| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 702055000 | Liquid level or volume determination | 75 |
| 20100082271 | FLUID LEVEL AND CONCENTRATION SENSOR - A sensor includes a first set of electrodes, a second set of electrodes, and at least one electrical circuit. The first set of electrodes is completely submergible in a fluid. The second set of electrodes is partially submergible in the fluid. The at least one electrical circuit is configured to measure resistance of the fluid between the first set of electrodes and configured to measure resistance of the fluid between the second set of electrodes. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100076702 | Water Level Measuring Apparatus and Measuring Method - A water level measuring apparatus and a water level measuring method, in which a water level L | 03-25-2010 |
| 20130035880 | Tracking with consideration of mobility - A level gauge carries out a tracking method with consideration of the mobility of the echoes. For this purpose, mobility values of echoes of an echo curve are determined and the expectancy function, by means of which it is determined whether a certain echo needs to be assigned to a certain track, is determined with consideration of at least one of the mobility values. In this way, the correct allocation of an echo to a certain track may be realized with high reliability. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20100042340 | Method of and Apparatus for Recording Fuel Supplied to a Vehicle - A fuel measuring device, for mounting on the inlet to a vehicle fuel tank, has a sensor for recording a flow rate of fuel flowing through the inlet into the vehicle fuel tank. A processor for integrating the fuel flow rate to determine amount of fuel supplied to the fuel tank and a data storage device, for storing data indicative of the volume of fuel supplied to the vehicle fuel tank, are provided. A connector, for enabling the stored data on fuel volume to be transferred from the fuel measuring device on the vehicle to another device separate from the vehicle. A signal from a sender unit of a vehicle fuel tank may be used. A related method enables fuel usage to be tracked by, for example, the renter of a vehicle, and a further related method provides improved fuel gauges for use in fleets of rental cars. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20130096851 | Filling level measurement device and method for determining a functional relationship between different tracks - The parameters are calculated of a target function which describes the relationship of the positions of two different tracks. Using this target function, the position of another track can then be derived from the position of one track. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20120226451 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TRACKING CONTENT OF A MOVABLE FLUID TANK - The invention relates to a device including: at least one fluid-using apparatus; at least one movable tank capable of and intended for providing at least the fluid and connected, via pipes, to the fluid using apparatus, the movable tank containing, at the outset, a given initial amount of the gas; and a means for assessing amounts of the fluid that are used by the fluid using apparatus from the movable tank, the assessment means being rigidly connected to the fluid-using apparatus. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120226450 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING AN AMOUNT OF A LIQUID ENERGY COMMODITY IN STORAGE IN AN UNDERGROUND CAVERN - A method for determining an amount of a liquid energy commodity in storage in an underground cavern generally comprises the steps of: establishing a volume function for a brine pond associated with the underground cavern; acquiring an image of the brine pond; transmitting the acquired image to a central processing facility; analyzing the acquired image to calculate a depth of the brine in the brine pond; estimating the volume of the brine in the brine pond based on the calculated depth and using the volume function; determining the amount of the liquid energy commodity in storage in the underground cavern associated with the brine pond based on the estimated volume of the brine in the brine pond; and communicating information about the amount of the liquid energy commodity in storage to a third-party market participant. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20090234597 | MULTIPLE-SENSOR MEASURING DEVICE FOR ON-BOARD GAUGING PROBE - A multiple-sensor device for a gauging system including: an insert configured to be inserted along an axis in a capacitive probe so as to assume a predetermined axial position with regard to the probe; a support on which a plurality of sensors are mounted; and a retaining mechanism to maintain the support at a predetermined distance from the insert along the axis. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20110282599 | METHOD FOR ACCURATELY MEASURING FLUID 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. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20120290227 | LEVEL SENSING - A level sensing circuit board featuring at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, where the at least one memory and computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: respond to a signal containing information related to the electrical conductivity of a material causing a stimulus to a sensing plate that corresponds to a positive plate of a capacitor directly connected to an input of a comparator that forms part of a variable frequency oscillator; and determine a proportional response containing information about the material causing the stimulus to the sensing plate based at least partly on the signal received. The level sensing circuit may be used as a means to turn a pump on or off based on a sensed fluid level. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20110301884 | STORAGE TANK MONITORING APPARATUS - A storage tank monitoring apparatus includes a measurement device for determining a level of a stored substance within a storage tank. The measurement device is arranged to detect the presence of a second substance in the storage tank. A processor is arranged to generate a signal if the second substance is detected in the storage tank. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110301883 | ULTRASONIC LEVEL, ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT - A system and method for performing a diagnostic assessment of an ultrasonic sensor that measures a fluid level. A PWM signal is generated based on a reflection of an ultrasonic signal output by the ultrasonic sensor. The PWM has a period, and a plurality of pulses. Each pulse encodes a predetermined parameter and has a width. The PWM signal encodes the fluid level, fluid temperature, fluid speed of sound, and a status of the ultrasonic transducer. The PWM signal is received at a processor. The processor performs the diagnostic assessment of the ultrasonic sensor based on the period of the PWM signal and the widths of the plurality of pulses of the PWM signal. The processor is able to detect time reference shifts by assessing the PWM signal. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20100070208 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DYNAMIC PEAK DETECTION, IDENTIFICATION, AND TRACKING IN LEVEL GAUGING APPLICATIONS - A method includes receiving data identifying wireless signals including wireless signals reflected off a surface of material in a tank and detecting a plurality of reflection peaks associated with the wireless signals. The method also includes classifying at least some of the detected reflection peaks and tracking at least some of the classified reflection peaks. The method further includes identifying a level of the material using at least one of the tracked reflection peaks. The classified peaks could include main-mode and/or high-mode reflection peaks, where the material level is identified using the main-mode peak or using an estimated location of the main-mode peak based on the high-mode peak. The classified peaks could also include level, bottom, and obstruction peaks, where the material level is identified by using a known permittivity, the bottom peak, and a tank height to estimate a location of the level peak when the level peak is lost or obscured. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100268490 | LIQUID MEASUREMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF - A liquid measurement system detects a surplus status of a liquid fuel in a fuel cell. The liquid measurement system includes a storage device, two electrodes, a charging and discharging circuit, and a processing unit. The storage device has a containing space for storing the liquid fuel and disposed between the electrodes. The electrodes are oppositely disposed on the outer surface of the storage device to form a capacitor. The charging and discharging circuit is electrically connected to the electrodes to cyclically charge/discharge the capacitor between a first voltage and a second voltage to generate an output signal. The processing unit is electrically connected to the charging and discharging circuit to receive the output signal and obtains a wave number of the output signal within a specific time interval to determine the surplus status of the liquid fuel in the containing space. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20120035867 | Mobility Detection in Fill-Level Measuring Devices - Detecting the mobility of a fill level echo according to the following steps. The echo characteristic of a first echo of the echo curve and an echo characteristic of a second echo of the echo curve are determined. This is followed by calculation of a mobility value of the second echo with the use of the first echo characteristic. In this way a situation can be achieved in which the differences in the mobility values of echoes relating to the fill level and those echoes that are due to container internals become greater. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20100125427 | Field Device with Separated Memory Areas - A field device for measuring a filling level, a pressure or a density of a medium in a container includes data memory with two memory areas that are separated from one another. First data for safety-critical program modules is stored in the first memory area. Second data for safety-uncritical program modules is stored in the second memory area. The two memory areas are separated from one another. All access to these memory areas is controlled by a memory management unit. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20110270542 | FLUID LEVEL SENSING SYSTEM - A system for monitoring the level of a fluid in a vehicle is provided. The system comprises a capacitance sensor configured to be at least partially immersed in the fluid. The capacitance sensor is configured to measure a first capacitance associated with a predetermined level of the fluid and a second capacitance associated with an actual level of the fluid in the vehicle. The system further comprises a processing circuit configured to determine the actual level of the fluid in the vehicle using the first capacitance and the second capacitance. The processing circuit is configured to receive at least one of an attitude of the vehicle and a temperature of the fluid from at least one sensor coupled to the vehicle. The processing circuit is further configured to compare the determined actual level of the fluid with a threshold level associated with the at least one of the attitude and temperature to identify a relative position of the determined actual level of the fluid with respect to the threshold level. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20100280771 | NON-INVASIVE LIQUID LEVEL SENSING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A non-invasive liquid level sensing system for monitoring the amount of liquid in at least one container includes a platform for supporting the at least one container, at least one holder associated with the at least one container supported by the platform, a source for generating a radio frequency signal, circuitry in communication with the at least one holder for transmitting the radio frequency signal through the at least one holder into the at least one container and receiving a portion of the radio frequency signal reflected at a liquid-air interface in the at least one container, and circuitry for processing the reflected radio frequency signal and determining the amount of liquid in the at least one container. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20090299662 | Evaluation of an Echo Shape of Filling Level Sensors - A transit-time fill-level measuring device for measuring the fill level of a filling material in a container is stated, in which transit-time fill-level measuring device information about the topography of the filling material surface is determined on the basis of the shape of a single echo curve of the receiving signal. From this the fill volume can then be derived. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20120296581 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MEASURING DROP VOLUME - A computer-based apparatus, including: a memory element storing computer readable instructions; a processor; and a source element to expel a first plurality of drops of a substance with a known density through a medium, and under a set of conditions. The processor executes the computer readable instructions to calculate uncalibrated volumes for the first plurality of drops using respective images of drops in the first plurality of drops. The source element expels a second plurality of drops of the first substance through the medium, and under the first conditions. The processor executes the computer readable instructions to: calculate, using a weight for the second plurality of drops and the known density, actual volumes for the second plurality of drops; and generate, using uncalibrated volumes and the actual volumes, an equation to modify the uncalibrated volumes to match the actual volumes. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120065904 | AIRCRAFT FUEL LEVEL MEASURMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD - A fuel level probe has a series of stacked, annular capacitors, the capacitance of which changes with the dielectric constant of the fluid in which they are immersed. A multiplexer provides sequential measurement of each capacitor to determine a step change in capacitance and hence fluid levels based on the time at which the capacitance changes. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20090082977 | Pumping Installation Controller - This invention relates to a controller for a pumping installation using a combined pressure sensor and fluid level sensor arrangement. The controller includes a processor responsive to measurements from the sensor arrangement, as well as memory for storing a set of instructions for execution by the processor to correlate initial measurements taken by the sensors. The instructions allows the controller to monitor a fluid level in a well with the combined arrangement to compile a history of respective measurements for both sensors, and, in the event of an unexpected discrepancy between the measurements, to automatically calibrate the sensor arrangement according to the history of respective measurements to re-establish a correlation between the sensors. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20110224921 | AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CALCULATING AMOUNT OF FILLING REFRIGERANTS OF THE SAME - An air conditioning system includes a plurality of indoor units and one or more outdoor units to drive the indoor units. The one or more outdoor units are coupled to the indoor units through refrigerant pipes that include one or more branch points. A calculator calculates an amount of filling refrigerant based on capacities of the indoor units and the one or more outdoor units and lengths of the refrigerant pipes. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110231118 | Segment-Based Signal Processing - An electronics module for a filling-level measuring device is stated which evaluates a newly acquired data point on the basis of an expectation funnel and, if this data point is situated within the expectation funnel, replaces a preceding data point by this newly acquired data point. Otherwise a new expectation funnel is generated. As a result of this the presentation of echo signal waveforms can be created in a more efficient manner. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20120078543 | LIQUID-LEVEL GAUGE TESTING DEVICE AND TESTING METHOD THEREOF - A liquid-level gauge testing device includes a table, a height control unit, an indicator unit, and a liquid container. The height control unit includes a displacement mechanism mounted on the table and a carrier coupled with the displacement mechanism to move upward and downward. The indicator unit is mounted on the table and coupled with the carrier. The liquid container is arranged below the carrier. By providing the table, the height control unit, the indicator unit, the container and other relevant components, the liquid-level gauge testing device is able to provide increased testing accuracy with simplified testing procedures and reduced testing time. A liquid-level gauge testing method is also disclosed. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20090198458 | Water measurement auto-networks - Water measurement auto-networks and methods of operation are disclosed herein. An exemplary method may include determining a water level at a first water measurement station in an auto-network. The method may also include reducing power to at least a transmitter at the first water measurement station to conserve battery power during an inactive state. The method may further include increasing power to the transmitter only at predetermined times to communicate the water measurement data to a second water measurement station in the auto-network. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20120197555 | ULTRASONIC WATER LEVEL GAUGE AND CONTROL DEVICE - Apparatus, including an ultrasonic liquid level gauge and control system, includes a gauge configured to be coupled on the outside of a device, having a boiler or hot water tank, having liquid contained therein. The gauge is also configured to receive and contain a small part of the liquid of the device; and an ultrasonic transducing and signal processing arrangement configured to: reflect an ultrasonic pulse off a liquid surface of the small part of the liquid of the device contained in the gauge, and determine the level of liquid in the device based at least partly on a time of flight analysis related to the ultrasonic pulse reflected off the liquid surface of the small part of the liquid of the device contained in the gauge. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20100153029 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING SWEEP DELAY AND ALIASING FOR TIME DOMAIN REFLECTOMETRIC MEASUREMENT OF LIQUID HEIGHT WITHIN A TANK - A layer height measuring system in one embodiment has a transmission line including a probe for measuring a height of a first layer within a tank and a cable that connects the probe to an electronics unit. The electronics unit cyclically transmits interrogation pulses to the probe and receives reflections therefrom for time domain reflectometric measurement of the height of the first layer. The layer height measuring system may also have a memory and a processor configured by the memory to perform the steps of detecting first and second impedance transitions corresponding to first and second boundaries of a bounded region of known length; optimizing a sweep offset and a sweep gain so as to cause swept sample collection to occur substantially only within the bounded region; and detecting a third impedance transition within the bounded region, the third impedance transition corresponding to an interface between the first layer and a second layer, the first and second layers having respectively different dielectric constants. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100153030 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLLING AN ELECTRICAL BOILER - Method for determining the amount of warm water in a water tank, comprising: pre-determining various situation graphs, each graph describing the variation of the water temperature as a function of time, in one specific operational situation of the system; dividing each of said graphs in a plurality of sections; determining for each graph section the percentage of warm water in the tank; storing in a memory said graph sections, and the corresponding percentage of warm water in the tank; during the operation of the heating system, sampling periodically the. temperature in the tank; for each sequence of samples, finding the most similar graph section, and the percentage of warm water that corresponds to said graph section; and displaying to the user said present percentage of warm water in the tank. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100161252 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING A LEVEL OF A LIQUID IN A CONTAINER - An embodiment of the present invention may incorporate a physics based approach (hereinafter “model”) to determine the level of the liquid. The model may incorporate the physical properties of the fluids within the container, and measurements of the fluid under consideration. The model may also incorporate data from measuring devices, such as, but not limiting of, a delta-pressure (DP) transmitter. The model may then calculate, within a reasonable level of accuracy, the level of the fluid within the container. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100262386 | IMMERSED FUEL LEVEL SENSOR - A level sensor includes a first transducer generating a first signal, a second transducer generating a second signal, and a processor configured to switch operation between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the first transducer generates the first signal and the second transducer senses a reflection of the first signal from a surface. In the second mode, the second transducer generates the second signal and the first transducer senses a reflection of the second signal from a reference target. The processor determines a distance to the surface. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100241369 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC GAUGE READING IN AN INVENTORY CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A system includes a probe configured to be raised and lowered in a tank capable of receiving a material. The system also includes a connector coupled to the probe and having at least one type of coding encoded on the connector. The system further includes a main unit configured to raise and lower the probe using the connector, digitally capture information associated with the at least one type of coding on the connector, determine a level reading identifying a level of the material in the tank using the captured information, and wirelessly transmit the identified level reading. The main unit could also be configured to determine a confidence level or interval associated with the identified level reading and wirelessly transmit the confidence level or interval. The connector could include a tape, and the at least one type of coding could include visible markings, perforations, and/or magnetic codes. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100241371 | METHOD FOR THE REAL-TIME DETERMINATION OF THE FILLING LEVEL OF A CRYOGENIC TANK - The invention relates to a method for the real-time determination of the filling level of a cryogenic tank ( | 09-23-2010 |
| 20090076744 | FIBER OPTIC FUEL DETECTION SYSTEM - A method and apparatus for an optical fuel detection system. The optical fuel detection system comprises an outer tube, and inner tube, and a set of optical fibers. The outer tube has a reflective inner surface capable of reflecting light and is configured to allow a liquid fuel to enter an interior of the outer tube on which the reflective inner surface is located. The inner tube is located within the outer tube in which an area is present between the reflective inner surface. The set of optical fibers are mounted to an outer surface of the inner tube. Each optical fiber has a core that is exposed on each part of an optical fiber opposite to the reflective inner surface and the optical fiber has a refractive index that is lower that the liquid fuel but higher than a gaseous form of any gas that may enter the area. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20100145638 | System And Method For Measuring A Fuel Level In A Vehicle Fuel Tank - A fuel measurement system and method that can determine the fuel level in a vehicle fuel tank, even when the fuel is sloshing, splashing, or experiencing other dynamic conditions. Generally speaking, the system and method use different fuel measuring techniques to address different fuel tank conditions. For example, during normal conditions a traditional fuel level sensor may be used. During dynamic conditions, such as when the vehicle is experiencing significant acceleration, maneuvering, inclination, yaw rate, etc., the system may employ other measuring techniques that are better suited to address such an environment. One measuring technique that may be used is a consumption-based technique that uses fuel usage signals from one or more fuel injector sensor(s) to determine the amount of fuel consumed, and then subtracts that amount from a previous fuel level reading. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100241370 | Method and Apparatus for Determing Dispense Volume - In needle-based dispensing systems, the target amount of liquid to be dispensed is in many cases very well controlled. However, the amount of liquid that is actually reaching the receiving well may show a discrepancy, because part of the liquid leaving the inner needle space remains on the outer surface of the dispense needle, and so a small amount of liquid is “lost” in the dispensing act. A sensor arrangement according to the present invention is suitable for detecting the presence of any liquid from the aspiration reservoir that is left behind on the outside of the dispense needle, before the dispense step is actually started. The “lost” volume can also be measured very accurately by inserting the tip of a dispense needle into a hollow metallic cylinder, forming a capacitor, whereby the capacitance value depends on the volume of the “lost” dispense volume. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20090240447 | CONTROLLER FOR REMAINING LIQUID AMOUNT METER, REMAINING LIQUID AMOUNT METER, AND VEHICLE - According to some embodiments, a controller | 09-24-2009 |
| 20100262387 | METHOD AND EQUIPMENT FOR DETERMINING THE INTERFACE BETWEEN TWO OR MORE FLUID PHASES - A method and equipment are provided for determining the level/height, of one or more interfaces between two or more fluid phases of different density that are contained in a vessel, tank or the like. The position of the different interfaces in a tank is determined by measuring the pressure thereby determining the density of the fluid over the height of the tank by using a pressure measuring rod, equipped with pressure sensors, positioned in the tank. A mathematical model or algorithm is used which calculates how the density and hence the pressure vary over the height of the tank as a function of the fluid properties of the respective fluids in the tank, the interface, on the basis of the density being the same within each layer of the respective fluid, as a respective point at which the density changes from one layer to the next in the tank. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100332158 | METHOD FOR MEASURING DISPENSED VOLUME OF A LIQUID IN A CONTAINER BY MEASURING CAPACITANCE - A method for measuring the volume of a liquid dispensed inside a container with the aid of a suction/discharge device included in an analysis automaton,
| 12-30-2010 |
| 20110022337 | Method of Estimating the Volume of a Pressurized Gas Container - Method of estimating the volume (Vtk) of a tank ( | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110040503 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING FLUID STORAGE AND DISPENSING SYSTEMS - In one aspect, the invention relates to a system for monitoring a fluid dispensing system having a storage tank and a piping system having a maximum output flow rate threshold. The system includes a dispenser configured to dispense fluid from the fluid dispensing system during a dispensing time interval, a metering device in fluid communication with piping system, the metering device configured to measure a plurality of sample flow rates over time in response to fluid passing through the metering device, a gauge for measuring a volume of fluid dispensed from the storage tank during the dispensing time interval and a processor for executing a monitoring application which generates an alert within a substantially real-time period in response to an event of interest, the monitoring application comparing the maximum output flow rate threshold to the plurality of sample flow rates over time to generate the alert when one of the sample flow rates exceeds the maximum output flow rate threshold. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110087448 | Device For Processing Tissue Samples | 04-14-2011 |
| 20090312965 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SENSING LIQUID LEVELS - A system for detecting a presence of a liquid within a receptacle includes a sensor and a processor. The sensor includes a transmitting probe and a receiving probe positioned within the liquid receptacle. The transmitting probe includes a first transducer and the receiving probe includes a second transducer. The processor is in electrical communication with the first and second transducers and monitors the first and second transducers to determine the presence and level of the liquid within the liquid receptacle based on a time between generation of a first extensional wave by the first transducer and reception of a second extensional wave by the second transducer. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20100070209 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ADAPTIVELY HANDLING LEVEL MEASUREMENTS UNDER UNSTABLE CONDITIONS - A method includes retrieving at least one first measurement associated with material in a tank from a memory at a level gauge. The method also includes comparing the at least one first measurement to at least one second measurement associated with the material in the tank. The method further includes determining whether a difference between the at least one first measurement and the at least one second measurement exceeds a threshold. In addition, the method includes identifying a current level of the material in the tank in a first manner if the difference does not exceed the threshold or a second manner if the difference does exceed the threshold. The first manner could include correcting a level measurement using the difference between the at least one first measurement and the at least one second measurement. The second manner could include identifying an offset value based on differences between pairs of level measurements. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100070207 | METHOD FOR ROBUST GAUGING ACCURACY FOR LEVEL GAUGES UNDER MISMATCH AND LARGE OPENING EFFECTS IN STILLPIPES AND RELATED APPARATUS - A method includes transmitting wireless signals towards a material in a tank and receiving wireless signals reflected off the material. The method also includes calculating a phase velocity of the wireless signals reflected off the material and identifying a level of the material in the tank using the phase velocity. Calculating the phase velocity of the wireless signals could include identifying a plurality of linearly-spaced frequencies and performing linear interpolation using the data identifying the wireless signals to identify data points at the linearly-spaced frequencies. The identification of the data points at the linearly-spaced frequencies could represent the only interpolation operation performed during the calculation of the phase velocity and the identification of the level of the material. Moreover, a mismatch could exist between an inner diameter of a stillpipe through which the wireless signals are transmitted and a diameter of an antenna used to receive the wireless signals. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20110071777 | Apparatus And Method For Improving The Accuracy Of Measurements Taken With A Capacitance-Type Sensor - An apparatus and method improve the accuracy of measurements taken with a capacitance-type sensor. In addition to the sensor the apparatus comprises a measurement circuit and a microprocessor. One of the sensor or a calibration capacitor with a known and fixed capacitance is connectable to the measurement circuit by a switch that has its position controlled by the microprocessor. The microprocessor sends measurement signals to the measurement circuit and receives data therefrom. According to the disclosed method, the measurement circuit is programmed to determine an error between measured calibration data and the known capacitance and to use this error to calculate a correction value, which it applies to the measured sensor data to calculate corrected sensor measurements. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20100305885 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING ADULTERATION OF FUEL OR OTHER MATERIAL USING WIRELESS MEASUREMENTS - A method includes transmitting wireless signals toward material in a tank. The method also includes receiving first return wireless signals reflected off a surface of the material and identifying a level of the material in the tank using the first return wireless signals. The method further includes receiving second return wireless signals reflected off a bottom of the tank and determining whether the material has been adulterated using the level of the material in the tank and the second return wireless signals. Determining whether the material has been adulterated could include determining a dielectric constant of the material, determining a density of the material using the dielectric constant of the material, and comparing the determined density of the material against a specified density. Determining the dielectric constant of the material could include using a time between peaks associated with the first and second return wireless signals. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100114507 | METHOD FOR GRAVIMETRIC VOLUME DETERMINATION - A method of gravimetric volume determination is described in which a load cell can be calibrated either outside of an analytic analyzer for gravimetric calibration of said analyzer, or in a fully automated manner inside said analyzer. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20120203478 | LIQUID LEVEL DETERMINATION SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A liquid level determination system to determine the level of a liquid in a wet we is disclosed. The system may include pressure determination components and a pressure pipe with a pressure sensing pipe end located adjacent to the pressure determination components and a bubbler pipe end locatable at least partially in the wet well. A transducer is used to determine a pressure level within the pressure pipe maintained by a bubbler air compressor. A level detection processor may analyze the pressure level to determine a liquid level in the wet well. An interference dampener is included to mitigate interference originating from the bubbler air compressor. The interference dampener may be provided by transducer plug to restrict air flow. Alternatively, the interference dampener may be provided by a computer operated program to monitor and mitigate the interference. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20100286933 | DIGITAL MULTI RANGE LIQUID LEVEL DETECTOR - A digital multi range liquid level detector to verify and maintain a predetermined level in a container. The level is measured by a capacitive sensor located above or in the liquid to be maintained. The capacitive sensor is composed of a pair of probe connected to a signal converter chip to obtain a digital data. The digital data is then compared to a reference value obtain during the initial calibration. The present invention is composed of two paired components, a capacitive digital sensor and a fluid control valve that can be installed at different locations. The sensor determines the liquid level and then transmits the acquired data to the fluid valve control receiver via wire or radio frequency (RF). The sensor and valve are programmable in order to evaluate different possibilities such as water level, water activities and recurring low level demands. They can also be reprogrammed. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100286932 | VOLUME GAUGE - Several aspects of the volume gauge may be implemented with a pressure sensing system and/or a motion sensing system. The pressure sensing system for volume measurements may include a chamber, a pressure changing device, a pressure sensing device, and a processor. The motion sensing system for volume measurements may include a container, a flexible seal, a heating device, a sensing device, and a processor. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20090248325 | APPARATUS FOR MONITORING FLUID LEVELS IN A REMOTELY LOCATED STORAGE TANK - An improved system for delivering propane or other consumable liquid to remotely located storage tanks including a novel combination of remote monitoring of customer tanks and an improved method of using the remote monitoring data to optimally schedule deliveries, improve safety, and more efficiently operate a propane dealership. More accurate and timely information concerning the status of customer tanks serves to improve operational efficiencies and increase safety. Data received from remote sensors can be collected and organized so that it is easily understood and utilized through the implementation of a user interface accessible via the Internet that allows the information to be presented in an efficient graphical and contextual fashion. Operational efficiencies can also be improved by taking historical propane usage for each tank, weather conditions, and projected fuel usage into account. The system can calendar required inspections of customer tanks, homes, and appliances, and data can be combined with accounts receivable information. Remote monitoring of customer tanks can be combined with other products using similar equipment to provide additional non-seasonal revenue streams. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20120150456 | SYSTEM FOR PREVENTING AND DETECTING FUEL THEFT - In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a system for preventing and detecting fuel theft from a fuel tank, the system comprising: a perforated casing ( | 06-14-2012 |
| 20110077876 | TAP FOR MOUNTING ON CONTAINER FOR FLUID AND METHOD FOR REGISTERING THE LEVEL OF FLUID IN SAID CONTAINER - The present invention relates to a tap for mounting on a container containing liquid, such as a wine box, a container containing medicine or a chemical, which tap comprises a sensor arranged on or in the tap for determining the outflow of liquid as a function of dispensing time and outflow characteristics. A display indicates the remaining amount of liquid in the container. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110166805 | 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 the fill level of a medium in a container via a field device, wherein transmission signals are transmitted toward the medium and are received as reflection signals. The transmission signals and the reflection signals are registered by means of data points in an envelope curve dependent on travel time or travel distance. Disturbance echo signals are registered by means of data points in a masking curve, the data points are connected with one another via connecting functions An evaluation curve is ascertained from the envelope curve; wherein, by means of a reduction algorithm, the number of data points in the masking curve and/or in the evaluation curve is reduced; and wherein, by an echo search algorithm, by means of the reduced masking curve and/or reduced evaluation curve, at least one wanted echo signal in the current envelope curve is ascertained. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20100004879 | Fluid level measuring system - A total capacitance is measured between an inner electrode disposed in a dielectric sleeve and an outer electrode surrounding the sleeve, with a fluid chamber being established between the sleeve and outer electrode. The total capacitance is correlated to a level (l) of fluid in the chamber using an electrode length, a unit length capacitance associated with the sleeve, and a unit length capacitance associated with the fluid chamber when no fluid is in the chamber. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20120116695 | LIQUID LEVEL MEASURING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for measuring the liquid level in a tank or container is provided. The system can have a sensor string comprising a plurality of analog output hall-effect sensors and a computer readable memory containing sensor string information, a float having a magnetic field and positionable relative to the sensor string, and a controller containing at least one processing unit, at least one memory and a sensor string interface for connecting the controller to the sensor string. The system can be operative to obtain the sensor string information from the at least one memory of the sensor string, obtain a preloaded waveform indicating the output of a sensor relative to the position of the float and approximate the position of the float relative to the sensor string using the normalized output of at least one of the sensors and the preloaded waveform. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120158321 | Wireless Liquid Quantity Measurement System - Technologies are described herein for wirelessly measuring liquid quantity in an enclosure. According to various aspects, an incident electromagnetic wave is transmitted within a conductive enclosure. One or more rebound electromagnetic waves that correspond to the incident electromagnetic wave are received. Using the rebound electromagnetic waves, a transfer function of the rebound electromagnetic waves is measured and a quantity of liquid stored in the enclosure is calculated based on the measured transfer function. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120158322 | Automatic Stein Hall Viscosity Cup - A Stein Hall cup for measuring the viscosity of a starch adhesive is automated to provide viscosity measurement in real time using a PLC or other data gathering and control processor. Temperature of the adhesive is measured concurrently with viscosity and temperature signals are processed with the timed viscosity signal to provide a temperature compensated value of starch viscosity. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120072135 | Method of Determining the Filling Level of a Solid Ammonia Storage Medium in an Ammonia Storage Container - A method of determining an average degree of saturation with ammonia (X) of a solid ammonia storage medium porous or not and capable of ad- or absorbing and desorbing ammonia reversibly in a storage container is described. A part of the volume (V | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120123707 | METHODS AND INSTRUMENTS FOR MEASUREMENT OF PAINT SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS - An instrument for measuring volume solids of a paint sample is described, the instrument comprising: sensor means arranged to emit and detect signals reflected from the surface of the paint sample on a substrate, for generating data sets consisting of data indicative of the position of the surface of the same paint sample when wet and when dry and the position of at least one reference surface, the sensor means being located so as to be distanced from the paint sample for the emission and detection of the signals; and processing means for processing the data sets generated by the sensor means to determine the volume solids of the paint sample. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120123706 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TANK LEVEL METERING - The present invention relates to determining the level of liquid in a tank. Electronic sensing devices are used to determine the liquid level in the tank. In some embodiments, a laser pulse is transmitted to a reflector floating on the surface of the liquid and the laser pulse is reflected back allowing for the determination of the depth of the liquid based on the return time of the laser pulse and the known distance to the bottom of the tank. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20110029262 | CONTAINER LEVEL SENSOR ASSEMBLY - A container level sensor assembly for sensing level of liquid remaining in a container. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20100250157 | METHOD FOR ESTIMATING THE CHARACTERISTIC PARAMETERS OF A CRYOGENIC TANK, IN PARTICULAR THE GEOMETRIC PARAMETERS OF THE TANK - (EN) The invention relates to a method for estimating the characteristic parameters of a cryogenic tank ( | 09-30-2010 |
| 20120084025 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PRODUCT MOVEMENT PLANNING TO SUPPORT SAFETY MONITORING IN INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS - A method includes obtaining information identifying a predicted trajectory of material-based measurements associated with a transfer of material. The method also includes obtaining actual material-based measurements during the transfer of the material and determining whether the actual material-based measurements fall outside of the predicted trajectory. The method further includes identifying a problem with the transfer of the material if at least one of the actual material-based measurements falls outside of the predicted trajectory. The method may also include generating the predicted trajectory of the material-based measurements using historical data associated with one or more prior transfers, such as historical data associated with at least one pump to be used during the transfer of the material. The actual material-based measurements could include measurements of a level and/or a volume of the material in a tank. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120221261 | Evaluation of an Echo Shape of Filling Level Sensors - A transit-time fill-level measuring device for measuring the fill level of a filling material in a container is stated, in which transit-time fill-level measuring device information about the topography of the filling material surface is determined on the basis of the shape of a single echo curve of the receiving signal. From this the fill volume can then be derived. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20090119033 | System for Detecting Remaining Quantity in Liquid Hydrogen Tank - The present invention relates to a system for detecting the remaining quantity of liquid hydrogen stored in a hydrogen storage device. In this system, the remaining quantity of liquid hydrogen is calculated accurately without being affected by the previous state in a tank. The internal pressure of the tank is detected. A fixed heat quantity is applied into the liquid hydrogen. The pressure in the tank after the application of heat quantity is detected. The volume of phase-transited hydrogen gas is calculated based on the heat quantity applied into the tank. The change amount of pressure in the tank before and after the application of heat quantity is calculated based on the pressure and the pressure. The remaining quantity of liquid hydrogen in the tank is calculated based on the volume of hydrogen gas and the change amount of pressure. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20120173170 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PARTICLE SIZE DETERMINATION AND CONTROL IN A FLUIDIZED BED REACTOR - Systems and methods are provided for determining the size of particles within a fluidized bed reactor. The pressure of gas adjacent a gas inlet and adjacent a gas outlet of the reactor are measured with pressure sensors. An algorithm is applied to at least one of the pressure measurements to determine the size of particles within the reactor. The determined size of the particles can be used to control the operation of the reactor. A dosing system and method is provided for measuring defined volumes of particles for transport to the reactor. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120253706 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING LIQUID LEVEL IN CONTAINERS/RESERVOIRS - A system for monitoring level of a liquid in a reservoir of a machine is provided. The system includes a liquid sensor ( | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120259560 | EVENT MONITORING AND DETECTION IN LIQUID LEVEL MONITORING SYSTEM - According to various embodiments disclosed herein, battery power may be conserved by reducing the number of transmissions made by a liquid level monitoring system. The efficiency of a liquid level monitoring system may also be improved by reducing or avoiding fuel outages and unnecessary replenishment. Certain embodiments may be configured according to a schedule for making measurements. The measurement may then be compared against one or more thresholds to determine whether to transmit the measurements. A variety of thresholds may be specified and utilized to determine when it is appropriate to transmit the measurements. Further, various embodiments may be configured to detect a change in a monitored condition. Upon the detection of a change in the monitored condition, a measurement may be made and compared to an established threshold for a tank. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120239316 | LIQUID LEVEL SENSOR - A liquid level sensing system, including: an input acoustic waveguide, and an output acoustic waveguide, positioned extending into liquid to be sensed; the input waveguide being arranged to receive acoustic energy; an acoustic sensor attached to the output waveguide for sensing acoustic energy at the output waveguide that has been transferred from the input waveguide to the output waveguide by being acoustically coupled by the liquid; and a processor arranged to process timing characteristics of the sensed acoustic energy to determine a measure of the liquid level. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120323503 | Measuring apparatus, control apparatus and measuring device for fill-level measuring - Measuring with a waveguide device and a measuring device in different spatial regions of a container is described. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20110276281 | APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING AND/OR MONITORING A PROCESS VARIABLE OF A MEDIUM - An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium. The apparatus includes: at least one evaluation unit, which monitors and/or signals an exceeding and/or subceeding of a predeterminable limit value of the process variable by the medium; and at least one memory unit, in which limit values of the process variable associated with at least one property of the medium are stored; and wherein the evaluation unit, based on information concerning the property of the medium, applies from the memory unit, for determining and/or monitoring the process variable, a stored limit value associated with the property of the medium. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20130018605 | Estimating Fluid Levels in a Progressing Cavity Pump SystemAANM Peterson; Ronald G.AACI RacineAAST WIAACO USAAGP Peterson; Ronald G. Racine WI US - A method and apparatus for operating a pumping system includes the following: determining a motor operating parameter of a motor configured to drive a pump in a well; determining a pump operating parameter of the pump based on the motor operating parameter; operating the pump in a first mode to determine pump characteristics at a desired fluid level; generating first mode output data based on operation of the pump in the first mode; operating the pump in a second mode based on the first mode output data; determining an estimated fluid level in the well based on the motor operating parameter, the pump operating parameter and the first mode output data; and adjusting the pump speed based on the estimated fluid level in order to maintain a desired fluid level. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20110161019 | FILL LEVEL MEASURING DEVICE WORKING WITH MICROWAVES - A fill level measuring device working with microwaves according to the travel time principle for measuring fill level of a fill substance in a container. Measurements are performable at two markedly different frequencies with a single antenna. The device includes: a transmitting and receiving system for producing a higher frequency microwave signal and a lower frequency microwave signal. The transmitting and nereceiving system includes a single antenna, which has an internally funnel shaped horn and two hollow conductor segments connected with one another and connected to the horn. The antenna additionally includes, a coaxial conductor connection, via which the antenna is fed with the lower frequency microwave signal and the associated lower frequency echo signal is received. The antenna additionally includes, connected to a horn-remote end of that one of the two hollow conductor segments arranged on an end of the hollow conductor segment adjoining the horn, a hollow conductor connection, via which the antenna is fed with the higher frequency microwave signal and the associated higher frequency echo signal is received. | 06-30-2011 |
