Abstract: Vehicle fuel tank modeling systems and methods are provided herein. An example method includes introducing known volumes of fuel into the fuel tank, determining correlations of fuel level percentage values relative to the known volumes of fuel placed into the fuel tank, offsetting the correlations to compensate for unusable fuel volume of the fuel tank, selecting a non-linear fuel tank model that fits the offset correlations, and applying the non-linear fuel tank model to a target vehicle having a fuel tank with a fuel tank part number.

Abstract: A corrosion protection element is described, with which in simple and cost effective manner a reliable corrosion protection of field devices can be provided, which field devices comprise at least one component of stainless steel in contact with an environment of the field device. Corrosion protection elements of the invention are distinguished by features including that they are embodied as sacrificial anodes comprising iron or rustable steel and have a form, which is embodied in such a manner that they can be applied to the component of the field device in such a manner that the sacrificial anode is in electrically conducting contact with the component.

Abstract: In one example a liquid level sensing device is described. The device includes a carrier and a liquid level sensing device disposed on the carrier. The liquid level sensing interface has an aspect ratio of at least 1:50. A number of liquid level sensing components are disposed on the liquid level sensing interface. The number of liquid level sensing components detect a liquid level in a liquid container. The liquid level sensing device also includes an electrical interconnect to output data collected from the number of liquid level sensing components.

Abstract: A filling level indicator for determining a filling level in a tank includes: a resistor network; a contact element arranged spaced apart from the resistor network; and a magnetic element movable relative to the resistor network and the contact element. The contact element has a contact region deflectable by the magnetic element. The contact region is deflectable so as to produce an electrically conductive connection between the contact region and the resistor network. The contact region comprises a planar tape-shaped element that is partially deflectable by a magnetic force of the magnetic element. The contact region has at least two portions that are arranged mutually adjacent to, and mutually spaced apart from, one another.

Abstract: A fuel tank structure of a straddle vehicle includes a fuel tank which accumulates fuel supplied from a fuel filler port, a fuel tray which is provided above the fuel tank so as to surround the fuel filler port, and a gas-liquid separator which is connected to the fuel tank and separates the fuel into gas and liquid. The gas-liquid separator is spaced apart from the fuel tank and provided on the fuel tray.

Abstract: A sender assembly that has a compact state, which may allow a pump assembly including the sender assembly to be easily inserted into an opening of a fluid tank. For example, the pump assembly may be insertable into the opening of the fluid tank while a longitudinal axis of the pump assembly remains coaxial with the opening. When in the compact state a rotatable arm and a float of the sender assembly may be entirely within or deformable to be within a predetermined envelope that has a radial extent less than the opening of the fluid tank to allow the sender assembly to be inserted straight into the opening. The predetermined envelope may be coaxial with the longitudinal axis and have a cross-section transverse to the longitudinal axis that matches the opening of the tank.

Abstract: The oil level sensor is associated with a tank containing oil and has a float movable along guides and which can float on the oil of the tank, so as to move with the oil level, a permanent magnet movable with the float, and an electronic card provided with magnetic switches sensitive to said magnet. The guides of the spherical float are positioned about the float and the contacts of the guides with said float are limited to three substantially linear zones.

Abstract: A ceramic card having a thick film network, with conductive vias formed as part of the card. Each of the vias is in electrical communication with both sides of the thick film network, allowing the pads and the pad senders to be formed on both sides of the card. This configuration maintains the contact when one of the connectors is subjected to bending force or is otherwise displaced, maintaining contact with at least one of the pads, and allowing the system to still function. The double sided thick film network allows for each connector to touch both sides of one of the pads, and still maintain electrical communication with the level sender, thus eliminating the failure mode of intermittent contact with the thick film network resulting from movement of the connector.

Abstract: A liquid level detection device is configured so as to reduce or eliminate the contact between electrical cords led out of a detection section. A liquid level detection device is provided with: a detection section which detects the position of a liquid surface on the basis of the rotation of a rotation section rotating as a float is displaced; a plate-like mounting plate section, one surface of which is a mounting surface to which the detection section is mounted; a flange section which is mounted to a tank for containing liquid; and first and second electrical cords which are led out of the detection section toward the flange section. A branch section which comprises a through-hole is provided in the mounting plate section. The second electrical cord passes through the branch section and is routed around from the mounting surface side of the mounting plate section to the back surface side thereof.

Abstract: In a resistance plate, a first slide portion includes a plurality of first conductive segments arranged at intervals generally in a direction of sliding movement of a sliding arm, the adjacent first conductive segments being connected together via a resistor. A first conducting path 13 extends between the first slide portion and a first end land to electrically connect them together, the first end land being provided for detecting a quantity of electricity appearing according to the positions of the first conductive segment and a second conductive segment which are held in contact with the sliding arm. A protector is formed on the first conducting path to cover this first conducting path. The protector and the resistor are made of the same material.

Abstract: A variable resistor card for a fuel level sensor includes a first wiper contact area, a first electrically conductive pathway electrically communicated to the first wiper contact area, a second wiper contact area, a second electrically conductive pathway electrically communicated to the second wiper contact area, and a nonconductive layer on at least one of the first and second electrically conductive pathways.

Abstract: A resistor card for a fuel level sensor has improved resistance to corrosion and wear. The resistor card has a substrate with a resistive layer and a conductive layer. A nickel layer covers the conductive layer. A nickel-gold alloy layer covers the nickel layer. The nickel-gold alloy layer protects the conductive layer from sulfur corrosion and improves wear resistance.

Abstract: A resistor card for a fuel level sensor has improved resistance to corrosion and wear. The resistor card has a substrate with a resistive layer and a conductive layer. A nickel layer covers the conductive layer. A nickel-gold alloy layer covers the nickel layer. The nickel-gold alloy layer protects the conductive layer from sulfur corrosion and improves wear resistance.

Abstract: A resistor card for a fuel level sensor has improved resistance to corrosion and wear. The resistor card has a substrate with a resistive layer and a conductive layer. A nickel layer covers the conductive layer. A nickel-gold alloy layer covers the nickel layer. The nickel-gold alloy layer protects the conductive layer from sulfur corrosion and improves wear resistance.

Abstract: A resistor card for a fuel level sensor has improved resistance to corrosion and wear. The resistor card has a substrate with a resistive layer and a conductive layer. A nickel layer covers the conductive layer. A nickel-gold alloy layer covers the nickel layer. The nickel-gold alloy layer protects the conductive layer from sulfur corrosion and improves wear resistance.

Abstract: A liquid level detecting device to be disposed in a liquid tank includes a body, a float arm having a float to be disposed in liquid, a resinous arm holder fixed to the body to hold the float arm so that the float arm moves as a level of the liquid changes, a circuit board fixed to the body, an elastic metal plate member having a sliding contact which slides on a sliding surface of the circuit board under a biasing force and a fixing member for fixing the elastic metal plate member to the arm holder. The resinous arm holder has an engagement hole portion and the fixing member has at least a pair of claws which extends along a slit between them and inserted into the engagement hole portion so that the pair of claws elastically deforms in a direction to narrow the slit.

Abstract: There is provided a testing apparatus (200) for a hybrid indicator lens and potentiometer actuator (100). The hybrid actuator (100) serves both as a knob for a potentiometer (120) and as a lens to convey light from an indicator arrangement (110). The test apparatus (200) includes a rotatable test head (204) having a light sensing means (210) and an engaging portion (202). The engaging portion (202) engages with a corresponding receiving recess (102) provided on a head portion (114) of said hybrid actuator (100) and thereby aligns the light sensing means (210) with the hybrid actuator (100). The testing apparatus (200) performs automated tests which include rotation of the hybrid actuator (100), and therefore the potentiometer (120) to a range of test settings and inspection of the functionality of the indicator lens arrangement (110).

Abstract: A filling level sensor (2) for a fuel container (1) of a motor vehicle has two lever arms (4, 5). One of the lever arms (4) supports a float (10), while the other lever arm (5) is prestressed against the bottom of the fuel container (1). A detecting device (6) for detecting the filling level in the fuel container (1) determines the difference between the positions of the lever arms (4, 5). The detection of the filling level in the fuel container (1) is hereby rendered very accurate.

Abstract: A resistor card for a potentiometer to measure the fuel in a fuel tank consists of a non-conductive substrate with a plurality of elongate conductive contacts deposited thereon. The contacts have an elevation above the surface of the substrate and the contacts are oriented in parallel relationship to each other to form a wiper track across which a wiper is moveable. To reduce the rate at which the upper surfaces of the contacts are worn away by movement of the wiper, an insulating or highly resistive filler material is deposited between the conductive materials which form the lands.

Abstract: A linear sliding variable resistor comprises a case with a through hole; an operating shaft inserted in the through hole and axially movably locked; an insulated board located in the case and having an electrically conductive pattern on the surface thereof; a sliding contact which slides on the pattern; and a sliding contact retainer which retains the sliding contact and is fixed on the operating shaft. The sliding contact retainer is provided with a pair of snap legs and a retaining portion having a U-sectional recess; and the operating shaft is held by the recess of the retaining portion and the snap legs.

Abstract: A fuel gauging system for a motor vehicle fuel tank, including a housing (100) supporting a resistive element (200), an arm (300) pivotally mounted on the housing (100) and comprising at least one cursor (350) engaging the resistive element (200), and a lever (400) provided with a float connected to the arm (300) for monitoring the movements thereof. The system includes a housing (100) and an arm (300) which comprise complementary rotational guides (120, 310) and structure (316, 317, 318, and 319) to enable translation of the arm (300) on the housing (100). The arm (300) is combined with an L-shaped lever (400) so that one of the sections (420) defines the pivot axis of the device.

Abstract: Two embodiments of an analog liquid level sensor are provided for measuring the level of a liquid in a container having a volume/depth relationship wherein each sensor has a resistance-to-float-displacement profile matched to the volume/depth relationship of the container. Each sensor includes a dielectric coated metal bar which acts as a heat sink and a ground plane. A pair of electrically spaced terminals and a printed circuit including a thick film resistor pattern and a metallization pattern having metallized graduations are formed on the metal bar for reduced electrical noise characteristics and improved hysteresis. The resistance of the resistor pattern is electrically coupled between the terminals and has a resistance which varies at different positions between the terminals. The metallization pattern is formed on the resistor pattern which, in turn, is formed on opposite sides of the dielectric coated metal bar.

Abstract: A fuel level sensor is provided having a contact arm pivotally mounted to a frame adjacent a cam that translates the pivotal motion of the arm into a linear motion so that a contact arm may move linearly across a miniaturized resistor card.

Abstract: A fuel sending unit assembly includes a pump for pumping fuel from a storage system to a combustion system, a float for measuring the level of fuel remaining in the storage system, and a filter for preventing debris contained in the fuel from entering the combustion system. The assembly is characterized by the filter being attached to the float. In this manner, the assembly intakes fuel from the fuel surface rather than debris or liquid contaminants which have settled on the bottom of the tank. In a preferred embodiment, the assembly further includes a tube for attaching the float to the pump and for channeling fuel from the filter to the pump.

Abstract: A fuel level indicator system that utilizes a resistor card having an arc-shaped resistive path with a first set of spaced apart conductor lines and an arc-shaped resistive ink material overlying the first set of conductor lines. The first conductor lines are formed at an angle with respect to a radial line drawn from the center of the resistive path arc. The resistor card also has an arc-shaped continuously solid conductor base and a second set of spaced apart conductor lines extending from the base at an angle with respect to a radial line drawn from the center of the arc-shaped conductor base. The system includes a wiper assembly having a pair of spaced apart arms. Each arm has a plurality of parallel fingers extending from one end. One of the fingers on a first arm engages a conductor line on the resistive path and a second finger on the first arm engages an adjacent conductor line along the resistive path.

Abstract: A resistor card for a potentiometer to measure the fuel in a fuel tank consists of a non-conductive substrate with a plurality of elongate conductive contacts deposited. The contacts have an elevation above the surface of the substrate and the contacts are oriented in parallel relationship to each other to form a wiper track across which a wiper is movable. To reduce the rate at which the upper surfaces of the contacts are worn away by movement of the wiper, a non-conductive filler is deposited between the conductive materials which form the lands.

Abstract: This invention includes a combustion engine fuel level indication system operable at 10 mA or lower and without any contact resistance buildup. The present system utilizes a noble metal ink formulation for both contacts of resistive path and a conductive path. The resistive and conductive paths each having angled conductor lines which reduce the overall volume requirement for the noble metal ink composition used to make the paths. The invention also includes a wiper contact having spaced apart parallel tangs or fingers positioned so that a first finger engages a first conductor line along the conductive path and a second finger engages an adjacent conductor line along the conductive path to improve the make brake contact.

Abstract: A liquid level sender device for measuring a level of a liquid in a tank having a first wall and a bottom wall includes a bracket mounted to the first wall of the tank, a first potentiometer mounted on the bracket, a float arm movably connected to the bracket and cooperating with the first potentiometer to generate a first variable resistance which varies according to the position relationship between the bracket and the float arm, a float mounted on the float arm which moves according to the level of the liquid in the tank and moves the float arm accordingly, a second potentiometer mounted on the bracket, and a compensation arm biased against the bottom wall of the tank and movably connected to the bracket, where the compensation arm cooperates with the second potentiometer to generate a second variable resistance which varies according to the position relationship between the bracket and the compensation arm.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electronic float gauge for indicating the level of liquid in a tank. A float follows the liquid level and causes a rotor that has magnets on it to rotate. Surrounding the magnets, in a concentric array, are a series of reed switches. The rotation of the magnets feeds information to the reed switches about the level of fluid in the tank. The reed switches are connected to a fluid level indicator.

Abstract: For liquid-level sensing in a tank, the invention provides a tank-mounted first subassembly that is adapted for suspension of a vertical guide from the top of the tank, such that a guided float may coact with an elongate vertical ribbon, to angularly displace a magnetic element carried by the upper end of the ribbon. The tank-mounting of this first subassembly completes closure of the tank and its contents, and closure structure of this first subassembly assures containment of the ribbon and its magnetic element within the closed volume of the tank. A second subassembly of magnetically responsive electrical means is encapsulated by a housing which is detachably connectable to the closure structure of the first assembly, solely by access that is external to the closed tank. Electrical output of the second subassembly is flexibly available to remote indicating and/or monitoring circuitry which forms no part of the invention.

Abstract: A liquid level switch assembly is provided which can be adjusted as to what liquid level will actuate the switch. A support bracket is mountable to the tank and a float arm is pivotally mounted to the support bracket inside the tank by way of a pivot axle. A magnet is mounted to the pivot axle such that the magnet rotates as the float arm pivots to follow the liquid level on the tank but such that the angular position of the poles of the magnet can be adjusted relative to the float arm when the float arm is retained as the magnet is rotated. A reed switch is mounted on the support bracket near the magnet such that when the float arm is in a predetermined range of angular position relative to the horizontal, the reed switch is actuated by the magnet.

Abstract: A liquid level indicator comprising a rod (10) of insulating material. The rod is a carrier for two parallel helically wound resistance wires (12, 13) and is surrounded by a float (11) of insulating material displaceable along the rod (10) by variations in the liquid level. The resistance wires are connected to electrically conducting contact by means of a contact element (14) arranged on the float (11) with resilient contact plates arranged on each side of the rod for respective resistance wires. In this manner a circuit through the wires (12, 13) and the contact element is achieved whose resistance varies depending on the position of the float (11) along the rod (10). In order to improve the float's ability to follow variations in the liquid level, the contact element (14) is pivotably carried on the float (11) so that the contact element can pivot somewhat about an axis which normally is directed transversely to the longitudinal direction of the rod (10).

Abstract: A gauge assembly (10) utilizing a voltage divider circuit to provide reliable and accurate measurement of a fluid level within a tank (16) or other environment. A pointer assembly (52) pivots about an axis (42) in response to a moving float to indicate the fluid level. A plurality of contact arms (114, 116, 118) extending from a contact plate (58) on the pointer assembly (52) resiliently engage a point (120) along a resistive element (88). The first end of the resistive element is connected to a voltage regulator (100) which is connected to a first contact (94). The second end of the resistive element forms a second contact (96). The point (120) of contact between the contact arms and resistive element is connected to an amplifier (102) which is connected to a third contact (95) forming a low impedance voltage divider circuit.

Abstract: A device for measuring the level of fuel in a motor vehicle tank, the device being of the type comprising: a float suitable for following the level of the fuel; a lever hinged to a support and carrying the float; and an electrical transducer controlled by the lever so that the transducer supplies a signal representative of the level of fuel in the tank; wherein: the electrical transducer is placed in a fixed housing linked to a wall of the tank; the lever support is urged permanently against the bottom wall of the tank to follow any displacement thereof; and rotary link means are provided to provide a rotary connection between the float-carrying lever and a control shaft of the electrical transducer.

Abstract: A three wire potentiometric liquid level sensor for measuring liquid levels in a container is disclosed. The sensor includes a conductive strip, a float, a contact means attached to the float, a resistive strip, and a conductive rod buried beneath an insulator. A second embodiment of the invention includes a first conductive strip, a second conductive strip, a float, a contact means attached to the float, and an insulating rod. The sensor produces a resistance directly proportional to the liquid level in the container.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor is disclosed for measuring the amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank of a motor vehicle. The liquid level sensor comprises a vertically oriented resistor element, a float, and a contact assembly. A conductive strip and a continuous pad resistive strip are both located on the same side of the resistor element. The contact assembly is removably locked in the float, and is movable with the float along the resistor element. A contact connected to the end of a contact arm of the contact assembly is biased against the conductive strip, and another contact is biased against the resistive strip. At any point along the resistor element, the contact assembly electrically connects the conductive strip and the resistive strip to complete a circuit having a resistance proportional to the height of the float to indicate the level of liquid in the vessel.

Abstract: A fuel level sender (10) utilized a float (14) pivotally connected to a resistive rheostat (20) for varying a measurement signal in response to pivotal movement of the float (14) and therefore level of liquid in a container (12). The rheostat (20) includes an arcuate card helically wound by a conductive wire (70) wherein a ball bearing (80) biased by a spring (83) is pivotally connected to the float (14) such that the ball bearing (80) rolls along the arcuate card to change the resistance provided by the wire (70). The rheostat (20) is supported within the channel (25) of a threesided U-channel extrusion (24). A mounting boss (45) providing a four sided internal cavity receives an end of the extrusion (24) therein. The boss (45) and extrusion (24) may be separated to incrementally vary the orientation therebetween. The mounting boss (45) is integrally connected to a flange plate (28) having molded-in terminals for receiving electrical wires from the rheostat (20).

Abstract: A two wire and a three wire resistive fluid level sensor for measuring fluid levels within a container are disclosed. The sensor includes a plurality of resistors connected in series. The sensor produces an output signal by providing a short circuit to the circuit nodes between the resistors so that a stair-step output signal is created as the float moves in conjunction with the liquid level in a container. The value of the resistances can be varied in order to accommodate various cross-sectional tank contours and thus produce a usable, readily and easily configurable sensor. The structure of the sensors enables measurement of depth variances far in excess of prior art sensors.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor for sensing liquid levels within a container is disclosed. The sensor includes a conductive plastic resistor and conductive plastic conductors deposited onto a thin polymer insulator. The conductive plastic resistor is a potentiometric resistive track which is electrically contacted at points along the length of the resistor by a contact assembly attached to a float. The polymer insulator is attached to a conductive support member or conductive strip disposed substantially vertically in the liquid. The float is disposed about the conductive strip. The contacts provide a short circuit between the resistive strip and conductive strip and thereby provide a resistive circuit connection analogous to the wiper of a potentiometer.

Abstract: A three wire potentiometric liquid level sensor for measuring liquid levels in a container is disclosed. The sensor includes a conductive strip, a float, a contact means attached to the float, a resistive strip, and a conductive rod buried beneath an insulator. A second embodiment of the invention includes a first conductive strip, a second conductive strip, a float, a contact means attached to the float, and an insulating rod. The sensor produces a resistance directly proportional to the liquid level in the container.

Abstract: A device for measuring the level of fuel in a motor vehicle tank, the device being of the type comprising: a base for fixing to a wall of the tank; a support hinged about a horizontal axis to the portion of the base inside the tank; a shoe carried at the bottom end of the support so that the shoe rests against the bottom of the tank; a resistor element carried by the support; a float carried by an arm which is hinged about a non-vertical axis to the support to track the level of fuel; and a cursor carried by the arm and engaging the resistor element to define a resistance which varies as a function of the level of liquid contained in the tank, wherein the shape of the shoe is such that regardless of the position of the bottom of the tank, due to possible deformation of the tank, whenever the level of fuel corresponds to the same minimum measurable depth, the arm of the float always occupies the same position relative to the support.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for the measurement of the level or volume of a liquid contained in a reservoir of the type comprising a casing that houses an element defining two generally vertical, separate, electrical tracks, at least one of which is electrically resistant, and a float that is capable of following the level of the liquid and bears a slider capable of connecting the two tracks, said device comprising at least one spacer that connects the housing and the element defining the tracks, at least two floats placed on either side of the spacer and means ensuring that at least the slider of the upper float is separated from at least one of the tracks when it reaches the lower final stage of its movement adjacent to the spacer.

Abstract: Liquid level sensor comprising a rod (2) on which a first (4) and a second (5) resistance wire are wound helically and parallel, a float (3) which is displaceable along the rod and which comprises a contact element which has a first (11) and a seond (12) contact plate, which each make contact with one of the resistance wires (4, 5) respectively, and a circuit which runs through the resistance wires and the contact element and whose resistivity varies depending on the position of hte float along the rod, in which respect the resistance wire (4) is recessed in the rod in the area in which the resistance wire (5) bears against the contact plate (12) while the resistance wire (5) is recessed in the rod in the area in which the resistance wire (4) bears against the contact plate.

Abstract: The position sensor of the present invention includes a pair of elongated conducting members disposed in a parallel arrangement and a conducting metallic ball or mercury drop freely movable following the pair of elongated conducting members while maintaining a simultaneous contact with the pair of elongated conducting members, which combination provides two electric circuits respectively including a first circuit including a first poriton of the two elongated conducting members and the contact provided by the metallic ball or mercury drop, and a second electric circuit including the second portion of the two elongated conducting members and the same contact, wherein the metallic ball or mercury drop divides the combination of the two elongated conducting members into the first and second portions.

Abstract: A level measuring device for measuring the level of a liquid in a container. The device has an elongated support which extends approximately horizontally into the container and is fastened at a fastening end 6 to a wall 3 of the container while its other resting end 3 rests under initial spring pressure against the bottom 2 of the container. On the support there is fastened a carrier 12 on which a mechanical-electrical transducer is disposed and on which there is pivotally mounted a lever 13 which bears a float 14 and acts on the transducer. The support is developed as an elastic spring in the region between its fastening end 6 and the carrier 12.

Abstract: A resistor card for a fuel tank level sensor configured to reduce wear between an electrical contact wiper and metalized conductor pads formed on a substrate, by the deposition of thick film resistive material on the individual pads. The resistive material forms a protective coating on the pads to protect the metalized pads from excessive wiper wear.

Abstract: A universal fuel sender where critical dimensions are determined at final assembly including a circular support rod carrying an adjustable rheostat bracket with the radius of a float arm assembly being selectable when attached to the rheostat.

Abstract: A fuel sender assembly using a wiper contact to generate a resistance proportional to fuel level in a fuel tank has a bent float rod engaged by a fork and a bore of a carrier element which rigidly carries a spring contact. The spring contact slidably engages a resistor on a resistor card within a housing. The carrier element extends through a slot in the housing such that it abuts the ends of the slot to provide rotational limits for the float rod. The carrier element retains the float rod such that the float rod is allowed to move over a limited distance in the direction coaxial with the portion of the float rod about which the other movable parts rotate. All other movement of the float rod, except the sweeping movement related to fuel level, are substantially prevented. Vibrational wear of the resistor card is thus avoided.

Abstract: A level measuring device for measuring the level of a liquid in a container. The device has an elongated support which extends approximately horizontally into the container and is fastened at a fastening end 6 to a wall 3 of the container while its other resting end 3 rests under initial spring pressure against the bottom 2 of the container. On the support there is fastened a carrier 12 on which a mechanical-electrical transducer is disposed and on which there is pivotally mounted a lever 13 which bears a float 14 and acts on the transducer. The support is developed as an elastic spring in the region between its fastening end 6 and the carrier 12.

Abstract: A fluid level sensor assembly comprises a sensor mounted to a sensor housing. A carrier extends from the sensor housing in an angled orientation. A float is located within the carrier such that the float may move along a longitudinal axis of the carrier. A fragment is secured to the float, and the sensor detects a location of the fragment as the float moves within the carrier.