A method for determining and/or monitoring a process variable of a medium using a vibronic sensor includes: exciting a mechanically vibratable unit to vibrate in a first vibration mode via a drive/receiving unit using a first excitation signal; receiving and converting the vibrations of the first vibration mode into a first reception signal; generating the first excitation signal based on the first reception signal; determining the process variable from the first reception signal; exciting the vibratable unit to vibrate in a second vibration mode via the drive/receiving unit via a second excitation signal; receiving and converting the vibrations the second vibration mode into a second reception signal, where the second excitation signal is generated based on the second reception signal; and compensating for an influence of a temperature of the medium on the first reception signal using the second reception signal.

A filling level monitoring device for monitoring a filling level of a fluid in a container includes exciter(s), sensor(s), a signal source connected to the exciter(s), a processor, at least one spatial orientation and acceleration sensor, and a filling level indicator. The device uses the signal source and the exciter(s) to couple vibrational loads having multiple frequency components into the container. Sensors measure vibrations in the container after the exciters transmit the vibrational loads into the container. The processor performs spectral analysis of the input signal and of vibration signals from the sensors, comparing these respective spectral functions to extract resonance frequencies of the container, which are based on the spatial orientation of the container. The filling level indicator calculates a current filling level of the container from the extracted resonance frequencies and a spatial orientation signal from a spatial orientation sensor by correlating the collected data with reference data.

A method of configuring a container model is described, the container model defining a relationship, for a particular type of container and/or contents, between characteristics of an acoustic response and an associated fill level. The method comprises the steps of detecting an acoustic response of a plurality of containers to an acoustic stimulus at a plurality of different times, for each container, obtaining a usage start time, determining a likely fill level for each acoustic response using the usage start time, and associating that acoustic response with the determined likely fill level, to form a set of test data, and computing a relationship between characteristics of an acoustic response and an associated fill level using the test data to generate the container model. In this way, the container model can be trained without a requirement for reference level measurements (or with a reduced need for reference level measurements).

An embodiment of a fin sensor is disclosed. The embodiment of the fin sensor has a base, the base coupled to a first fin and a second fin, the fin sensor further having at least two transducers coupled to the fins, the first fin being coupled to the second fin by at least one fin coupler.

A system includes a controller for monitoring a fill level of a container. The controller is configured to receive first vibrational response data relating to a vibrational response of the container in a first state, receive second vibrational response data relating to a vibrational response of the container in a second state, and use the first vibrational response data and the second vibrational response data to identify a change in fill level of the container between the first state and the second state.

A resonance circuit (2) includes a capacitor (C1) and an inductor (L1, L2) of which an inductance is changed depending on developer including toner, and generates an output voltage corresponding to the inductance. A detecting circuit (3) detects the toner on the basis of the output voltage. An adjustment-purpose closed circuit (4) includes a semi-fixed resistor (VR1) and an adjustment inductor (L3) that forms magnetic coupling with the inductor (L1, L2), and causes an inductance of the inductor (L1, L2), a resonance frequency of the resonance circuit (2), an amplitude of the output voltage and a detected toner amount to be adjustable with a variable resistance value of the semi-fixed resistor (VR1).

A device for sensing information relating to the fill level of a container storing fluid, the container being equipped with a fill- and/or discharge line and a fill- and/or discharge fitting provided therein, is equipped with: a microphone positioned on the fill- and/or discharge line, for sensing an acoustic signal as the fluid passes through said fill- and/or discharge line; means for transmitting the acoustic signals sensed by the microphone to an evaluation unit; and an evaluation unit. The evaluation unit has a memory unit storing a characteristic curve containing information relating to the modification of a characteristic parameter according to the container contents, a computer unit determining a characteristic parameter from the acoustic signal sensed by the microphone, a comparison unit comparing the characteristic parameter and identifying information concerning the container contents, and a display unit which visually displays the information relating to the container contents.

A vehicle tank liquid level sensor and system are provided. The vehicle tank liquid level sensor uses ultrasonic sonar sensors which are externally mounted to a tank reservoir of a vehicle to efficiently and accurately measure the level of a liquid in the tank of a vehicle. The sensor(s) are especially suitable for recreational vehicles (RVs). The sensors may be used with standard CAN BUS protocols already installed in vehicles. The present sensors and system allow for a liquid level measuring system which does not need additional holes to be drilled into the tank reservoir which might otherwise cause leakage and other problems. The system may send a wireless signal to a cell phone or computer informing the user of the tank levels.

A wound fluid collection system includes a canister adapted to collect bodily fluids from a tissue site. The canister includes an acoustic transducer adapted and positioned to insonify a cavity within the canister, the cavity being defined by a wall of the canister and the bodily fluids collected within the canister. A resonant frequency may be calculated based on a resulting received signal from the insonification. The resonant frequency may indicate a volume of the cavity within the canister. The difference between a known volume of the canister and the calculated volume of the cavity provides the volume of bodily fluid collected in the canister.

A circuit is set up for a container or vessel (10) as shown in FIG. 1, which has a microphone (20), a speaker (30), a frequency control device (40) volume control device (50), an amplifier (60), a frequency reader (70) and a spectrum analyzer (80). The oscillation in the circuit is created by applying power to the amplifier (60) which creates an initial fixed standing wave that does not move. Adjusting or changing components, invokes a new behavior of the circuit which is parasitic in nature and reading of oscillating frequency on the frequency reader (70) determines the change of conditions inside the vessel or container. The method is non-intrusive, and the method of this invention can also be used for measurement of miniscule quantities in microns or micro liters such as that of biofilm or algal growth.