Patents Examined by Jill D. Jackson
  • Patent number: 4801926
    Abstract: The device is of the type comprising a magnet carried by a float and a magnetically actuable electric contact carried by a support element which also performs the function of guarding the float. The most important characteristic of the device is that of providing positioning means which maintain the float constantly centered with respect to the support element during excursions of this latter caused by the hydrostatic thrust exerted by the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Assignee: Veglia Borletti S.r.L.
    Inventor: Rodolfo Bitetti
  • Patent number: 4801918
    Abstract: This invention relates to an arrow board. The arrow board comprises a cabinet having an operative face and a rhomboidal array of lamps arranged in the operative face. A wing board is hingedly attached to the operative face at its transverse medial line. The wing board defines a mask for the lamps and is movable from a first position, in which it extends across the operative face on one side of the board to define an arrow configuration of exposed lamps pointing in one direction, to a second position on the other side of the face in which it defines an arrow configuration of exposed lamps pointing in the other direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Inventors: Danny W. Buckingham, Svend R. De Bruyn
  • Patent number: 4800373
    Abstract: A low pressure warning device for use by scuba divers attaches to a fitting on the high pressure stage of the air tank. The warning device has both audible and visual indicators contained in a housing attached adjacent the air pressure gauge. A two stage warning to indicate a first low pressure and a second dangerously low pressure may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Inventor: Allan Mayz
  • Patent number: 4800372
    Abstract: A mercury activated float switch is selectively positioned within a slot formed along an axial length of a perforated pipe. The pipe is vertically mounted to a weighted base, and the switch may be slid along the slot to adjust its operable height. The float member is pivotally mounted within the pipe and closes the associated switch when a preselected water level is detected. The closed switch then activates at least one type of alarm, such as an alarm bell or light, and may also be utilized to activate a transmitter which sends a signal to remotely positioned receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Inventor: John H. Poteet
  • Patent number: 4799047
    Abstract: A liquid level detecting and indicating system for detecting a liquid level of a measured object such as fuel on the basis of a resistance changed in accordance with level variation of the measured object and indicating the liquid level in response to a magnetic field produced to correspond to the resistance. The system comprises a gauging circuit coupled through a switch to a battery and including a bridge circuit comprising at least a variable resistor and two groups of coils, the variable resistor being arranged such that its resistance is changed in accordance with the level variation of the measured object. Also included in the system is a disturbance detecting circuit coupled to one end of the variable resistor of the gauging circuit for comparing the voltage thereof with a reference to detect a abrupt variation of the voltage at the one end of the variable resistor and generating a control signal in accordance with the result of the detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Assignees: Nippondenso Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro Saitoh
  • Patent number: 4797666
    Abstract: In a fluid flow supply system, monitoring a fluid supply system to accurately determine whether an abnormal flow condition or a catastrophic flow condition exists in such supply system. A parameter of fluid flow in the supply system is measured and a first signal is produced corresponding to such parameter. A first timer, adapted to be reset by the first signal, produces a signal upon expiration of a preselected time period. A second timer, adapted to be reset by the signal produced by the first timer, produces an output signal upon expiration of a preselected time period substantially greater in duration than the preselected time period of the first timer. Accordingly if the time period of the first timer is not exceeded (i.e., it is continuously reset by first signals measuring the fluid flow parameter), then the time period for the second timer will be exceeded whereby an abnormal flow condition is determined to exist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Inventors: Carlton J. Baxter, David C. Baxter
  • Patent number: 4796017
    Abstract: A resistive water probe is used in combination with a Christmas tree stand to detect a low water level. A low water situation activates lights in a Christmas tree ornament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: J. R. Microwave, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph T. Merenda
  • Patent number: 4792797
    Abstract: A smoke detector having variable sensitivity to smoke levels and using one button both to test the smoke detector and actuate a mode of diminished sensitivity to smoke levels. The smoke detector is operable in a normal sensitivity mode and a diminished sensitivity mode with rapid switching between the modes. The sensitivity to smoke levels is substantially constant when in either the normal or diminished sensitivity mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Assignee: Seatt Corporation
    Inventors: William P. Tanguay, James McCrink
  • Patent number: 4791413
    Abstract: The soil moisture alarm device comprising of a conductivity sensor, a photoelectric light sensor, an ON-OFF controllable audio generator, a buzzer and a DC battery as a source of power. The device can be placed in the pot permanently. It will not work without ambient light, so that it will not disturb people at night when they are sleeping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Inventor: Kazimierz E. Lyczek
  • Patent number: 4785288
    Abstract: A modular smoke detector is adapted for mounting in an electrical equipment cabinet. The smoke detector module is of a standard size and configuration, thereby facilitating mounting anywhere in the cabinet. A mounting location near the bottom of the equipment cabinet is preferred to better detect the heavier than air combustion products of smoldering or burning insulation. The modular smoke detector includes a commercial ionization type detector and a fan. The fan induces air from the interior of the equipment cabinet into the module. The fan is positioned such that it does not discharge directly onto the ionization detector to prevent excessive speed of the air through the ionization detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Assignee: Allen-Bradley Company, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Erich Heberlein, Jr., Gary P. Bruski
  • Patent number: 4782333
    Abstract: A cylindrical shuttle having a cone-shaped cam surface on one end which slides freely on a timer shaft between a first stop and a second stop which are attached to the shaft. A vane arm driven by a water vane engages the side of the first stop opposite the shuttle. In the normal (no-flow) condition, the vane return spring presses the vane arm against the first stop, which in turn forces the shuttle cam surface against the plungers of two microswitches on either side of the timer shaft, causing the plungers to ride up the cam surface to rest on the shuttle. When water flows, the vane arm releases the first stop and the timer shaft begins to move. After the shaft moves the free distance between the second stop and the shuttle, the second stop engages the shuttle and forces it out from under the plungers. When the plungers reach the cam surface, the shuttle cams out from under the plungers allowing them to release freely and rapidly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Pittway Corporation
    Inventor: David E. Merchant
  • Patent number: 4782334
    Abstract: A vapor or gas detector (12) that forms an element of a vapor or gas detecting and alarm system (30). The detector in one of its embodiments is configured as a three-section dynamic junction (16) consisting of a resilient substrate (22) having a resonant mechanical element (18) attached to its back and an absorbate (20) to its front. When no toxic vapors or gases are present, the element (18) is under a no-strain, no deformation condition and emits a first frequency signal. When a toxic vapor or gas is present, the absorbate (20) absorbs the gas or vapor which causes the substrate (22) to deform and, in turn, causes the element (18) to deform and emit a second frequency signal. This second frequency signal is applied to the system (30) where the signal, through a series of electronic circuits is processed. The processed signal activates a lamp (44a) and an audible alarm (44a) indicating that the detected vapor or gas has exceeded a preselected toxicity level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Inventor: Thomas A. Meaney
  • Patent number: 4780705
    Abstract: An overfill sensing system uses a capacitive sensor (12) on the interior of a tank for sensing the presence of a liquid to cease the filling process. The capacitive sensor (12) includes a sensing capacitor (16) and a reference capacitor (18) on separate arms of a bridge circuit (22). An oscillator (28) supplies an AC signal to the bridge circuit (22) divided by a variable resistor (30 ) to balance the bridge (22). A comparator (24) receives the output on each arm of the bridge (22) to sense a differential therebetween. When a liquid reaches the sensing capacitor (16), the capacitance changes from a predetermined capacitance, thereby changing the differential. A control circuit (14) is responsive to the differential at the output of the comparator (24) for visually indicating the status of the filling process and ceasing the filling process from the filling facility when a liquid has been detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Assignee: Enterprise Brass Works of Florida, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Beane
  • Patent number: 4775855
    Abstract: A hose leak detector and a leak detector system for monitoring the leakage of fluid through at least a part of a flexible hose comprises signal generating means operable to generate a warning signal in response to leakage of fluid, test means for actuating the signal generating means, and timer means operable to cause the test means to actuate the signal generating means in a predetermined manner to enable a viability check of the operating capability of the signal generating means to be maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Assignee: Dunlop Limited a British Company
    Inventor: Andrew P. D. Cox
  • Patent number: 4771271
    Abstract: A low liquid level sensor fabricated on a silicon substrate having four temperature dependent elements formed thereon in a Wheatstone Bridge configuration. A thin, wire-like extension of the substrate between two openings within the substrate provides a mounting member for the fourth element. The other three elements are spacially separated from the fourth element such that the fourth element becomes exposed to air during a low liquid level condition while the other three elements remain submerged within the liquid. Accordingly, the Wheatstone bridge configuration and relative positioning of the elements on the substrate eliminates the need for corrections due to temperature variations and power supply fluctuations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Margherita Zanini-Fisher
  • Patent number: 4764758
    Abstract: An improved incipient fire detector that employs a sub-micrometer size particle detector of the Wilson cloud chamber type in conjunction with a continuous on-the-fly sequential selector valve assembly and sample gas conduit system for monitoring a plurality of different enclosed spaces (zones). The sampling line for each zone can have up to ten heads, and delivers air or other gaseous atmosphere samples from the respective parts of the zone to the centrally located particle detector at a continuous flow rate of about 14 liters a minute. Each zone line is sampled sequentially by an electronically controlled selector valve assembly for a 15 second interval, once a minute. The cloud chamber particle detector operates at a cycling rate of about once per second and provides a continuous analog voltage corresponding to small particle concentration in the portions of the zone being sampled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Assignee: Environment/One Corporation
    Inventor: George F. Skala
  • Patent number: 4763114
    Abstract: A gas flow indicator comprises a housing defining a cylindrical flow passage having axially spaced first and second ends. A cylindrical piston member having first and second terminal ends and an exterior diameter which is substantially less than the diameter of the passage is axially positioned in the passage with its first terminal end facing the first end of the passage. The piston is mounted for sliding movement from a first position adjacent the first end of the passage to a second position adjacent the second end of the passage when gas flow through the passage exceeds a predetermined level. A flow passageway extends through the piston member from an inlet adjacent the first terminal end to a flow control outlet orifice spaced axially from the first terminal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Inventor: Paul G. Eidsmore
  • Patent number: 4757306
    Abstract: A separation type light blocking smoke detector detects smoke present between a light emitting section and a light receiving section spaced therefrom by detecting blocking of light between the light emitting section and the light receiving section. The detector includes a light emitting section driving circuit, a counting circuit, and a storage circuit. The light emitting section driving circuit changes the emission intensity of the light emitting section in accordance with a predetermined changing mode for every repetitive cycle. The counting circuit includes a first comparator and an updating signal generator, and counts a physical amount corresponding to a period during which an output from the light emitting section falls in a predetermined range for each repetitive changing cycle. The storage circuit includes a second comparator and an AND gate, and stores a count value of the counting circuit in an arbitrary repetitive cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignee: Nittan Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuo Kimura
  • Patent number: 4757305
    Abstract: A water level indicator useful for signalling a plurality of different water levels within a bathtub. The device has clamping means for removably securing the indicator to the tub, a depending float chamber for projecting into the tub and a battery operated sound alarm system. A float and rod assembly are housed within the float chamber. The rod projects through an opening in the top of the indicator and is provided with a plurality of metallic bands which will complete an electrical circuit to sound the alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Inventor: Dominic Peso
  • Patent number: 4755803
    Abstract: An improved automatic train-line air brake pressure monitoring system includes circuits that emulate an automatic brake valve and cause an automatic brake manifold release whenever a four psi increase in pressure is sensed. The system includes a pressure sensor amplifier (10) which provides a signal proportional to the sensed pressure in a brake pipe. This signal is tracked by a peak hold circuit (12) that stores the peak value of the signal. The output of the sensor amplifier is subtracted from the output of the peak hold circuit in a subtractor (14) to provide a difference signal. The difference signal is tracked by a reduction hold circuit (22) which stores the minimum value of the difference output from the subtractor. An increase in measured pressure from the stored minimum value is compared in a comparator (24) with a reference value representing the four psi level, and when the increased pressure exceeds the reference value, a system reset is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Assignee: Pulse Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Shockley, Emilio A. Fernandez, Angel P. Bezos