G01F23/68

DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR MEASURING FLUID LEVEL USING RADIO-FREQUENCY (RF) LOCALIZATION
20220252444 · 2022-08-11 · ·

Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods for accurately determining fluid level using Ultra Wideband (UWB) positioning or localization. UWB utilizes a radio-frequency (RF) technology to enable the accurate measurement of the time-of-flight of a radio signal and UWB positioning can operate in Time-Difference-of-Arrival (TDoA) mode, Two-Way-Ranging (TWR) mode, and Phase-Difference-of-Arrival (PDoA) mode. The systems disclosed herein include multiple anchor devices having a UWB antenna(s) and positioned in fixed location(s) over the fluid to be measured. The anchor devices serve as reference points for UWB communication with a remote float device, which emits RF signals and floats on the surface of the fluid to be measured. The anchor devices may include, or be in communication with, a processor which receives and/or measures RF signals, generates timestamps, calculates distance(s) between the remote float device and an anchor device, calculates fluid level, calculates an angle-of-arrival (AoA), or any combination thereof.

LEVEL SENSOR FOR CONTINUOUS LEVEL DETECTION AND INTEGRATION INTO PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM
20220299972 · 2022-09-22 ·

The disclosed techniques enable the installation of a level sensor capable of continuously detecting a level of fluid in a vessel or tank and capable of being integrated in a larger control system. Advantageously, sensor head of the disclosed level sensor can be installed on existing installations with an existing displacer or float and an existing member or rod. The disclosed techniques thus enable process plants to easily and affordably replace pneumatic level sensors with a more environmentally friendly option.

Systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring conditions of physical or virtual objects
11448544 · 2022-09-20 · ·

A system, method and apparatus for providing real-time alerts regarding the status of agricultural infrastructure resources, which may be stationary and/or mobile, such as water level, water temperature, trough, water pump, drone, and livestock that are equipped with sensors. The system adaptively aggregates and processes the sensed data from multiple resources and animals using low cost readily available wireless local network and sends an alert cost effectively using various messaging methods, such as SMS, MMS, PSTN, VoIP, HTTP, and HTTPS, over various wireless communications networks, such as cellular, satellite, or UHF, depending on availability, cost and quality of service.

Systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring conditions of physical or virtual objects
11448544 · 2022-09-20 · ·

A system, method and apparatus for providing real-time alerts regarding the status of agricultural infrastructure resources, which may be stationary and/or mobile, such as water level, water temperature, trough, water pump, drone, and livestock that are equipped with sensors. The system adaptively aggregates and processes the sensed data from multiple resources and animals using low cost readily available wireless local network and sends an alert cost effectively using various messaging methods, such as SMS, MMS, PSTN, VoIP, HTTP, and HTTPS, over various wireless communications networks, such as cellular, satellite, or UHF, depending on availability, cost and quality of service.

Inductive sensor assembly for fluid measurements

A sensor assembly that includes a sealed housing. A printed circuit board assembly including a first section that includes processing circuitry is disposed within the sealed housing and a second section that includes detection circuitry extends from the sealed housing. The sensor assembly also includes a conductive target movably coupled to the second section of the printed circuit board to vary net voltage of the detection circuitry as the conductive target moves along the second section to provide an output signal. The processing circuitry detects the output signal and converts the output signal into a linear representation of position of the conductive target in relation to the second section.

Inductive sensor assembly for fluid measurements

A sensor assembly that includes a sealed housing. A printed circuit board assembly including a first section that includes processing circuitry is disposed within the sealed housing and a second section that includes detection circuitry extends from the sealed housing. The sensor assembly also includes a conductive target movably coupled to the second section of the printed circuit board to vary net voltage of the detection circuitry as the conductive target moves along the second section to provide an output signal. The processing circuitry detects the output signal and converts the output signal into a linear representation of position of the conductive target in relation to the second section.

MAGNETOSTRICTIVE TRANSMITTER
20210255026 · 2021-08-19 ·

The present invention provides a sensor assembly for a magnetostrictive transmitter. The sensor assembly includes a holder, a substrate, a piezoelectric crystal, and a magnetostrictive wire. The piezoelectric crystal includes an inner surface. The piezoelectric crystal further includes a groove extending in the inner surface. A portion of the magnetostrictive wire is operable to be receive in the groove in the inner surface of the piezoelectric crystal.

MAGNETOSTRICTIVE TRANSMITTER
20210255026 · 2021-08-19 ·

The present invention provides a sensor assembly for a magnetostrictive transmitter. The sensor assembly includes a holder, a substrate, a piezoelectric crystal, and a magnetostrictive wire. The piezoelectric crystal includes an inner surface. The piezoelectric crystal further includes a groove extending in the inner surface. A portion of the magnetostrictive wire is operable to be receive in the groove in the inner surface of the piezoelectric crystal.

VALIDATION OF FLUID LEVEL SENSORS
20210239510 · 2021-08-05 ·

Methods and systems for validating a fluid level sensor having a floating element are provided. First readings are acquired from the fluid level sensor indicative of fluid levels sensed via the floating element during a first period of operation of the fluid level sensor. A validated range of fluid levels for the fluid level sensor is determined based on the first readings. At least one second reading is acquired from the fluid level sensor during a second period of operation, subsequent to the first period of operation. A starting position of the floating element for the second period of operation is determined based on the at least one second reading. When the starting position of the floating element is within the validated range, validating the at least one second reading.

LIQUID LEVEL SENSOR SYSTEM

A fluid level sensor system is disclosed for sensing a fluid level in a well. The system has a main body and an inlet housing coupled to the main body. The inlet housing has an internal chamber in communication with an ambient environment within the well. A bellows within the main body communicates with the internal chamber of the inlet housing. A movable element is responsive to movement of the bellows. A sensor detects when the movable element moves from a first position, indicating a first fluid level in the well, to a second position indicating a second fluid level within the well. An indicator is operably associated with the movable element and moves into a position to be viewable when the sensing element is moved to the second position, to provide a visual indication that the second fluid level has been reached.