Provided is a printer including an ink tank, a print head performing printing by using ink in the ink tank, a light source irradiating the ink tank with light, a photoelectric conversion device detecting light incident from the ink tank in a period during which the light source emits light, and a processing unit determining ink characteristics based on characteristics of a light amount detected by the photoelectric conversion device.

Provided is a printer including an ink tank provided with, at a side surface, an optical separator for separating light in a vertical direction, a print head performing printing by using ink in the ink tank, a photoelectric conversion device detecting light incident from the ink tank after passing through the optical separator, and a processing unit detecting an amount of ink in the ink tank based on an output of the photoelectric conversion device.

A wireless drink container can monitor a person's hydration and prompt him or her to drink more if appropriate. The drink containers as described herein can monitor liquid levels and communicate with external devices about the liquid levels and rate of consumption. One or more sensors in the drink container monitor the liquid level within the container. A processor coupled to the sensor(s) estimates how much liquid has been removed from the container from changes in the liquid level and transmits a signal representing the change in liquid level to a smartphone or other external device. It also triggers an audio or visual indicator, such as an LED, that prompts the user to drink more based on the user's estimated liquid consumption and on the user's liquid consumption goals, which may be based on the user's physiology, activity level, and location.

A method for determining the phase interface level of a multiphase system, includes a tank intended to receive a multiphase system including at least two fluids having distinct phases, and a tube vertically immersed inside the tank. The tube is intended to be filled with a fluid at equal pressure with the fluid contained in the tank at the level of a headspace of the tank. The tube has a plurality of differential pressure sensors per membrane which are spaced apart vertically from each other along the tube to measure the pressure difference between the fluids contained and stratified in height in the tank and the fluid contained in the tube.

An apparatus and method of determining the level of a liquid in a reservoir having curved surfaces is described, where the measuring device comprises a support having a radius of curvature conformable to the curvature of the reservoir. A float assembly is captivated to the support so that it may move freely in the vertical direction, but is constrained in rotation with respect to the support by compatible asymmetrical structural features. The float assembly includes an element that can be sensed by a sensor assembly that is positioned along the support over the length of the support encompassing the range of fluid levels to be measured.

A sensor target cover capable of preventing an optical liquid level detection sensor from erroneously detecting a rise in a liquid level is provided. A sensor target cover is used in combination with an optical liquid level detection sensor. The sensor target cover includes a reflecting plate, an inner wall structure surrounding the reflecting plate, and an outer wall structure surrounding the inner wall structure. A gap is formed between the inner wall structure and the outer wall structure.

A solids delivery ampule includes an ampule body defining an interior space. The interior space contains one or more solids support, and each solids support configured to support a quantity of a sublimation solid. The solids delivery ampule also includes a vapor outlet ports, one or more level sensor ports, and one or more level sensors. Each of the one or more level sensors extending through the one or more level sensor port into the interior space. Each of the one or more level sensors measures the quantity of the sublimation solid in each solids support.

An apparatus, system and method for providing a consumable level monitor for association with a solid content-filled consumable. The embodiments may include a sensing module embedded in a label associated with the consumable suitable to sense the consumable level; and a visual indicator suitable to receive the consumable level from the sensing module, and for communicating the consumable level to a user.

A chemical vessel used for holding a liquid chemical precursor is disclosed comprising a liquid level sensor tube. The liquid level sensor tube is configured to operate in an environment where the liquid chemical precursor is heated to a point of boiling or vaporization. The liquid level sensor tube comprises housing with a slot built in to prevent any false readings of sensors disposed within the liquid level sensor tube.

An optoelectronic module for a light barrier for fill height monitoring of an ice collection container in a household ice maker includes a module housing, which bears a light passage surface located at the boundary between the optoelectronic module and the space outside the module for the passage of a beam of light of the light barrier. The module further has a printed circuit board accommodated in the module housing, an optoelectronic component mounted on the printed circuit board, serving as a light transmitter or receiver, with a main lobe axis, and a cylindrical light-guiding element for guidance of the light beam located in the beam path between the light passage surface and the optoelectronic component, and at a distance from the component.