Liquid-gauging systems for estimating amounts of liquid within collapsible bladders. In some embodiments, a liquid-gauging system of this disclosure includes one or more liquid-gauging sensors that each output a signal relating to an amount of liquid within a corresponding collapsible bladder. In some embodiments, each liquid-gauging sensor comprises a variable capacitor having capacitor plates located so that the spacing between the capacitor plates changes with changing amounts of liquid within the collapsible bladder. In some embodiments, each liquid-gauging sensor comprises a pressure sensor for measuring forces, such as gravitational forces, that change with changing amounts of liquid within the collapsible bladder. In some embodiments, a liquid-gauging system is configured for an aircraft or other moving vehicle and includes one or more additional sensors to adjust the estimating process to account for changes in attitude of the vehicle during use. Corresponding methods, liquid-storage systems, and collapsible bladders are also disclosed.

A sensor for measuring the contents of a syringe or other container is described. The sensor includes a voltage source, a pair of electrodes, a measurement circuit, and an electrode shield. The voltage source is coupled to the electrodes, and the electrodes apply an electric field through at least a portion of the container or syringe. The measurement circuit measures capacitance across the electrodes. The electrode shield partially encloses the pair of electrodes. The electrode shield may include an inner electrode shield having a second voltage, and an outer electrode shield having a third voltage.

An aerosol generating device includes: a liquid storage configured to store an aerosol generating material; a first residual amount detection sensor and a second residual amount detection sensor respectively arranged on a first inner surface and a second inner surface that face each other among inner surfaces of the liquid storage; a third residual amount detection sensor and a fourth residual amount detection sensor respectively arranged on a third inner surface and a fourth inner surface of the liquid storage that face each other and are different from the first inner surface and the second inner surface of the liquid storage; and a controller configured to measure a remaining amount of the aerosol generating material based on a first detected value output by the first residual amount detection sensor and a second detected value output by the second residual amount detection sensor.

A liquid product distribution network includes a liquid product distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus for operation in association with a tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus. The liquid product distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus includes a radio transmitter device and sensing circuitry for sensing and communicating physical properties associating with the keg. A tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus senses flow of a liquid through a tap includes a tap handle radio transmitter device for fitting within and protected by a tap handle and a low-energy consumption tap handle radio/processing module. A mobile communications device with geographic position sensing device and/or said tap handle flow monitoring and reporting apparatus passively and without user interaction within the liquid product distribution network, without using network uplink/gateway circuit devices for sensing and reporting fluid storage, flow, and financial operations relating to the distribution of said liquid product throughout the liquid product distribution network.

The invention is directed to a gauge body for a container for pressurized gas, comprising a mounting surface for mounting the body to the container; an inner side in contact with the pressurized gas when mounted on the container; an outer side opposite to the inner side with regard to the mounting surface, the outer side being outside of the container when the body is mounted on the container; an electrical lead extending in a gas tight manner through the body from the inner side to the outer side. The electrical lead comprises a metallic rod and a bushing around the rod, the bushing being mounted a gas tight manner on the body.

A physical quantity detection device including a container that accommodates a detection object formed of a dielectric, a first electrode provided at an outer side of the container, a second electrode that is provided separately from and to face the first electrode, and an electrostatic capacitance detector that detects an electrostatic capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrostatic capacitance detector includes a waveform generation source coupled to the first electrode and a voltage detection circuit coupled to the second electrode. A relationship of |Zc|/|Z1|+|Zc|>|Zc|/|Z2|+|Zc| is satisfied in which |Zc| is an absolute value of an input impedance of the electrostatic capacitance detector, |Z1| is an absolute value of an impedance when the detection object is present between the first electrode and the second electrode, and |Z2| is an absolute value of an impedance when no detection object is present between the first electrode and the second electrode.

A liquid surface detector includes an electrode pad, a coil, a memory, and a detection control circuit. The electrode pad is attached to an outer side surface of a tank of the image forming apparatus. The coil is connected to the electrode pad. The memory stores initial values. The detection control circuit determines a capacitance (first capacitance) of a first resonance circuit including the coil and the tank with the electrode pad. When determining a liquid surface level value, the detection control circuit subtracts an error value from the first capacitance so as to determine a first corrected capacitance, and determines the liquid surface level value based on the first corrected capacitance and the initial value.

A guided wave level gauge which processes reflections from impedance transitions seen along a probe connected to the gauge. Determines the level based on reflections received from a surface of the material, end of the probe, a connection of the probe to the gauge, and a relative velocity (Vr) of propagation of the electromagnetic signal for the portion of the probe above the material surface to the portion of the probe below the surface. Determines the level without a surface reflection based on the end of probe reflection, probe to gauge connection reflection, relative velocity Vr, and an electrical length of the probe. The methods include determining the relative velocity Vr and the electrical length of the probe. The apparatus includes placing the probe on the outside surface of the tank. The apparatus includes jacketing the probe to improve the reflection received from the end of the probe.

A sensor system is described that can be attached to the outside wall of a nonmetallic container located within an outer cage, and that measures with high resolution a level of liquid inside the container using capacitance changes at the sensor system. The sensor system includes a sensing element having a metal channel that houses a foam ribbon, and a conductive strip is applied to the foam ribbon oppositely from the metal channel to form a capacitor. Sensor electronics can determine capacitance changes from which the liquid level is determined, and can transmit sensor information wirelessly to an external electronic device. The sensor system further includes a compression assembly for fixing the sensing element to the cage while maintaining the sensing element applied against an outer surface of the container in a highly conformable manner. The compression assembly includes components for attachment to the cage bars, and one or more springs bias the sensing element against the container.

A pressure vessel assembly incudes a pressure vessel and a gas density gauge. The pressure vessel includes a vessel wall defining an interior cavity. The gas density gauge includes a parallel plate capacitor having a pair of plates. Opposing surfaces of the plates are separated by a distance across an open gap. A capacitance of the capacitor is related to a density of a gas within the open gap.