Abstract: An electric cigar lighter includes a receptacle for receiving and energizing an igniting unit of an automatic electric cigar lighter, the receptacle having a pair of circuits having respectively a grounding contact and a polarizing contact both of which are engageable with the igniting unit to carry current thereto, and a heat-responsive device comprising a solid state positive temperature coefficient resistor disposed in series in one of the circuits, the resistor being adapted to receive heat from the igniting unit for limiting the current in the one circuit when the resistor attains a predetermined high temperature.

Abstract: An electrical power-operated accessory for automobiles and other vehicles, comprises an automatic electrical cigar lighter or power outlet device consisting of a holder structure which includes a socket having electrical contacts, and either an ignitor plug receivable in the socket for use with tobacco products, or else a power outlet plug to provide a source of power for operating other equipment. The ignitor plug has an electrical heating coil, and the socket has a base-mounted automatic switch to control the operating current. The socket also has safety overload protection in the form of a PTC wafer which functions to prevent overcurrent conditions. A glow ring on the holder or socket is illuminated concurrently with energization of the heating coil or the power outlet, or else separately controlled from an outside source.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a method of treating a surface of said oil level sensing device to promote the shedding of oil therefrom, including the steps of: coating the surface of said oil level sensing device with a primer and permitting the primer to dry; and then, coating the surface of said oil level sensing device with a silicone solution and curing the silicone solution on the surface of said oil level sensing device.

Abstract: A liquid level gauge utilizes a liquid tight plastic envelope carrying an elongate p-c board that has a light source mounted so as to direct light laterally thereof, and a light sensor also mounted so as to receive light from a direction which is lateral of the board. The gauge further has a lens configuration which is part of the envelope, for providing a largely solid, reflective path for light which emanates at the light source and is to be received at the light sensor. The lens is capable of aiding in the establishment, at the exterior of the envelope, of a path which diverges from the solid reflective path when the exterior of the envelope is surrounded by liquid that has an index of refraction which is different from the index of refraction of the material of which the lens and envelope are constituted. Assembly is significantly simplified as compared with prior, known gauge constructions.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a liquid level sensor for use in a hot, pressurized liquid, including: an outer housing suitable for immersion in the liquid; an inner housing disposed within the outer housing and containing therein electronic/electrical components; detection apparatus disposed within the outer housing and the inner housing to detect level of the liquid; a space defined between the outer housing and the inner housing; and means to permit the liquid which migrates through a wall of the outer housing into the space and which is vaporized therein to pass to the ambient surroundings, so as to preclude migration of the liquid through a wall of the inner housing.

Abstract: A cigar lighter receptacle construction includes a well part and a separate safety connector cartridge part adapted to be disconnectably carried at the rear of the well part. The parts have electrical connector structures forming engageable pairs of contactors. At least one pair of contactors is in the form of telescopic cup-like formations. There is further provided a bimetallic finger carried by the cartridge part, adapted to shunt the connector structures of the cartridge part in response to overheating of the well part. The arrangement is such that both the well part and the cartridge part are relatively simple sub-assemblies which can be manufactured at greatly reduced expense by virtue of the various assembly steps being carried out largely by automated equipment.

Abstract: A motor vehicle electric cigar lighter in the form of a metal receptacle shell is adapted to receive a lighter plug, and a combined assembler and connector plug is attached to the rear of the shell. A bimetallic clip in the shell engages and energizes a usual lighter plug inserted therein. A fastener stud carries the bimetallic clip, and has a shank projecting from the rear of the shell. The combined assembler and connector plug includes a hollow molded plastic plug body having a recess adapted to receive a female electrical connector receptacle on the vehicle's wiring harness. The assembler and connector plug further comprises a contact prong member disposed in the recess of the plug body and adapted to mate with the female electrical connector receptacle. The prong member has a base portion which is molded or embedded in the plug body, and the base portion has an opening that receives the shank of the fastener stud, by a force fit.

Abstract: A cigar lighter receptacle construction includes a well part and a separate safety connector cartridge part adapted to be disconnectably carried at the rear of the well part. The parts have electrical connector structures forming engageable pairs of contactors. At least one pair of contactors is in the form of telescopic cup-like formations. There is further provided a bimetallic finger carried by the cartridge part, adapted to shunt the connector structures of the cartridge part in response to overheating of the well part. The arrangement is such that both the well part and the cartridge part are relatively simple sub-assemblies which can be manufactured at greatly reduced expense by virtue of the various assembly steps being carried out largely by automated equipment.

Abstract: A liquid level monitor for sensing the level of liquid in a tank or vessel, typically an automobile radiator, employing a probe with a light emitting diode and phototransistor mounted inside an enclosure, the enclosure having a transparent lens through which light can pass, and the lens having a prism configuration which diffuses or alters stray light which occurs by reflection off an interior core wall of the vessel and prevents the diffused or dispersed light from rendering the phototransistor conductive and possibly leading to a false indication or reading of liquid level. The light emitting diode is electrically excited with a high-intensity, short duration pulse, which improves the sensitivity of the monitor.

Abstract: A panel-mounted electrical power outlet receptacle for receiving a power plug to transfer current from circuitry located at the rear of the panel. The receptacle has a molded plastic body of tubular open-ended configuration, with an integral transverse wall intermediate its ends. A first double-ended metal terminal post is molded into said transverse wall and projects into both open ends of the body, the ends of the post being respectively receivable in sockets of cooperable separable fittings that are receivable in the body ends. There is a second double-ended metal terminal post in the form of a stamping, which is carried by the transverse wall of the plastic body. It also projects into both open ends of the body. The transverse body wall has an opening through which the second terminal post extends, and there is a snap locking construction on the plastic body and the second terminal post, which is activated upon insertion of the second terminal post in the wall opening.

Abstract: An electrical accessory plug for insertion in the socket of an automobile cigar lighter receptacle of the type provided with a grounded shell and live resilient clip contact fingers which have a rigid mounting. The plug has electrical conductor strips for connection to an electrical cord, and has at its inner end a retainer shoulder adapted to engage and to be frictionally embraced and retained by the live clip contact fingers of the cigar lighter receptacle. A spring-biased contact plunger at the inner end of the plug is connected to one of conductor strips. The plunger is adapted for abutting engagement under spring pressure, with the rigid mounting of the contact fingers of the cigar lighter receptacle when the plug body is positioned deeply in the receptacle.

Abstract: An electrical power outlet assembly having a socket formed by a one-piece, deep-drawn metal cup with an integral out-turned flange at its mouth, the cup having at its bottom a transverse end wall that is lanced to form a diametric, spade-like terminal piece. One end of the terminal piece is integral with the metal cup, and the other end is free and clear. The terminal piece is bent outward to form an outstanding spade connector. An insulating terminal block is carried in the metal cup, and has a through passage extending from its front to its rear. An electrically conductive terminal is carried by the block and extends completely through the passage. The terminal has a forward contact portion adjacent the front of the block, and a rear terminal portion extending from the rear thereof. An especially simple, one-piece socket construction is thus realizeable by virtue of the integrally formed terminal piece that is stamped from the bottom wall of the metal cup.

Abstract: A one-piece molded plastic lamp fixture for mounting a light bulb at the exterior of the clamping shell portion of an electric cigar lighter for vehicles, to provide illumination of the socket thereof. The clamping shell has a light-admitting aperture over which the bulb is positioned when carried in a body part of the plastic fixutre. An integral plastic hood is connected to the body part adjacent the bulb, and can be swung from a first position overlying and generally concealing the bulb, to a second position wherein the bulb is exposed for replacement. The body and hood portions are joined by a living hinge, and the body portion is held on the clamping shell by resilient, opposed integral retainer fingers that are receivable in openings in the shell.

Abstract: An apparatus to indicate a low level of liquid in a vessel, such as an automobile crankcase. A light-emitting diode and a phototransistor are coupled at the crankcase so that the light received by the phototransistor varies with rising or falling oil levels. The diode has a given maximum current rating. A unique pulse generating circuit applies a short duration, high-current pulse to the light-emitting diode to produce a correspondingly short but intense burst of radiant energy that is received by the phototransistor. The sensitivity of response is superior to that of a phototransistor employed with a light-emitting diode driven by low-level voltages giving rise to currents equal to or less than its steady-state rating. False readings are eliminated when the vehicle is on an incline, or when the ignition switch is improperly operated. Reliable functioning is had, even at high operating temperatures.

Abstract: A liquid level gauging system and sensor device for installation in the aperture of a wall of a liquid-containing vessel, including a metal fitting having a through bore and a substantially cylindrical body portion with external threads by which it can be secured in the aperture in the vessel wall, a cup-like enclosure disposed in the bore, the enclosure having a bottom wall containing a prism disposed adjacent the inner end of the bore, and a light source and a light-responsive device mounted in the enclosure. The prism has a substantially conical forward end portion for immersion in the liquid to be monitored. The conical forward end portion of the prism is characterized by an axis, and the prism has a light-admitting and light-transmitting conical recess coaxial with the conical end portion of the prism. Light rays from the source that pass into the surface of the conical recess are bent, by refraction, toward the conical end portion.

Abstract: An electric switch construction having a body member with a a stationary electrical contact, a movable plunger in the body member and carrying a second electrical contact, and a compression spring, one end of which is carried by the plunger. The other end of the spring preferably carries an abutment or button, intended for engagement by an actuator, such as the hood of a motor vehicle. The spring constitutes a yieldable drive or link between the actuator and plunger, to compensate for dimensional variations that normally occur in the environment in which the switch is used, as well as minimizing deleterious effects of high impulse forces that would otherwise be applied by the actuator to the switch plunger, and also the effects of overtravel of the actuator. Improved reliability and longer switch life expectancy are thus realizeable.

Abstract: A vibration-resistant attachment device involving a threaded stud having thread crests, and a sheet metal member having an aperture the edge of which constitute an element of an interrupted female screw thread through which element the threaded stud extends. The sheet metal member has a resilient tab which is struck from it, and the tab has an anti-backoff structure providing a sharp cutting edge which engages at least one thread crest, and enables by-passing movement of the crest when the stud is turned in a screwing-on direction with respect to the sheet metal member, and which bites into the crest so as to resist subsequent movement of the stud in an unscrewing direction. The construction is especially adapted for securement of a knob to a cigar lighter ignitor plug.

Abstract: A float switch construction for monitoring liquid levels, comprising a float housing having a float member which is movable therein between raised and lowered positions. In the housing there is a fixed contact member and an asymmetric, elongate movable contact member, the latter having a laterally offset portion constituting a gravity-responsive mass. The housing has an electrically conductive bearing which mounts the movable contact member for both turning and pivotal movement and for conducting current to or from it. The float member and movable contact member are freely turnable with respect to one another, and have cooperable engaging portions for causing the movable contact member to pivot in response to movement of the float member. The fixed contact member has contact portions disposed annularly for engagement by the movable contact member in response to its pivotal movement irrespective of the angular orientation of the float housing.

Abstract: A motorized user applied actuator for automobile and like jacks having rotatable operating members for raising and lowering the jack platform, comprising a casing having a drive member detachably cooperable with the jack operating member, and having an electric motor and a unique, compact and lightweight, simple yet highly efficient step-down transmission connecting the motor with the drive member. The transmission comprises a plurality of staged planetary assemblages which effect a great reduction in speed and advantageous conversion of power. In several illustrated embodiments of the invention one or more handles are attached to the motor casing to provide a convenient hand grip. In another form of the invention the hand grip is supplemented by a fitting which separably interlocks with the jack structure to assume the torque on the motor casing. A power cord for the actuator has a plug adapted to be received in the cigar lighter socket of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A scent-emitting electric cigar lighter having an igniting unit with a plug body containing an electric heating element at its inner end, a metal conductor stud connected to the heating element in heat-exchanging relation therewith and extending forwardly through the plug body, and a heat transfer flange at the forward end of the stud. A slab of scent-emitting material, adapted to release aromas in response to heating, is carried in a removable cartridge which is disposed adjacent the heat-transfer flange. Mounted at the front of the plug body is a knob which receives the cartridge and scent-emitting slab.