Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for forming a layer of material over a surface of a previously-formed cross-section of a three-dimensional object in anticipation of forming a next cross-section of the object out of the layer. A volume of material, including at least some excess material, is placed over the surface, and the excess material is swept off by placing the excess material in the predetermined path of a sweeping member, the path being substantially in a plane spaced from a working surface of material. The member may be directed to sweep the excess material away through a successive number of sweeps, which may vary for each cross-section, at least a velocity which may vary for each sweep. Additionally, the clearance between the member and the surface of the previous cross-section may vary for each sweep. A "winged" member is also provided, comprising two legs extending from a base, and a "Trident" embodiment is also provided, comprising three legs extending from a base.

Abstract: A float-type liquid level gauge is provided for measuring the level within a tank of liquids such as liquified petroleum gases. The liquid level gauge includes a movable float arm (30) coupled by gears (46, 48) to a magnet shaft (26) and magnet (28) mounted in a rigid support arm (24) through a side-accessible shaft passage (110). The support arm is connected to the lower side of a gauge head (22) and the magnet extends into a passage (52) in the gauge head so as to be magnetically coupled to a level indicating dial (34) provided on the upper side of the gauge head.

Abstract: Described herein is an alarm system for use with a `bag-in-box` arrangement (10) which is used to collect effluent from a processing apparatus (20). The alarm system comprises a chamber (50) located between the processing apparatus (20) and the `bag-in-box` arrangement (10) which includes a level sensor (52) which indicates that the `bag-in-box` arrangement (10) has been overfilled by a predetermined amount and is ready for changing.

Abstract: A humidifying system particularly for incubators and a process for humidifying incubators is disclosed. The system includes a float valve with a sleeve-shaped float housing with a float body axially displaceable therein as well as a throttle valve influencing the flow of liquid. The throttle valve is actuated depending on the relative movement of the float body in relation to the float housing, and by the external diameter of the float body and the internal diameter of the float housing being selected to be such that a capillary gap wetted with liquid is present. With this construction, the reference level for the setting of the liquid level remains unchanged due to the float valve being designed as a hollow float body axially displaceable in a float housing with a liquid-filled, annular capillary gap between the float body and the float housing.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor for reducing and monitoring liquid level in a vessel, such as a heated pot or kettle is provided. The sensor issues a signal when the liquid level drops to a level below its predetermined level. The signal may initiate an audio or visual alarm, or may stop the action causing the liquid level to drop.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for monitoring the running time and cycle time of electric motors. The apparatus diagnoses fuel consumption and burner functionality in heating plants by measuring elapsed motor running time. Alternatively, the apparatus diagnoses the running and cycle time of refrigeration and air conditioning motors for the purpose of measuring efficiency and predicting failures. The Apparatus has three major components: an inductive sensor device mechanically attached to the motor; a microprocessor device connected by cable to the inductive sensor device that records time and sensor device data and retransmits it; and the central monitoring device. The microprocessor device is connected by telephone to the central monitoring device. Using historical data of fuel deliveries and consumption and the sensor-supplied running time information, the central monitoring device will predict when the fuel tank needs refilling. The data can be used to indicate a failure has occurred.

Abstract: An HMDS supplying apparatus capable of sensing the flow of hexamethyldisilazane through a flowmeter and to control the amount thereof which is flowing, to thereby prevent a lowering of productivity due to inadequate or excessive flow amounts. The HMDS supplying apparatus includes a carrier gas supplier for supplying a carrier gas for HMDS; a container connected to the carrier gas supplier adapted for containing HMDS therein; a flowmeter for controlling the amount of flowing HMDS supplied together with the carrier gas from the container; and an HMDS processor for depositing HMDS supplied via the flowmeter on the surface of a wafer; wherein the apparatus further includes: an indicator for indicating the level of HMDS in the flowmeter; and an optical sensing device having an optical source and an optical sensor, for controlling the flow of HMDS by sensing whether the indicator is located at an optimum position.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for forming a layer of material over a surface of a previously-formed cross-section of a three-dimensional object in anticipation of forming a next cross-section of the object out of the layer. A volume of material, including at least some excess material, is placed over the surface, and the excess material is swept off by placing the excess material in the predetermined path of a sweeping member, the path being substantially in a plane spaced from a working surface of material. The member may be directed to sweep the excess material away through a successive number of sweeps, which may vary for each cross-section, at least a velocity which may vary for each sweep. Additionally, the clearance between the member and the surface of the previous cross-section may vary for each sweep. A "winged" member is also provided, comprising two legs extending from a base, and a "Trident" embodiment is also provided, comprising three legs extending from a base.

Abstract: A water appliance detection and cut off apparatus is provided including a water entry conduit for receiving water from a water source. A pan is provided having a bottom face and a lip coupled thereto and extending upwardly therefrom for defining an open top and an interior space into which the water appliance is stored. A water ball valve is connected to the water entry conduit. In use, the ball valve has a closed orientation upon at least the instantaneous receipt of an activation signal wherein water is prevented from flowing to the water appliance and an open orientation upon at least the instantaneous receipt of a deactivation signal wherein water is allowed to flow to the water appliance.

Abstract: A pressure alarm for sewage treatment systems such as waste-water or sewage treatment tanks which require water level control. In a preferred embodiment the pressure alarm includes a pressure sensing apparatus which includes a tee or elbow located in a tank or system aerator air line, a nipple set into the tee leg of the tee or the elbow and a ball float fitted with a shaft or neck extending through the nipple and receiving an air deflector. According to the method of this invention, the air deflector projects into the run of the tee or the elbow responsive to floating of the ball float upwardly in a high water condition in the treatment tank or system. Extension of the air deflector into the run of the tee or the elbow causes a pressure drop through the tee or elbow as air is deflected from the run of the tee through the tee leg or elbow.

Abstract: A liquid level detector utilizing a housing having a wall portion defining a inner chamber. The inner chamber communicates to the exterior of the housing through an opening which also permits liquid to enter the chamber. A floatation element is pivotally located within the housing and includes a bridging conductor which rotates upwardly. The bridging conductor is capable of contacting a pair of terminals which constitute a portion of an alarm circuit.

Abstract: In a remaining fuel amount measuring apparatus, a CPU captures remaining fuel amount data detected by a fuel sender unit at prescribed periods through a voltage conversion circuit and A/D conversion circuit, compiles the captured remaining fuel amount data into blocks each composed of a prescribed number of data samples to be successively stored in a RAM. The CPU reads the block data as necessary and subjects the read data to data processing such as simple averaging, weighted averaging or removal of abnormal values. The CPU displays the remaining fuel amount after the data processing on a fuel meter.

Abstract: An automated waste cooking grease recycling tank having a top, a bottom, at least one side wall defining an inside and an outside of the tank with a plurality of openings in the tank. A liquid level sensor is inserted into the inside of the tank through one of the plurality of openings with the liquid level sensor operatively connected for sensing at least first and second different liquid levels inside of the tank. A control panel is positioned outside of the tank, operatively coupled to the level sensor and having first and second indicators thereon responsive to signal the first and second different liquid levels sensed inside of the tank. A fill pump is operatively coupled to the control panel and responsive to the control panel for adding grease.

Abstract: A float device is disclosed with an improved external surface having an outwardly concave curvature and a plurality of elongated grooves spirally formed on the concave surface. The concave surface provides improved clearance between the float device and the walls of the pipe that it is disposed in. Therefore, the float device is less subject to being lodged or stuck especially in highly viscous liquids. The spiral grooves provide additional passageway and stability by imparting rotational torque to the floating device when measuring flow rates in moving fluids in pipes. In another embodiment, the float device is annular in shape having an inner surface with a curvature and spiral grooves. Same improved effects are obtained as the float device rides up and down a column like a collar in measuring the fluid level or fluid flow rates.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring the height of the liquid in a liquid-containing tank equipped with a height gage including an adjusting disc coupled to the gage shaft, an increment wheel coupled to the adjusting disc and being rotatable in response to rotation of the gage shaft, and a coupling member secured to the increment wheel and the shaft of an encoder assembly. The coupling member is effective to transmit liquid height information from the increment wheel to the encoder assembly. Methods for calibrating such apparatus are provided.

Abstract: Abnormal flow of liquid in a non-pressurized conduit such as a drain line of a building is detected by a liquid level sensor unit connected at a conduit location not anticipated to fill with liquid during normal flow, so that liquid backing up at such location will enter a sensor chamber of the unit to cause a liquid level sensor to signal an indicator. A monitoring system uses at least one such sensor to signal at least one local or remote indicator that indicates which sensor has detected abnormal flow. The system can monitor for short times particular drain lines suspected of experiencing abnormal flow, or can serve on a long-term basis to provide an early warning of clogging and blockage in lines selected for monitoring.

Abstract: A flotation cell level detector for providing an indication of a level of a liquid in a flotation cell may comprise a generally circular shaped float having a submergence function such that small changes in the submergence level of the float will result in large changes in the submerged volume of the float when the float is submerged at about the design level of submergence. A reference member is attached to the float and held a spaced distance above the float by a plurality of support members. A sensor mounted above the reference member detects the position of the reference member and generates a corresponding output signal.

Abstract: A system is provided for producing a three dimensional object from a reactive liquid medium capable of being solidified. The object is constructed from many successive layers of the solidified reactive liquid medium when subjected to appropriate synergistic stimulation. A reservoir contains both the reactive liquid medium and an underlying supporting, substantially immiscible, non-reactive liquid medium. To begin forming the object, a platform within the reservoir is initially positioned at a depth equal to the thickness of a first layer to be solidified, and continues to support the object being constructed. The synergistic source radiates toward the reactive liquid medium and imaging apparatus defining a three dimensional object of required configuration selectively controls the size and shape of that part of a new two dimensional layer to be solidified. At least part of the new layer is solidified, after which a further layer is applied.

Abstract: A system for generating three-dimensional objects by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to be formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, successive adjacent laminae, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic apparatus fastened on an oil transformer, which measures with precision, continuously and simultaneously the value of the temperature, of the level of the dielectric liquid contained in the transformer, of the pressure inside the transformer and of the current-strength at the transformer secondary. With this measure of the four parameters are associated the continuous memorization of these measures over 24 hours, the visualization of these memorized measures on the apparatus or at distance on a peripheral equipment connected to the apparatus as well as the control of an alarm system and of a stop system of the transformer for each parameter.

Abstract: A sensor (1) is provided for sensing the entrainment of a fluid of low specific gravity in a fluid of higher specific gravity, particularly the entrainment of refrigerant gas in refrigerant liquid. The sensor (1) is typically installed into a higher pressure liquid supply line (24) of a refrigeration system (26). The sensor (1) has a differential float (16) including a float member (54) pivoted about a pivot (56) in a chamber (14) coupled to the supply line (24). The float member (54) has a specific gravity greater than the specific gravity of both of the fluids in which it operates. However, the location of the pivot (56) intermediate of the length of the float member (54) gives a net specific gravity for the differential float (16) which is less than the specific gravity of one of the fluids.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for forming a layer of material over a surface of a previously-formed cross-section of a three-dimensional object in anticipation of forming a next cross-section of the object out of the layer. A volume of material, including at least some excess material, is placed over the surface, and the excess material is swept off by placing the excess material in the predetermined path of a sweeping member, the path being substantially in a plane spaced from a working surface of material. The member may be directed to sweep the excess material away through a successive number of sweeps, which may vary for each cross-section, at least a velocity which may vary for each sweep. Additionally, the clearance between the member and the surface of the previous cross-section may vary for each sweep. A "winged" member is also provided, comprising two legs extending from a base, and a "Trident" embodiment is also provided, comprising three legs extending from a base.

Abstract: A low salt level sensor comprising a float within a brine tank, apparatus for detecting whether the float has risen in response to the addition of a predetermined amount of water to the brine tank to a height such that an adequate supply of salt is present in said brine tank and apparatus for indicating if the float has not risen high enough. A method of detecting whether the salt level is low in the brine tank of a water treatment system is also described. According to this method, brine is removed from the brine tank and a predetermined amount of water is added. A determination is then made as to whether the brine level has reached a height such that an adequate supply of salt is present in the brine tank and an indication is provided if the brine level is below this height.

Abstract: A stereolithographic system for automatically generating three-dimensional objects on a layer by layer basis by alternately forming layers of medium over previously formed layers of the object and selectively solidifying successive layers of medium at a surface of a body of the medium whereby the object is formed from a plurality of solidified and adhered layers. The surface of the body of medium is maintained at a desired working surface, for example by detecting its level and relatively adjusting it and the working surface so that they coincide.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for stereolithographically forming a three-dimensional object includes a vessel for holding a building material and a smoothing member for forming a uniform coating over a previously formed layer of the object. The smoothing member has a plurality of blades. The smoothing member is swept over a previously formed layer of the object, in at least two directions. Different clearances between the lower surface of the smoothing member and the upper surface of the previously formed layer are used to provide a uniform coating for a subsequent layer over the previously formed layer. The sweeping velocity of the smoothing member can be varied. Retractable needles are attached to the smoothing member for adjusting a blade gap between the lower surface of the smoothing member and the surface of the building material.

Abstract: A liquid level responsive sending unit is positionable in a vehicle fuel tank to deliver a signal to a fuel gage on the vehicle dashboard. An electrical damping circuit is provided on a circuit board carried on the sending unit, such that momentary fluctuations in a fuel level sensor float are smoothed out. The signal transmitted to the gage is a signal representing a time-averaged condition of the sensor. The damping circuit location in the fuel tank is advantageous as regards signal accuracy calibration, manufacturing quality control, ease of assembly, and access for component replacement purposes.

Abstract: A wire guided float level measurement system includes a float, a nozzle and an ultrasonic level detector which are attachable to an open frame. The float, which is supportable on a froth, is slideably attached to te frame via one or more guide wires, and the nozzle and ultrasonic level detector are fixed near the top of the frame. In operation the frame, with attachments, is disposed in a flotation cell in an upright position so as to traverse a froth layer which is formed in the cell. The float, while supported by the froth so as to follow the froth level, serves as a target for pulses transmitted from the ultrasonic level detector, and the detector continually measures the distance to the float which is an indirect indication of froth level. Any mineral accumulation on the float, which would interfere with its buoyancy, is washed off the top of the float by spraying wash water through one or more nozzles.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor system includes a float assembly configured for placement in a liquid. The float assembly includes a float that is sufficiently buoyant to move the float assembly vertically in response to changes in the level of the liquid. The float assembly may comprise a buoyant member placed around a tube and constrained to movement only lengthwise along the tube in response to changes in the liquid level. A reflector is coupled to the float such that the position of the reflector is a function of the liquid level. A carriage may be placed inside the tube for moving with the float in response to changes in the liquid level, with the reflector being mounted to the carriage. The carriage and the float preferably are magnetically coupled together so that the carriage means moves lengthwise inside the tube in response to movement of the float assembly as the liquid level changes. A light source directs a light signal toward the reflector.

Abstract: A vertically mountable sight gauge is comprised of one or more serially connectable sections for visually determining the level or the volume, or both, of liquid stored in a container. Each section has an upper and lower housing. Each housing has a passage therethrough with a first end and second end, is surrounded by a flange, and is attached to the ends of a straight length of substantially transparent, flexible pipe. The pipe is surrounded by a cylindrical, substantial transparent, rigid shield and a cylindrical, substantially transparent, rigid sleeve. The bottom end of the sleeve is surrounded by a shoulder. The outer diameter of the top end of the sleeve is less than inner diameter of the shield, such that the sleeve telescopically engages the shield. Biasing means bears against the bottom end of the shield and the sleeve's shoulder, surrounds and overlaps the sleeve, and urges the shield against the upper housing and the sleeve against the lower housing.

Abstract: This invention concerns a water alarm adapted to be mounted in a basement water drain. It comprises a buoyant body which is in a first position when water is absent from the drain and which is moved to a second position by the presence of sufficient water filling the drain pipe. The buoyant body carries a switch which is in an open position when the body is in its first position and which is in a closed position when the body is in its second position. A suitable alarm is activated when the switch is in its closed position. The buoyant body is held in position adjacent the upper end of the drain under the metal drain cover by a magnetic holder member.

Abstract: A pivoted float contains a solid-state inclinometer which produces sensitive electrical output responsive to angular displacement of the float from the direction of gravity. The float is capable of resolving very small changes in liquid level in a vessel, and thereby indicating or warning of small leaks from the vessel.

Abstract: In a screened inductance sensor having a drive winding, a sense winding, and a conductive screen for varying the induced voltage in the sense winding by reason of the eddy currents generated in the conductive screen in the presence of the drive field, a physical barrier is interposed between the region of the sensor in the windings are located and the region in which the screen is located. These regions are fully environmentally isolated from each other by the physical barrier. The construction is especially suited to screened inductance level gauges, in particular for fuel tanks, where the conductive screen is part of a float assembly in contact with the fuel, but the electrical windings are kept dry in a separate portion of the gauge.

Abstract: A fuel level gauge provided with a remaining-amount warning apparatus is arranged so that an indicating needle for indicating the amount of fuel remaining in a fuel tank operates in accordance with a change in the resistance of a resistor device consisting essentially of a resistance plate having a resistor and a sliding element capable of sliding on the resistor in accordance with a liquid level change in the fuel tank. A warning means for issuing a warning when the amount of remaining fuel reaches a predetermined amount also operates by utilizing the resistor device. In such a fuel level gauge, the warning means is activated by a circuit disposed to connect a remaining-amount warning point and the warning means, the remaining-amount warning point being the position on the resistor at which the sliding element is positioned when the amount of remaining fuel reaches a predetermined amount which requires issuance of a warning.

Abstract: An fiber optic liquid level indicator with a floating reflector includes a reference scale provided with a reflector disposed in an upper space above the liquid level within a pressure vessel so that a reference distance usable to correct error due to pressure can be calculated on the basis of travel time of a laser beam pulse emitted from a laser generator and reflected from the reference scale reflector through an optical guide and lens. A beam change-over switch is used to selectively guide a laser beam pulse to either the floating reflector or to the reference scale reflector so that pulse travel time can be determined.

Abstract: An automatic reading gauge is provided and consists of an elongated flexible measuring member having a scale thereon with a float affixed to one end and a counterweight at other end. The measuring member is disposed within an O-shaped body having a weep hole, an air check valve and a top sight area. When the body is placed through a filler hole to extend to bottom of a tank, the amount of fluid within the tank will be indicated at the top sight area.

Abstract: In a computer controlled automatic plotting device, an ink level detector is provided in a plotter pen cartridge. An ink-following object is provided in the plotter pin cartridge and is supported by the writing fluid. The ink-following object carries a magnet. As the ink-following object traverses down the inside of the plotter pen cartridge, the position of the magnet triggers a sensor at a predetermined level. The sensor then effects a visual or audible signal to alert an operator that the cartridge is running out of writing fluid. Alternatively, the sensor activates a control system to shut down the plotting device to permit replacement of the plotter pen cartridge with one having a new ink supply.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for determining the thickness of a layer of aerated sludge floating on a layer of heavier liquid in a tank used in the treatment of sewage. The apparatus comprises a frame which can be positioned to extend vertically into the tank, an indicator supported by and movable vertically with respect to the frame, the indicator being positionable at the highest level of sludge in the tank, a horizontally-extending lower base attached to the frame at or near the bottom thereof, a horizontally-extending upper base attached to the frame at or near the top thereof, and a line carrying a float, the line being movably secured at the upper and lower base. The float is movable between the upper and lower base, is floatable on the liquid, and includes a horizontally extending portion presenting an upwardly directed, generally planar surface.

Abstract: The pressurized magnetic float level indicator for recipients containing liquids at high pressure and temperature of the invention comprises a tubular body with a vertical axis which is closed at its ends and communicates at the top and bottom with a recipient containing liquid whose level is to be indicated, within which there is a float provided with a magnetic element designed to orientate a plurality of rotary magnetic dipoles aligned in parallel with the tubular body, the float being provided with inner rings and being pressurized with an evaporating mixture having a steam pressure which varies with variations in the internal temperature of the float along a curve corresponding to the variation of the pressure with the temperature of the liquid contained in the recipient and in the tubular body externally to the float, this steam pressure within the float at least partially balancing out the pressure outside it.

Abstract: A vehicle fuel tank with a fuel level sensor is disclosed including a housing rotatably supporting a molded crank arm and a pivotal float rod attached thereto. The crank arm has a bore for insertion of one end of the crank arm and an apertured metal insert molded therein for providing a gripping interference fit between the inserted rod and the crank arm.

Abstract: A portable liquid level device is provided for measuring the depth of liquid in a storage tank. The device has a portability similar to that of a regular dip stick, but provides more accurate measurement of liquid level especially with liquids which do not show up clearly on a dip stick. The device has a tube which is open at its lower end and a guideway within the tube along which a float can move. Rollers are mounted near the upper and lower ends of the tube and carry a loop of flexible tape connected to the float. The tape has indicia on its external surface which can be read on a sight glass mounted at the upper end of the tube. All of the moving parts are protected within the tube.

Abstract: A monitor and filler assembly providing an easily observable reading as to the fluid level in a reservoir such as an automatic transmission or crankcase of an automobile. The filler may be integrally formed with the monitor to allow for easy replenishing of the reservoir fluid to ensure proper operation of the automobile.

Abstract: A fuel sender mount comprises a support rod, a mounting plate secured at one end of the support rod and bolted to the top wall of the fuel tank, a carriage slideably mounted to the support rod and secured to the fuel sender housing and a spring for resiliently urging the carriage downwardly away from the top wall of the tank. The lower end of the carriage is received in a guide socket so that the fuel sender remains fixedly positioned with respect to the fuel tank. The mount is particularly useful in a fuel tank having a resiliently deformable bottom which can be deformed upwardly upon contact with a foreign object. During such contact, the carriage slides along the support rod to prevent puncturing of the bottom wall of the tank, and the force of the contact is not directed against the support rod or the mounting plate with sufficient force to cause the mounting bolts to rip through the top wall of the fuel tank or otherwise rupture the fuel tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for measuring changes in relative distance between a float and both a signal source and a detector. Also disclosed is the advantageous use of such an apparatus for detecting losses as little as 0.02 gallons of liquid per hour from a tank otherwise capable of storing 1,000 gallons or more of such a liquid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for indicating the temporally variable quantity of a liquid contained in a reservoir or tank, whatever the indication of this reservoir with respect to the horizontal, wherein the device comprises an auxiliary recipient fast with the reservoir, which is arranged therewith in an at least partially enveloping arrangement and which contains an invariable quantity of an auxiliary liquid of which the level serves as reference for assessing, by comparison of level, the variable quantity of liquid contained at a given instant in the reservoir. The invention is more particularly applicable to the determination of the level of fuel in a tank connected to a vehicle, of the oil in a gearbox of a vehicle, etc.

Abstract: An improved buoyant alarm device which provides an indication of a disturbance to a quiescent level of a body of water. The device includes a cover assembly and a buoyant body. The cover assembly includes a cover member and a support member. The support member provides a subassembly support for electrical components which are mounted thereto and for forming, with the cover member, an enclosed water-tight chamber for housing the electrical components.

Abstract: A fluid level sensor comprising a pivoted float which contains a solid-state inclinometer that produces sensitive electrical output signal responsive to angular displacement of the float from the direction of gravity. The float is capable of resolving very small changes in liquid level in a vessel, and thereby indicating or warning of small leaks from the vessel. A reference inclinometer may also be provided for producing a reference signal to compensate for fluid level signal errors caused by motion of the vessel.

Abstract: A fluid measurement gauge is principally used to measure the fluid level in large underground storage tanks, such as for storing gasoline at service stations. A housing is positioned vertically in the fluid and includes a leadscrew which is driven by a stepper motor. A nut is mounted for longitudinal movement along the leadscrew. A float encircles the housing and includes a magnet at the surface of the fluid level. A magnetic sensor, such as a Hall-effect switch, is mounted on the nut and driven in selected steps downward to encounter the magnet mounted in the float. A reference position is marked at the top of the housing and the fluid level is measured downward from the reference position by detecting the magnet by operation of the magnetic sensor. An additional float can be provided to detect the interface between two fluids such as gasoline and water. The second float is further provided with a magnet to be detected by the magnetic sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved liquid-level indicator. The liquid-level indicator comprises an upstanding tube and a float arranged for vertical movement therein. This float is provided with a permanent magnet which is polarized in a horizontal plane and influences magnetically an array of display elements. These display elements are located outside of the tube. The display elements are rotatably supported and arranged in succession one above the other. Between the display elements and the tube there extends a magnetic strip arranged such that the permanent magnet of the float is oriented towards the display elements. This magnetic strip also pre-tensions the display elements. It is located outside of the tube and at a distance from the float.

Abstract: In a liquid level detector of the type comprising a fixing rod bearing a winding over virtually the whole of its height, an annular float mounted around the rod and bearing at least one conducting blade constantly in contact with the winding, a warning device comprising a conducting rod sliding in a bore made in the float, the bore having its axis substantially parallel to the axis of the fixed rod, the conducting rod comprising a retaining device, and a conducting surface fixed to the lower end of the fixed rod, the arrangement being such that the conducting rod projects downwardly from the float when the level is higher than a determined warning level and comes into contact with the conducting surface when this level is reached, and electrical connections connecting the winding, the conducting surface, the or each conducting blade and the conducting rod to output terminals, the conducting rod extends at its top end in a supple loop made of conducting wire located in a plane substantially perpendicular to th

Abstract: A device for measuring the thickness of an ice layer comprises a hollow, watertight body formed by two cones joined at their bases. The interior of the device is provided with a medium which acts as a ballast and allows the device to float on the surface of the water. The device is anchored in place by an elastically deformable line secured to a weight such that the device is pushed upwardly by the pressure exerted when an ice layer is formed. The device is provided with indicia on the surface thereof to indicate the thickness of the ice layer being formed.