Patent classifications
G01F23/2927
Differential spectral liquid level sensor
Systems and methods that use a differential spectral liquid level sensor to measure the level of liquid in a reservoir (e.g., a fuel tank or other storage container). The use of a differential spectral liquid level sensor solves the problem of common-mode intensity variations (i.e., intensity variations not due to the level of the liquid) by having two different wavelengths propagate through the same optical path but have different spectral attenuations in the liquid. By determining the ratio of the received optical powers, common-mode intensity variations can be neutralized, thereby enhancing the accuracy of the received power reading and the resulting liquid level indication.
Optical sensor for a conventional tank gauge
An optical sensor for a conventional tank gauge designed to allow a user to remotely check the liquid level of a tank without the need for a visual inspection. Using an emitter circuit board with a plurality of photoemitters and a detector circuit board with a plurality of photodetectors, the optical sensor can fit over a conventional tank gauge without disturbing the gauge. The circuit boards can be attached to an optical sensor frame, which can be adjusted on the conventional tank gauge by a height adjustment screw and a series of set screws. Alternatively, one or more sliders can be used to maintain proper alignment. Analog data generated from the photodetectors can be digitized using a microcontroller and can be made available for viewing on a stationary or mobile device via an integrated network connection.
SYSTEM FOR CAPTURING PANORAMIC IMAGE OF SHOE SOLE
A system for capturing a panoramic image of a shoe sole includes a processor and a panoramic image capturing device that is disposed apart from an attachment surface of the shoe sole. The panoramic image capturing device captures a panoramic image of the attachment surface and an inner surface of a sidewall of the shoe sole. The panoramic image capturing device outputs the panoramic image. The processor obtains the panoramic image outputted by the panoramic image capturing device.
Fuel Level Sensor Having Dual Fluorescent Plastic Optical Fibers
An airplane fuel level optical sensor using one side-emitting plastic optical fiber (SPOF) and two fluorescent plastic optical fibers (FPOFs) to detect the airplane fuel level without using any electrically conductive component or element placed inside the fuel tank. This dual-FPOF sensor is capable of achieving high resolution and high accuracy with a one-time calibration in the actual airplane's fuel tank environment. One embodiment of the dual-FPOF sensor uses one SPOF and two FPOFs to detect fuel level change based on the optical signal output from the two FPOFs. The sensor design uses large-diameter (core and cladding), lightweight, low-cost and high-durability plastic optical fiber, which is very desirable for airplane installation.
Illumination assembly for liquid level gauge
An illumination system can be configured for use with a liquid level gauge. A mounting bracket can be configured to secure a LED assembly to a frost-proof extension of the liquid level gauge, with the LED assembly disposed adjacent to a second edge face of the frost-proof extension that is opposite a liquid tube. The LED assembly can be thereby configured to illuminate the liquid tube via the second edge face of the frost-proof extension.
SIDE ILLUMINATED MULTI POINT MULTI PARAMETER OPTICAL FIBER SENSOR
A side illuminated multi point multi parameter optical fiber sensor that requires no sensitive coating is provided. This sensor comprises an optical fiber having at least one removed cladding section as the sensitive region, at least one probing light source that side illuminates the fiber, a power supply, a detector, a signal processor and a display. The sensitive optical fiber is optically affected by the presence of a measurand medium that can fluoresce, phosphoresce, absorb and/or scatter the probing light. This probing light is guided by the fiber core towards a detector which measures the light intensity and this light intensity is correlated with a measurand.
Dose measurement systems and methods
Embodiments described herein generally relate to devices, systems and methods for measuring a volume or number of doses remaining in a drug delivery device that is used for delivering a dose to a patient. In some embodiments, a dose measurement system for measuring the liquid volume in a container includes a light guide disposed and configured to reflect electromagnetic radiation toward the container. The dose measurement system also includes a light guide disposed and configured to emit electromagnetic radiation into the light guide. A plurality of sensors are located in the apparatus that are optically coupleable to the light guide and are disposed and configured to detect the electromagnetic radiation emitted by at least a portion of the light guide. The apparatus also includes a processing unit configured to receive data representing the portion of the detected electromagnetic radiation from each of the plurality of sensors. The processing unit is further operable to convert the received data into a signature representative of the electromagnetic radiation detected by the plurality of sensors.
Fuel level sensor having dual fluorescent plastic optical fibers
An airplane fuel level optical sensor using one side-emitting plastic optical fiber (SPOF) and two fluorescent plastic optical fibers (FPOFs) to detect the airplane fuel level without using any electrically conductive component or element placed inside the fuel tank. This dual-FPOF sensor is capable of achieving high resolution and high accuracy with a one-time calibration in the actual airplane's fuel tank environment. One embodiment of the dual-FPOF sensor uses one SPOF and two FPOFs to detect fuel level change based on the optical signal output from the two FPOFs. The sensor design uses large-diameter (core and cladding), lightweight, low-cost and high-durability plastic optical fiber, which is very desirable for airplane installation.
Optical System, and Method for Identifying Fluid Through Said System
The present invention relates to the technological field of optical systems and refers to a device for identifying, at least one fluid, especially, fuel fluids in vehicle tanks. The device in question includes an optical guide having interaction surfaces and an emitter element emitting light beams and at least one receiving element of light beams. The information received from the receiving element includes the reflection emitted by interaction surfaces which are at the submersed region of the optical guide and indicates the type of fluid stored in the reservoirfor example: ethanol, gasoline or a mix of both. The interaction surfaces are inclined at different angles to provide total reflection for fluids with a different refractive index, including blends of fluids, to allow determination of the type of fluids according to the reflection by the interaction surfaces.
Optical System and Method for Measuring Fluid Level
The present invention relates to the technological field of meter systems and refers to a device for measuring the level of a fluid, especially, fuel fluids in vehicle tanks. The device in question including an optical guide having interaction surfaces and an light emitter element emitting light beams, an optical system including at least one collimator lens and a light diffuser, and at least one receiving element of the light beams, in which the information captured by the receiving element from the reflection reflected by the inclined interaction surfaces indicates the level of fluid stored in the reservoir. The inclined surfaces can have different angles (a), (), or an intermediate angle between (a) and ().