For wall vibration generated in the frequency range of 1-20,000 Hz, accelerometers on the exterior wall of the vessel measures the frequency of the vibration modes of the vessel. The fluid level can be related to the frequency of the vibration mode. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090282911 | Fluid level measurement device - The present invention relates to a device ( | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090293607 | Liquid level measurement device - The present invention relates to a device ( | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090301187 | MULTICHAMBER ULTRASONIC SENSOR FOR DETERMINING A LIQUID LEVEL - An ultrasound sensor for determining a fluid level with an elongated housing ( | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090314080 | Method for measuring reactor bed level from active acoustic measurement and analysis - The present invention is a non-intrusive method to determine the fluid level in a vessel. In a preferred embodiment, the vessel is a delayed coker drum in a refinery. Waves are generated in the vessel from an outside source. For wall vibration generated in the frequency range of 1-20,000 Hz, accelerometers on the exterior wall of the vessel measures the attenuation of the vibration modes of the vessel. The fluid level can related to the attenuation of the vibration mode. For wall vibration generated in the ultrasonic range, the wave traveling in the vessel wall are guided waves. The guided wave will leak energy into the fluid inside the vessel and will attenuate depending on the fluid level. Ultrasonic receivers on the outside of the vessel measure the attenuation. The fluid level can be related attenuation of the ultrasonic waves. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20100000314 | Arrangement for fill level measurement - An arrangement for measuring fill levels of fill substances located in containers with a single fill-level measuring device operating according to the travel time principle, and arranged removed from the measuring locations at which a fill level is to be measured and having an antenna for directed sending of microwaves and for receiving microwaves. The arrangement includes: a mirror arrangement, which has, arranged at a measuring location above the fill substance, at least one mirror, which transmits, to the surface of the fill substance, microwaves sent from the antenna in their transmission direction and which transmits, back to the antenna, their echoes reflected on the surface of the fill substance; and a measuring device electronics, which is fed, in measurement operation, received signals received with the antenna, and which, on the basis of the received signals, ascertains the travel times of the microwaves reflected at the measuring locations on the surface of the fill substance and ascertains therefrom, on the basis of the positions of the mirrors arranged above the fill substance at the measuring locations, the fill levels at the measuring locations. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100005878 | FLUID LEVEL DETECTOR - A fluid detector includes a piezoelectric element that outputs a first ultrasonic signal in response to an input electrical signal and a lens with an upper portion and a lower portion. A housing is integral with an outer surface of the wall of a container and defines a cylindrical central bore for receiving the lens. The piezoelectric element is coupled to the upper portion of the lens so that the lens focuses the first ultrasonic signal toward the wall so that it enters the wall. An ultrasonic detector is disposed adjacent the outer surface of the wall, for receiving a second ultrasonic signal from the wall that results from the first ultrasonic signal and that is affected by the presence or absence of fluid. The ultrasonic detector generates an output electrical signal corresponding to the second ultrasonic signal. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100018309 | FLUID LEVEL MEASURING METHOD AND SYSTEM THEREFOR - An ultrasound system for measuring the fluid level in a tank includes means for emitting an ultrasound detecting beam towards a surface of the fluid in the tank from a first position relative to the tank, yielding at least a portion of a path of the ultrasound detecting beam being generally perpendicular to the bottom of the tank and defining an axis intersecting the bottom of the tank, the first position being adjacent the bottom of the tank; means for receiving echoes from the ultrasound detecting beam reflected from the surface of the fluid in the tank at a second position biased from the first position; and means for determining the fluid level using the echoes received from the ultrasound detecting beam and a distance between the first and second positions. Such a system allows eliminating the limitation caused by the transducers' dead zone without requiring the use of a waveguide. A reference target can be used to calibrate the system for the speed of sound of the fluid mixture in the tank and for measuring the fluid mixture density. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100024543 | DISCRETE FLUID LEVEL SENSOR AND MOUNT - A level sensor for determining the presence or absence of a liquid in contact with the sensor includes an elongate probe, a transducer operably connected to the probe and configured to produce compressional waves in the probe, and circuitry for detecting acoustic energy emitted into the liquid when liquid is in contact with the probe. A mount for the releasably holding the sensor includes a base have a receiving region formed in part by a plurality of flexible securing fingers. The fingers have locking projections extending therefrom. A contact is mounted to the base and extends into the receiving region. A cartridge supports the level sensor and is received in the receiving region. The cartridge includes a circumferential recess for receiving the securing fingers. When the level sensor is positioned in the cartridge and the cartridge is inserted into the base, the level sensor is operably connected to the contact and the cartridge is resiliently secured in the base. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100031743 | DEVICE FOR MONITORING THE LEVEL OF THE CONDENSATE COLLECTED IN THE MEASURING CYLINDER OF A STANDARDIZED DISTILLATION APPARATUS AND METHOD IMPLEMENTED BY USING THIS DEVICE - Device for monitoring, the level of the condensate collected in the measurement cylinder of a standardized distillation apparatus for automatically distilling liquid specimens, characterized in that it comprises: oil the one hand, a double optical barrier emitting a central beam centred on the measurement cylinder ( | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100058856 | Measuring Cup Sensor and System - A measuring device for use with at least one measuring cup comprised of: a microprocessor, an ultrasonic transmitter, and an ultrasonic sensor, all positioned on a printed circuit board housing, all of which are contained within a housing, and a display screen on the housing. The transmitter emits a signal (e.g. an ultrasonic pulse that reflects off of the top surface of a liquid contained in the measuring cup,) and the ultrasonic sensor detects the reflected ultrasonic pulse. The microprocessor calculates the precise volume of liquid within the measuring cup and displays the volume on the display screen. The measuring device can alternately be programmed to emit an alert when a predetermined volume is reached. The measuring device and measuring cup unit can also be used with solids and/or slurries. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100077853 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING CONTACT OF A PIPETTING NEEDLE WITH A LIQUID IN A VESSEL - A method and level sensor apparatus for detecting contact of a pipetting needle with at least a liquid contained in a vessel are disclosed. The apparatus provides a pipetting needle made of a material suitable for transmitting ultrasonic waves, a needle holder for holding the needle, a electromechanical transducer for generating ultrasonic pulses to be transmitted towards the needle, for receiving echo pulses reflected at the tip of the needle, and for generating an electrical output signal representative of the echo pulses, and electronic circuit means for generating and applying a driving signal to the transducer, which generates corresponding pulses which are transmitted to the needle towards the tip thereof, and for monitoring and evaluating the output signal to detect the position of the needle at which the tip of the needle contacts the liquid and for providing a resulting signal representative of the result of said evaluation. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100083750 | APPARATUS FOR ASCERTAINING AND/OR MONITORING A PROCESS VARIABLE OF A MEDIUM - An apparatus for ascertaining and/or monitoring of a process variable of a medium. The apparatus includes: A mechanically oscillatable unit; an exciting/receiving unit, which excites the mechanically oscillatable unit to execute mechanical oscillations and which receives the mechanical oscillations; and an electronics unit, which supplies the exciting/receiving unit with an electrical, output signal, and which receives from the exciting/receiving unit an electrical, input signal. In the electronics unit there is provided an amplifier unit, which amplifies the electrical, input signal to an amplified signal (S | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100083751 | Process for measuring a fill level or limit state, circuit for a device that measures a fill level or limit state, and device that measures a fill level or limit state - The invention relates to a process for measuring a fill level or limit state using an electromagnetic vibrating system, in which a transmission signal (s) is generated; a vibrating body ( | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100095762 | RADIO FREQUENCY TRANSMITTING/RECEIVING ANTENNA WITH MODIFIABLE TRANSMITTING-RECEIVING PARAMETERS - Radio transmitting and receiving slot antenna, comprising a transmitting and receiving portion, means for connection to a transmitting and/or receiving circuit, said transmitting and receiving portion being formed of two volumes of liquid delimiting a slot, and means to modify the shape of said volumes of liquid and to modify the width of the slot, said means to modify the shape of said volume of liquid using electrostatic forces, the liquid being electrically conductive, and a control unit controlling the means to deform the volumes of fluid. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100101320 | ULTRASONIC LEVEL MEASUREMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD HAVING VARIABLE TRANSMIT POWER - The invention provides a method for improving the accuracy of level measurement by reducing or eliminating receive circuit saturation in ultrasound level measurement apparatus. The method involves adjusting the transmit power in order to control echo amplitude, in particular to avoid saturation, when the surface being monitored is within a pre-defined distance from the ultrasound transducer. The particular advantage of the invention is that it may be implemented without change to the electronic circuitry embodied in the apparatus. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100126267 | LEVEL SENSOR SYSTEM FOR PROPANE TANKS AND OR THE LIKES - A level sensor system according to the present invention includes a controller and a sensor assembly defined by a transducer assembly and a mounting assembly configured for a quick connection or non permanent attachment of the transducer assembly to the tank or container. The ultrasound transducer assembly emits ultrasound pulses in the tank along a detecting path, receives ultrasound echoes indicative of at least one of the first and second fluids and produces echo signals representative of the at least one of the first and second fluids. The mounting assembly is configured for receiving the ultrasound transducer assembly and for operatively mounting the ultrasound transducer assembly to the tank for ultrasound measurement. The controller is coupled to the ultrasound transducer assembly, receives the echo signals and determines the position of the fluid interface therewith; the level of the first fluid being defined by the position of the fluid interface. The fact that the sensor assembly is configured so as to be removably mounted to the tank allows replacing the tank, for example when it is empty, without having to replace the sensor assembly. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100132453 | Bottom up contact type ultrasonic continuous level sensor - An ultrasonic sensor for measuring the level of liquid in a vessel has an elongated tubular probe, a tube within the probe, and a transducer that converts electrical energy to ultrasonic energy mounted at or near one end of the tube so as to transmit ultrasonic energy horizontally across the probe. An element having a surface that reflects ultrasonic energy is at an angle, preferably of about 45°, to the probe longitudinal axis opposite to an ultrasonic energy emitting part of the transducer to reflect ultrasonic energy received from the transducer upwardly in the probe to an air-liquid interface from which it is downwardly reflected to the angled reflector element that directs the energy reflected from the interface back to the transducer for conversion to an electrical signal that is used by an electronic module to measure the liquid level in the probe which is the liquid level in the vessel. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100147069 | Device for determining and/or monitoring the filing level of a medium - According to the invention, the apparatus ( | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100162811 | METHOD FOR ASCERTAINING AND MONITORING FILL LEVEL OF A MEDIUM IN A CONTAINER USING A TRAVEL TIME, MEASURING METHOD - A method for ascertaining and monitoring fill level of a medium in a container by means of a field device using a travel time, measuring method, wherein transmission signals are transmitted and reflection signals received. The received reflection signals are registered as echo signals in an echo function, wherein masking curve, evaluation curves and/or echo parameters of the echo signals in the echo function are ascertained or predetermined, as well as stored in a first measuring cycle. By means of a static echo search algorithm, through the masking curve, the evaluation curve, the echo parameters, position and/or amplitude of at least one wanted echo signal are/is ascertained, wherein, by means of a dynamic echo search algorithm, a continuous echo tracking of positional changes and/or amplitude changes of individual echo signals and/or the wanted echo signal in the echo function is performed. On the basis of positional changes and/or amplitude changes of individual wanted echo signals, masking curve, evaluation curve and/or echo parameters of the static echo search algorithm are adjusted. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100170336 | Device For Treating Specimens And Method For Determining The Fill Level Of Reagent Containers - The invention relates to a device ( | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100175470 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETERMINING THE LEVEL L OF A LIQUID WITHIN A SPECIFIED MEASURING RANGE BY MEANS OF RADAR SIGNALS TRANSMITTED TO THE LIQUID SURFACE AND RADAR SIGNALS REFLECTED FROM THE LIQUID SURFACE - The invention relates to a method for determining the level L of a liquid within a specified measuring range by means of radar signals transmitted to the liquid surface and radar signals reflected from the liquid surface, comprising the steps of i) transmitting radar signals to the liquid surface in time sequence; ii) receiving radar signals reflected from the liquid surface in time sequence; iii) determining the level L partially on the basis the transmitted radar signals and the reflected radar signals. The invention further relates to a device for determining the level L of a liquid within a specified measuring range, at least comprising a radar antenna disposed above the liquid for transmitting radar signals to the liquid and receiving radar signals reflected from the liquid surface, as well as means for determining the liquid level L on the basis of the transmitted radar signals and the reflected radar signals. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100186500 | Fuel Delivery Unit With A Filling Level Sensor Operating With Ultrasonic Waves - A fuel delivery unit for insertion into a fuel tank of a motor vehicle has a swirl pot, a flange for closing an opening in the fuel tank, and a support element arranged between the flange and the swirl pot that prestresses the swirl pot towards a bottom of the fuel tank. A filling level sensor is arranged on the swirl pot. The swirl pot has at least one receptacle. The receptacle extends to a bottom of the swirl pot and completely surrounds the periphery of the support element and has an opening in the bottom region through which fuel from the fuel tank can enter the receptacle. The filling level sensor comprises a transmission and receiving unit for ultrasonic waves arranged in the fuel delivery unit such that the ultrasonic waves run in the receptacle and the support element. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100206066 | Device and Method for Determination Regarding the Liquid Level in Containers - A measurement device ( | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100212418 | LIQUID LEVEL MEASUREMENT DEVICE AND METHOD - At least one embodiment of the present invention relates to a device for providing a compensated measurement of the level of a liquid in a tank. In at least one embodiment, the device includes a transducer adapted to transmit and receive acoustic signals; a waveguide connected to the transducer and adapted to extend into the liquid; at least one collecting device for collecting free-moving portions of said liquid; and at least one directing device for directing fluid originating from liquid collected by the collecting device into or along a portion of the waveguide which during operation is located above the liquid level. At least one embodiment of the present invention also relates to a corresponding method. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100218599 | Acoustic Volume Indicator - Acoustic volume indicators for determining liquid or gas volume within a container comprise a contactor to vibrate a container wall, a detector to receive vibration data from the container wall, a processor to convert vibration data to frequency information and compare the frequency information to characteristic container frequency vs. volume data to obtain the measured volume, and an indicator for displaying the measured volume. The processor may comprise a microprocessor disposed within a housing having lights that each represent a particular volume. The microprocessor is calibrated to provide an output signal to a light that indicates the container volume. The processor may comprise a computer and computer program that converts the data to frequency information, analyzes the frequency information to identify a peak frequency, compares the peak frequency to the characteristic frequency vs. volume data to determine the measured volume, and displays the measured volume on a video monitor. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100242593 | ULTRASONIC LIQUID LEVEL MONITORING SYSTEM - An ultrasonic liquid level monitoring system includes an ultrasonic transducer unit that is externally mountable to a tank. An ultrasonic emitter may generate an ultrasonic beam and receive an echo of the ultrasonic beam off a liquid surface inside a tank. An acoustic lens is coupled to the ultrasonic emitter to shape the ultrasonic beam to compensate for lensing effects of the tank wall. An acoustic coupler may be disposed between the acoustic lens and the tank wall to improve the acoustic coupling between the ultrasonic emitter and the tank wall. The system determines a time-of-flight between generating the ultrasonic beam and receiving the echo. Using the time-of-flight and geometry of a tank, the system may calculate the liquid volume inside the tank. The time-of-flight may be transmitted via a satellite data link or a local data link. The local data link may further be used to configure and maintain the system. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100257931 | LEVEL MEASUREMENT SYSTEM - An apparatus and method for the identification of different phases ( | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100294034 | FLUID LEVEL DETECTOR - A transducer for use in a fluid detector for determining a presence of a fluid within a container, the transducer comprising a piezoelectric element that outputs an ultrasonic signal in response to an input electrical signal, characterized in that said transducer further comprises, a lens with an upper portion, a lower portion, and a focal point, the upper portion including a curved surface with convex side. The piezoelectric element is coupled to the upper portion of the lens so that, when the lens is disposed adjacent an outer surface of a wall of the container such that the lens is intermediate the piezoelectric element and the wall, the lens focuses the ultrasonic signal toward the focal point of the lens and on the inner surface of the wall. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20110083503 | Methods and Apparatus for Designing a Cement Composition - A method comprising preparing a baseline cement slurry comprising a cement, water, and one or more additives, placing a sample of the baseline cement slurry into a sample container having a vertical height, and measuring time of flight of energy through the sample at one or more locations along the vertical height to determine a settling property of the baseline cement slurry. A method comprising providing a settling test apparatus comprising a column having a vertical height and at least one pair of transducers positioned opposite each other with the column there between, placing a cement slurry sample within the column, and measuring time of flight of ultrasonic energy through the sample at one or more locations along the vertical height to determine a settling property of the cement slurry. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110094299 | Method for evaluating the measurement signals of a propagation-time based measurement device - A method which allows especially the extrapolation of the measured value at the upper and lower end of a measuring range where normally no direct measurement range where normally no direct measurement is possible by superposition of interfering signals, for example by reflection on a radar antenna. In the presence of strong interference signals, for example by reflection of a radar antenna. In the presence of strong interference signals, which are for example caused by the natural resonance of the container or neck in which the measuring device is mounted, the direct level indicator signal can be regularly used if it has a high amplitude caused by a superposition with the interfering signal lies between two interfering signals and does not extend beyond these, the level indicator value can be interpolated by the shift of the signals from the point of reflection. The inventive method automatically adapts itself to a prevailing measuring situation while according to known methods for the user has to decide between a measurement via a shift of EOL signal or a measurement via the direct level indicator echo. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110100118 | Detector of liquid consumption condition - A detector of liquid consumption condition includes first and second vibrating parts that can vibrate relatively to a containing space that can be filled and refilled with a liquid. At least a portion of the first and second vibrating parts are exposed to the containing space. Each of the vibrating parts are caused to vibrate by piezoelectric devices based on a driving signal and can generate a counter electromotive force signal by a vibration of the vibrating parts. A liquid consumption condition detecting part can detect a liquid consumption condition, based on the counter electromotive force signal from at least one of the piezoelectric devices. The containing space can contains a predetermined volume of the liquid, and the first vibrating part is placed near a surface of the liquid at a first level, and the second part is placed near a surface of the liquid at a second level. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110138905 | LIGHTING APPARATUS - A lighting apparatus is disclosed. The lighting apparatus is capable of achieving improved aesthetics by irradiating mood lighting into a storage container and also, of functioning to display a variety of status information about the storage container to the outside and to sterilize the interior of the storage container. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110167904 | METHOD OF USING A LEVEL METER EMPLOYING THE RADAR PRINCIPLE - A method of using of a level meter employing the radar principle, serving to measure the fill level of a medium in a container and incorporating an electric conductor system for conducting an electromagnetic signal into the container and returning reflected components of the electromagnetic signal from the container, the electric conductor system terminating at a predefined level in the container. In practicing the method a variation of the component of the electromagnetic signal reflected at the container-oriented end of the conductor system is utilized as an indicator of the attainment of the predefined fill level by the medium. This permits the detection of very small amounts of a medium for instance in the monitoring of drain pipes, spillway basins or leak-detection systems. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110214502 | LEVEL - The present invention provides a level sensor, preferably a level switch, which in use is mounted at the position at which a fluid level is to be monitored and uses a relatively low resolution TDR circuit to discriminate only between wet and dry states. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110219871 | FLUID LEVEL DETECTOR - A fluid detector for determining a presence of a fluid within a container, the detector including a sensor assembly with a lens and a sensor element that outputs a first ultrasonic signal in response to an input electrical signal. A generally cylindrical wall extends outwardly from an outer surface of the container and defines a housing with a cylindrical central bore having a base surface. The sensor assembly is coupled to the lens so that the lens focuses the first ultrasonic signal toward the wall. The sensor assembly is positioned such that it receives a second ultrasonic signal from the wall that results from the first ultrasonic signal. The sensor assembly then generates an output electrical signal corresponding to the second ultrasonic signal. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110226054 | VIBRATING ELEMENT APPARATUS - The invention provides a method of, and means for detection the condition of the fork of a vibrating fork level sensor. Changes in the normal operating frequency are compared with previous measurements and an alert generated if the change becomes significant. The method is preferably used to detect significant levels of coating build-up on the fork. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110232381 | System for monitoring liquid level in underground storage tank - The system for monitoring a liquid level in an underground storage tank provides an external visual indication of a liquid level, such as water level, within a sealed underground storage tank. The system includes an ultrasonic transducer for generating regularly pulsed ultrasonic signals and for receiving reflected ultrasonic signals, which are reflected from a surface of the liquid stored in the underground storage tank. A pulser connected to a timer is in communication with the ultrasonic transducer for generating regularly pulsed ultrasonic signals. The timer is further used to measure the time period between generation of one of the pulsed ultrasonic signals and reception of the corresponding reflected ultrasonic wave. The height between the ultrasonic transducer and the liquid surface is then calculated based upon the measured time period. The liquid level is then displayed to the user on an external display. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20120031182 | Acoustic liquid level detection - The filling noise generated inside a pressurized container when liquid is injected into the container is detected at the outer end of a vent tube which extends into the container. When the level of liquid in the container reaches the lower end of the vent tube, the filling noise detected at the outer end is abruptly diminished. This abrupt change is detected and used to automatically terminate filling of the tank. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120060600 | ARRANGEMENT FOR MEASURING FILL LEVEL WITH A FILL LEVEL MEASURING DEVICE WORKING WITH MICROWAVES - An arrangement for measuring fill level of a fill substance in a container, comprising: a fill level measuring device, wherein the device includes measuring device electronics and an antenna connected to the measuring device electronics; and at least one feedthrough installed in a signal path of the microwave signals or the reflection signals; the feedthrough. The feedthrough comprises a hollow conductor, into which a microwave transparent window is inserted gas tightly. The window comprises: a disk, whose thickness corresponds approximately to a half wavelength or a small integer multiple of the half wavelength of a first, hollow conductor propagation capable, signal mode of the microwave signals at a predetermined signal frequency in the disk; and two matching layers located on oppositely lying, outer surfaces of the disk. The thickness of each matching layer corresponds approximately to a fourth of the wavelength of the first, hollow conductor propagation capable, signal mode of the microwave signals at the predetermined signal frequency in the matching layers. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120085165 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING OR MONITORING A PREDETERMINED FILL LEVEL, A PHASE BOUNDARY OR A DENSITY OF A MEDIUM - A method and an apparatus for determining or monitoring a predetermined fill level, a phase boundary or a density of a medium in a container with an oscillatable unit. The oscillatable unit is placed at the height of the predetermined fill level and is excited to oscillate successively with discrete exciter frequencies following one another in a frequency scanning operation (sweep) within a predeterminable frequency band in the working range of the oscillatable unit. The corresponding oscillations of the oscillatable unit are received in the form of received signals; wherein that exciter frequency is ascertained in the frequency scanning operation, at which the oscillatable unit oscillates with an oscillation frequency, which has a predetermined phase shift between the transmission signal and the received signal; and wherein the transmitting/receiving unit excites the oscillatable unit to oscillate with the ascertained oscillation frequency. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120096939 | Level Sensor And Reservoir For Housing Liquid - A sensor for determining level of liquid in a reservoir, a reservoir containing such sensor, and a method for determining level using such sensor. The sensor comprises a liquid-proof housing, at least one actuator operatively connected to the inner side of the housing and configured to generate vibrations, and at least one vibration sensor operatively connected town inner side of the housing and configured to measure vibrations. The actuator comprises an electromagnet directly or indirectly fixedly connected to the inner side of the housing, and a permanent magnet movably suspended in the housing, wherein the electromagnet and the permanent magnet are configured such that activation of the actuator creates an oscillating mutual displacement in parallel with a longitudinal center axis of the electromagnet. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120103088 | APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING AND/OR MONITORING A PROCESS VARIABLE - An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium. The apparatus includes: at least one mechanically oscillatable unit, which comes in contact at least partially with the medium; at least one transducer unit, which excites the mechanically oscillatable unit to execute mechanical oscillations and which receives mechanical oscillations from the mechanically oscillatable unit; and at least one housing. At least one limiting element is provided. The limiting element is embodied and arranged in such a manner that the limiting element at least partially surrounds the mechanically oscillatable unit and the therefrom resulting reduction of volume surrounding the mechanically oscillatable unit increases the measuring sensitivity of the apparatus. Furthermore, the invention relates to a limiting element. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120111106 | VIBRATING ELEMENT APPARATUS - The invention provides a vibrating fork level switch with alternative self-checking modes. The individual modes are user selectable and allow the switch to be readily adapted for use with liquids of differing viscosities. This, in turn, allows a wider range of failure modes to be determined. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120118059 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF DETERMINING A QUALITY AND/OR DEPTH OF DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID - A system for determining a quality and/or depth of a fluid in a tank. The system includes a controller, one or more transducers, and a temperature sensor. A fixed distance transducer transmits a sound wave toward a fixed surface. A depth transducer transmits a sound wave which reflects off a surface of the fluid. The temperature sensor senses a temperature of the fluid in the tank and provides an indication of the temperature to the controller. The controller measures the elapsed time for the sound waves to travel between the fixed distance transducer and a fixed surface and the elapsed time for the sound waves to travel between the depth transducer and the surface of the fluid held within the container. Using the elapsed times and the temperature of the fluid, the controller is able to determine a quality and the depth of the fluid. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120137768 | RADAR LEVEL GAUGE WITH DIELECTRIC ROD CONNECTION - A radar level gauge using electromagnetic signals to determine a filling level of a product in a tank, comprising an electronics unit including transceiver circuitry, a signal propagation device arranged to direct electromagnetic signals into the tank and to return electromagnetic signals reflected from the tank, and a directional coupler. The gauge further comprises a wave guiding structure comprising a rod of a dielectric material. A mounting portion of the electronics unit defines an opening and is detachably mountable on the dielectric rod so that the rod extends through the opening and is at least partly surrounded by the opening. The mounting portion is further arranged to secure the circuitry portion relative the rod so that said directional coupler is in a position to couple signals between the transceiver circuitry and the rod. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120152015 | Multichamber Ultrasonic Sensor for Determining a Liquid Level - An ultrasound sensor arrangement for determining a fluid level includes an elongated housing with a lid and a floor, and a measuring chamber in the housing, in which a fluid has the same level as the fluid outside the measuring chamber, and an ultrasound transmitter/receiver on the floor within or outside the housing in the area of the measuring chamber. Transmitted sound signals from the ultrasound transmitter/receiver reflect from the fluid surface and are received by the ultrasound transmitter/receiver to determine the fluid level from the signal transit time. At least one further chamber is arranged at least partially in front of or around the measuring chamber. The outermost chamber forms the inlet chamber. The several chambers are connected to each other for fluid flow. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120167676 | WIRELESS FUEL LEVEL SENSOR FOR A VEHICLE FUEL TANK - A vehicle fuel tank is provided. The vehicle fuel tank includes a housing defining an interior region, a fuel level sensor coupled to the interior region, the fuel level sensor responsive to a fuel pressure, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) device electronically coupled to the fuel level sensor configured to wirelessly transmit a signal indicative of a fuel level in the fuel tank. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120174664 | Amplitude profiling in filling-level measuring devices - An electronics unit and a method for a filling-level measuring device for determining a filling level. The unit including an arithmetic unit determining a functional relationship between a distance between a filling material surface and the filling-level measuring device and an amplitude of a signal component reflected by the filling material surface and received by the filling-level measuring device; an amplitude profiler creating a profile of amplitude values of filling level echoes which have been measured so far; and an amplitude evaluator determining an expected amplitude of the filling level echo at a particular location with help of the profile of amplitude values. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120186339 | Measuring device of process automation technology for ascertaining and monitoring a chemical or physical process variable in a high temperature process in a container - An apparatus forming a measuring device for ascertaining and monitoring a chemical or physical process variable in a high temperature process in a container, wherein the measuring device is formed from at least a sensor element located in the process and at least a measurement transmitter located outside the process. At least a first sealing element is provided for sealing against penetration of process medium into the sensor element. The sensor element has a boundary location between a first sensor element region, which faces the process and which is embodied with a high thermal resistance, and a second sensor element region, which faces away from the process and which has a low thermal resistance, and that the temperature sensitive element is arranged in the sensor element at the boundary location. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120234091 | Device for ascertaining a fill level of a medium - In the case of a device for ascertaining a fill level of a medium inside a collection container, having at least one measuring chamber, in which an ultrasonic sensor is arranged, connected to conduct media to the collection chamber, and having at least one antechamber connected upstream from the measuring chamber, which has at least one inlet opening for the medium from the collection chamber, at least one flow damper for the medium, according to the invention, is arranged in at least one subarea of the antechamber. Thereby multiple antechambers, which are connected in series one behind another to conduct media, are connected upstream from the measuring chamber. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120260728 | FLUID LEVEL SENSOR SYSTEM - Fluid level sensor. The sensor includes first and second RFID tag antennas disposed in spaced-apart relation on the outside of a container including fluid therein. An RFID reader transmits power to, and receives backscatter power from, the first and second RFID tag antennas. A difference in backscatter power from the first and second tag antennas indicates the presence of fluid behind the second RFID tag antenna. In another aspect, a single RFID tag antenna is disposed on the outside of a container including fluid therein. An RFID reader transmits power over a selected range of frequencies to the tag antenna and receives backscatter power from the tag antenna. The tag response across all frequencies in the selected range indicates no liquid in the container while tag response in only the higher frequencies of the selected range indicates presence of fluid in the container. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120324994 | Determination of media characteristics in fill-level measuring - For calculating the fill level in a container two echo curves are acquired that image the reflection conditions along two different measuring paths. On their way to the filling material surface or the separating layer surface the corresponding measuring signals cover different electrical distances. From the two echo curves a characteristic value can be calculated that reflects a physical characteristic of the covering medium. From this, the fill level can then be determined with increased accuracy. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20130000400 | Device for emulsion measuring by means of a standpipe - A measuring device is for determining a separating layer or a mixing ratio in a container. The measuring device comprises two fill-level measuring apparatuses that acquire the echo curves in a standpipe and outside the standpipe, respectively. Solely from these two echo curves the position of a virtual boundary layer or the mixing ratio of the two different liquids can be determined. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130036815 | BEVERAGE MACHINE WITH INTEGRATED ULTRASONIC TRANSCEIVER - The present invention discloses a beverage machine ( | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130047719 | ULTRASONIC LIQUID LEVEL DETECTOR - An ultrasonic sensor detects the presence or absence of a fluid in contact with the sensor and a level of fluid along the sensor. The sensor includes a first probe having a. transducer element operably connected thereto. The transducer element is configured to transmit an ultrasonic signal through the first probe, A second probe has an other than straight shape. The second probe has a transducer element operably connected thereto that is configured to receive the ultrasonic signal transmitted by the first probe to determine the presence or absence of a fluid and when present, the location of fluid along the second probe. The other than straight shape of the second probe increases the path length of the received signal to increase the resolution and accuracy of sensing the presence or absence of the fluid, and when present, the resolution and accuracy of a location along the second probe at which the fluid is present. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130091946 | LIQUID LEVEL SENSOR WITH IMPROVED TEMPERATURE RANGE - An ultrasonic liquid-height detector employs conductive rods extending from a housing, and corresponding transducers, into a liquid, where elastic seals surround the rods at their exit point from the housing. Acoustic crosstalk between the rods through the seals and the housing (rather than through the liquid) is minimized by displacing the seals from each other as measured through the housing to increase a path length through the housing so that the crosstalk energy is delayed with respect to the direct energy indicating liquid height. A sampling window is positioned to sample transmitted sound across the rods at a time before the arrival of the crosstalk energy. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130118252 | MEASUREMENT DEVICE - The present invention concerns a measuring apparatus for detecting a filling level of a fluid (F) in a tank (T) by means of ultrasound signals. The measuring apparatus comprises a sensor unit ( | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130118253 | ACOUSTIC ARRAY SENSOR - A level sensor includes a substrate having at least one reflective side surface, at least one wave generator on one end of the substrate configured to transmit a wave down the surface of the substrate and a plurality of reflective echelons mounted on the substrate such that each echelon is at an angle relative to reflective side surface. The reflective echelons are configured to convert a wave of a first mode in to a wave of a second mode. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130139585 | Device for Determining and/or Monitoring at least one Predetermined Fill Level - A device for determining a predetermined fill level of a liquid in a container, with a sensor unit, comprising a unit capable of oscillating mechanically, a transmitter unit, and a receiver unit, which is electrically and mechanically coupled to the transmitter unit, and which transduces the oscillation of the unit capable of oscillating into an electrical receiving signal. An electronic unit, comprising a regulating unit, which regulates a phase difference that exists between the electrical transmission signal and electrical receiving signal to a determined value at which the unit capable of oscillating conducts oscillations at a resonant frequency, and which forms an oscillation circuit with the transmitter unit, receiving unit and the unit capable of oscillating. The electronic unit comprises a compensation path with a compensation unit, which for compensating additional signal components in the receiving signal, which results from the mechanical and/or electrical coupling between transmitter unit and receiver unit, at least intermittently produces a compensation signal from the transmission signal and supplies this compensation signal to the receiving signal. The compensation unit produces the compensation signal in a way such that the compensation signal is opposite to the additional signal components in the receiving signal. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130213132 | METHOD FOR MONITORING AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A FILL LEVEL SENSOR SYSTEM USING THE RADAR PRINCIPLE AND A CORRESPONDING FILL LEVEL SENSOR - A method for monitoring the operability of a fill level sensor acting as a FMCW radar device in which the frequency of a radar signal to be sent from the fill sensor during measurement of a fill level of a medium is modulated with a set of pre-settable measuring parameters and a measured value of the fill level determined from at least one received signal received during measurement of the fill level. The method enables simple automatic monitoring of the operability of a fill level sensor acting as a FMCW radar device in that, during a test phase, the frequency of the radar signal to be sent is modulated with at least one set of pre-settable test parameters and a test measured value is determined from at least one test received signal received during the test phase, which is evaluated to establish the operability of the fill level sensor. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130220011 | DIELECTRIC ANTENNA AND FILL LEVEL SENSOR USING THE RADAR PRINCIPLE - A dielectric antenna ( | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130228011 | MICROWAVE WINDOW AND FILL LEVEL SENSOR USING THE RADAR PRINCIPLE - A microwave window ( | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130233070 | Level Detector/Transmitter System - A level detector mounts to a tank containing a liquid. The detector transmits and receives ultrasonic pulses. The pulses are processed by a microprocessor which periodically measures the liquid level of the tank. When the liquid level reaches a pre-established level, a cell phone automatically transmits data to a remote location. A schedule for emptying the tank is generated by a server at the remote location. A service man uses the schedule to visit the tank location and empty the tank. In addition, a portable charger/calibrator is mounted to the level detector to charge the power supply of the detector and calibrate the liquid level. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130239676 | LEVEL GAUGE SYSTEM WITH WETTABLE PROPAGATION DEVICE - The present invention relates to a level gauge system for determining a filling level of a product contained in a tank, comprising a transceiver for generating, transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals; a signal propagating device connected to the transceiver and arranged to propagate a transmitted electromagnetic signal along a generally vertical path towards a surface of the product inside the tank, and to return a surface echo signal resulting from reflection of the transmitted electromagnetic signal at the surface of the product contained in the tank; and processing circuitry connected to the transceiver and configured to determine the filling level based on the surface echo signal. A surface of the signal propagating device comprises a surface portion that exhibits a wettability defined by a contact angle between the surface portion and water being less than 30°. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130255373 | Method and Apparatus for Measuring Water Level - A method and apparatus for measuring water level in a container using RFID tag is provided. The water level tag group mounted inside the container is tested by a signal transmission and receiving device in order to determine whether there is a complete water level tag group in the testing area or not. Further, one complete water level tag group is chosen, and an inquiry process is made to all RFID tags of the selected complete water level tag group by the signal transmission and receiving device. An effective RFID tag will respond to the inquiry by sending out a radio frequency signal to the signal transmission and receiving device. The signal transmission and receiving device will then perform a data analysis and select a minimum water level value so as to obtain a real-time water level value of the container. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130263657 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE LIQUID LEVEL IN AN UN-MODIFIED TANK - A method for determining the level of fuel in tanks otherwise un-modified is provided. The method is based on the variation of the acoustic frequency response of the tank in the sonic range with the fuel level in the tank. In a preferred embodiment, the tank is a reservoir for propane used as fuel for preparing food. The operator, such as a homeowner, attaches the tank to his/her grill. The operator engages the proposed new art by tapping the tank and receiving the acoustic signal emanating from the tank with a microphone such as one embedded in a smartphone. The smartphone examines a cluster of peaks in the sonic frequency spectrum between 0 Hz and 20 kHz. By capturing the frequency of the first large peak above 900 Hz in the frequency spectrum, the smartphone converts the frequency into an estimate of the amount of fuel remaining in the tank. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130269430 | ADVANCED ANTENNA PROTECTION FOR RADARS IN LEVEL GAUGING AND OTHER APPLICATIONS - A level gauge includes at least one antenna configured to transmit wireless signals towards a material in a tank and to receive wireless signals reflected from the material in the tank. The level gauge also includes a housing having an outer portion, a raised rim within the outer portion, an angled portion that extends between the outer portion and the rim, and a concave portion within the rim. The concave portion forms a crater within the housing. The at least one antenna is configured to transmit and receive the wireless signals through the concave portion of the housing. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20130327140 | DEVICE FOR MEASURING LIQUID FILLING LEVELS - The invention relates to a device ( | 12-12-2013 |
| 20130333465 | PULSED LEVEL GAUGE SYSTEM WITH ADAPTIVE TRANSCEIVER CONTROL - The method comprises the steps of generating a transmission signal; propagating the transmission signal towards the product; receiving a reflected signal; providing a reference signal exhibiting a time-varying phase difference in relation to the transmission signal; forming a measurement signal; and determining the filling level based on the measurement signal. The method further comprises the steps of: determining a reduced time period comprising a time when the time-varying phase difference corresponds to an anticipated filling level, the reduced time period being shorter than the measurement sweep time period; controlling the level gauge system to change from a low-power state to a high-power state at a start of the reduced time period; and controlling the level gauge system to change back from the high-power state to the low-power state at an end of the reduced time period. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20140007674 | GAS-TIGHT WAVEGUIDE COUPLING, HIGH-FREQUENCY MODULE, FILL-LEVEL RADAR AND USE - A gas-tight waveguide coupling is for coupling an electromagnetic transmission signal from a high-frequency module into a waveguide. The waveguide coupling includes a planar radiator, which is arranged on a carrier and is used for emitting the transmission signal. The waveguide coupling further includes a dielectric sealing element, which seals off the waveguide in a gas-tight manner. In this way, explosion protection can be provided. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140026651 | Linear relationship between tracks - Described are a delay-based fill-level measurement device and a delay-based fill-level measurement method, in which the echoes of successive echo curves are grouped and combined into tracks. Subsequently, the linear relationship between two tracks is determined and this linear relationship is used so as to determine one or more unknowns therefrom. From this, for example the dielectric constant of the filling medium, the container depth or probe length of a probe of the device or the position of an expected echo can be derived. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140047917 | MICROWAVE WINDOW AND LEVEL-MEASURING SYSTEM THAT WORKS ACCORDING TO THE RADAR PRINCIPLE - A microwave window for the spatial, pressure-impervious and diffusion-impervious separation and microwave connection of a first space from/to a second space, and a level-measuring system that works according to the radar principle, is provided with a barrier that has two opposite sides and is at least partially permeable to microwaves. To provide a microwave window that makes possible a reliable sealing of a process space and exact measurement, the microwave window has the barrier designed as a disk on at least one side of which at least one plano-convex dielectric lens, which has an essentially homogenous body. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140060177 | LIQUID LEVEL GAUGING SYSTEM WITH BUBBLE SHEDDING REFLECTORS - A reflector target includes a reflector defining a tapered reflector surface. The reflector includes an apex opening and an opposed base opening, wherein the base opening has a larger perimeter than the apex opening. The tapered reflector surface extends between the openings forming a tapered passage there-between. The tapered reflector surface is configured to resist the accumulation of surface bubbles on the reflector surface by movement of bubbles along the reflector surface out through the apex opening. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140069186 | ACOUSTIC FLEXURAL ORDER LEVEL SENSOR - A liquid level sensor includes a rod having a first portion and a second portion, and a wave generation unit affixed to one end of the rod. The wave generation unit generates a wave group that propagates in at least a shear order and a flexural order, and the frequency of the shear wave is based on the diameter of the rod. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140083183 | ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR TESTING A LEVEL GAUGE SYSTEM - The invention relates to a test arrangement comprising a waveguide, a first signal reflecting device and a second signal reflecting device. The first signal reflecting device is configured to reflect an electromagnetic signal traveling along the waveguide from the second signal reflecting device back towards the second reflecting device and to allow, at least during a time period, an electromagnetic signal traveling along the waveguide from the second signal reflecting device towards the first signal reflecting device to pass the first signal reflecting device. Hereby, a selected number of passages through a waveguide can be used to simulate passage through a much longer waveguide, and that this allows for use of a high-quality waveguide which would otherwise be too bulky, too heavy or too expensive to use depending on field of application. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140083184 | Tracking taking account of a linear relationship - In accordance with one aspect of the invention, previously obtained findings concerning the role of individual echoes are taken into account, so as to improve the continued following of these echoes by tracking. By calculating a linear correspondence between two tracks, the expected position of an echo can be determined and it can be established whether this position corresponds to an actual echo position in the echo curve. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140096602 | OSCILLATING DEVICE FOR A FILL-LEVEL MEASUREMENT SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING THE SAME - An oscillating device for a fill-level measurement system includes a drive element in operative connection with a diaphragm. The drive housing receives the drive element at an open-ended front side and includes a first housing part and a second housing part in an operative axially interfitting arrangement proximate the drive element. A flexible conductor in operative connection joins the drive element and extends in a sung-fit arrangement between the first housing part and the second housing part providing improved operative performance. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140130594 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE LEVEL OF A SUBSTANCE IN A CONTAINER BASED ON MEASUREMENT OF RESONANCE FROM AN ACOUSTIC CIRCUIT THAT INCLUDES UNFILLED SPACE WITHIN THE CONTAINER THAT CHANGES SIZE AS SUBSTANCE IS ADDED OR REMOVED FROM THE CONTAINER - Level of a substance in a container can be determined by exciting vapor in unfilled space within the container. Variable frequency oscillator and emitting transducer can provide signals to excite resonance of vapor. A sensor can measure the peak resonant signal of vapor excited in unfilled space within the container as the amount of substance in the container changes. A signal-processing unit coupled to the sensor and variable frequency oscillator can process signals sensed by the sensing transducer and can extract them from background noise affecting the acoustic signal of the system using correlation functions by referencing the signal generated by the variable frequency oscillator. A computer can obtain the signal processed by the signal-processing unit and calculate unfilled space within the container and derive therefrom an amount of filled space representing the amount of the substance contained therein. A gauge can indicate the amount of substance in the container. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140174172 | IDENTIFYING UNDESIRED CONDITIONS IN THE FUNCTION OF A FLOATING ROOF OF A TANK - A method for identifying an undesired condition in the function of a floating roof of a tank, the method comprising determining a filling level of a product in the tank, detecting a reference distance between a reference position on the roof and the surface using a level gauge mounted on the roof, forming a reference distance deviation as a difference between the reference distance and an expected value, and comparing the reference distance deviation with a specified range. If the reference distance deviation is outside the specified range, a data set including the reference distance deviation and the filling level is stored. These steps are repeated for a plurality of points in time, and the undesired condition is then identified based on stored data sets of reference distance deviations and filling levels. The present invention thus provides an economical method to provide diagnostics of a floating tank roof. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140182370 | PARABOLIC ANTENNA WITH AN INTEGRATED SUB REFLECTOR - A sensor for a fill level measuring device for determining the fill level in a container by determining the delay time of high-frequency signals, comprising a main reflector having an edge region and an inner region, a sub reflector, which is connected to the edge region of the main reflector via a radome, an inner space, which is encompassed by the radome and the main reflector, and a hollow waveguide which is connected to the main reflector and has a front end, which is oriented toward the sub reflector for coupling electromagnetic waves in and/or out, wherein the radome and the sub reflector are embodied as integral or unitary in formation. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140196536 | THREE-MODE SENSOR FOR DETERMINING TEMPERATURE, LEVEL, AND CONCENTRATION OF A FLUID - A three-mode ultrasonic sensor for determining temperature, level, and/or concentration of a fluid. In one embodiment, the sensor includes a target positioned at a level; a controller, and a transducer electrically connected to the controller. The controller is configured to generate an ultrasonic signal, to receive a reflection of the ultrasonic signal from at least one of the target and a surface of a fluid, and generate a signal based on the reflection. The controller is further configured to receive the signal, and determine whether a level of the surface of the fluid is one of the following group: above the level of the target, below the level of the target, and substantially the same as the level of the target. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140208845 | SURFACE MAPPING BY VIRTUAL ARRAY PROCESSING VIA SEPARATE TRANSMISSIONS - A system for measuring the height of bin contents includes transmitters for transmitting pulses of wave energy towards the upper surface of the contents and receivers for receiving echoes of the pulses and producing corresponding signals. The transmitters and receivers are distributed aerially above the contents. The system also includes a processing apparatus, for using the received signals to map the upper surface, that includes correlators that correlate pulse waveforms with the signals, and a beamformer. In one embodiment, the beamformer computes, from the signals considered as corresponding to echoes, of pulses from fewer synthetic transmitters, received at a synthetic receiver array, respective directions of arrival of the signals. In another embodiment, the beamformer computes respective directions of transmission and arrival of the signals, and the processing apparatus also includes a processor that selects, according to the computed transmission and arrival directions, which signals to use for the mapping. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140230542 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MEASURING THE LEVEL OF A LIQUID WITHIN A CONTAINER - A device for measuring the level of a liquid within a container, in particular the level of liquid gas, comprises a housing and a piezoelectric element adapted for generating vibrations when energized. A coupling pad is provided which is bonded to the piezoelectric element for transmitting the vibrations to a surface of the container. Further, a non-tilting element is provided which surrounds the coupling pad. A method for measuring the level of liquid within a container uses a piezoelectric element for generating vibrations which are transmitted into the shell of the container. An analyzing strategy is used which distinguishes between normal post-pulse oscillations of the piezoelectric element after a measurement was triggered, and extended post-pulse oscillations which are the result of echoed oscillations in the shell of the container. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140298902 | System and Method for Environmental Measurements - A system for conducting measurements in an environment of a fluid containment and for displaying said measurements in real time is disclosed. The system contains a plurality of sensors including a distance sensor, a gyroscope and optionally a rainfall gauge and a methane sensor. The signals are processed by a communication converter and a central processing unit, then transmitted through an antenna to a receiver containing a modem. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140338442 | ULTRASONIC LIQUID LEVEL SENSING SYSTEMS - Embodiments of the present invention provide an ultrasonic probe having an increased number (e.g., twelve) of ultrasonic sensors for measuring the level of liquid within a sealed container. The ultrasonic probe includes a neck tube that enables the ultrasonic probe to be used with existing, standardized container fittings despite having an enlarged barrel to accommodate the increased number of ultrasonic sensors. Embodiments of the present invention also provide a system and method in which ultrasonic sensors within an ultrasonic probe are activated one at a time to reduce crosstalk between the ultrasonic sensors and their wiring. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140338443 | ULTRASONIC LIQUID LEVEL SENSING SYSTEMS - Embodiments of the present invention provide an ultrasonic probe having an increased number (e.g., twelve) of ultrasonic sensors for measuring the level of liquid within a sealed container. The ultrasonic probe includes a neck tube that enables the ultrasonic probe to be used with existing, standardized container fittings despite having an enlarged barrel to accommodate the increased number of ultrasonic sensors. Embodiments of the present invention also provide a system and method in which ultrasonic sensors within an ultrasonic probe are activated one at a time to reduce crosstalk between the ultrasonic sensors and their wiring. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140338444 | Fill Level Sensor For Detecting The Fill Level Of A Liquid In A Container - A fill level sensor for detecting the fill level of a liquid in a container includes an ultrasonic transceiver, an inner tube for arrangement inside the container, the inner tube being arranged above the ultrasonic transceiver such that a liquid present in the container forms a liquid column in the inner tube the level of which can be detected by the ultrasonic transceiver, an outer tube surrounding the inner tube, and a cap which covers the inner tube and the outer tube toward the top. The cap has an inner tubular section adjoining the inner tube, an outer tubular section adjoining the outer tube, an inner vent opening for the inner tubular section and an outer vent opening for the outer tubular section. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140345377 | Level transmitter - A filling level transmitter for measuring a filing level of a liquid includes: a filling level sensor having: an ultrasonic transceiver configured to emit ultrasound, and sensor electronics; a sound-conducting tube having two reflectors spaced apart from one another, the first reflector being configured to deflect ultrasound emitted by the transceiver in the direction of the second reflector, and the second reflector being configured to deflect the emitted ultrasound in the direction of the surface of the liquid. A third reflector is arranged in the second reflector such that emitted ultrasound impacting the third reflector is reflected in the direction of the first reflector. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140352426 | ULTRASOUND LEVEL TRANSMITTER - A filling level transmitter includes a sound-conducting tube and a filling level sensor. The filling level sensor has: a housing including a ceramic substrate and a metal lid soldered to the substrate, an ultrasonic transceiver arranged in the housing and having a sound-outputting region, the ultrasonic transceiver being connected by at least the sound-outputting region to the substrate, and sensor electronics arranged in the housing. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140352427 | Apparatus for Determining and/or Monitoring at least one Process Variable - An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium in a container and comprises an oscillatable unit for introduction into the container, a housing, wherein the oscillatable unit is connected with the housing in such a manner that the oscillatable unit closes the housing terminally, and wherein present in the oscillatable unit is at least one hollow space, which is accessible from an inner space formed by the housing, a driving/receiving unit for exciting the oscillatable unit to execute mechanical oscillations and for receiving the mechanical oscillations and for transducing them into an electrical, received signal. The invention is distinguished by features including that the driving/receiving unit is present in such a manner in the hollow space and the hollow space is filled with a potting material in such a manner that the driving/receiving unit is connected via the potting material for force coupling with a wall of the hollow space. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140360263 | Multi-limit level measuring device - To detect a limit level, a multi-limit level measuring device is employed, which uses two different measured data evaluation methods. The measured data to be evaluated is acquired by a multi-limit level sensor arrangement which can use different physical measurement principles. In this manner, the likelihood of the limit level being erroneously detected may be reduced. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140360264 | Method and Measuring Device for Fill Level Measurement - A method for measuring fill level and a measuring device for performing the method, wherein, in measuring cycles following one after the other, signal pulses of predetermined frequency sent by means of a transmitting and receiving system with a predetermined repetition frequency into a container, and their signal components reflected back in the container in the direction of the transmitting and receiving system after a travel time dependent on their traveled path, are received as received signal. A fill level is measured taking into consideration a phase relationship between the transmitted and received signals related physically with the fill level to be measured. In each measuring cycle, based on the received signal, an auxiliary signal is derived reflecting amplitude and phase information in the received signal as a function of travel time, based on the auxiliary signal, a travel time of a signal fraction reflected on a surface of the substance is determined as fundamental travel time are determined, based on the travel times of the zero crossings of the auxiliary signals determined in the current and in a plurality of preceding measuring cycles, a phase appearance-frequency distribution is derived as a function of travel time, which gives appearance-frequencies, with which zero crossings were present on the respective travel times in the associated auxiliary signals, a travel time of a maximum of the frequency distribution lying nearest the fundamental travel time is determined as fill level travel time, and the fill level is determined based on the fill level travel time. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140366626 | LIQUID LEVEL MEASURING APPARATUS, METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Provided is a liquid level measuring technique capable of measuring a liquid level with high accuracy even if a liquid stored in a container is boiling. The liquid level measuring apparatus includes: ultrasonic sensors each configured to transmit and receive an ultrasonic wave, the ultrasonic sensors being respectively set at a plurality of positions on an outer surface of a container that stores a liquid; a transmission/reception controlling unit configured to set, as a target, any one of the ultrasonic sensors at the plurality of positions and control the transmission and reception of the ultrasonic wave of the target; an intensity detecting unit configured to detect an intensity of the ultrasonic wave that satisfies at least 2≦N (N: natural number), of the ultrasonic waves that are reflected N times on an inner surface of the container; a gas/liquid determining unit configured to determine which of the liquid and a gas a reflection point on the inner surface is in contact with, on a basis of the detected intensity of the ultrasonic wave; and a level determining unit configured to determine a liquid level of the liquid on a basis of gas/liquid determination results respectively derived by the ultrasonic sensors at the plurality of positions. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20150013452 | Device for Providing a Gas Composition and Temperature Compensated Acoustic Measurement of a Liquid Level - The present device provides for a gas composition and temperature compensated acoustic measurement of the level of a liquid in a tank. The device comprises a transmitter, a receiver, a processing circuitry, a waveguide for guiding acoustic signals from the transmitter to the liquid level surface and for guiding reflections of the acoustic signals back to the receiver. The waveguide comprises a first end connected to the transmitter, a second end adapted to extend into the liquid, at least one inlet for introducing gas originating from the liquid in the tank into the waveguide, and an outlet for discharging gas out from the waveguide into the tank. The outlet is arranged closer to the first end than at least one of said at least one inlet. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150033844 | FREQUENCY MODULATION CONTINUOUS WAVE RADAR LEVEL METER AND MEASURING METHOD FOR THE SAME - A measuring method for a frequency modulation continuous wave radar level meter is performed after presetting a previous-cycle weight and a current-cycle weight and acquiring a measured result in a previous cycle, and has steps of constantly transmitting a frequency modulation (FM) signal and receiving multiple reflected signals, obtaining a frequency difference between the FM signal and each reflected signal, selecting a characteristic frequency from a frequency spectrum, and calculating a measured result in the current cycle taken as the measured result in the previous cycle for calculating a measured result in a next cycle with a sum of a product of the measured result in the previous cycle and the previous-cycle weight and a product of a distance corresponding to the characteristic frequency so as to reduce variations of the measured result in each cycle and facilitate statistical analysis. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150047428 | Apparatus for Monitoring a Predetermined Fill Level - Apparatus for monitoring a predetermined fill level of a medium in a container, including a mechanically oscillatable unit, a driving/receiving unit for exciting the mechanically oscillatable unit to execute mechanical oscillations and for receiving the oscillations of the mechanically oscillatable unit, and an electronics unit for producing an electrical exciter signal and for evaluating an electrical, received signal. The electronics unit is embodied to excite the mechanically oscillatable unit by means of the driving/receiving unit to execute mechanical oscillations within a fixedly predetermined, narrow frequency band with discrete, sequentially following, exciter frequencies, wherein the frequency band contains the resonant frequency of the mechanically oscillatable unit in the case of an oscillation under standard conditions, and the electronics unit is embodied to detect whether, within the predetermined frequency band an oscillation of the mechanically oscillatable unit occurs, whose amplitude exceeds a predetermined threshold value. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150068300 | Fill-Level Measuring Device - fill-level measuring device having an oscillatory system, which has at least one external, tubular, oscillatory element and an inner oscillatory element. The outer oscillatory element at least sectionally coaxially surrounds the inner oscillatory element. In an inner space of the inner oscillatory element, a compensation apparatus shiftable in the axial direction and having at least a first locking element, a second locking element and a coupling element is arranged. The locking elements and the coupling element are composed of piezoelectric material, wherein the coupling element, the first locking element and the second locking element are connected with one another, and wherein the first locking element and the second locking element in a resting state are each connected by force interlocking, e.g. friction interlocking, with a wall of the inner space, and the fill-level measuring device has an electronics unit, which is embodied to position the compensation apparatus at a predeterminable position by means of electrical signals. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150075278 | FLUID LEVEL DETECTOR - A transducer for use in a fluid detector for determining a presence of a fluid within a container, the transducer comprising a piezoelectric element that outputs an ultrasonic signal in response to an input electrical signal, characterized in that said transducer further comprises, a lens with an upper portion, a lower portion, and a focal point, the upper portion including a curved surface with convex side. The piezoelectric element is coupled to the upper portion of the lens so that, when the lens is disposed adjacent an outer surface of a wall of the container such that the lens is intermediate the piezoelectric element and the wall, the lens focuses the ultrasonic signal toward the focal point of the lens and on the inner surface of the wall. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150082881 | APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING AND/OR MONITORING AT LEAST ONE PROCESS VARIABLE OF A MEDIUM - An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium in a container or pipeline, including a resonator, which is in contact with an interior of the container or the pipeline, an active element for producing a high-frequency signal in the resonator and an electronics unit, which is embodied to receive from a unit formed of the resonator and the active element an electrical output signal. The electrical output signal is evaluated with reference to frequency. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150101405 | METHOD FOR FILL LEVEL MEASUREMENT USING THE TRAVEL TIME PRINCIPLE - A method for measuring fill level of a fill substance located in a container with a fill-level measuring device. Transmission signals are sent by means of a transmitting and receiving unit into the container and their fractions reflected on reflectors in the container back to the transmitting and receiving unit, and received as received signals. Based on the received signals echo functions are derived, which give amplitudes of the received signals as a function of position corresponding to associated travel time, and wanted echos of predetermined wanted echo types respectively contained in the echo functions and identifiable based on predetermined echo recognition methods are ascertained. Each wanted echo is a local maximum and is attributable to a reflection on a reflector associated with its wanted echo type, especially a surface on the fill substance, a container floor or a disturbance located in the container. Echo quality of each wanted echo is determined, wherein the echo quality is higher, the more peak shaped the echo function is in the region of the respective wanted echo, and the more isolated from other local maxima the respective wanted echo is in the echo function, and fill level is determined taking into consideration echo qualities of the wanted echos. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150101406 | REAL-TIME LEVEL MONITORING FOR FIXED BED CATALYST LOADING USING MULTIPLE LEVEL SENSORS - In various aspects, methods and systems are provided for monitoring catalyst bed levels using multiple sensors that are temporarily installed in a reactor during catalyst loading. The multiple sensors are able to take distance measurements at substantially the same time and at predetermined time intervals so as to provide a catalyst time profile. The catalyst time profile allows an operator monitor catalyst levels during and after catalyst loading. Once catalyst loading is completed, the multiple sensors are removed from the reactor. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150107354 | METHOD FOR MEASURING THE FILL LEVEL OF A FLUID - In a method for measuring the fill level of a fluid in a housing using an ultrasound sensor, detected multiple echoes in relation to a signal are reflected from a reference point and level echoes in relation to the signal reflected from the fluid level are evaluated in relation to their fluctuation width. The level echoes can be identified in this manner and the fill level determined from the transit times of the signals to the reference point and to the fluid level. | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150114104 | Spooled Tank Level Sensor System and Method - A spool system for the deployment of a fluid level sensor with a flexible element. The system may be used with a variety of different sensors that may be deployed into a fluid containment tank from the spool. The sensor deployment system may be installed on closed or open tanks and is operable with tanks of various construction materials. The system is operable with tanks containing a wide range of fluids (water, oil, etc.) although it finds preferred application with remotely located oil field storage tanks The system includes a flexible sensor line positioned on a spool within a sealed enclosure. The spool may be rotated manually through the use of an external hand crank, or may be operated automatically. The spool enclosure is in open communication through a top collar of the tank (for closed tanks) for deployment of the flexible sensor. For tanks that are pressurized the spool enclosure serves to maintain the tank pressure. For open tanks the system may be mounted on a bracket on the side wall of the tank. Adjacent the spool enclosure is a sealed electronics enclosure in signal communication with the flexible sensor on the spool through slip ring contacts and signal wire conductors. The electronics of the system may preferably include a power input connector and RF (or other electromagnetic wave) transmitters, receivers, and antennas. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150122013 | Pivotable horn antenna for a radar level indicator - Disclosed is a pivotable horn antenna intended for a radar level indicator and includes a ball joint, the joint socket of which can be screwed into a threaded hole in the container. This allows for optimisation of the echo signal and correction of slanted installation of the horn antenna. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150122014 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE LEVEL OF A SUBSTANCE IN A CONTAINER BASED ON MEASUREMENT OF RESONANCE FROM AN ACOUSTIC CIRCUIT THAT INCLUDES UNFILLED SPACE WITHIN THE CONTAINER THAT CHANGES SIZE AS SUBSTANCE IS ADDED OR REMOVED FROM THE CONTAINER - Level of substance in a container can be determined by exciting vapor in unfilled space within the container. Variable frequency oscillator and emitting transducer can provide signals to excite resonance of vapor. Sensors can measure the peak resonant signal of vapor excited in unfilled space within the container as the amount of substance in the container changes. A signal-processing unit coupled to the sensor and variable frequency oscillator can process signals sensed by the sensing transducer and can extract them from background noise affecting the acoustic signal of the system using correlation functions by referencing the signal generated by the variable frequency oscillator. A computer can obtain the sign processed by the signal-processing unit and calculate the unfilled space within the container and derive there from an amount of filled space representing the amount of the substance contained therein. A gauge can indicate the amount of substance in the container. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150135826 | Apparatus for Determining and/or Monitoring at least One Process Variable - An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium in a container, comprising: a mechanically oscillatable unit; an electrodynamic transducer unit for exciting the oscillatable unit by means of an exciter signal to execute mechanical oscillations and for receiving the mechanical oscillations of the oscillatable unit and transducing them into an electrical, received signal; and an electronics unit, which at least determines and/or monitors the process variable based on the received signal. The invention is distinguished by features including that the electrodynamic transducer unit has exactly one coil, which serves both as a drive element as well as also a receiving element. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150135827 | Heated Antenna - The invention describes a fill level measuring device, comprising a microwave transceiver, an antenna connected to the microwave transceiver, which comprises an outlet opening for a targeted emission of microwave radiation as well as an antenna cover arranged at the outlet opening, which closes the outlet opening in a sealing fashion, with the fill level measuring device additionally comprising a heating device, by which the antenna cover can be heated to avoid the formation of condensate. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150323373 | METHOD FOR MEASURING ULTRASONICALLY THE FILL LEVEL OF A LIQUID - A method for measuring the fill level of a liquid additive in a tank using an ultrasonic sensor includes initially carrying out a measurement of a first propagation time of an ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic sensor to a liquid level of the liquid additive. This is followed by cleaning of at least one reference surface in the liquid additive with the aid of at least one ultrasonic pulse. Then at least one second propagation time of an ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic sensor to the at least one reference surface is measured and the fill level is calculated from the first propagation time and the second propagation time. A delivery unit having at least one ultrasonic sensor for installation in a liquid additive tank is also provided. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150346012 | APPARATUS FOR ESTIMATING THE LEVEL OF FEED IN A BULK FEED TANK - An apparatus for estimating the level of feed present within a bulk feed storage tank allows the empty volume of the storage tank above the level of feed to be estimated in order to evaluate the need to order new supplies of feed to be placed within the storage tank. The apparatus includes a slide mechanism having a slide block moveable within a vertically oriented slide tube. A rope entrained around a pulley is attached to the slide block to power movement of the slide block upwardly. A striker member is connected to the slide block and positioned externally of the slide tube. A second rope is attached to the striker member to permit selective actuation thereof to strike the exterior side of the storage tank. The pitch of the reverberation from the striking of the striker member provides an indication of the level of feed within the storage tank. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150346015 | RADAR-BASED FILL-LEVEL MEASURING DEVICE HAVING A SYNTHESIZER CIRCUIT - A radar-based fill-level measuring device comprising at least one synthesizer circuit having a plurality of circuit components for producing phase controlled microwave signals for a travel-time measurement and at least three electrical potentials for supplying the synthesizer circuit, wherein the synthesizer circuit has at least three circuit groups. Each circuit component is associated with at least one circuit group, wherein each of the at least three circuit groups is fed by means of at least one potential difference between two of the at least three different potentials. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150362350 | External Sensing Device for Machine Fluid Status and Machine Operation Status - A flexible array of sensor pairs are used to monitor lubricant condition in an oiler carrying lubricant. The array of sensor pairs are placed adjacent a reservoir and detect the fluid level in the reservoir. The sensor pairs are coupled a chassis and transmit data through communications components which transmit the data to an accessible site for aggregation, monitoring, and alarm features. A recharging system for providing power to the sensors by harvesting light, thermal, or kinetic energy produced by the oiler. | 12-17-2015 |
| 20150377680 | SINGLE CONDUCTOR PROBE RADAR LEVEL GAUGE SYSTEM AND TANK ARRANGEMENT - A radar level gauge system comprising a single conductor probe extending through a tubular mounting structure towards and into the product in the tank, a shielding structure radially spaced apart from the single conductor probe and extending along a top portion of the probe inside the mounting structure and past the lower end of the mounting structure, and processing circuitry connected to the transceiver for determining the filling level of the product in the tank. The shielding structure at least partly encloses the top portion of the single conductor probe, and is open in a radial direction to allow entry of the product. The shielding structure exhibits a total enclosing arc angle around the single conductor probe greater than 180° inside the tubular mounting structure, and a total enclosing arc angle around the single conductor probe that decreases with increasing distance from the lower end of the mounting structure. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150377681 | RADAR LEVEL GAUGE INCLINATION SYSTEM - A radar level gauge arrangement for determining the fill level of a filling material in a tank is disclosed, which arrangement is mounted on a hatch of a tank and/or on a support which is adapted to be mounted on a hatch of a tank. The arrangement comprises a transmitter for transmitting measuring signals at least along a first axis for determining the fill level of the tank; a receiver for receiving echo signals corresponding to the distance to the surface; a first processing circuitry for receiving the echo signals and to determine a fill level of the tank based on the echo signal; an inclinometer attached to the support and adapted to generate an inclination output corresponding to the inclination relative the surface normal; a second processing circuitry for generating, based on the inclination output, an angular output when there is an angular difference between the first axis and the surface normal. The arrangement also comprises a presenter for communicating information about the angular difference externally of said system, or a communication path for communicating the angular output to said first processing circuitry. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150377683 | A SENSOR, A SENSOR SYSTEM, AND A METHOD OF SENSING | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150377684 | DEVICE FOR MEASURING A FILLING LEVEL OF A LIQUID IN A CONTAINER WITH AN ULTRASOUND SENSOR - A device for measuring the filling level of a liquid in a container is provided, which uses an ultrasound sensor. The ultrasound sensor is associated with a damping cup with at least one antechamber, and the antechamber has at least one outer ring and one inner ring. The inner ring is arranged within the outer ring and the ceiling of the inner ring has different heights. The ceiling has a lowest point and a highest point. In the area of the ceiling the inner ring is provided with a venting connection with the outer ring. The venting connection between the inner ring and the outer ring is located at the highest point of the inner ring. The ceiling of the outer ring has different heights including a lowest point and a highest point. A vent hole is provided at the highest point of the outer ring. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20160011036 | Sonic monitor system for a tank | 01-14-2016 |
| 20160041022 | FLUID LEVEL AND VOLUME MEASURING SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME - Magnetic field response sensors for use in measuring the volume of a fluid, the type of fluid and/or any contaminants within a fluid container or tank. Fluid containers having sensors systems including two or more sensors for use in measuring fluids and methods of using the same. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160041024 | THROUGH-WALL TANK ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER - Technology is described for tank coupled to an ultrasonic sensor subassembly where the combination of the tank and ultrasonic sensor subassembly for an ultrasonic sensor. In an embodiment, ultrasonic sensor subassembly is configured to form an ultrasonic sensor upon coupling to a tank having a tank wall. The ultrasonic sensor subassembly includes a sensor subassembly housing, a planar piezoelectric element located within the sensor subassembly housing, and a circuitry electrically connected to the planar piezoelectric element, where the planar piezoelectric element includes a surface coupled to the tank wall such that the tank wall forms a matching layer of an ultrasonic sensor, and the circuitry configured to produce a signal to drive the planar piezoelectric element to generate a sound wave, and receive an indication of a detected echo from the planar piezoelectric element. Various other methods and systems are also disclosed. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160047684 | METHOD FOR FILL LEVEL MEASUREMENT USING THE TRAVEL TIME PRINCIPLE - A method for measuring a fill level of a fill substance in a container with a fill-level measuring device working according to the travel time principle. The fill-level measuring device in measurement operation sends transmission signals toward the fill substance in the container and, based on their signal fractions reflected back in the container, derives echo functions, which give the amplitudes of the signal fractions as a function of their travel time. With the assistance of a table, whose rows correspond to discrete fill levels and whose columns correspond to discrete travel times, and in which are stored as historical measurement points, in each case, in that row, whose row index corresponds to the associated fill level, information derived from echo functions derived in the past concerning travel times of echo function maxima attributed to reflections on reflectors located in the container, that also delivers reliable measurement results, when measuring conditions at the location of use of the fill-level measuring device can change, wherein the table is continuously updated based on current echo functions derived in ongoing measurement operation, wherein current measurement points derived from current echo functions are stored. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160054168 | APPARATUS FOR SENSING FUEL LEVEL - Provided is an apparatus for sensing a fuel level, and more particularly, an apparatus for sensing a fuel level that is installed in a fuel tank of a vehicle to sense the fuel level. The apparatus for sensing a fuel level may improve reliability of the sensing of the level because a pipe is vertically installed in the fuel tank and an ultrasonic wave sensor is provided to a lower end of an interior of the pipe to measure the level of the fuel by an ultrasonic wave, and a filter is installed in a fuel inflow and outflow hole formed in the pipe and prevents an inflow of foreign materials into the pipe, thereby making it possible to more accurately sense the level of the fuel. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160061645 | ULTRASONIC LIQUID LEVEL SENSING SYSTEMS - An ultrasonic probe having ultrasonic sensors (e.g., piezoelectric crystals) for measuring the level of liquid within a sealed container and having features that make the probe more reliable and enable more precise liquid level readings as the container nears an empty state. Embodiments include spacing the ultrasonic sensors more closely at the lower end of the probe, offsetting the sensors to enable tighter vertical spacing, matched pairs of sensors for redundancy, and a downward facing sensor located at the lower end of the probe to decrease the minimum liquid level that can be accurately measured by the probe. A sump may also be provided to further decrease the minimum liquid level that can be accurately measured by the probe. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160069730 | Fill-Level Measuring Device - The invention is a fill-level measuring device having the following features: a housing, a membrane, a first drive unit have a first bolt, the bolt being coupled to the membrane, a second drive unit having a second bolt, the second bolt being operatively connected to the membrane and being connected to the housing at an end of the second bolt facing the membrane by means of an intermediate bottom, and the first drive unit and the second drive unit are mechanically connected to each other in series. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160116324 | MOBILE ULTRASONIC FUEL DETECTION SYSTEM - A mobile ultrasonic fuel detection system includes an ultrasonic sensor and a control unit. A control unit guard is included to protect the control unit from the external environment and to minimize tampering with the control unit. An activator arm may be included that permits a user to interact with the control unit from the exterior of the control unit guard. The system may also be configured to wirelessly provide measurement data from a remote location. Such data may be obtained manually or automatically according to a predetermined schedule. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160123787 | Measuring Instrument - A measuring instrument ( | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160146657 | FLUID LEVEL DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A fluid level detecting system provides an input signal at a specific frequency to a sample in a container. A probe contacts the energized sample and provides a signal to a level sensing circuit. The level sensing circuit amplifies the signal from the probe and then bandpass filters, tuned to the specific frequency, the amplified signal. This filters out extraneous signals received from, for example, a cover on the container, and specifically identifies when the probe has contacted the sample fluid by comparing the filtered signal to threshold levels. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160153822 | METHOD FOR ASCERTAINING AND MONITORING FILL LEVEL OF A MEDIUM IN A CONTAINER USING A TRAVEL TIME MEASURING METHOD | 06-02-2016 |
| 20160161320 | Limit Level Measuring Device - Limit level measurement device for monitoring the level of contents with a sensor that can be mounted to a container where the limit level sensor has a protective housing which at least partially surrounds and/or covers the mechanical oscillator. | 06-09-2016 |
| 20160178426 | CONTAINER FILL LEVEL MEASUREMENT AND MANAGEMENT | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160187180 | FLUID GAUGE WITH LOW LEVEL DETECTION - Systems, methods and computer readable media are provided for measuring fluid level in a tank. A system may include: a transmitter gauge installed on or in the tank, the transmitter gauge comprising a probe arranged to be at least partially immersed in the fluid and adapted to conduct energy pulses generated by an energy source within the transmitter gauge; a refractometer module operatively coupled to the transmitter gauge, the refractometer module comprising a processor configured to measure travel times of the energy pulses conducted along the probe and to determine the fluid level in the tank based on the measured travel times: if the fluid level in the tank is below a threshold level, according to a first mode of operation, by determining the fluid level in the tank based on the measured travel time of an energy pulse reflected from a terminal end of the probe, a length of the probe, a speed of the reflected energy pulse in air, and a speed of the reflected energy pulse in the liquid. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160195422 | A METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING A TORQUE IMPULSE GENERATOR | 07-07-2016 |
| 20160202109 | Threshold measuring arrangement | 07-14-2016 |
| 20180023994 | ULTRASONIC LIQUID LEVEL SENSING SYSTEM | 01-25-2018 |
