Float Patents (Class 116/228)
  • 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: 5945913
    Abstract: A liquid level alarm system is activated when liquid in a container falls below a predetermined level. The system contains an alarm located outside the container. The alarm is electrically connected to a switching device. The switching device may have a push-down button located on the top, an "on-off" switch located on the side, or a sliding switch located on the side. When the switch is pushed down, the switching device activates the alarm. In one embodiment, the container has a vertically positioned rod adjacent the switching device. There is a float slidably connected to the rod by a connecting rod and hook. The float rises and falls with the level of the liquid. On the side of the rod opposite the float there is a switch contact which makes contact with the switch when the level of the liquid falls below a predetermined level and the float is no longer supported by the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Daniel J. Gallagher
  • Patent number: 5862775
    Abstract: The present invention is a sewer back-up indicator that is positioned within the hole in the cover of the manhole. The indicator includes a bushing and a rod having a valve at one end and an inflatable balloon at the other. The valve is adapted to receive a gas source which supplies the gas down the length of the rod into the balloon, thus inflating the balloon. When the balloon is in the deflated state, the device can be inserted into position within the hole in the manhole cover and subsequently removed from this position without lifting or removing the cover from the manhole. Connected to the other end of the valve is a flexible member that carries a flag having a legend thereon. When the device is in its up position, the flag and flexible member indicate that fluid within the manhole has risen, thus signaling a potential back-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: John B. Stroud
  • Patent number: 5657665
    Abstract: A fill level indicator (7) for a tank (6) of an internal combustion engine (5) has a housing (8) with an inner chamber (9) connected to the tank (6) to allow the fill level indicator (7) to be visible. The housing (8) includes an upwardly directed housing strip (21) which projects laterally from an outer face (20) of the housing (8). The housing strip (21), when in a fitted condition, engages a groove (19) of an edge (16) to an upwardly directed opening (24) which is closed by a cover (14) which may be fixed to the housing (8). The cover (14) includes at least one lug (28) which is tensionable against the tank edge (16) and the cover (14) extends over an upper end (13) of the housing (8). A labyrinth seal is provided between the housing (8) and the cover (14), and the seal forms connecting ventilation channels (25, 26, 27), arranged one above the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: SABO-Maschinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventor: Heinrich Ostermeier
  • Patent number: 5501255
    Abstract: A fuel recovery system warns a user of an impending overflow of fuel and also provides an overflow chamber into which relatively small amount of overfilled fuel are captured, thus preventing fuel spillage into the surrounding environment. The system is adapted for use with a fuel tank attached to a fuel fill line and an overflow line, and comprises a float assembly adapted to be coupled inline to the overflow line; an overflow chamber coupled via a check valve to the main fuel tank; and an optical/electronic warning system for warning the user when fuel in the float assembly rises to a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Matthew P. Tortu
    Inventors: Matthew P. Tortu, Jay Ross
  • Patent number: 5485866
    Abstract: A valve to monitor the level of fluid in an above ground storage tank while the tank is being filled, cutoff the flow of fluid when the tank is in a full condition, and as long as the filling pressure is on the valve the valve will remain cutoff even if the fluid level in the tank has lowered. A relief valve to drain the fluid remaining in the filling hose after the filling pressure is off. A sight level indicator to visually show that the tank is in a filled condition. A monitoring node to be used with or without the mechanical cutoff valve in a totally controlled application where the filling person is not responsible for shutting off the filling tank truck, with two switches, one to alert that the tank is near a filled condition and the second to alert that the tank is in a filled condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Inventor: James H. Bowen
  • Patent number: 5447248
    Abstract: The instant invention provides a liquid container that may be configured as an insulated container or vacuum flask. The liquid container may indicate the temperature and remaining amount of liquid within the container. The liquid container may include a housing surrounding a beverage compartment in fluid communication with a transparent tube. A float may be retained within the transparent tube by stop elements located at the top and bottom of the tube. A graduated scale may be located on the exterior of the housing and associated with the float to indicate a liquid level within the beverage chamber. The float may be configured as a temperature-sensitive spherical element that indicates the temperature of the remaining beverage in the container. A cholesteric liquid crystal deposit, luminescent or fluorescent material that changes color or emits light in the range of 60.degree. to 212.degree. for a beverage such as hot coffee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Inventors: Kimberly J. Rodriguez, Jimmy Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 5427137
    Abstract: A valve to monitor the level of fluid in an above ground storage tank while the tank is being filled, cutoff the flow of fluid when the tank is in a full condition, and as long as the filling pressure is on the valve the valve will remain cutoff even if the fluid level in the tank has lowered. A relief valve to drain the fluid remaining in the filling hose after the filling pressure is off. A sight level indicator to visually show that the tank is in a filled condition. A monitoring node to be used with or without the mechanical cutoff valve in a totally controlled application where the filling person is not responsible for shutting off the filling tank truck, with two switches, one to alert that the tank is near a filled condition and the second to alert that the tank is in a filled condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: James H. Bowen
  • Patent number: 5413248
    Abstract: A bottle for storing and dispensing maple syrup and like fluids comprising, in combination a one piece container having a generally circular horizontal bottom wall and upstanding side walls of an uneven contour horizontally, vertically, axially and circumferentially, the upper end of the container having a large major opening entirely overlying the bottom wall in an annual configuration and a small minor opening with an annular configuration partially overlying the base portion with an angled tubular extent coupling the minor opening with the main portion of the container; a large cap with a circular top and downwardly extending side walls positionable over the major opening; a small cap with a circular cover and downwardly extending side walls positionable over the minor opening; a cord of a flexible material coupling the major cap and the minor cap; a level indicator formed of a pulley in an upper region of the side wall having a cord with a float at one end within the container and a weight at the other en
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Inventor: David N. Scott
  • Patent number: 5285830
    Abstract: An adapter tube is arranged for mounting to a motorcycle tank to accommodate the elongate nozzle portion of a gasoline fill valve. The apparatus includes locking structure arranged to secure the gas tank adapter into the associated gas tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Inventor: Lloyd C. Hilpipre, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5279252
    Abstract: A fuel tank level indicator for indicating at a surface when a fuel tank is filled with fuel, such indicator installed on a fuel inlet pipe and having a loop pipe in line with the inlet pipe with a riser pipe at the top of the loop and a float member disposed in the riser pipe to raise an indicator member above the surface when the loop pipe fills with fuel. The fuel is prevented from backing up the inlet pipe by a back flow preventor and some of the fuel then passes into the riser pipe, raising the float member and its attached indicator member above the surface where it is visible by the person entering fuel into the inlet pipe who will then see the indicator member and stop the flow of fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Inventor: Philip R. Martelly
  • Patent number: 5269184
    Abstract: A device for measuring and/or controlling ground water levels and a method of manufacturing such device. An embodiment of the device comprises a first tubular member having a top and bottom end and a plurality of perforations for allowing liquid, such as water, to enter and exit the device. A float dimensioned to be slidably received within the first tubular member is provided. The float has a top and bottom opening, both being in flow communication with each other. The device also comprises a check valve located inside the first tubular member for selectively passing liquid through the bottom opening of the float. Further, the device includes a second tubular member located inside the first tubular member. The second tubular member is in flow communication with the top opening of the float and extends upwardly through and out of the top opening of the first tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventor: Tamotsu Nishida
  • Patent number: 5239285
    Abstract: A low salt level sensor comprising a float within a brine tank, apparatus for detecting whether the float has risen in response to the addition of a predetermined amount of water to the brine tank to a height such that an adequate supply of salt is present in said brine tank and apparatus for indicating if the float has not risen high enough. A method of detecting whether the salt level is low in the brine tank of a water treatment system is also described. According to this method, brine is removed from the brine tank and a predetermined amount of water is added. A determination is then made as to whether the brine level has reached a height such that an adequate supply of salt is present in the brine tank and an indication is provided if the brine level is below this height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Culligan International Company
    Inventor: Stanley F. Rak
  • Patent number: 5148709
    Abstract: A gauge (10) is disclosed which provides advantages in accuracy and cost. A head (16) is mounted on a reservoir containing a fluid to be monitored. A cylindrical support tube (28) is secured to the head and extends into the fluid. A head bushing (40) and a bottom bushing (42) are secured at opposite ends of the tube (28) and support a helically twisted center shaft (48) for rotation about an axis. The center shaft passes through a float (60) which is guided for movement along the axis by guide ribs (34, 36) on the support tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Rochester Gauges, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert G. Ross, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5144836
    Abstract: A liquid level gauge assembly which has particular utility for petroleum products has a threaded cylindrical projection which allows quick installation onto a storage tank. The gauge assembly operates by measuring the displacement of a float member through a filament which extends through a restrictive opening in the outer housing of the gauge assembly. An adapter is connected to the free end of the filament outside the outer housing. The opening is sized so that the adapter is prevented from passing therethrough, thus preventing the filament from retracting completely into the housing. The gauge assembly also includes a transparent cover member which can be removed prior to installation of the gauge assembly to permit quick manual calibration of the indicator hands on the analog display of the gauge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventor: R. Michael Webb
  • Patent number: 5138977
    Abstract: A strip bucket utilizable in a cow milking operation is provided with a lid having a ball check valve to prevent bad milk from entering a bulk storage container. Additionally, the ball check valve may be provided with integrally attached milk collection tubes which extend orthogonally outwardly therefrom. Additionally, the ball check valve may be provided with an outwardly extending paddle member which operates to raise a signal flag once a strip bucket has been filled with milk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Inventor: Mike Martinmaas
  • Patent number: 5105757
    Abstract: A water gauge in accordance with the invention includes a base and a spherical indicator ball. The base includes a container having a side wall, a bottom wall and a post. The spherical indicator ball has a yellow initial signal hemispherical wall and a red final signal hemispherical wall connected to an axle along a circumference. The axle is supported by the side wall of the container. The yellow initial signal hemispherical wall is heavier than the red final signal hemispherical wall. The spherical indicator ball has a channel in the middle of the red final signal hemispherical wall. Initially, the post is positioned into the channel so that the yellow initial signal hemispherical wall is up and visible. The water gauge is positioned on a lawn to be watered. When watering has added a sufficient amount of water to the container to float the ball above the top of the post, the ball is rotated by gravitational force to position the heavier hemispherical wall in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: Robert C. Geschwender
    Inventors: Robert C. Geschwender, Mark T. Straub
  • Patent number: 5050432
    Abstract: A tank gauge for oil tanks wherein a double pulley is provided on a common shaft with the shaft being journaled in the wall of a sealed housing which is in communication with the interior of the tank. One of the pulleys is within the sealed housing on the shaft while the other pulley is outside of the housing fixed to the same shaft. A float on a suspension cable extends downwardly from the pulley in the sealed housing while a weighted indicator on the other pulley extends downwardly along the outside wall surface of the tank. The pulley within the housing and the cable thereon is kept sealed from the atmosphere while the other pulley and the indicator cable are in the open atmosphere on the exterior of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Inventor: Brian Barritt
  • Patent number: 4991436
    Abstract: A fuel tank gauge having a pivotal measuring portion that can accurately measure fuel level in a fuel tank of a vehicle not on level terrain and which also may be installed in the tank fill-pipe at an angle with the tank whereby the gauge pivot permits the measuring portion of the gauge to be in vertical position at all times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Inventor: Thomas N. Roling
  • Patent number: 4988978
    Abstract: A liquid level indicator for storage tanks including a cover member for covering an opening at the top of the storage tank, a central rod extending downwardly from the cover member into the storage tank, and a float movably disposed on the central rod. A vertically movable first rod assembly is connected to an upper portion of the central rod, and a vertically movable second rod assembly is connected to a lower portion of the central rod, with the float being disposed therebetween so that the float contacts and moves the first rod assembly when the storage tank is substantially filled, and the float contacts and moves the second rod assembly when the storage tank is near empty. Switches are associated with each of the first and second rod assemblies to activate signal members when either of the first and second rod assemblies are vertically moved to indicate when the storage tank is substantially filled or when the storage tank is near empty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Inventor: Wilson F. Soto
  • Patent number: 4970896
    Abstract: A float activated gauge includes a float, a frame for guiding the vertical movement of the float, and a twisted metal strip coacting with the float to provide a visual indication of the vertical position of the float. The frame is held in position by an easily assembled head comprising a ring body and a cap. The frame comprises two vertical rods, each of which terminates on its upper end in an outwardly extending stub. When assembled, the rods and stubs of the frame are sandwiched between the cap and the ring body, so that assembly of the gauge does not require bending or deforming of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: The Kelch Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M. Larson, James E. Blomquist
  • Patent number: 4965555
    Abstract: In a device for monitoring the liquid level in a tank, utilizing a reed switch projecting into the tank in an internally cylindrical hollow rod and a float provided with a permanent magnet and guided on the hollow rod, the reed switch is constructed as an independent exchangeable part introducible into the hollow rod with an accurate fit and with a small assembly outlay. The slide-in part has three radially resilient abutment zones distributed uniformly around the circumference. In order to accurately introduce the slide-in part into the hollow rod, with a minimum of force, three axial guide grooves associated with the resilient abutment zones are formed radially outwards in the inner envelope surface of the hollow rod. In order to achieve the final accurate fit, the slide-in part, introduced completely into the hollow rod, is rotated until the resilient abutment zones are located in regions between the guide grooves of the hollow rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Huttenberger, Wolfgang Kleineberg, Hans Schaal, Thomas Attinger, Jurgen Dietz
  • Patent number: 4922226
    Abstract: A water level and temperature detector alarm device and more particularly to an alarm device which includes a buoy type detector to alternately detect water level or water temperature so as to provide an audio alarm signal through a buzzer when water level or water temperature reaches the predetermined range. The detector is connected to the expansible end of a conduit and includes a sleeve having set therein two reed switches and a thermswitch and having mounted thereon a body which includes therein a circular magnet. An alarm device is connected to the other end of the conduit which is having a movable positioning rack mounted thereon for positioning of the whole assembly. Following the rising of water level, the magnet of the buoy alternatively drives the reed switched to turn on the alarm device to buzz or, when water temperature reaches the predetermined range, the thermoswitch will be turned on to drive the alarm device to buzz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Inventors: Sheng-Shun Hsieh, Ting-Chih Liu
  • Patent number: 4901776
    Abstract: A funnel has a float member which rises when a container is filled to warn the user to halt the pouring of a liquid. The funnel body has a conical funnel portion with three colored circles, of different colors, at separated levels on the cone. The float member, near its top, has color marks which match the color circles on the funnel cone. When the funnel nozzle (neck) is inserted into the container orifice, one of its colored circles will meet the lip of the container. The user fills the container until the same color mark on the float member reaches the top of a sleeve which guides the float member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Inventor: Ron Attinello
  • Patent number: 4890493
    Abstract: An automatic reading gauge is provided and consists of an elongated flexible measuring member having a scale thereon with a float affixed to one end and a counterweight at other end. The measuring member is disposed within an O-shaped body having a weep hole, an air check valve and a top sight area. When the body is placed through a filler hole to extend to bottom of a tank, the amount of fluid within the tank will be indicated at the top sight area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Inventors: Robert M. Johnson, George Spector
  • Patent number: 4850403
    Abstract: An indicating funnel for filling a container through an opening is formed as two peripherally joined, coaxially arranged funnels, one nested within the other to define a cavity between adjacent funnel walls. A vertically movable fluid level indicator is reciprocatable between the funnels and behind a transparent wall portion of the exterior funnel for viewing between a first lowered position and a second raised postion. The indicator in its lower portion is operably associated with a float positoned within the lowermost portion of the cavity between funnels to indicate fluid level in a serviced container. The exterior funnel, at its intersection with an associated spout, optionally incorporates positoning flanges for maintaining funnel alignment and stability cooperatively with various sized openings. Additionally, the fluid level indicator may include a luminescent feature enabling enhanced visibility and a cap skirt portion lessening spill potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Inventor: Patrick C. Wiese
  • Patent number: 4838303
    Abstract: A liquid level sensor connects a buoyancy device in a vessel to an end of one member of a two piece mechanical linkage projecting through a flexible pressure sealed opening in the closed end of the sensor body with the outer ends of the two members overlapping and connected by a pivot point. The second member is rigidly secured to a sensor body and defines a fluid pressure receiving passage which connects with a diametrically disposed bore within which a poppet valve is mounted. The poppet valve normally prevents the flow of pressure through the diametrical bore and outward through a radial outlet in the sensor body to actuate an alarm. Upon a deviation of the liquid level in the vessel from the desired level, the buoyancy device produces vertical pivotal movement of the one member of the two piece mechanical linkage which forces the poppet valve to a position permitting pressured fluid to flow therethrough and to energize an alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Inventor: Kip B. Goans
  • Patent number: 4838083
    Abstract: A float activated gauge for indicating the level of liquid in a tank utilizes a twisted float following member. The float following member is disposed adjacent to the float and is caused to rotate as the float moves vertically due to a change of the level of liquid in the tank. A U-shaped main body for the gauge guides the float vertically, holding the float captive and against the float following member. A needle extends at a right angle from the float following member and is externally visible to provide an indication of the amount of rotation of the float following member and, therefore, the level of liquid in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: Kelch Corp.
    Inventor: James E. Blomquist
  • Patent number: 4819484
    Abstract: A portable liquid level device is provided for measuring the depth of liquid in a storage tank. The device has a portability similar to that of a regular dip stick, but provides more accurate measurement of liquid level especially with liquids which do not show up clearly on a dip stick. The device has a tube which is open at its lower end and a guideway within the tube along which a float can move. Rollers are mounted near the upper and lower ends of the tube and carry a loop of flexible tape connected to the float. The tape has indicia on its external surface which can be read on a sight glass mounted at the upper end of the tube. All of the moving parts are protected within the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Inventor: Michael G. White
  • Patent number: 4806902
    Abstract: A monitor and filler assembly providing an easily observable reading as to the fluid level in a reservoir such as an automatic transmission or crankcase of an automobile. The filler may be integrally formed with the monitor to allow for easy replenishing of the reservoir fluid to ensure proper operation of the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Inventor: John W. Gana
  • Patent number: 4796470
    Abstract: An indicating liquid funnel with simple, inexpensive indicating means which responds freely to rise of the liquid level within a container being filled approaching full fill in any operative position of the funnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: The Alten Corporation
    Inventor: Frank U. Lahde
  • 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: 4752019
    Abstract: A combined dispensing head and gauge for indicating the quantity of material in a container is disclosed. The combined dispensing head and gauge is comprised of a one-piece dispensing head which includes a dispensing head conduit, fiducial marks adjacent to the dispensing head conduit for indicating the quantity of material present in the container, a sealing flange for sealing the dispensing head with respect to the container, and a chamber for receiving a movable indicator. The combined dispensing head and gauge is further comprised of a level responsive device such as a float responsive to the level of material in the container, and a movable indicator pointer received by the chamber adjacent to the fiducial marks for indicating the quantity of material present in the container. The indicator pointer is controlled by the float and is pivotally supported thereon. A material supply conduit is connected to the dispensing head conduit for conveying material in the container to the dispensing head conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1988
    Inventor: William T. Walker
  • Patent number: 4724706
    Abstract: There is disclosed a fuel tank gauge of the type having a sensor such as a float for sensing the level of fuel in the tank. The float drives a fuel level indicator. The indicator is visible from the exterior of the tank when the sensor is installed in the tank. A first scale is positioned adjacent to the indicator so that the position of the indicator relative to the first scale indicates the level of fuel in the tank. A second scale is also adjacent to the indicator so that the position of the indicator provides information with respect to the amount of oil needed to be added to the tank. Accurate gas/oil fuel mixtures can be prepared directly in the tank through the use of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Assignee: Kelch Corp.
    Inventor: Michael E. Stiever
  • Patent number: 4709653
    Abstract: A mechanical fluid indicator 10 of the type comprising an endless belt 18 having a float 22 and marking elements 20 affixed thereto extending about top and bottom pulleys 16 comprises a tube 12 in which the entire mechanism is mounted. In this respect, holes are machined in the tube's walls at opposite ends thereof and first and second two-piece shafts 28 and 36 are "snapped" into the holes at the opposite ends for respectively mounting the pulleys therein so that the belt and its attachments are mounted in the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1987
    Inventor: Lothar H. Salomon
  • Patent number: 4653423
    Abstract: An indicator placed within a dishwasher showing whether or not the dishwasher has performed its dishwashing cycle employing a two-piece hollowed elongated casing apertured at one end for receiving dishwashing fluid when placed in a vertical position in the dishwasher and having a float positioned within the casing for floating vertically to a raised position when the dishwasher has gone through a dishwashing cycle and assuming another lower position after removing dishwasher fluid from a previous operation when the dishwashing cycle has been performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Inventor: Robert M. Schafer
  • Patent number: 4644328
    Abstract: An improved buoyant alarm device which provides an indication of a disturbance to a quiescent level of a body of water. The device includes a cover assembly and a buoyant body. The cover assembly includes a cover member and a support member. The support member provides a subassembly support for electrical components which are mounted thereto and for forming, with the cover member, an enclosed water-tight chamber for housing the electrical components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Assignee: Remington Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Szymansky, Richard J. Wegrzyn, Richard I. Baker
  • Patent number: 4625549
    Abstract: An optical fluid level indicator comprising a light transmitting member having a longitudinal axis, an upper end, and a lower end adapted to extend into a fluid container, the lower end including a first surface having a shape, and a portion projecting downwardly from the first surface and forming a second surface spaced beneath the first surface and having a shape, and a float member having mounted thereon a light reflecting disc and being connected to the lower end of the light transmitting member for movement relative to the light transmitting member in the direction of the longitudinal axis and between a first position wherein the light reflecting disc is adjacent the second surface so that light transmitted to the second surface is reflected by the light reflecting disc, thereby causing appearance at the upper end of the light transmitting member of a light area having the shape of the second surface surrounded by a dark area having the shape of the first surface, and a second position wherein the light
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1986
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventor: J. Michael Mahoney
  • Patent number: 4615303
    Abstract: A water flow failure detection device comprising a first water flow conduit; a second conduit with one end closed and the other end open communicating with the water flow conduit; positioned within the second conduit is a float which is free to translate therein. The float includes a permanent magnet positioned around its longitudinal mid-section; and a reed switch located on the external surface of the second conduit whereby the flow of water through the first conduit sufficiently raises or elevates the float away from the reed switch allowing the reed switch to return to its normal state and an absence of water flow causes the float to translate downward due to gravity to a location adjacent the reed switch thereby changing the state of the reed switch. The reed switch change of state can be used to terminate fuel or ignition to an engine or operates an alarm signal in the absence of cooling water flow through the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1986
    Inventor: Robert L. Sackett
  • Patent number: 4587923
    Abstract: A battery cap indicator has a transparent cap which permits the viewer to read both electrolyte level and density simultaneously, the indicators also giving the viewer the ability to determine whether the readings are at the higher or lower end of an acceptable range. The float assemblies of the indicator are configured for minimum friction with the guiding structure of the indicator body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1986
    Inventor: Santiago Mejia
  • Patent number: 4552090
    Abstract: A bulk material container comprising a shell made from suitable material, such as aluminum or stainless steel. Disposed within the shell is a floatable rigid follower. The vertical position of the floatable rigid follower varies with the level of flowable bulk material stored in the shell. The rigid follower comprises axially aligned, juxtaposed rigid sections with a flexible wiper secured therebetween. A permanent magnet is carried by the rigid follower for movement therewith and means responsive to a magnetic field are attached to the exterior of the shell to detect the height of the permanent magnet. Indicating means are responsive to the operation of the means responsive to a magnetic field for indicating the level of the rigid follower. In a modification of the bulk material container, the wiper is replaced by an inflatable seal and the floatable rigid follower provides a selectively positionable cover for the bulk material container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1985
    Assignee: Fabricated Metals, Inc.
    Inventor: Clarence B. Coleman
  • Patent number: 4534070
    Abstract: A water treatment container for utilization in a tank of a toilet bowl having an upper chamber through which water may circulate; an intermediate wall separating the upper chamber from a lower chamber, the intermediate wall carrying water treatment material which may be used up and if necessary a ballast material, the lower chamber being sealed to be buoyant. The weight of the water treatment material and, if necessary, the ballast, is such as to hold the container in the tank in an orientation where the air chamber is the lower one standing on the bottom wall of the tank. An additional chamber at the bottom of the container having an opening extending to the bottom wall is provided, said additional chamber carrying a water coloring material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Assignee: Block Drug Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Hauptmann, Charles G. Russomanno
  • Patent number: 4532800
    Abstract: A bulk material container comprises a shell made from suitable material, such as aluminum or stainless steel. Disposed within the shell is a follower. The vertical position of the follower varies with the level of flowable bulk material stored in the shell. A permanent magnet is carried by the follower for movement therewith and a magnetic switch operatively responsive to the magnetic field created by the permanent magnet is attached to the exterior of the shell to detect the height of the permanent magnet. A level indicator is responsive to the operation of the magnetic switch for indicating the level of the follower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1985
    Assignee: Fabricated Metals, Inc.
    Inventor: Clarence B. Coleman
  • Patent number: 4526033
    Abstract: A fill gauge is provided which may be used in connection with a storage container to inform an operator of the relative status of a filling operation. A multiplicity of indicia are progressively displayed to provide an initial warning when the filling operation is nearly completed, and to signal when the filling should be terminated, such as when a desired air-gap has been established. Further indicia may also be provided relating to, for example, an overfilled condition. The fill gauge is reusable and inexpensive, and may be sealed for safe storage. Adjustments for use with fluids of differing density are possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1985
    Assignee: Justrite Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Frank S. Flider
  • Patent number: 4450594
    Abstract: A disc-shaped, soluble, chlorine base tablet is supported in a disposable plastic container on the upper ends of a pair of spaced partitions, which extend between the sidewalls of the container adjacent its midpoint. Movably mounted between the partitions beneath the tablet is an inverted, cup-shaped member, which has a water soluble dye cast or otherwise secured in its closed, upper end. The container has therein a pair of vertically spaced ports, and is adapted to be mounted in an upright position adjacent the bottom of a conventional toilet tank so that the lower port in the container permits a limited amount of water to flow in and out of the container each time the tank is flushed. After repeated flushings the water soluble tablet dissolves to a point where it permits the inverted cup member to float upwardly in the container, and to swing towards its upright position so that water in the container flows into engagement with the dye compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1984
    Assignee: The R. T. French Co.
    Inventor: Peter Hotchkin
  • Patent number: 4444052
    Abstract: Compensating brake fluid reservoirs with a brake fluid alarm device are required for master cylinders of hydraulic brake systems in automotive vehicles. A float chamber, which is disposed in a compensating reservoir and surrounds a float, is defined by a tubular body suspended from an upper end of the reservoir and a bottom element. After insertion of both parts into the reservoir the bottom element cooperates with the lower end of the tubular body such that the float chamber is closed at least to such an extent that the inflow and outflow of the fluid therefrom is inhibited in order to achieve a damping effect. This enables a quick immersion of both parts into the filled reservoir without brake fluid leaking from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1984
    Assignee: ITT Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans-Dieter Reinartz, Waldemar Vatter, Peter Hinze
  • Patent number: 4426885
    Abstract: A device for measuring the thickness of an ice layer comprises a hollow, watertight body formed by two cones joined at their bases. The interior of the device is provided with a medium which acts as a ballast and allows the device to float on the surface of the water. The device is anchored in place by an elastically deformable line secured to a weight such that the device is pushed upwardly by the pressure exerted when an ice layer is formed. The device is provided with indicia on the surface thereof to indicate the thickness of the ice layer being formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1984
    Inventor: John Visco
  • Patent number: 4379434
    Abstract: A float is moved upwardly or downwardly by liquid being added to a liquid holding tank. The float carries a first permanent magnet which is moved by the float towards a second magnet which is separated therefrom by a liquid tight partition. The permanent magnets are arranged with like poles directed towards each other so that the permanent magnets will repel each other and movement of the first permanent magnet in response to a liquid level change will cause the second permanent magnet to be moved in response to the repelling force. The second permanent magnet is positioned in line with a depressable control member of a normally closed valve in a gas line. Movement of the second permanent magnet against such control member depresses the control member to open the valve, allowing gas to flow from a storage tank to a piston in a normally closed valve that is located in a second line leading from the gas supply to a horn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1983
    Inventor: Petur Thordarson
  • Patent number: 4369044
    Abstract: In a dry seal gasholder cylindrical storage tank with a vertically-movable piston, an improved piston leveling system includes a vertically-movable weight outside the tank and connected by equal-length cables to spaced-apart support points on the piston at different distances from the weight. An array of guide sheaves on the tank define equal-length cable paths. The cables are pivotally coupled to spaced-apart points on a coupling plate to which a pair of attachment plates on the weight are also pivotally connected. Apertures in the attachment plates and the coupling plate are disposable in registry with one another for receiving a pin therethrough when the cable attachment points are in horizontal alignment, thereby to indicate equal tension in the cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1983
    Assignee: GATX Tank Erection Corporation
    Inventor: Milton W. Heisterberg
  • Patent number: 4276916
    Abstract: An automatic shut-off nozzle has liquid flow through its vapor return means stopped in response to movement of an actuator by a flexible diaphragm when liquid has filled the vapor line sufficiently to move a float into engagement with the diaphragm. The actuator produces a signal to cause stopping of liquid flow through the nozzle. In another embodiment, a flexible diaphragm is positioned to block vapor flow through the vapor return means when a predetermined quantity of liquid is collected by the diaphragm. The blocking of the vapor return means creates an increased pressure, which can be sensed by a pressure transducer, for example, with the pressure transducer producing a signal to stop liquid flow through the nozzle. The automatic shut-off nozzle also stops flow in response to the tank being filled to a predetermined level with liquid or to the pressure in the tank exceeding a predetermined pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1981
    Assignee: Dover Corporation
    Inventor: Paul R. Ostand