Patents by Inventor Ralph C. Muller

Ralph C. Muller has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Ultra sensitive liquid level detector and method
    Patent number: 4329875
    Abstract: A highly sensitive liquid level detection system. It employs a piezoelectric transducer that has a natural frequency of vibration which effectively varies depending upon the amount that the transducer is immersed in a liquid. An emf is applied to the transducer to cause it to vibrate at the effective natural frequency, and the exact frequency is counted which count indicates the amount of immersion with a high degree of accuracy. A printer may be employed to periodically record the frequency count.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1982
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry L. Nolting, Ralph C. Muller
  • Underground tank fill pipe combination
    Patent number: 4327769
    Abstract: A combination of elements for use with an underground tank that has a fill tube which is below ground level and subject to rainwater immersion. It has special application to a fill tube closure that has a small diameter passageway to maintain atmospheric pressure in the fill tube. It includes a float valve to close the passageway if the rainwater rises above a given level adjacent to the top of the fill tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1982
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph C. Muller, Thomas R. Decker