A bin volume predictor can receive data characterizing measurements of a temperature at a plurality of temperature sensors of a temperature sensor cable that is positioned to extend along a height of the storage bin in an interior of the storage bin and data characterizing measurements of an ambient temperature of an exterior of the storage bin. The bin volume predictor identifies, based on the measured temperature for temperature sensors in the interior of the storage bin, a topmost covered temperature sensor of the temperature sensor cable. Moreover, the bin volume predictor determines, based on the identified topmost covered temperature sensor, an amount of material stored in the storage bin.

Systems and methods for storing fluid and sensing volume are described. In some embodiments, a system may include a container having an internal volume that is configured to change as fluid enters or exits the container, a first loop disposed on a first side of the container, and a second loop disposed on a second side of the container. A first current traveling through one of the first loop and the second loop may induce a second current in the other of the first loop and the second loop, and a magnitude of the second current may vary based on changes in the internal volume of the container.

A fluid sensor system detects one or more performance characteristics of a heating system that heats a fluid. The sensor system includes a probe having a finite length a portion of which is to be immersed in the fluid. The probe includes a resistive heating element and a fluid temperature sensor for measuring one or more performance characteristics, wherein the fluid temperature sensor is configured to measure a fluid temperature, and the resistive heating element is operable as a heater to create a temperature differential between the fluid and air to detect the fluid, and as a sensor to measure a fluid level.

An icemaking appliance includes an ice storage chamber and a water jacket at least partially surrounding the ice storage chamber. A sensor assembly includes a sleeve, a conductive plug inserted into a first portion of the sleeve, and a temperature sensor inserted into a second portion of the sleeve. The first portion of the sleeve and the conductive plug are at least partially disposed within the ice storage chamber.

A liquid level detector includes: a vertically-mounted accumulator configured to store refrigerant; a heater configured to heat the accumulator; a temperature detector configured to detect a surface temperature of the accumulator; a pressure detector configured to detect a pressure of the refrigerant in the accumulator; and a controller configured to detect a position of a liquid surface of the refrigerant in the accumulator based on a surface temperature of the accumulator detected by the temperature detector when the accumulator is heated by the heater, and a pressure of the refrigerant in the accumulator detected by the pressure detector.

A heater system includes an integrated heater device and a control system. The integrated heater device includes a thermocouple for measuring temperature and one or more multiportion resistive elements that are operable as heaters to create a temperature differential between the fluid and air to detect the fluid, and as sensors to measure a fluid level. The control device operates the integrated heater device as a sensor or heater based on one or more performance characteristics of the heater system and self-calibrates the heater device.

A system for controlling a filling level of a reservoir filled with a liquid includes the reservoir configured to be filled with the liquid at least up to a maximum filling level. The system also includes a probe including a probe body, at least a section of the probe body extending, in a height dimension of the reservoir, from a first position to a second position, the first position being lower than the second position, and the second position being above the maximum filling level, and further including a temperature dependent sensor configured to generate a sensor signal based on a temperature at the second position, the temperature depending on the filling level. The system also includes a controller for controlling the filling level of the reservoir depending on the sensor signal such that the filling level is kept constant.

A system for externally monitoring a tank level is provided. The system includes a tank monitoring computer device and at least one sensor array. The at least one sensor array includes a plurality of sensors and a plurality of fasteners. The at least one sensor array is configured to be attached to a tank by the plurality of fasteners. The tank monitoring computer device is in communication with the at least one sensor array. The tank monitoring computer device is programmed to a) receive a plurality of sensor readings from the plurality of sensors associated with the at least one sensor array, b) calculate a first tank level using a first method, c) calculate a second tank level using a second method, d) compare the first tank level to the second tank level to determine a final tank level, and e) report the final tank level.

A compressor may include a shell, a compression mechanism, first and second temperature sensors, and a control module. The shell may define a lubricant sump. The compression mechanism may be disposed within the shell and may be operable to compress a working fluid. The first temperature sensor may be at least partially disposed within the shell at a first position. The second temperature sensor may be at least partially disposed within the shell at a second position that is vertically higher than the first position. The control module may be in communication with the first and second temperature sensors and the pressure sensor and may determine whether a liquid level in the lubricant sump is below a predetermined level based on data received from the first and second temperature sensors.

Measuring sensor, in particular of a level of a liquid, in particular for the lubricating oil of an internal combustion engine, the sensor comprising a body with a longitudinal extension with at least one related intermediate portion having cylindrical symmetry with respect to said longitudinal extension and a bushing internally complementary to said intermediate portion, so that said body can freely rotate in the bushing with respect to said longitudinal extension and wherein the bushing externally comprises fixing means for fixing the sensor to an opening of a container of said liquid.