Liquid Level Responsive Indicator, Recorder Or Alarm Patents (Class 137/558)
  • Patent number: 4865073
    Abstract: A liquid level control in a refrigeration system operates a solenoid valve to maintain the level of liquid refrigerant in a vessel within a range defined by predetermined lower and upper liquid levels, sounds an alarm if the upper level is exceeded and stops a pump if the lower level is violated. The control comprises a float assembly and a switching assembly. The float assembly comprises a float chamber connected to the vessel, a float ball therein, a vertically extending float rod connected to the float ball and movable along a vertical path, and a pair of spaced apart stop members on the float rod disposed within the switching assembly. The switching assembly comprises a switch actuator permanent magnet, having magnet poles at opposite ends, slidably mounted on the float rod between the stop members and movable thereby along the said path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Vilter Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Erich J. Kocher
  • Patent number: 4848133
    Abstract: A valving apparatus for selectively supplying fluid to a number of fluid handling components (45) and (50) from a plurality of sources thereof (15) and (30) includes a manifold (135), first and second remotely operated control valves (165) and a plurality of check valves (170) disposed therein. The control valves selectively channel fluid to the components while checking reverse flow through the manifold. The apparatus is compact, uncomplicated and adaptable to various applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: George J. Paulis, John S. Chapkovich, III
  • 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: 4805668
    Abstract: In a brake fluid container for hydraulic motor vehicle brake systems having a housing with a fill connector a container cap closing off the fill connector, a filling filter suspended in the fill connector and protruding into the housing interior, and a level switch secured to the container cap for indicating a minimum allowable fill level in the housing in order to attain extensive damping of a float of the level switch with respect to fluid fluctuations caused by vehicle behavior, the filling filter is embodied as a closed float chamber, extending to below the minimum allowable fill level in the housing with guides for the float. On its lower end, the filling filter is provided with a throttle bore located near the minimum allowable fill level and in a region near the maximum fill level, it is provided with filter windows for the sake of rapid filling of the housing with fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Genter, Edgar Schmitt, Hans-Dieter Siems
  • Patent number: 4798224
    Abstract: Automatic hot water recovery apparatus is provided for conserving the energy in a pressurized plumbing system and water heater apparatus by recovering hot water from hot water lines extending to plumbing fixtures remotely disposed from the water heater. A piston is provided within the water heater to enable the displacement of water therein and to act as an indicator of system operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Assignee: Alternative Energy Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: Spencer K. Haws
  • Patent number: 4796658
    Abstract: Basement flooding due inter alia, to drain overflow or sump pump failure is a common problem. An apparatus for solving the problem includes a cover for closing a basement floor drain, a tubular casing extending through the cover into the drain, a pair of spaced apart conductors in the casing for completing an electrical circuit when water rises through the open bottom end of the casing to a predetermined level, and a control circuit connected to the conductors and to a solenoid valve in the building water supply pipe for closing the latter, so that no additional water enters the drain to exacerbate an already bad condition. A second pair of spaced apart conductors on the floor of the basement is coupled to the control circuit to give the same response in the presence of floor moisture. An audible alarm is sounded as part of the response to detected water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Inventor: Roderick Caple
  • Patent number: 4771804
    Abstract: A liquid level sensor and controlling assembly disposed and mounted in direct communication with a reservoir of liquid to be monitored and including a float structure connected to an elongated stem formed of magnetic material which is disposed to selectively move, in accordance with the movement of the upper surface level of the liquid between a primary coil and a secondary coil. A constant voltage supplied to the primary coil results in a magnetic flux and a voltage being induced into the secondary coil based upon position of the magnetic material stem relative to the secondary coil thereby determining that the induced voltage in the secondary coil is directly related to the level of the liquid since the position of the magnetic stem within the secondary coil is controlled by the level of liquid within the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Inventor: Julio A. Morales
  • Patent number: 4753266
    Abstract: A valve assembly is provided for controlling the flow of liquid accumulated in a closed vessel through a drain port in the bottom wall of the vessel. The assembly includes a body member having a first section disposed within the drain port. The body member has a second section extending outwardly from the first section. The first and second sections are provided with a first passage for air venting the vessel interior, a second passage for controlled draining of the accumulated liquid from the vessel interior, and a common opening, the latter having an exposed end. Adjustably mounted on the body member is a valve member having a first segment adjustably disposed with respect to the opening of the body member and a second segment projecting outwardly from the first segment and subtending the body member second section. The valve member second segment is provided with first and second passages corresponding with the first and second passages of the body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Matheson, Steven F. Robbins, John R. Smith
  • Patent number: 4716931
    Abstract: A structure for supporting a member in a tank made of resin and having an opening in the upper wall thereof comprises a fixing bracket having a base portion made of resin and secured by heat to the lower wall of the tank generally just below the opening of the tank. The fixing bracket further has a support portion extending from the base portion and supporting the member in a state in which the position of the member is offset from the opening of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yutaka Shibamoto
  • Patent number: 4706707
    Abstract: A combination fuel delivery, pick-up and fuel level sensor of the type including conduits at least one of which is formed in a helix configuration so as to locate and bias the inlet closely adjacent the fuel tank bottom irrespective of differences in the depth dimension of associated fuel tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignee: Chrysler Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph T. Betterton, Alan W. Dykoski, Alfred H. Glover, Daniel F. Lawless, William D. McKee, Troy T. Watson
  • Patent number: 4688028
    Abstract: An audible low-fuel alarm (50) for a pressurized propane fuel tank is disclosed. A Hall-effect sensor (57) is mounted in relation to a magnet (35) which is rotated in response to the level of fuel within the propane tank. When magnet (35) is rotated to a position to indicate a low fuel condition, the Hall-effect sensor (57) activates a buzzer 53. A mercury switch (55) prevents false low fuel alarms and conserves battery power during inflation of the balloon envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Inventor: Sidney H. Conn
  • Patent number: 4662391
    Abstract: A flow splitter for liquid-vapor mixtures wherein a reservoir has an inlet at a top end and a drain at a bottom end of a vertical axis, and also has a plurality of outlets in a level plane perpendicular to the vertical axis. Each inlet is connected by an equally sized aperture in a sidewall of the reservoir to a central cavity of the reservoir in which the liquid collects. When the liquid accumulates to the point that it reaches the lower edge of each aperture, the liquid divides equally among the apertures to become re-entrained with a substantially equal portion of the vapor passing through each outlet. The liquid may be removed through the drain to control the proportion of liquid in the split mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Assignee: Chevron Research Company
    Inventor: Susan M. Tolley
  • Patent number: 4644332
    Abstract: A dry lube level sensor for use in a verbal annunciation system for monitoring a wire fabrication process comprises a sealed float tube having a magnetic float for actuating a reed switch within an adapter which connects the float tube to a mounting base for providing a low level signal to the alarm system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Assignee: Essex Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall C. Graham
  • Patent number: 4635478
    Abstract: A manually operable measurement apparatus for measuring level, temperature and transition zone between two different liquids. The measurement is carried out by letting a probe through a sluice and valve means into a tank. The probe is combined in one unit and is sensitive to both relative dielectric constant and loss factor as well as the temperature of the surrounding medium(s) to be measured. The invention is particularly suitable for measurement in tanks having an internal pressure being different from the atmospheric pressure and in explosive environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Assignee: Tanksystem A/S
    Inventor: Bjorn R. Hope
  • Patent number: 4630633
    Abstract: Apparatus for checking for steam leakage in a steam trap of the kind having a casing with an inlet for steam and condensate and an outlet for condensate, a condensate outlet valve, and actuating means for actuating the valve in the steam trap casing. A probe extends into the steam trap casing in noninterfering relation with the actuating means and responds to the level of condensate in the steam trap casing for changing an electrical condition. A monitor responds to the electrical condition for indicating the condition of the steam trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1986
    Assignee: Armstrong International, Inc.
    Inventor: Stafford J. Vallery
  • Patent number: 4628960
    Abstract: A sight gauge for a towed sprayer having a channel formed in a shroud, which is inclined more from the vertical in its upper portion, with a plastic tube mounted in the channel. A visual indicator is trapped within the tube to indicate liquid level in the sprayer tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph W. Brickell, Edward A. Bellandi
  • Patent number: 4617802
    Abstract: New and unexpected control is achieved over the ratio of food ice mix/air directed from a food ice mix container to a freezer chamber. A one-way float valve is disposed within the channel between the food mix container and the freezer chamber. Float valve apparatus is operative within the food mix container capable of automatically adjusting the size of a food mix port or aperture extending in fluid communication with the freezer chamber so that as the level of food mix in the food mix container becomes lower, the size of the food mix port becomes larger to maintain a constant flow rate of food ice mix from the food mix container into the freezer chamber. Level indicating apparatus is operatively associated with the float including a vertically movable elongated member extending above a cover on the food mix container such that when the level of the food ice mix drops, the elongated level indicator similarly drops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1986
    Assignee: International Freezer Corporation
    Inventor: Armin Fiedler
  • Patent number: 4605038
    Abstract: A liquid level control device for monitoring the level of water in a steam generating tank between predetermined upper, intermediate, and lower levels, with the tank equipped with a valve for introducing water into the tank and heat energy valve means to generate steam to the water, comprising: a glass gauge tube adapted to be vertically mounted exteriorally of the tank; a top and bottom cover covering the ends of the glass gauge tube, with a bottom cover including an opening for communicating with a liquid in the tank and the top cover including an opening for communicating with steam generated in the tank; upper and lower magnetic float means mounted co-axially within the glass gauge tubes; the upper magnetic float means including means to activate the valve when the water is the region of the predetermined intermediate level so as to introduce water into the tank until the water is in the region of the predetermined upper level, and to deactivate the valve and stop the introduction of water when the water
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Assignee: Garland Commercial Ranges Limited
    Inventor: John K. Tchitdjian
  • Patent number: 4603443
    Abstract: A two-piece portable toilet having sight gauges for the flush water reservoir and holding tank. The sight gauge takes the form of a translucent plastic insert having a highlight formed by a diametral groove which permits the liquid level to be clearly ascertained. The inserts are sealed by induction welding in openings in the wall of the reservoir and holding tank respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Assignee: Sanitation Equipment Limited
    Inventor: John M. Stewart
  • Patent number: 4601177
    Abstract: In an air cooling system including a compressor, a condenser, a liquid tank, an expansion valve and an evaporator which are connected through conduits to form a closed circuit refrigeration system, there is provided a refrigerant over-charging checking system for preventing the system from being overcharged with the refrigerant. The checking system comprises a service valve mounted in a conduit of the system and having therein a refrigerant inlet passage for flowing the refrigerant into the closed refrigeration system, a check mechanism associated with the service valve to block the refrigerant inlet passage when electrically energized, and a liquid level sensor associated with the liquid tank to electrically energize the check mechanism when a refrigerant level in the liquid tank rises to a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1986
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikio Tanino, Eiji Tada, Tsutomu Takano
  • Patent number: 4585022
    Abstract: An arrangement for cleaning fuel has a housing, a deflecting member in the housing and forming an annular gap extending between a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet and also a water storing chamber separated from the fuel inlet, and electrical water-level-indicating device including a rod-shaped impulse generator extending through the deflecting member into the interior of the water storing chamber and a one-piece float located in the water storing chamber and cooperating with the impulse generator, and a water discharge device provided with a throttle valve which includes a water discharge opening in the bottom of the housing and a throttle valve member cooperating with the water discharge opening, wherein the float forms the throttle member and has a guide opening and a closing surface cooperating with the water discharge opening, the guide opening goes completely through the float and the rod-shaped impulse generator extends into the throughgoing guide opening in condition of the closed throttle valve so as to g
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1986
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Haas, Willi Muller, Hans Schacht, Erich Scholz
  • Patent number: 4578186
    Abstract: A swimming pool filter system is comprised of a pump, a filter and a water conduit means for hydraulically connecting the pump and filter in a hydraulic loop with a swimming pool. The filter is a Hayward regenerable filter wherein the diatomaceous earth coating may be periodically shaken off the filter membrane to mix with the dirt and recoat the membrane several times between cleanings to extend the time between filter cleanings. A pressure sensitive switch, mounted at the filter inlet port, closes when the inlet pressure exceeds a predetermined magnitude to energize an alarm each time regeneration is needed or after five regenerations when cleaning will be required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1986
    Inventor: Thomas M. Morin
  • Patent number: 4569312
    Abstract: An electrical overflow warning system for a hot water tank. There is provided a cavity within an overflow line leading from the tank. Within the cavity is located an electrical probe. When an overflow occurs the probe comes in contact with water causing an electrical circuit to be completed to an alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1986
    Inventors: George Riddell, Edward J. Grispino
  • Patent number: 4554830
    Abstract: The head for the hydrostatic detection of a liquid level includes a main enclosure which is divided by a membrane into two chambers, one of which communicates with a supply of air under pressure, while the other is joined to a probe that is immersed deeply into the liquid. That connection is made, in this case, by the intermediary of an auxiliary enclosure that also contains a primary chamber that communicates with the inlet of the air under pressure, and a secondary chamber which is separated from the primary chamber by a membrane. That membrane forms one piece with a valve mounted between the chamber and a small connecting conduit connected with a probe, which prevents any ill-timed rise of the liquid inside the device, in the case of the disappearance of the compressed-air supply, and which makes it possible, at the same time, to install the detector head above the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Assignee: Materiel et Auxiliaire de Signalisation et de Controle pour l'Automation-Auxitrol
    Inventor: Danny J. Khoi
  • Patent number: 4550600
    Abstract: A device for determining the level of a liquid in a tank comprising a manually-operated spring-loaded piston in a piston chamber, wherein the chamber is connected to the tank and a gauge. Pressing the piston causes the gauge to reach the pressure at the bottom of the tank, which is calibrated to give the height or level of the liquid in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1985
    Inventor: Peter B. Lindgren
  • Patent number: 4549570
    Abstract: A monitoring system (10) for a fluid waste disposal system is provided. Fluid waste is transported from a source (12) through a valve (16) to a reservoir (14) under access control provided by access switches (40). The monitoring system (10) includes density circuitry (64) for monitoring the density of fluid being deposited into the reservoir (14). Level detector circuitry (90) is provided for monitoring the level of fluid which has been deposited in the reservoir (14). The monitoring system (10) further includes a counter (56) for counting the number of times the valve (16) has been actuated. Counter delay circuitry (54) provides an output to counter (56) to positively indicate that an access switch (40) has been actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1985
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Cook, Timothy R. Proctor
  • Patent number: 4547916
    Abstract: A level indicator for a portable toilet comprises a visible indicator on the exterior of the toilet's holding tank, a float mechanism on the tank's interior operable to sense the level of liquid material in the tank, and a magnetic coupling between the float mechanism and the indicator for causing the indicator to be operated to a position corresponding to the level of liquid material sensed by the float mechanism. The indicator is in the form of a wheel journaled on a receptacle in the top wall of the holding tank. A magnet mounts on the wheel in radially spaced relation to its axis. The float mechanism comprises an arm which is operated along an arc in response to changes in the level of liquid material in the tank. The arm has a magnet which swings in a corresponding arc and which confronts the wheel magnet so that the wheel is rotated about its axis as the float arm is operated about its own axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1985
    Assignee: Thetford Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur W. Henke, John M. Antos
  • Patent number: 4543892
    Abstract: An improved condensate neutralizer for use in a high efficiency furnace utilizing hydrocarbon gaseous fuel wherein acidic liquid condensate forms. The neutralizer is provided with a bypass for conducting the condensate from the furnace directly to a drain without passing through the neutralizer in the event condensate flow through the neutralizer becomes substantially impeded. Also disclosed is structure for indicating substantial impediment of flow of the condensate through the neutralizer for alerting the user to the need of servicing of the neutralizer. A separator/trap is provided for transferring the condensate from the furnace selectively to the neutralizer or bypass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1985
    Assignee: Heil-Quaker Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald S. Tomlinson, Bryan O. Trent
  • 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: 4509552
    Abstract: A gas gun for producing pressure pulses for measuring the liquid level in a well. A body is adapted to be connected to a well and includes first and second chambers which are interconnected by a passageway. Pressure pulses flowing between the chambers creates a pressure pulse for transmittal to a well which is measured by a microphone measuring pressure variations. A piston actuated valve opens and closes the passageway between the first and second chambers. A firing valve transmits the higher pressure in one of the chambers to the back of the piston for closing the valve, and after one of the chambers is pressurized, exhausts the pressure from the back of the pressurized piston for opening the valve and creating a pressure pulse between the chambers. A spring biases the piston actuated valve to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1985
    Assignee: Delta-X Corporation
    Inventors: Dean A. Eicher, Fount E. McKee
  • Patent number: 4483367
    Abstract: A direct indicating automatic stop fill valve is mounted to the inlet to an LPG tank whereby inlet ports to the tank volume are covered by a slidably mounted cylinder which is raised through contact with a float/cam arrangement until the tank level reaches a predetermined level. The cylinder is then driven into a sealing position to stop the flow into the tank by a differential pressure force resulting from the inlet pressure being higher than tank fluid pressure. The cylinder also supports a drive magnet for actuating a gauging mechanism to visibly indicate the open or closed status of the stop fill valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1984
    Assignee: Rochester Gauges, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert G. Ross, Jr., Robert E. Hrncir
  • Patent number: 4459584
    Abstract: An automatic liquid level indicator and alarm system (10) that automatically emits an alarm when liquid in a vessel reaches a preselected low or high level. The system (10) is particularly adaptable for use on petroleum storage tanks (50) of the type found on petroleum tank farms. The system (1) comprises a low-level and a high-level permanent magnet (10) (11); a low-level and a high-level magnetic sensor (24) (25); an encoder-RF transmitter (15) (16); an RF receiver-decoder (18) (19); an alpha-numeric display (20) and an audible alarm (21). The magnets (10) (11) are attached to an existing movable tape (31) whose position at any instant is relative to the position of a float (41) within the tank (50). The magnets (10) (11) are located at positions indicative of the preselected low or high level marks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Inventor: Marvin R. Clarkson
  • Patent number: 4454759
    Abstract: A fuel gauge for locomotives comprises a block adapted for attachment to the locomotive fuel tank near the bottom thereof, preferably by connection with a tank drain plug. First and second chambers in the block are joined by a passage connecting the lower ends thereof and serve as a reservoir for an indicator liquid having a density greater than that of the fuel to be gauged and being immiscible with respect thereto. Valve-controlled passage means connects the interior of the tank with the upper end of the first of said chambers, permitting fuel to enter the first chamber and form an interface with said indicator liquid. A gauge glass connected with the upper end of the second of said chambers in conjunction with a gauge scale provides a visual indication of the quantity of fuel in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1984
    Assignee: Ogontz Controls Company
    Inventor: Frederick L. Pirkle
  • Patent number: 4440193
    Abstract: A valve assembly is provided for controlled draining of a liquid accumulated in a closed vessel. The assembly includes a body member mounted on the vessel and a valve piece adjustably mounted on the body member for movement between open and closed positions. The body member has a first section extending into the vessel interior wherein the liquid accumulates, a second section secured to the vessel, and a substantially exposed third section. The first, second, and third sections are provided with a common primary passage and an independent common secondary passage. Each passage has one end terminating within the vessel interior and a second end terminating externally of the vessel. The body member first section is provided with a stationary valve seat disposed in aligned and spaced relation with respect to the primary passage one end. The valve piece includes an elongated first element slidably and sealingly mounted within the primary passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1984
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles L. Matheson
  • Patent number: 4418712
    Abstract: An overflow control system for use with home appliances such as washing machines, incorporating conventional stand pipe which receives the outlet conduit from the appliance, the stand pipe being provided with an attachment having a displacement, conductivity or a pressure sensor installed for sensing the height of liquids in the stand pipe. This stand pipe may be vertically connected to the sewage line outlet found in a home and the signals from the sensors may be used to shut off the power to the appliance and to excite an alarm. Connected in parallel with the sensors may be a moisture sensor deployed under the appliance which again shuts the power off whenever the machine is inadvertently filled beyond its limits or when leakage occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1983
    Inventor: Charles A. Braley
  • Patent number: 4413255
    Abstract: A low level indicator for a heated fluid in a container such as for use in indicating the glue level in a tank in a hot melt glue application. A thermistor probe is positioned at the mid-level of the container and senses the level of the heater fluid based upon sensing fluid contact with the probe. A light or alarm is activated when the heated fluid level falls below the probe, permitting of cooling the probe. The light or alarm is only activated when the probe becomes cooler subsequent to a time at which the probe was immersed in the fluid and properly heated. This conditional activation prevents continued low level alarm indications when the container is refilled with material at a temperature lower than that of the heated fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1983
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Sherman E. Cohen, Dario Ramazzotti, Michael D. Hartley
  • Patent number: 4392128
    Abstract: A sewer back-up alarm apparatus for placement in an existing sewer line connecting a residence to a sewage collection system, the alarm apparatus including a connection element connected into a sewer line, an adaptor attached to the connection element, a cap attached in air-tight and water-proof relationship to the adaptor, the adaptor also having an O-ring for sealing the cap to the adaptor, whereby backed up sewage in the sewer pipe forcibly ejects the cap from the adaptor and permits the backed up sewage to flow onto the ground, rather than into the residence; the back-up alarm system also includes first and second electrical conductors extending into the interior of the connection element for electrically contacting backed up sewage to produce reduced electrical resistance between the first and second conductors. An alarm circuit generates an alarm signal in response to a reduced resistance to actuate an audible buzzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1983
    Inventors: Jack W. Young, Alvin G. Krill
  • Patent number: 4380243
    Abstract: An overflow control system for use with home appliances such as washing machines, incorporating conventional stand pipe which receives the outlet conduit from the appliance, the stand pipe being provided with an attachment having a displacement, conductivity or a pressure sensor installed for sensing the height of liquids in the stand pipe. This stand pipe may be vertically connected to the sewage line outlet found in a home and the signals from the sensors may be used to shut off the power to the appliance and to excite an alarm. Connected in parallel with the sensors may be a moisture sensor deployed under the appliance which again shuts the power off whenever the machine is inadvertently filled beyond its limits or when leakage occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1983
    Inventor: Charles A. Braley
  • Patent number: 4370998
    Abstract: A fuel tank having its inside divided into a plurality of compartments for respectively reserving different kinds of fuels comprising an outer casing equipped with a fuel inlet and forming one of said compartments, and at least one inner casing equipped with a fuel inlet, accommodated in said outer casing and forming the remainder of said compartments. The fuel inlet of said inner casing is fixed to said outer casing so that it sealingly passes through and protrudes from said outer casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1983
    Assignees: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha, Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akiyoshi Kimpara
  • Patent number: 4367824
    Abstract: A fluid reservoir assembly including a reservoir cap for closing a cylindrical opening of the reservoir, the reservoir assembly including an outward flange formed on an outer periphery of an upper portion of the reservoir, nail members provided on the reservoir cap and having a tip portion bent radially inwardly, a biasing member biasing the nail members into engagement with the outward flange and a nail operating mechanism connected to the nail members for moving the nail members against the biasing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1983
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kaoru Tsubouchi, Akira Funahashi
  • Patent number: 4337792
    Abstract: In a fluid reservoir for a brake master cylinder, a cap member of elastic material is coupled over the upper opening of a casing, and a diaphragm seal member is coupled within the cap member to subdivide the interior space of the casing into upper and lower chambers. The seal member is provided at its outer periphery with an inlet check valve assembly and at its inner periphery with an outlet check valve assembly. The inlet check valve assembly is characterized by an annular valve seat in the form of a lower stepped portion in the cap member, a cylindrical retainer secured to the outer periphery of the seal member and having an annular flange facing to an upper stepped portion in the cap member, an annular lip of elastic material integral with the flange of the retainer, and a spring loading the retainer toward the upper stepped portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1982
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshihisa Nomura
  • Patent number: 4306579
    Abstract: A fuel control system is disclosed for supplying fuel to an engine from a plurality of fuel tanks in a manner which provides an operator with sufficient warning when a selected fuel tank has run dry prior to ceasing fuel flow to the engine that action can be taken to switch to an alternate fuel tank whereby engine operation is never ceased under normal circumstances. The disclosed apparatus includes a novel buffer container for disposition between the selector valve and engine incorporating a bi-stable sensor and an outlet fitting for metering trapped air into the fuel to the engine whereby venting to atmosphere is not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1981
    Inventor: Michael J. Kelly
  • Patent number: 4296723
    Abstract: The system includes a fuel storage tank connected to a vacuum pump by a supply line, a fuel/water separator, a fuel lift pump, a fuel/water return line and a fuel injector pump or carburetor. The fuel/water separator includes a coalescer interposed between the fuel lift pump and the injector pump or carburetor to separate the water from the fuel. Water collects in the lowest portion of the separator housing, is removed through an orifice in the fuel/water return line, and is routed back to the fuel tank. With moderate levels of water contamination in the fuel tank the system prevents water from reaching the fuel injector pump or carburetor for an indefinite period of time. The separator housing is constantly drained since the separator is under pressure. The system has a suitable detector to detect the water level in the fuel storage tank. Water may be removed from the fuel storage tank by temporarily converting a part of the water/fuel return line to a water outlet pumping line through a three-way valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1981
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Frederic C. Aldrich
  • 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
  • Patent number: 4161957
    Abstract: A leakage protective apparatus for the outlet line of a storage container for flowable material includes a conduit arrangement which connects a storage container and consumer and itself includes a pump for pumping the flowable material from the storage container to the consumer. The conduit arrangement also includes an intermediate container connected between the pump and storage container. A negative pressure source is connected to the intermediate container. The conduit also includes a shutoff valve. A detecting means is provided for detecting a predetermined minimum negative pressure in the conduit arrangement, a switching device being provided for closing the shutoff valve when the detecting means detects a pressure above the predetermined minimum negative pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1979
    Assignee: Ironflex AG
    Inventor: Ernst H. Schoellkopf
  • Patent number: 4137965
    Abstract: A system for recovering the waste heat normally exhausted into the atmosphere by chemical or other processing plants. The invented system comprises a heat exchange apparatus located in the exhaust stack or flue passage, heat transfer means for carrying the waste heat absorbed from the exhaust gases to a location remote therefrom, and a second heat exchange apparatus for releasing the transferred waste heat for beneficial use at said remote location. The present invention also includes temperature and pressure control means which enhance the safety and efficiency of the system's operation. The heat transfer means disclosed in this invention is a high temperature liquid (and associated pumping and piping means) capable of withstanding temperature up to 900 F. without flashing, changing state, or corroding the heat exchange apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1979
    Assignees: John J. Fallon, Jr., Donald Ritt
    Inventors: John J. Fallon, Jr., Robert P. Cabeen, III
  • Patent number: 4136712
    Abstract: In a sealed fluid reservoir for a hydraulic brake master cylinder, inlet and outlet check valves are compactly assembled with a reservoir cap to constantly seal brake fluid stored in the reservoir against the surrounding air. The inlet and outlet check valves are selectively opened in response to rise or drop of the level of fluid in the reservoir to ensure smooth fluid supply to the brake master cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1979
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Nogami, Kaoru Tsubouchi
  • Patent number: 4135079
    Abstract: A housing containing a buzzer and mercury switch is mounted on the shaft of the drain lever for a heated tank, for example in a dishwasher. If the heating unit is still turned on when the drain valve is opened, the buzzer sounds to warn the operator that operation of the heating unit without water in the tank will damage the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1979
    Inventor: Veral L. McGraw
  • Patent number: 4132242
    Abstract: Chemical distribution system having a pressurized tank for causing flow of chemical to a plurality of appliances and having an apparatus for introducing a chemical into the tank from bulk storage and maintaining the pressure at a constant, predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1979
    Inventor: John D. Carroll, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4129038
    Abstract: A signaling means to indicate levels in a liquid receiving compartment of a watercraft. The compartment contains a float which is connected to a piston by a vertical piston rod. The piston rises in a cylinder when the float rises in response to admission of liquid into the compartment whereby the piston effects two timely spaced compressions of a confined gas which actuates a pilot valve for a flow regulating valve when the pressure of confined gas reaches a preselected value. The regulating valve then admits compressed air to a device which furnishes visible signals and to a device which furnishes audible signals. The first set of signals warns the attendant that the compartment is about to be filed, and the second set of signals informs the attendant that the compartment is full. The attendant then closes a shutoff valve in the pipe which admits liquid into the compartment, and this results in automatic reduction of the pressure of confined gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1978
    Assignee: Logotronic AG.
    Inventor: Bernhard Leutenegger