Patents Assigned to Rudolph Bergsma Trust
  • Patent number: 7673509
    Abstract: The internal movement of one embodiment of a sealed fuel level sender employs two magnets disposed diametrically opposite each other about a pivot. The actuator that is operated by in-tank fuel level has two magnets disposed diametrically opposite each other about the axis with one pole of each magnet of the actuator confronting an opposite pole of a respective magnet of the movement to provide the magnetic coupling for causing the movement to follow the fuel level while minimizing, and preferably substantially eliminating, cross thrust on the pivot. Pole pieces may be associated with the magnets in a further embodiment. Still another embodiment employs magnets to only one side of the pivot, but with pole pieces that reduce cross thrust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignees: Rudolph Bergsma Trust
    Inventor: Gary D. Cochran
  • Patent number: 6990862
    Abstract: A fuel level sender (26) for signaling liquid fuel level in a fuel tank (22). An enclosure (31) forming a hub of the sender provides an interior that is hermetically sealed against intrusion of fuel vapor and liquid. An actuator (110, 122) is positionable on the enclosure exterior in correlation with liquid fuel level. A movement (52) within the enclosure interior follows the positioning of the actuator. An electric circuit element (62; 86) within the enclosure interior is operated by the movement to provide an electric characteristic for transmission through the enclosure to signal liquid fuel level. A bottom reference rod (150) and stop (152) position the enclosure circumferentially within its mounting in a fuel pump module to cause the circuit element to signal zero fuel level when the stop is on the tank bottom wall and the actuator is in position corresponding to zero fuel level in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Rudolph Bergsma Trust
    Inventors: Rosemary Bergsma, legal representative, Rudolph Bergsma, deceased
  • Patent number: 6851315
    Abstract: An in-tank fuel level sender (26) for signaling the level of liquid fuel in a motor vehicle fuel tank (22). An enclosure (31) forming a hub of the sender provides an interior that is sealed against intrusion of fuel. An actuator (110, 122) is positionable on an exterior of the enclosure in correlation with liquid fuel level. A movement (52) within the interior of the enclosure follows the positioning of the actuator. An electric circuit element (62; 86) within the interior of the enclosure is operated by the movement to provide an electric characteristic for transmission through the enclosure to signal the liquid fuel level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignees: Rudolph Bergsma Trust
    Inventors: Rudolph Bergsma, Gary D. Cochran