Abstract: A remote oil tank display apparatus is set forth in combination with an oil tank for the indication of oil tank volume. The sending unit is encased in a hermetically sealed container to prevent oil fume propagation throughout an area. A combination digital and light emitting diode display is set forth and is remotely positioned relative to the oil tank to enable individuals of diminished physical capacity to receive and display information of oil volume remaining in an oil tank. Further, an audio means may be selectively employed in concert with the visual displays to assist individuals of diminished hearing capacity.

Abstract: A gauge assembly (10) is disclosed which incorporates a voltage divider circuit to provide reliable and accurate measurement of a fluid level within a tank (16) or other environment. A pointer assembly (52) pivots about an axis (42) in response to a moving float to indicate the fluid level. A plurality of contact arms (92, 94, 96) extending from a contact plate (58) on the pointer assembly (52) resiliently engage a point (91) along a resistive element (84). The ends of the resistive element (84) form first and second contacts (86, 88) while the point (91) of contact between the contact arms and resistive element is connected to a third contact (90) to form a voltage divider circuit.

Abstract: A fuel sender assembly using a wiper contact to generate a resistance proportional to fuel level in a fuel tank has a bent float rod engaged by a fork and a bore of a carrier element which rigidly carries a spring contact. The spring contact slidably engages a resistor on a resistor card within a housing. The carrier element extends through a slot in the housing such that it abuts the ends of the slot to provide rotational limits for the float rod. The resulting fuel sender assembly can be installed in a fuel tank with no electrical calibration being needed.

Abstract: To assemble liquid level indicator having an indicator frame, a contact holder, a resistor, a contact and a float in an automatic assembly system, the contact holder is formed into a crank shape having a first arm for holding the contact and a second arm for holding the float arm. Therefore, the contact holder can be assembled with the frame when moved in the direction the same as that along which the other parts are moved for assembly with the frame. Further, the contact is assembled when moved in the same direction, and the contact holder is temporarily fixed to the indicator frame for further facilitating the assembly work of the liquid level indicator.

Abstract: A sensor unit is disclosed which is adapted to be used as a detector for a fuel gauge, an oil pressure gauge or the like for a vehicle. A variable resistor serving as a signal converting device is securely fitted at both ends thereof in board fixing grooves formed at a frame fixed on a fixing bracket, so that fixing of the variable resistor may be accomplished without using adhesives. Fixing and electrical connection of a connection conductor are attained by merely fitting the connection conductor in an extension restraining groove without soldering.

Abstract: A fuel level sensor 16 comprises a vertical member 20 and float 22 wherein said vertical member 20 comprises a steel substrate 26 encased in porcelain 28 with a thick film cermet resistive track 34 deposited thereon. A nickel deposit 36 at the bottom portion of the vertical member 20 facilitates electrical continuity between the substrate 26 and the resistive track 34 such that the substrate acts as a buried conductor enabling proportionality between magnitude of resistance and liquid level while diminishing the likelihood of conductor erosion and float interference.

Abstract: A fuel gauge for a fuel tank wherein external components of the gauge are configured to substantially resemble a conventional fuel filler cap, and in particular, the invention provides a single chambered fuel tank, fuel gauge and fuel filler cap configured to retain the appearance of a conventional dual chambered tank having separate fuel filler caps, but wherein the present fuel gauge retains the outward appearance of one of the caps for which it is substituted upon conversion of the dual chambered tank to a single chambered fuel tank.

Abstract: A sensor and system for measuring the level of a liquid includes a linear potentiometer having a resistance circuit element and a mechanism for changing the resistance of the circuit element including a conductor formed from a semiconducting composition having a resistance inversely proportional to the horizontal force it experiences. The sensor includes an elongated vertical support structure and a float mechanism which is mounted on the support structure to move vertically therealong at the level of the liquid in a fuel storage tank. The float mechanism includes a roller which rolls along the support structure and supplies the horizontal force to the semiconducting composition. The semiconductor composition cooperates with another conductor coupled to the resistance circuit element to produce an electrical signal which is the function of the vertical position of the roller on the support structure.

Abstract: A device for electrical measurement of the level of a fluid contained in a fuel tank of a motor vehicle is disclosed. In addition to a variable resistance float sensor in a dip tube, a travel sensor is arranged in the dip tube to determine the distance between the dip tube and the bottom of the tank in order to offset measurement errors caused by tolerances in the manufacture of the tank and resultant differences in the mounting position of the dip tube in the tank. The travel sensor includes a spring load rod extending to the bottom of the tank and a variable resistance connected to the rod to produce a calibration value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of controlling a rotating vacuum evaporation system is disclosed. The rotating flask, containing the medium to be evaporated, is buoyantly supported in a liquid bath and the relative elevation between the flask and the liquid level in the bath is measured. The relative elevation is utilized as the control signal to control the addition of fluid medium to the flask, and to shut off the system when desired.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for determining the quantity of fuel in a fuel tank having a contoured interior wall. The apparatus includes a buoyant member for floating on the top surface of fuel in the fuel tank, a conductor supported on the buoyant member to float therewith, and a pattern of resistance in electrical contact with the floating conductor. The pattern of resistance is selected to correspond to the contour of the interior wall. Thus, the resistance pattern is coded to represent the volume profile of the fuel tank. A voltage is applied across the conductor and the pattern of resistance. The floating conductor and the pattern of resistance cooperate to provide a value of resistance corresponding to the depth of fuel in the fuel tank at the measurement location. An indicator interprets that value of resistance to determine the instantaneous quantity of fuel in the fuel tank.

Abstract: A device for detecting the level of a liquid contained in a tank, for example the level of the fuel contained in the tank of a motor car. The device comprises a vertical bar inserted in the tank and a float movable with respect to the bar to follow the variations in the level. The bar, which is of insulating material, acts as a supporting element for a printed circuit having at least one continuous conductive track and a variable resistor parallel to the continuous track. On the float there is mounted a metal element which simultaneously contacts both the conductive track and the variable resistor.

Abstract: A wound wire rheostat for a fuel level sender or other condition sensor and its method of manufacture, that eliminate wire snapping by heat staking selected portions of the wire into its plastic support board.

Abstract: A float-type fuel meter for vehicles. The float regulates in a known manner the position of a movable contact to a resistor. According to the invention, the resistance is a potentiometric resistor, the movable contact being connected, via a disconnectible series resistance, to an electric measuring device, preferably, a moving coil indicator. An overvoltage protector for the device and a capacitor connected in parallel therewith are arranged so that the protector is energized while the capacitor is de-energized when the series resistance is shunted off.

Abstract: It is desirable to be able to indicate the quantity of liquid left in the fuel tank of a vehicle. This is conventionally achieved with the aid of a float movable along a resistance wire. The invention offers an improved design of a liquid gauge consisting of two parallel rods (16 and 17),having resistance wires (18,19 respectively) wound around them and being surrounded by a float (6,7,15) with a contact (1-5) connecting the two resistance wires (18 and 19) to each other and arranged between the two wires (18 and 19).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for detecting the level of liquid in a tank. The device comprises a level detector formed of two arms pivoted on a common fixed support about first, respectively parallel, generally horizontal axes and a movable support member carrying a float adapted to follow the level of the liquid, the support member being pivoted on the two arms about second axes respectively spaced from but generally parallel to the first axes, in order that on change of level of the liquid the float follows a curved path determined by the combined pivoting of the arms, the float cooperating with a transducer adapted to generate a signal representing the position of the float.

Abstract: There are provided at least two liquid level detectors in a liquid tank, such as an automobile fuel tank. The detectors are connected so as to obtain the sum of the output signals of the detectors. The positions of the detectors in the tank are determined on the basis of a predetermined reference point. If the reference point lies on a liquid surface formed by a certain amount of a liquid contained in the tank when the tank is horizontal, then the liquid level at the reference point is constant when the tank is inclined so that a horizontal axis of the tank slopes down in one direction at a predetermined angle with the horizontal and when the tank is inclined so that the horizontal axis slopes down in the opposite direction at the same angle with the horizontal. One of the detectors is disposed in a first vertical plane, and the other in a second vertical plane.

Abstract: An electric level sensor for motor vehicle fuel tanks comprises a potentiometer for continuously monitoring the level, which is constituted by an arcuate resistive track deposited on a ceramic plate and a resilient movable contact blade fixed for rotation with a pivoted arm which carries a float. When the level corresponds to the reserve fuel level, the movable blade is arranged to cooperate with a fixed contact constituted by an electrically conductive area formed on the ceramic plate near one end of the resistive track. The blade has a pair of studs for making contact with the track and the conductive area respectively.

Abstract: In a liquid-level transmitter having a swingable support lever (3) which bears a float (7) and a variable electrical resistor (9) actuated thereby, the variable resistor (9) is surrounded by a bell-shaped structural part (1) which is open towards the bottom but otherwise closed. In this way, as in the case of a diving bell, no liquid can enter into the bell-shaped structural part (1) when the level of the liquid rises above the height of the liquid-level transmitter, so that parts of the variable resistor are protected in simple fashion from corrosion due to contact with the liquid to be measured.

Abstract: A test probe for monitoring the level of liquid in a storage container, especially of a flammable liquid, has a guide tube which is inserted through and secured in the threaded hole of a cover of the container. The probe is provided with a magnetic indicating system mounted in part on a bearing which surrounds the tube within the container. Magnetically coupled to the bearing and movable along and within the tube is an electrical contact carriage which makes contact with fingers provided on rolled-on metal tracks provided on non-conductive profiled strips located at least in part in the tube. The strips are reinforced by profiled rails which are located in the tube.

Abstract: A tank wagon for transporting liquid material has a suction pump for drawing liquid material into the tank. Various sensing devices are used to prevent over filling so that material drawn into the tank does not reach the pump. In one form, a float valve in the vacuum conduit shuts the same and/or electrodes are positioned to sense the material level and energize a relay-operated switch that stops the engine driving the pump. Several indicators in the form of lamps or an acoustic horn are operated by short-circuiting electrodes within the tank and give a signal or indication of the liquid level within the tank. In a further embodiment, a float within the tank actuates an ammeter outside the tank to give a signal or reading of the liquid level within the tank.

Abstract: Liquid level sensing means comprising galvano-magneto effect transducing means, magnet means for applying magnetic flux to the transducing means, switching means movable with respect to the transducing means and having an influence on the magnetic flux applied from the magnetic means to the transducing means so that an electric signal is produced by the transducing means when the switching means has passed by the transducing means from one side to the other side thereof, one of the transducing means and the switching means being held stationary, and the other being movable in accordance with a change in liquid level.

Abstract: The gauge comprises a float guided by a pivotal arm and associated with a sliding contact which cooperates with a rheostat. The rheostat is wound on a tube which is placed vertically in the tank. The sliding contact guided by this tube is connected to the float by a flexible thread-like element which extends around upper and lower pulleys. The lower pulley is directly connected by the flexible element to the point at which this element is connected to the float.

Abstract: A liquid level measuring device for measuring the liquid level in a container, includes a fastening member for holding the device in a container, and a support with a lower end portion or prop extending into engagement with the container bottom. The support carries a liquid level sensing member and is connected to the fastening member through a resiliently yieldable connection, whereby the support is continuously urged into a constant position relative to the container bottom, so that an accurate indication is obtained of the liquid level in the container.

Abstract: A float operated fuel level sender for an automotive vehicle fuel tank includes a molded plastic case secured to a conductive plate. A potentiometer assembly (electrically connected to a fuel gauge) includes a resistor secured within the plastic case and a wiper element movable with the float arm along the length of the resistor. The wiper element is electrically and mechanically connected to the float arm which in turn is connected through a contact element to the conductive plate to provide an electrical ground return. The plastic case has an integral resilient finger formed therein which is biased against the end of the float arm to urge the contact member against the conductive plate thereby assuring a good ground connection.

Abstract: A sender device for use in a system indicating liquid level including a pivotal contact member having sliding and overlapping contact with an evenly wound, straight resistance member providing an output that varies as a non-linear function of movement of the contact member.

Abstract: Liquid level detection apparatus and other apparatus comprising in common an elongated flexible substrate transducer which can extend into a liquid containing vessel or be applied to other pressure or force measurement tasks and provide an accurate indication of liquid level or other pressure or force related parameter through a voltage drop measurement made through an elongated, e.g., sinuous or other regular pattern (or of irregular patterning to localize areas of highest sensitivity) conductor pattern contained in the transducer which is shorted out in the portion thereof subjected to a predetermined pressure, the elongated conductor being on facing portions of a folded sheet substrate material which has an inherent spring characteristic (resilience) and/or geometrical-arrangement-loading such that the portion thereof subjected to such pressure has butting face portions and the portion thereof not subjected to such pressure is separated due to the spring characteristic of the folded sheet material.

Abstract: A device designed to replace the conventional automotive dipstick wherein the level of oil in an automotive crankcase is continually monitored by means of a direct readout on a visual gauge mounted on a vehicle dashboard or other convenient location within the automotive passenger compartment. The device consists of a length of cylindrical tubing threadably adjustable within a cap to predetermine its overall length as required by the specific oil reservoir, a float mechanism attached to the bottom end of the cylinder tubing, with the float being mechanically and electrically connected to a float resistor. The float lowers as the oil in the crankcase is depleted so as to register a corresponding reading on the visual gauge in the automotive passenger compartment.