The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for detecting foam in a specimen container. The method includes the following steps: transporting a specimen container into a locator well; centering the specimen container in the locator well; rotating the specimen container around a vertical axis in the locator well; imaging the specimen container during the rotation; analyzing an image of the specimen container captured during the rotation; and detecting foam in the specimen container based on the analysis of the image. An apparatus configured to perform the steps is also provided. The method and apparatus may be used in conjunction with a system for automatically determining whether a sample is positive for microorganism growth.

A system for determining a volume of loose material within a container comprises a support arm mountable above the container, an array of one or more sensors mounted to the support arm, wherein each of the one or more sensors is configured to determine a discrete distance measurement between the array and a surface of the loose material or a surface of the container, and at least one processor in communication with the array of one or more sensors, the processor configured to estimate a volume of the loose material in the container from discrete distance measurements determined by the one or more sensors of the array.

A modular level measurement system, comprising: sensing circuitry for generating a transmit signal, transmitting the transmit signal, and receiving a reflection signal; processing circuitry for determining the level product based on a timing relation between the transmit signal and the reflection signal; wireless communication circuitry for wirelessly transmitting a signal indicative of the level of the product to a remote receiver; a memory for storing data related to a status of the tank, wherein the modular level measurement system comprises: a first module to be fixed to the tank, including at least the memory and a communication interface; and a second module including at least a communication interface, the second module being configured to be removably attached to the tank having the first module fixed thereto, in such a way that coupling is achieved between the communication interfaces of the first and second modules.

Methods and systems for providing a resource dispenser status for a resource dispenser associated with a facility. One system includes an electronic processor. The electronic processor is configured to receive a set of signals. The electronic processor is also configured to compare a first signal included in the set of signals to a set of thresholds. The electronic processor is also configured to determine a resource dispenser status based on the comparison of the first signal to the set of thresholds. The electronic processor is also configured to generate and transmit the resource dispenser status to a remote device, wherein the remote device provides the resource dispenser status to a user.

A level gauge for detecting process variables related to a distance to a surface of a content in a tank, includes a first and second functionally independent circuitry arrangements comprising transceiver circuitry and processing circuitry. The gauge further comprises a power divider providing isolation between signals having the same propagation mode, a single wire transmission line probe, and a matching arrangement providing an electrically matched connection between the electrical connection of a process seal and the single wire transmission line probe. A combination of a power divider with a matching arrangement allows multiple channels on one single wire transmission line probe.

Method for determining product surface distance in a tank comprising: i) generating a transmission signal as a first pulse train; ii) generating a reference signal having a second pulse train by time delaying said first pulse train; wherein each pulse in said first and second pulse trains have essentially identical waveforms and pulse repetition frequency; iii) guiding said transmission signal towards the product surface; iv) receiving a reflected signal; v) forming a correlation value based on a time correlation between the reference signal and the reflected signal; vi) carrying out steps i) to v) in sequence for at least three different pulse repetition frequencies, until at least three pairs of correlation values and associated pulse repetition frequencies have been stored; vii) determining said distance based on said at least three pairs of correlation values and associated pulse repetition frequencies, and said fixed time delay.

A system includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor to, upon determining that a first fluid level in a vehicle container is below a threshold based on fluid level sensor data, determine a second fluid level based on a fluid consumption signal and the fluid level sensor, and to navigate the vehicle based on the determined second fluid level.

A network connection is established with a server. A broadcasted advertising packet of a wireless communication protocol is received from a remote device. The remote device repeatedly broadcasts content of the advertising packet based at least in part a total number of remote devices specified to broadcast to the system. Payload content from the advertising packet is extracted. At least a portion of the extracted payload content is sent via the network connection to the server.

A fluid (oil) storage tank is often in a remote place. A temperature sensor strip is affixed vertically down the outside of the tank. Each sensor sends its electronic signature and temperature to a local microprocessor. Various types of computations yield an accurate level indication on a local display, all powered by a car battery, solar panel or power supply. Data can be sent remotely as well. For explosive environments only a small processor is powered adjacent the tank. Then a second processor has the power to compute and analyze the raw temperature data and display it at a safe distance from the tank with only a twisted pair of low volt wires reaching the tank. Other non-explosive tanks such as a water tank can use a signal processor adjacent the strip for all data collection, computing and display functions.

Disclosed herein is a telemetric fitting for a liquid-level gauge, the telemetric fitting configured to derive liquid-level information from the liquid-level gauge when attached thereto, and to wirelessly transmit at radio frequencies the liquid-level information.