Electric Patents (Class 73/308)
  • Patent number: 11333423
    Abstract: Arrangement for accumulation and evacuation of water such as defrosting and condensation water from refrigeration units, the system including a piping arrangement with a vertical pipe section extending from a water evacuation unit provided in conjunction with the respective refrigeration unit; discharge valves, one for each unit; one or more liquid reservoir for each unit; one or more vacuum pumps; air inlet nozzles; a control unit; one or more level switches and air conduit inlet opening for each vertical pipe. Each of the water evacuation units includes a docking station and a water collection tray preferably to be slideably provided within the docking station, whereby each unit is custom made to fit between the refrigeration unit and floor where the refrigeration units are placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: JETS AS
    Inventors: Jan Helge Skomsøy, Werner Dybvik, Tor Rønnestad
  • Patent number: 9615990
    Abstract: A therapeutic device for massaging, cleansing, or delivering of liquid substances has a variably configurable handle that is adapted to function with a plurality of head attachments. The handles may be swiveled relative to each other at various angled positions, or they may be detached to function as two, separate devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: GRACE WELLNESS PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Debbra Kay Turnbow-Faraci, Dominic Daniel Faraci, II
  • Publication number: 20150143900
    Abstract: A liquid level sensing module for sensing a high liquid level in a sump container rising comprises a first liquid-actuated switch which provides a first output signal upon the liquid level reaching a first level, and a second liquid-actuated switch which provides a second output signal upon the liquid level reaching a second level above the first. A delay circuit delays the first output signal by a period if time sufficient for the liquid to rise from the first switch level to the second switch level to produce a delayed output signal. An alarm circuit produces a fault signal indicating a switch module fault upon the occurrence of the second output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Eugene M. Cummings
  • Patent number: 8985964
    Abstract: A float switch apparatus for controlling the energization of multiple electric circuits in response to the level of a liquid in a vessel, and a pump system incorporating same, are provided. The apparatus has a guide structure adapted to be mounted in a fixed position relative to the vessel. A first micro-switch with a normal and an engaged position is mounted to the guide structure and is adapted to be connected into a first electric circuit to control the energization thereof. A second microswitch with a normal and an engaged position is mounted to the guide structure at a location above the first micro-switch and is adapted to be connected into a second electric circuit to control the energization thereof. A float rod is slideably mounted to the guide structure for reciprocating movement in a generally vertical direction in a zone above a resting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Raymond Ascord Noel
  • Patent number: 8967191
    Abstract: A leak detection system for the rapid and accurate detection of the mean surface level change of a body of liquid is provided. The system is capable of sensing mean surface level changes under static or turbulent surface conditions. In one embodiment, the system includes a rigid walled sensor pod with at least one inner pod cavity that is so positioned to receive liquid from a body of liquid such that dynamic equilibrium is possible and maintained between the mean surface level of the body of liquid and the amount of liquid in the inner cavity. The system further includes a sensor assembly having a stiction free float operating in conjunction with a strain gauge, and microprocessors applying algorithms to process, display, and report the sensor data in accordance with the needs of the end user or to initiate actions for automated control functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventors: Richard DeVerse, Van R. Malan
  • Patent number: 8915134
    Abstract: A measuring system is disclosed that may include a sensing module that provides a response to a measured quantity, a first mechanical transducer that provides an output signal proportional to the measured quantity, a conversion device that converts the output signal to a second output signal, and a sensor that detects the second output signal and generates an instrument reading within an instrument range of output signals. A bias assembly may forces a second mechanical transducer to provide the second output signal that is detected by the sensor and which generates an instrument reading outside of the specified instrument range when the mechanical transducer is disconnected from the conversion device. A level detector is also disclosed that may include a displacer assembly, a torque rod coupled to the displacer assembly and connected to a magnet, and a non-contact sensor that detects displacement of the magnet assembly within an instrument range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Patrick Giovanoni, Conor Padraic Beote, Jean-Marc Mahieu, Denis Vital
  • Publication number: 20140366627
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting phase separation in storage tanks is provided. At least one float has a density calibrated to detect a density differential among surrounding fluids. The float is buoyant on a relatively more dense lower layer of fluid such as phase separated fuel or pure water, while remaining submerged in a relatively less dense upper layer of fluid such as a gasoline/ethanol blend. A detection device sends a signal when the float rises or falls above or below a preset acceptable level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Donald P. Kenney, David R. Kruschke
  • Patent number: 8878682
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting phase separation in storage tanks is provided. At least one float has a density calibrated to detect a density differential among surrounding fluids. The float is buoyant on a relatively more dense lower layer of fluid such as phase separated fuel or pure water, while remaining submerged in a relatively less dense upper layer of fluid such as a gasoline/ethanol blend. A detection device sends a signal when the float rises or falls above or below a preset acceptable level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Franklin Fueling Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald P. Kenney, David R. Kruschke
  • Publication number: 20140318238
    Abstract: A leak sensor for sensing fluid flow through the bearings and seals about a shaft extending from a prover. Any leakage of fluid through the bearings and seals will migrate into the annular cavity within a housing and surrounding the shaft. A conduit or passageway in fluid communication with the annular cavity conveys the leaking fluid into a collection chamber. A float within the collection chamber will trigger an electrical or mechanical signal when the float rises a preset distance. If electrical, the signal is transmitted to an alarm unit to trigger a warning indicative of the amount of fluid in the collection chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: FLOW MANAGEMENT DEVICES, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Ignatian, Gary Cohrs
  • Patent number: 8643496
    Abstract: A contact is provided for a fluid level detection apparatus. The contact includes a contact support spring for rotating in response to a change in fluid level. The contact support spring includes a cantilevered spring arm having a proximal end to be fixed to a holder and a free end, and a contact support which is provided at the free end. First and second contacts are attached to the contact support in first and second positions, respectively, the first position being set at one end opposite to an end at which the second position is set. The joining position of the contact support and cantilevered spring arm is set so that a pressing load applied to the first and second contacts on the contact support by the flexure displacement of the contact support spring falls within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiaki Fukuhara
  • Patent number: 8430641
    Abstract: A float switch to control at least two pumps has a guide with two normally-closed micro-switches and a float rod slidably mounted thereto allowing reciprocating vertical movement. The float rod has one or more lower cam surfaces cooperating with the micro-switches to sequentially release them from their engaged positions to their normal positions during upward movement of the float rod. A float is slidably mounted to the float rod between upper and lower float stops. The shape of the lower cam surfaces is such that the weight of the float rod is insufficient to allow the float rod to move downwardly against resistance provided either by the first micro-switch or separately by the second micro-switch and the weight of the float rod combined with at least a portion of the weight of the float is sufficient to overcome either such resistance and to move the float rod downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Raymond Ascord Noel
  • Patent number: 8261612
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining the fluid level of a container, such as an accumulator, may include both a remote quantity indicator and a direct quantity indicator. The remote quantity indicator may include a remote dial at the end of a flexible cable or an electrical signal receiver receiving an electrical signal from a rotary variable differential transformer (RVDT), such as a potentiometer. The RVDT type of indicator may include an electrical connector on the accumulator to attach an electrical cable to carry the quantity level signal. The direct quantity indicator may include a dial directly mounted on the accumulator. The remote/direct quantity indicators may include, for example, one of the following three combinations: 1) a dial directly on the accumulator and a remote dial at the end of a flexible cable; 2) an RVDT output and a dial directly on the accumulator; and 3) an RVDT output on an accumulator, a remote dial at the end of a flexible cable and a dial directly on the accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Eccles, Filip Reinis, Amanda L. Anthony, Mike M. Masoudipour
  • Publication number: 20110239758
    Abstract: A method for optimizing the switching behaviour of a tank warning device of a compensation tank, in particular for a hydraulic motor-vehicle brake system, with a housing and the tank warning device for monitoring the tank filling level of the compensation tank. The tank warning device including a switching unit with a reed contact as a switching element, which can be switched by means of a magnet at a switching point S at which the switching unit generates a signal for an electronic control unit. A compensation tank including a tank warning device which has been optimized in terms of switching by means of a method according to the invention is also disclosed. The reed contact and the magnet are matched to one another in a manner optimized in terms of switching in such a way that the magnet switches at a single switching lobe of the reed contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Johann Ludwig, Hans-Jürgen Neumann, Peter Tandler, Swen Ottmann, Christoph Schiel, Barbara Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7784341
    Abstract: A liquid level sensing device that gives an audible and visual alarm when a low or high liquid level condition in a chemical container is detected. A float switch located at the bottom end of the device closes an electrical circuit, which starts an audio alarm and flashing light. The unit includes an integral liquid feeding tube for dispensing liquid to a process, which optionally incorporates a flow-indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Peter C Blokhuis
  • Publication number: 20100132455
    Abstract: A liquid level measuring apparatus for measuring the level of a liquid in a bladder with flexible walls in which liquid in a container raises and lowers a plurality of floats, each float containing a magnetic element oriented in a vertical position. The floats are positioned within an inner guide tube. Pins of non-magnetic material restrict the vertical movement of the floats to sections of the inner guide tube with one float per section. The inner guide tube is placed inside the bladder. After placement of the inner guide tube, an outer sleeve is slid over the inner guide tube from the outside of the bladder with the bladder wall between the inner guide tube and outer sleeve. The outer sleeve contains magnetic reed switches that can be activated by the magnetic elements in the inner guide tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Robert D. Boehmer
  • Patent number: 7661308
    Abstract: An apparatus and related method for detecting oil and mineralized water, if it exists, in a well. The apparatus comprises a sensor assembly for placing down the well, the sensor assembly having a float therein that rises when fluid is detected and adapted to close an electrical contact of a circuit having a power source. The apparatus also has a base assembly used for raising and lowering the sensor assembly into and out of the well. An alarm is electrically coupled to the circuit that includes the sensor assembly and power source, the alarm operable to indicate when the electrical contact is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Phil Eggleston
  • Patent number: 7640800
    Abstract: A filling level sensor having a lever arm which has a float at one end and is held at its other end by a clip. A resistance network is arranged on a substrate and to which a contact structure is assigned, the resistance network producing an electrical signal for the filling level as a function of the pivoted position of a lever arm. The clip is composed of an electrically conductive plastic and has an electrical contact connected to the clip in an electrically conductive way, such that as the lever arm pivots said contact describes a circular path on the substrate. The area on the substrate over which the electrical contact passes is an electrically conductive contact face and is electrically conductively connected to a connecting line of the filling level sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans-Guenter Benner, Bernd Pauer
  • Patent number: 7617725
    Abstract: A protection system for an electric generator includes a fluid sensor to measure a fluid level in a fuel tank, an indicator lamp to display the fluid level, a timer to measure a time interval beginning in response to a low fuel signal from the fluid sensor and a low fuel switch to shut off the electric generator at the end of the time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: Fahed Al Howayshell
  • Patent number: 7476310
    Abstract: Fuel filter for diesel engines with high pressure direct injection of common rail type and the like, comprising an outer casing provided with a fuel inlet conduit (3) and an outlet conduit (4), and containing in its interior a filter means(5), a temperature sensor(15) being positioned in proximity to the bottom of said casing to measure the temperature of the fuel present in the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: UFI Filters S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giorgio Girondi
  • Patent number: 7315250
    Abstract: An electrical field activated switch system includes a fluid container 14 having an aperture formed in a sidewall thereof. The floor of the primary tray 22 is positioned entirely beneath the fluid container and a secondary tray is positioned entirely within the primary tray and in proximity to and at an elevation beneath the aperture. A tube 30 is coupled between the aperture and the secondary tray. A housing 36 has an open bottom secured to the secondary tray with a cylinder 38 vertically oriented therein. A base 40 is supported upon the secondary tray floor. An electrical induction switch assembly includes two wires with stripped lower ends positioned within the cylinder with their lower ends being separated and in proximity to the base. A float is slidably received upon the cylinder with a magnetic plate secured to the float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventor: Rodolfo Hernandez-Zelaya
  • Patent number: 7265677
    Abstract: System for indicating when a tank is full. The system includes a signal and control box. A container is connected to the tank. The container has a base, a float, an upper portion, and a lower portion. An orifice is arranged at the upper portion of the container. The float has an electrical contact connected to the signal and control box. The base of the container is arranged one of above a maximum filling level of the tank and substantially at the same level as the maximum filling level of the tank. A communication conduit is connected to each of the base of the container and an area of the tank which is in proximity to an upper portion of the tank. The system generates at least one warning signal after the tank is completely filled and when the container is partially filled by the communication conduit. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Jean-Luc Dupont
  • Patent number: 7230540
    Abstract: A liquid level alarm is placed in a tank having a bottom and has a weight, a floating box, an alarm circuit and a cord. The weight is placed on the bottom of the tank. The floating box has a top recess, a passage, a slide and a top cover. The passage communicates with the top recess. The slide is mounted slidably in the passage. The alarm circuit is mounted in the top recess in the floating box and has two contacts, an alarm element, a switch and a spring. The switch is connected to the slide. The spring is connected to the top cover and holds the switch open. The cord is connected to the weight and the slide. When the floating box moves above a predetermined level, the switch with the slide moves down and makes contact with the contacts to activate the alarm element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Huang-Lin Wang
  • Patent number: 7082827
    Abstract: An example of an apparatus for detecting the lowering of a top surface of a liquid includes a housing that has a housing hole, and an insertion member attached to the housing. A dowel is inserted into the housing hole, and a float is attached to the dowel. A detector switch that has an actuator arm is also attached to the housing, with the actuator arm of the detector switch located proximate a first end of the dowel. An audio transducer is attached to the housing, to sound an alarm if the first end of the dowel does not push the actuator arm to a position near the body of the detector switch, for example due to the lowering of the top surface of a liquid in which the float is placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Scott R. Samuelson
  • Patent number: 7053782
    Abstract: A fuel overflow alarm system sounds a buzzer or other alarm when a fuel level in a fuel tank of a vehicle or other machine approaches an overflow state, thereby alerting a user that fueling should be halted. The device is activated when a fuel cap or fuel cap cover on a filler inlet tube to the fuel tank is opened and is de-activated when the filler inlet tube is closed. Thus, electrical current drawn by the system can be limited to time periods when the fuel tank is being filled, thereby sparing the electrical system of the vehicle or machine from being depleted during periods of non-use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Yamaha Marine Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sumihiro Takashima, Tomoyoshi Koyanagi
  • Patent number: 7009125
    Abstract: A linear slip to slip coupling has an input portion and an output portion with a common horizontal centerline. A fluid container has a threaded aperture. An adaptor has a threaded input end releasably coupled to the threaded aperture of the container. An unthreaded output end is coupled to the input portion. A nipple has an output end and an input end. The nipple is coupled to the output portion of the coupling. An end cap is coupled to the output end of the nipple. An induction switch subassembly is coupled to the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Rodolfo Hernandez-Zelaya
  • Patent number: 7000620
    Abstract: A float mounting plate is provided for a dishwasher to limit the level of water in the dishwasher tub. The float has a stem extending downwardly through a stand pipe in the bottom of the tub and into a switch bracket which houses the water level control switch. A tab is provided on the switch bracket which is adapted to extend around the float stem, thereby slidably retaining the retainer ring of the stem for engagement and disengagement with the switch, and limiting lateral or horizontal movement of the stem. In one embodiment, the tab is integrally formed with the bracket, with a living hinge allowing the tab to pivot between open and closed positions. In a second embodiment, the tab snap fits onto the bracket to capture the float stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Chad M. Thomas, Brook J. Beaston, Michael C. Simmons
  • Patent number: 6848762
    Abstract: Ink reservoirs containing binary elements facilitate discrete sensing of ink level within the reservoir. The binary elements are adapted to provide an electrical path in response to an applied electrical signal if the element is immersed in the ink. The binary elements are further adapted to present an open circuit in response to the same applied electrical signal if the element is above a level of the ink. The binary elements may be single-use or multi-use elements, i.e., their state change may be irreversible or reversible, respectively. Based on the presence or absence of an electrical path, the ink level can be deemed to be at or above a level of the binary element, or below the level of the binary element, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: William F. King, Angel L. Enriquez
  • Publication number: 20040089067
    Abstract: A level detector comprises an array of light emitting devices mounted in a line parallel to an array of light receiving devices, the arrays being mounted within a housing capable of internally reflecting light from the emitting devices to respective receiving devices unless the respective parts of the level sensor are immersed in liquid. The outer internally-reflecting surface of the housing is preferable a continuous straight-line surface along the direction parallel to the arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Frank
  • Patent number: 6730865
    Abstract: An electrical inductance overflow switch comprises a housing with an upper portion with a main central tube with a hole from top to bottom. A sideways extension runs outwards from the tube and terminates with a mounting clamp with gripping serrations. The lower portion of the housing has an open lower end with legs and a closed upper end coupled to the upper portion forming a continuous passageway through the main tube. A switch subassembly has a shaft between enlarged upper and lower ends. The shaft coupled has an inner wire passageway and is coupled at the upper end with the tube of the housing. A donut-shaped rigid electrically conductive float. A central hole in the float moves freely up and down the bearing surface. A washer shaped induction disk is coupled to the top of the float. A plurality of wires are contained within the passageway of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Rodolfo Hernandez-Zelaya
  • Patent number: 6679286
    Abstract: A compact ball tap with 1 a water level switch which comprises a guide standpipe 5 vertically arranged in a tank T, a float 6 slidably installed on the guide standpipe 5, a valve 3, a lever 4 controlling an open-close action of the valve 3 connected with the float 6, and a water level switch 29 transmitting predetermined control signals when the float 6 shifts to a predetermined water level, wherein one float 6 is shared by the ball tap 1 and the water level switch 29.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Yoshitake Inc.
    Inventors: Nobuhide Kato, Hiroyuki Mizuno
  • Patent number: 6641240
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the amount of ink remaining in an ink tank using a sensing module and a detecting circuit is disclosed. The sensing module comprises a fixed device connected to the casing of the ink tank and a movable device connected to the bag. As the ink is ejected, the volume of the bag increases so that the movable device moves along with the bag. The detecting circuit, coupled with the sensing module, generates a corresponding detecting signal according to the variation in the relative position of the movable device and the fixed device, and the measurement of the ink amount is thus obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Benq Corporation
    Inventors: Tejung Hsu, Chih-Ching Chen
  • Patent number: 6606906
    Abstract: A digital conversion adapter for magnetically coupled level meters includes a first rotatable magnet located adjacent a second rotatable magnet of a level meter. The first rotatable magnet is operable to rotate in response to rotation of the second rotatable magnet. The second rotatable magnet is operable to rotate in response to changes of a liquid surface level. An encoded disc is mechanically coupled with the first rotatable magnet and operable to rotate in response to rotation of the first rotatable magnet. A light sensor array operable to monitor a position of the encoded disc, with respect to the light sensor array, by reading transmitted light which passes through the encoded disc, is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: TRN Business Trust
    Inventor: Herman Diaz Arias
  • Patent number: 6571626
    Abstract: A fuel level sensor for use with a vehicle fuel tank includes a magnet carrying float assembly that rises and falls with the fuel level to open and close various magnetically activated reed-switches located at different axial positions along a vertically extending electrical circuit. Activating a reed-switch located at a particular vertical position along the electrical circuit causes the overall resistance of the circuit to depend upon the position of the float assembly. The float assembly is capable of freely rotating about the vertical axis of the electrical circuit and carries magnets producing a horizontal magnetic field that can activate a reed-switch from any angular orientation of the float assembly. Thus, assuming the fuel level sensor is provided with a constant voltage source, the sensor is able to determine the fuel level by the amount of electrical current flowing through the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Walbro Corporation
    Inventor: Monte L. Herford
  • Patent number: 6559397
    Abstract: A float retainer is provided for a dishwasher to limit the level of water in the dishwasher tub. The float has a stem extending downwardly through a stand pipe in the bottom of the tub and into a switch bracket which houses the water level control switch. A tab is provided on the switch bracket which is adapted to snap fit around the float stem, thereby slidably retaining the retainer ring of the stem for engagement and disengagement with the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventor: Brook J. Beaston
  • Patent number: 6523405
    Abstract: A portable bin full indicator is disclosed comprising a sensor operable to send a signal when the level of particulate material in a bin reaches the level of the sensor; means to temporarily secure the sensor in a top portion of the bin; an alarm operatively connected to the sensor such that it is activated by the signal; and a battery to supply electrical power to the sensor and alarm. An extensible handle is provided to allow insertion into a bin by an operator standing on the ground, and also an adjustable hook is provided that may be configured for various bins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Ken Mann
  • Patent number: 6490922
    Abstract: A system detects the level of a liquid contained in a liquid gas tank or the like by using a magnet. This system is mounted on a tank (1). The tank is usually provided with a mechanical level indicator. The mechanical level indicator transmits a certain angular rotation to a stem (2). The upper end of the stem is connected with a magnet. The magnet is placed within a flanged body (3) which is fixed on the tank surface. A casing (4) including a transmitting apparatus (6), coupled with at least a magnetic reader (5) is arranged out of the tank (1) and over the magnet which is placed within the flanged body (3). On the basis of the angular displacement of the magnet, the transmitting apparatus and magnetic reader translate the filling level of the tank in signals to be transmitted to suitable receiving devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Areagas s.r.l.
    Inventors: Dino Sprea, Fabrizio Galeotti
  • Patent number: 6481278
    Abstract: A liquid level indicator apparatus provides direct readout of liquid level at high resolution using an array of vertically disposed Hall-effect magnetic switches. To overcome the limit to closer spacing of the switches imposed by their vertical dimension, they a disposed side by side horizontally and vertically by a distance less than the vertical dimension of each switch. They are mounted on a flat flexible substrate and then bent around into a hollow cylinder or prism shape. A floating magnet of annular shape surrounds the cylinder, or a magnet corresponding to the cylindrical or prismatic shape floats inside the surrounding circuit board. Several circuits are shown for displaying a liquid level readout resulting from the actuation of the switches by the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Predator Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Kaylor, Duane Samuelson, Gordon Yowell, Alvin Seymour Blum
  • Patent number: 6480113
    Abstract: An alarm system comprising a housing, a float, a battery compartment, a speaker and an alarm where the housing can be connected to the side wall of any container by a suction device fixedly engaged to the housing. The float rises with the water and creates a connection by completing a circuit when making contact with two separate conductors. The float compartment may be sealed with a threaded cap which can engage threads on the bottom of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: David W. Esposito
  • Patent number: 6464465
    Abstract: A level control device is adapted for use in a wastewater pump station. The level control device cooperates with a discharge pump to control the volume of wastewater contained in the pump station. The level control device includes a buoyant housing for being located in the pump station, and capable of floating on a surface of the wastewater. A control switch is adapted for being operatively connected to the motor starter of the discharge pump to activate the pump when the housing reaches a predetermined elevation in the pump station due to an increasing level of wastewater. An anti-accumulation surface of the housing acts to resist accumulation of grease and other waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Glenn P. House
  • Patent number: 6453741
    Abstract: A fuel level transmitter (10) consisting of two magnetic rotors (14, 16) placed on opposite sides of a non-ferrous wall (26) are arranged so that when the first rotor (14) is turned, the second rotor (16) follows due to the magnetic coupling between the two rotors (14, 16). Torque is produced, in part, as a function of the offset of the poles, magnetic strength and the distance between the rotors (14, 16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: International Avionics, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles W. Beck, II
  • Patent number: 6446506
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid level sensing switch for use with a device having a fluid reservoir. The switch is float activated and closes a circuit so as to change an operating parameter in the event that the volume of fluid in the reservoir falls below a predetermined level. Once the volume of fluid is restored to a predetermined safe level, the switch automatically resets to an open position to permit normal operation of device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: David M. VanZuilen
  • Patent number: 6414598
    Abstract: The alarm system is capable of detecting both conductive and non-conductive liquid level increases, designed for indoor operation, and ideally suited for detecting basement flooding or leaky domestic steel oil tanks or other fluid containment devices. A float, positioned above any surface such as a contained area (sump or drip pan), rises with the presence of a liquid, allowing a spring-loaded switch to rise, triggering a 9-volt powered battery electric circuit. The electric circuit, enclosed in a plastic enclosure, activates an audible pulsating alarm when triggered. A battery voltage monitor incorporated in the electric circuit, tests the battery voltage on a continuous bases, and will trigger the unit into the alarm mode when the battery voltage is insufficient to sustain continuous operation. A simple convenient self check feature allows the user to simply check the unit at any time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventors: Michael R. G. Freill, Peter E. Freill
  • Patent number: 6362742
    Abstract: A safety float device for air conditioning units for providing easy and convenient installation of a switch to air conditioning systems. The safety float device for air conditioning units includes a switch assembly having a housing, a switch disposed in the housing, and wires extending from the switch; and also includes a float assembly having an arm member movably connected to the switch, and further having a float support member securely attached to an end of the arm member, and also having a float member securely and removably attached to the float support member; and further includes a fastening assembly being securely attached to the housing of the switch assembly for removably fastening to an air conditioning unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: Raoul Serenil, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6253610
    Abstract: A wiper for use in a system for monitoring fluid level in a fluid storage container. The wiper has a body portion, a first lengthwise end, a second lengthwise end, a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a width and a pair of resilient contact members electrically connected to one another. Each contact member extends from a corresponding side of the body portion. The wiper also has a guide portion attached to the first lengthwise end. The guide portion has a width larger than the width of the body portion. The wiper includes a recess formed in each side of the body portion for receiving a corresponding resilient contact member thereby allowing the resilient contact members to be compressed so as to be substantially flush with the body portion. In one embodiment, the recesses extend through the guide portion. In one embodiment. the wiper includes an electrically conductive member that has a portion thereof that is embedded in the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: SYBA Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: David A. Struzik, Edward A. DeToffol
  • Patent number: 6253608
    Abstract: A side mount liquid level sensor (10) includes limit arms (100, 102) on the float (80) and limit wings (54, 56) on the switch housing, with the limit wings (54, 56) being spaced vertically from the stem (14) of the housing (11) whereby to allow float (80) to traverse a range of travel that is at least 50% of the vertical depth (D) of the slot (86) of float 80 and advantageously substantially equal to that depth (D). The spacing (58) between wings (54, 56) and stem (14) allows wings (100, 102) to pass therebetween for assembly, but not while sensor (10) is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Standex International Corporation
    Inventor: A. Mark Faulhaber
  • Publication number: 20010004240
    Abstract: The alarm system is capable of detecting both conductive and non-conductive liquid level increases, designed for indoor operation, and ideally suited for detecting basement flooding or leaky domestic steel oil tanks or other fluid containment devices. A float, positioned above any surface such as a contained area (sump or drip pan), rises with the presence of a liquid, allowing a spring-loaded switch to rise, triggering a 9-volt powered battery electric circuit. The electric circuit, enclosed in a plastic enclosure, activates an audible pulsating alarm when triggered. A battery voltage monitor incorporated in the electric circuit, tests the battery voltage on a continuous bases, and will trigger the unit into the alarm mode when the battery voltage is insufficient to sustain continuous operation. A simple convenient self check feature allows the user to simply check the unit at any time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: June 21, 2001
    Inventors: Michael R.G. Freill, Peter E. Freill
  • Patent number: 6212950
    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. There is provided a first and second set of insulative bars that are screened between and parallel to the first and second sets of spaced apart conductor lines respectively. The bars provide for decreased wear of the fuel level indicator system. 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: CTS Corporation
    Inventors: Richard O. Cooper, Deborah K. Cooper
  • Patent number: 6195013
    Abstract: A float sensor that is modular has a mounting bracket which incorporates an O-ring seal and bayonet style resilient mounting fingers which lock the mounting bracket to a tank flange. A tube is ultrasonically welded to the mounting bracket and positions a reed switch housing which is ultrasonically welded to the end of the tube opposite the mounting bracket. The reed switch housing incorporates a stop positioned above a descending cone. The cone terminates in radially outwardly extending fingers that lock a float to the reed switch housing. The float is free to float upwardly along the cone to engage the stop. The float has a ring shaped magnet foamed in place within a low density plastic body. The presence of fluid buoys the float upwardly until the float engages the stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Ben Robinson
  • Patent number: 6160482
    Abstract: An alarm apparatus is provided for a bathtub and includes a suction cup for attaching to a wall of the bathtub. An alarm housing is attached to a top portion of the suction cup. An alarm system is housed within the alarm housing. A float assembly is supported by the alarm housing for activating the alarm system. To use the alarm apparatus of the invention in a bathtub, the suction cup is applied to a wall of the bathtub approximately at a desired height on the wall. Water is added to the bathtub, and when the water level lifts the float assembly a sufficient amount, the alarm system is activated and sounds a warning alarm. The alarm system includes a battery power source, a sounder assembly electrically connected to the battery power source, a manually operated on-off switch assembly electrically connected to the sounder assembly, and a pair of float-responsive switch contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Timothy W. Hill
  • Patent number: 6122955
    Abstract: The liquid Leak Detector container must be mounted on the radiator support frame in a level position about eight inches from the radiator in line with the overflow tube. The overflow tube has to be cut to enable the tube ends to be fitted over each nipple of the container and secured by adjustable clamps. The radiator must be filled up with coolant to the top of the radiator filling neck while pinching the overflow tube below the coolant level of the overflow holding tank. The radiator cap is put on tight and the pinched tube released. When the engine is started up the coolant will increase in temperature and expand forcing the coolant to flow through the detector container to the overflow holding tank until the engine has reached operating temperature. The coolant will flow back into the radiator when the engine is not running.The presence of air in the coolant begins to accumulate in the top of the radiator when a leak develops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventors: Hollis Ellsworth Hoog, Darrell Arron Hoog