With Electrically Controlled Indicator Patents (Class 73/313)
  • Patent number: 6564631
    Abstract: A digital signal fuel sensor includes a digital sensor and a wiper assembly for rotation relative to the digital sensor. The digital sensor has a plurality of sensing portions having at least one conductive segment thereon forming a fuel level portion. The wiper assembly also includes a plurality of contact arms extending toward the digital sensor for contacting the sensing portions of the digital sensor as the wiper assembly rotates to produce a binary output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor R. Lake, Susan P. Tyndall
  • Patent number: 6561022
    Abstract: A linear position sensor is provided which employs phase quadrature sensor windings, an excitation winding and a resonator. When an excitation current is applied to the excitation winding, it causes the resonator to resonate which in turn induces signals in the sensor windings. The sensor windings are spatially arranged so that the electromagnetic coupling between them and the resonator varies with the position of the resonator. The excitation windings, phase quadrature windings and resonant circuit are arranged so that the magnetic fields involved in the operation of the position sensor are substantially parallel to each other and the direction of movement of the resonator. Consequently, the effect of rotation of the resonator or lateral movement of it relative to the excitation and phase quadrature windings is alleviated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Scientific Generics Limited
    Inventors: Richard Alan Doyle, Euan Morrison, Andrew James White, Victoria Ann Clark
  • Patent number: 6563306
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the displacement of a magnet is to be provided. The errors on the detected value due to the variation of temperature or that with time are hardly caused in the apparatus. The apparatus can detect the displacement in high resolution and precision. The apparatus is simple in its structure, and it can be expected that the apparatus can be manufactured in low cost. The apparatus is not limited in its application by the range of the displacement of the magnet. Further, a method for detecting the displacement of a magnet will be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Tokyo Keiso Kabushiki-Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenji Sato
  • Publication number: 20030084720
    Abstract: A liquid level gauge assembly including a dial assembly having a shaped magnet and a removable magnetic detector with a magnetic sensor, preferably a Hall sensor. The dial assembly can provide both visual and electrical signal outputs of the liquid level measured by the gauge assembly. The shaped magnet has a variable thickness which, in cooperation with the Hall sensor, provides a linear output signal from the detector over more than 270 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: ROCHESTER GAUGES, INC.
    Inventor: Herbert G. Ross
  • Patent number: 6557412
    Abstract: A non-fouling liquid level detector and control especially for a sealed system likely to have iron particle contaminants. The device employs a float projecting above the liquid level and bearing above the liquid level a unmagnetized ferromagnetic tell-tale. A magnetic field is generated by a magnet positioned outside the sealed system. The magnetic field extends around the float and tell-tale through a magnetically permeable partition comprising a wall of the sealed system that is positioned between the magnet and the float. The float position is monitored by a magnetic field sensor such as a Hall Effect device positioned adjacent the magnet, outside the sealed system. The sensor responds to the movement of the tell-tale. The output of the sensor is employed to control the monitored liquid level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventors: William J. Barbier, Mark W. Doane
  • Publication number: 20030074965
    Abstract: A fuel level detection device detects the level of fuel in the fuel tank. The fuel level detection device comprises a body including at least one mounting station and a fuel level detection unit. The fuel level detection unit includes a base and a float mounted relative to the base so as to have varying position relative to the base depending on the level of fuel in the fuel tank. The fuel level detection unit further contains a link coupling the float to the base and a sensor producing a signal indicative of the position of the float within the fuel tank. The fuel level detection unit is capable of being disposed at more than one position on the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Yasuo Okamoto
  • Publication number: 20030066347
    Abstract: A small volume flow measurement apparatus is described, together with a method for measuring a small volume flow. The small volume flow measurement apparatus is composed primarily of a holding tank, a metering reservoir and an electronics module. Flow is calculated based on the number of times the metering reservoir is filled or emptied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Mark Goloby
  • Patent number: 6536277
    Abstract: A water-monitoring apparatus includes a frame being installed by water. A reel is mounted on the frame. A tension cable is wound on the reel and including a lower end and an upper end. A buoy is connected with the tension cable. A control device is connected with the reel. When the water level changes, the control device rotates the reel so as to adjust a length of the tension cable extending from the reel for allowing the buoy to just float on the water surface. A detecting device is carried via the buoy for detecting at least one environmental characteristic and for producing at least one signal representative of the at least one environmental characteristic. A signal wire is electrically connected with the detecting device. The signal wire includes a helical section for automatically adjusting a distance between its two ends according to the position of the buoy. A monitor device is electrically connected with the signal wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Taiwan Water & Soil Instrumentation, Inc.
    Inventor: Hsu-Chen Chuang
  • Patent number: 6532813
    Abstract: During the determination of a fill level of liquid in a container, a measuring chamber, in which there is initially the same fill level as in the container, is completely filled with liquid. The time required for completely filling the measuring chamber is measured and compared with previously determined values. The fill level in the container is then determined by comparison of the measured values with the known values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventor: Bernd Pauer
  • Patent number: 6532814
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting water loss from a swimming pool includes a first container having an upper end, a lower end, an inner cavity and at least one opening allowing swimming pool water to flow in and out of said inner cavity; a substantially waterproof load cell positioned within the inner cavity of said first container, for measuring weight bearing thereon; and a second container having an upper end, a lower end, and an inner cavity closed to water flow, said second container positioned within the inner cavity of said first container having its lower end upon said load cell so as to bear weight thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: American Leak Detection, Inc.
    Inventor: John Bromley
  • Publication number: 20030037612
    Abstract: In an apparatus for detecting a liquid level, a sliding arm is supported on the resistance plate so as to pivot thereon in accordance with the liquid level. A plurality of first conductive segments is arranged on the resistance plate in a pivoting direction of the sliding arm. Adjacent ones of the first conductive segments are connected by resistive elements respectively. A plurality of second conductive segments are electrically connected to each other, and arranged on the resistance plate in the pivoting direction. A first contact part is provided on the sliding arm, and slides on the first conductive segments in accordance with a pivoting movement of the sliding arm. A second contact part is provided on the sliding arm, and slides on the second conductive segments in accordance with the pivoting movement of the sliding arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shunsuke Nagakura, Hisafumi Maruo, Manabu Ooishi
  • Patent number: 6523405
    Abstract: A portable bin full indicator is disclosed comprising a sensor operable to send a signal when the level of particulate material in a bin reaches the level of the sensor; means to temporarily secure the sensor in a top portion of the bin; an alarm operatively connected to the sensor such that it is activated by the signal; and a battery to supply electrical power to the sensor and alarm. An extensible handle is provided to allow insertion into a bin by an operator standing on the ground, and also an adjustable hook is provided that may be configured for various bins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Ken Mann
  • Patent number: 6513378
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical liquid level float switch that continuously actuates a switch on sensing a change in the liquid upon reaching a threshold level, where the float-switch requires manual reset once the switch has been actuated. The float switch has an elongated stem with a reed switch embedded in one end of the stem, and a float with a magnetic portion. The float is constrained to move between a stop below the switch and an upper stop above the switch. When the float is abutted against the upper stop, it is aligned with the switch. Once aligned with the switch, the switch is actuated. The float is held is alignment with the switch by a magnet located in the upper stop, where the magnet can support the weight of the float. Once the switch is actuated it remains actuated, unless the float is physically separated from the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: H. Worth Love, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6508119
    Abstract: A fuel quantity transducer (20) suitable for use in a liquid level measurement system (30) uses an AMR device (30) to permit liquid level measurement. A flange (60) is fastened to the inside of a tank (12) and the AMR device (38) on the outside of the tank (12). A support (62) provides a channel shaped piece that is attached to the flange (60) and provides a pivot for a rotor (64). A stop pin (61) is pressed into the support (62) and provides a stop for the rotor (64) at each end of a ninety degree arc. The rotor (64) is a square bar counterbored for a magnet (42) and tapped laterally for a pivot rod. The magnet (42) is placed on the counterbore and retained such that the clearance between the magnet (42) and the flange is small. A float arm (80) is screwed into the axially threaded end of the rotor (64) and secured with a locking jam nut (82).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: International Avionics, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles W. Beck, II
  • Patent number: 6508120
    Abstract: This invention discloses a fluid level monitor including a buoyant element suspended from a filament wound on a spool, a load sensor that senses a tensile force in the filament and a rotation sensor that senses the rotation of the spool around which the filament is wound, wherein the buoyant element is adapted to be initially at least partially submerged at an equilibrium position at an initial level of a fluid, thereby creating a nominal tensile force in the filament, wherein a change in the level of the fluid changes the tensile force in the filament, a positive change in the tensile force corresponding to a downward movement of the buoyant element and a negative change in the tensile force corresponding to an upward movement of the buoyant element, wherein the rotation of the spool corresponds to an amount of distance traveled by the buoyant element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventors: David Yekutiely, Barak Yekutiely
  • Patent number: 6497145
    Abstract: A head for use in a combination float and maximum liquid level gauge. The head has a receptacle for receiving the support member of a float gauge and contains a passageway one end of which is positioned so that it will be exposed to the interior of a LP gas vessel and the other end of a passageway is external of the LP gas container. The exterior end is closed by a valve. The head may be used in conjunction with a dip tube, a float gauge, or a float gauge which has been modified to function as a dip tube to provide a combination fixed liquid level and float gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Rochester Gauges, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert G. Ross, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6490922
    Abstract: A system detects the level of a liquid contained in a liquid gas tank or the like by using a magnet. This system is mounted on a tank (1). The tank is usually provided with a mechanical level indicator. The mechanical level indicator transmits a certain angular rotation to a stem (2). The upper end of the stem is connected with a magnet. The magnet is placed within a flanged body (3) which is fixed on the tank surface. A casing (4) including a transmitting apparatus (6), coupled with at least a magnetic reader (5) is arranged out of the tank (1) and over the magnet which is placed within the flanged body (3). On the basis of the angular displacement of the magnet, the transmitting apparatus and magnetic reader translate the filling level of the tank in signals to be transmitted to suitable receiving devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Areagas s.r.l.
    Inventors: Dino Sprea, Fabrizio Galeotti
  • Patent number: 6490921
    Abstract: The present invention provides an oscillating liquid level measuring apparatus includes a liquid level measuring unit 10 having: a floating member 3 floating on a surface of liquid 1 in a tank 2; a variable resistor 4 arranged o the top of the tank 2 for measuring a perpendicular displacement of the floating member 3; a transmitting member 5 extending from the floating member 3 and through the top of the tank 2 for transmitting the perpendicular displacement of the floating member 3 to the variable resistor 4; and holders 6 arranged to sandwich the transmitting members 5 for restricting the movement of the floating member 3 only in the perpendicular direction. A connection portion between the transmitting member 5 and the variable resistor 4 has a predetermined allowance 9 in the displacement direction 8 of the floating member 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Hagiwara
  • Publication number: 20020178810
    Abstract: A liquid level sensor is provided for use with a container. The sensor protrudes through an opening in the container. The sensor includes a float linked by means of a linkage to a first magnet axially rotatable on a first axis. The first magnet has a magnetic moment with a nonzero component at a right angle to the axis. A divider separates the first magnet from a second magnet having a magnetization and axially rotatable on a second axis. The second magnet has a nonzero magnetic moment at a right angle to the second axis. The first and second magnets are juxtaposed in magnetic linkage so that the second magnet is urged to follow the first magnet in rotation. The divider plugs the opening in the container. A magnetic field sensor is positioned to sense axial magnetic field strength at a location offset from the second axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: David Lorenzen
  • Patent number: 6481278
    Abstract: A liquid level indicator apparatus provides direct readout of liquid level at high resolution using an array of vertically disposed Hall-effect magnetic switches. To overcome the limit to closer spacing of the switches imposed by their vertical dimension, they a disposed side by side horizontally and vertically by a distance less than the vertical dimension of each switch. They are mounted on a flat flexible substrate and then bent around into a hollow cylinder or prism shape. A floating magnet of annular shape surrounds the cylinder, or a magnet corresponding to the cylindrical or prismatic shape floats inside the surrounding circuit board. Several circuits are shown for displaying a liquid level readout resulting from the actuation of the switches by the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Predator Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Kaylor, Duane Samuelson, Gordon Yowell, Alvin Seymour Blum
  • Patent number: 6481276
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for measuring the filling level of a filing material in a container, having a sensor and a control/evaluation unit. The invention provides a device which permits optimized determination of the filling level and/or the monitoring of the filling level in a container. For this purpose a sensor is designed such that it is operated in conjunction with at least two different measurement methods and/or the sensor is operated in at least two different operating modes, that the control/evaluation unit operates the sensor respectively according to at least one of the two measurement methods and/or at least in one of the two operating modes, and that the control/evaluation unit determines the filling level of the filling material in the container with the aid of the measured data of the sensor, which are supplied via at least one measurement method and/or during at least one operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co.
    Inventors: Joachim Neuhaus, Michael Krause, Udo Grittke, Gerd Wartmann
  • Patent number: 6474158
    Abstract: A sensor system for measuring displacement includes a primary coil wound around a longitudinal axis and at least one secondary coil wound around the longitudinal axis. Each secondary coil has a winding density distribution that varies between the ends thereof. The winding direction of each secondary coil varies between a clockwise winding direction between the ends thereof. A coupler is positioned adjacent the primary coil between the ends thereof. The coupler includes a resonating circuit configured to resonate at a resonating frequency. The coupler or the coils are configured to move relative to the other of the coupler or the coils. A control system excites the primary coil with a first step of a signal and receives from each secondary coil in response thereto a time varying signal. Each time varying signal includes a ringing component superimposed on a time varying component temporally adjacent the first step of the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Czarnek and Orkin Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Czarnek
  • Publication number: 20020157465
    Abstract: A liquid level detection device (10), particularly for submersed pumps, characterized in that it comprises means (13, 14) for detecting variation of electric and/or magnetic field in relation to the variation of the level of the liquid; the means are associated with a controller (16) for switching on and off a submersed pump (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Elio Marioni
  • Patent number: 6453741
    Abstract: A fuel level transmitter (10) consisting of two magnetic rotors (14, 16) placed on opposite sides of a non-ferrous wall (26) are arranged so that when the first rotor (14) is turned, the second rotor (16) follows due to the magnetic coupling between the two rotors (14, 16). Torque is produced, in part, as a function of the offset of the poles, magnetic strength and the distance between the rotors (14, 16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: International Avionics, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles W. Beck, II
  • Publication number: 20020124647
    Abstract: The present invention provides an oscillating liquid level measuring apparatus includes a liquid level measuring unit 10 having: a floating member 3 floating on a surface of liquid 1 in a tank 2; a variable resistor 4 arranged o the top of the tank 2 for measuring a perpendicular displacement of the floating member 3; a transmitting member 5 extending from the floating member 3 and through the top of the tank 2 for transmitting the perpendicular displacement of the floating member 3 to the variable resistor 4; and holders 6 arranged to sandwich the transmitting members 5 for restricting the movement of the floating member 3 only in the perpendicular direction. A connection portion between the transmitting member 5 and the variable resistor 4 has a predetermined allowance 9 in the displacement direction 8 of the floating member 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 6443005
    Abstract: An improved pressure activated control apparatus is provided for sensing fluid pressure and triggering one or more switches in response to the fluid pressure, as desired. The apparatus includes a first resilient member, such as a pliable rolling diaphragm or bellofram, having an outer surface exposed to the fluid and responsive to the fluid pressure. A force translation and switching mechanism responds to the force exerted by the pressure of the fluid on the outer surface area of the first resilient member to trigger one or more switches mounted on an adjustable switch track assembly within the apparatus housing. The pressure activated control apparatus includes a second resilient member, such as a spring with a chosen spring constant, k, that provides a biasing force against the force translation and switching mechanism. In an embodiment, a plurality of microswitches are each adjustably and removably connected on the switch track assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Chandler Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: William D. Chandler, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020108441
    Abstract: An improved armless fluid level measuring device has a sealed housing tube and an externally exposed float. The float is slidably attached to the outer surface of the housing tube in which an elongated PC board is sealedly confined so as to protect the PC board from being sabotaged or eroded by fluid chemicals. The float provided with a plurality of high density magnet is slidable on the external surface of the housing tube. The PC board has a circuitry made up of serially connected resistors that are serially bridged together by way of magnet-controlled switches which are activated as the float is variably positioned in place by the fluid confined in a container whereby the serially connected resistors can form a closed circuitry to indicate the level of the fluid in a container via readings on a display of a gauge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Paul Liu
  • Patent number: 6427533
    Abstract: A liquid level gauge for use on a vehicle indicates a liquid level in a start-up and in a running state in accordance with requirements designated by a user of the vehicle, the level being indicated with little or no time lag. Data detected in analog form by a fuel sensor is converted to digital signals by a sensor value reader. An indicator driver receives time signals from a timer and speed signals from a vehicle speed sensor and, in a suitably timed manner reflecting the vehicle speed, calculates fuel level data to be indicated based on the digital signals. The fuel level data thus calculated is indicated on a fuel level indicator. The fuel level data may be updated at intervals of one second if vehicle speed is less than 4 km/h and at intervals of 15 seconds if vehicle speed is at least 4 km/h.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Susumu Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6430380
    Abstract: The wet type image forming apparatus includes: a columnar body (3) fixed within an ink tank (1); a plurality (n) of reed switches (4) to (6) that are arrayed in upper and lower directions in the columnar body (3) and respond to a magnet; a float (7) which has a magnet and is floated within the ink tank (1) and moved upwardly or downwardly along the columnar body (3) in association with an increase or a decrease of an ink amount; an ON/OFF state detecting circuit (8) for detecting the ON/OFF states of the reed switches (4) to (6); a memory (10) for setting the correspondence relation between a combination of the ON/OFF states of the reed switches (4) to (6) and the ink amounts at n×2 steps and storing it therein; and a remaining amount judging device (9) for judging the ink amounts at the n×2 steps, by referring to the memory 10, in accordance with the ON/OFF information of the reed switches (4) to (6) sent by the ON/OFF state detecting circuit (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Osamu Kawakami
  • Patent number: 6425288
    Abstract: In a lever transmitter for a fuel tank, two spring tongues, each with a sliding contact, are arranged on a contact plate of a potentiometer. The contact plate is prestressed against sliding tracks of the potentiometer by a spring element fastened to the carrier and having the sliding contacts due to vibrations are thereby reliably avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventor: Bernd Pauer
  • Patent number: 6418984
    Abstract: In a feed device with a filling-level sensor fastened to a wall of a baffle, the filling-level sensor has a lever wire for holding a float. The lever wire is fastenable in different orientations on a pivotably mounted yoke. The pivoting range of the float is set by the selected orientation of the lever wire. The feed device is consequently suitable for use in differently constructed fuel tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventors: Otto Korst, Detlef Pantring
  • Publication number: 20020083768
    Abstract: A tank liquid level or volume gauge for use with volatile materials, such as propane, stored under pressure as liquid and released as gas, includes a float with a float magnet that couples with a liquid level indicator magnet across a fluid impermeable wall to provide indication of tank liquid level or volume. In another embodiment, when a predetermined tank liquid level or volume is reached during filling, the float actuates an inlet closure valve to increase inlet flow resistance, creating a shutoff signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: James P. O'Shea
  • Patent number: 6408692
    Abstract: A liquid level sensor is provided that comprises an integral housing including therein a pickup tube, a return tube and a float cavity with a float positioned therein. Sensors are positioned within the float cavity for sensing the position of the float so as to determine the level of liquid within a tank or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Isspro, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary W. Glahn
  • Patent number: 6401533
    Abstract: A fluid level sensor that is particularly useful in fluid fuel tanks of motor vehicles wherein a resistor network is arranged on a fixed support and it is possible to generate an output signal from the resistor network which corresponds to the position of a float member. The level sensor has particularly low wear and is inexpensive to produce with a contact structure for the resistor network that operates through interaction of a magnetic member is moved by the float and can be deflected such that an electrical connection is dependent on the position of the float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventors: Lothar Gier, Werner Wallrafen
  • Patent number: 6397674
    Abstract: An apparatus for sensing a level of fluid within a container. The apparatus includes a support coupled to the container. The apparatus additionally includes first and second floats. Each of the first and second floats is pivotally coupled to the support proximate a first end. The apparatus further includes a position sensing mechanism for sensing the relative positions of the first and second floats and responsively determining the level of fluid within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Robert B Kerchaert, Leon P Brank, Christopher Barranger
  • Patent number: 6389892
    Abstract: A liquid level detection device having a contact portion or a conductor electrode withstanding degradation is provided. The liquid level detection device 1 includes a moving element including a float 9 and an arm 10 operating according to the level in a fuel tank 2, a contact portion 7 provided at a sliding body 8 operating in synchronization with the movement of the moving element, and an insulating substrate 6 provided with a conductor electrode 4 which the contact portion 7 slides on, and the contact portion 7 is formed of an alloy free from Ag (silver).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Sato, Naoki Sato
  • Patent number: 6380734
    Abstract: A position verification apparatus comprising a movable member disposed within and movable with respect to a housing containing the movable member, a means for generating a magnetic field within the housing, a first magnetically responsive means for sensing the position of the movable member and outputting a signal indicative of the position of the movable member, a second magnetically responsive means for sensing the presence of the movable member and outputting a signal indicative of the position of the movable member and a means for comparing the signal output from the first magnetically responsive means and the signal output from the second magnetically responsive means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
    Inventors: Deva R. Chari, Edward G. Sirica
  • Publication number: 20020046601
    Abstract: In a slide detector, a contact member provided on a slider is made of gold or a gold alloy including an abrasion resistant metallic component, and a plurality of electrodes provided on an electric insulating board is made of a silver alloy including glass. Preferably, the contact member sliding on the electrodes is made of a gold alloy consisting of 99% by weight of gold and 1% by weight of cobalt, so that an anti-sulfurization and an abrasion resistance between the contact member and the electrodes is ensured. However, the weight percent of gold and other alloys may vary depending upon the abrasion characteristics desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: Atsushi Yasuda, Shinji Tsuda
  • Patent number: 6370952
    Abstract: A vehicle oil level monitoring system for verifying the amount of oil in an engine without requiring the user to access the engine compartment. The vehicle oil level monitoring system includes a vehicle with an engine and a fuel port, a dipstick, a sensor coupled to the dipstick for sensing the level of oil in the engine, and a monitoring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventors: Aaron Little, Ronald Robinson
  • Publication number: 20020040597
    Abstract: A ceramic resistor card assembly for a fuel sensor includes a card portion made of a ceramic material. The ceramic resistor card assembly also includes a first conductive ink disposed on the card portion to form a fuel level portion. The ceramic resistor card assembly further includes a second conductive ink disposed on the card portion to form at least one contact for the fuel level portion. The first conductive ink is void of Silver and the second conductive ink contains Silver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Inventors: Ulf Sawert, Hugh Wesley Ireland, Wayne Frederick Harris
  • Patent number: 6367325
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fuel sensor suited for sensing the level of fuel in a motor vehicle fuel tank. The fuel tank includes an interior mounting to which the fuel sensor is affixed. The fuel sensor has a cantilever member extending in a substantially horizontal direction from the mounting to a free end. The cantilever member is substantially rigid but can be deflected in the vertical direction. A probe is affixed at the free end of the cantilever member to extend in a substantially vertical orientation approximately the full height of the fuel tank. A stabilizer member is affixed at one end to the mounting and at an opposing end to the probe. The stabilizer member has a pivot segment between the ends permitting the probe to move vertically but not horizontally. According to Archimedes's principle, the probe encounters a buoyant force equal to the weight of displaced fuel which induces strain in the cantilever member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron Thomas Schellenberg
  • Publication number: 20020038571
    Abstract: A water-monitoring apparatus includes a frame installed by water. A reel is mounted on the frame. A cable including lower and upper ends is wound on the reel. A buoy is connected with the cable. At least one sensor is used to detect a water quality parameter and to produce a signal representative of the water quality parameter. The at least one sensor is carried via the buoy and electrically connected with the lower end of the cable. The reel can be rotated to adjust a length of the cable extending from the reel so that the at least one sensor can always be immersed in the water. A signal relay includes a first block electrically connected with the at least one sensor and a second block electrically connected with a monitoring station wherein the first and second blocks are connected with each other in a non-contact electric manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: Hsu-Chen Chuang
  • Patent number: 6363785
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a relative location detection apparatus including a detection unit having a support board having a plurality of spaced reed switches mounted along a lengthwise axis of the support board. Each of the reed switches has a longitudinal axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the support board. A high intensity magnet is coupled to the support board for movement relative to the support board and in a direction substantially parallel to the support board's lengthwise axis. The magnet has north and south poles that are oppositely positioned to one another and directed toward one another across a width of the support board and into periodic alignment with the longitudinal axes of the reed switches. The magnet has a magnetic force sufficiently focused so that the magnet actuates the reed switches individually thereby indicating the magnet's location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventors: Karl A. Senghaas, Peter Senghaas, Jerzy Michalec, Peter T. Kolonko, Jr., John H. Gold
  • Patent number: 6336362
    Abstract: A system and a method for periodically detecting the level of liquid propane in industrial, commercial and residential tanks; and transmitting this information from a remote location to a host system located at a host facility or at the site of the propane supplier in order to, among other purposes, prevent out-of-gas situations to improve safety and minimize economic and civil liability; to optimize and schedule refill trips to the tank and increase customer service and satisfaction; to keep track of propane usage on a periodically or daily basis for billing purposes; to know when the tanks have been serviced or refilled for personnel control and anti-fraud purposes; to keep an inventory of available empty space in the tanks to optimize the purchasing and delivery of bulk propane through the future options market.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Inventor: Roy A. Duenas
  • Publication number: 20010054312
    Abstract: A sensor system for measuring displacement includes a primary coil wound around a longitudinal axis and at least one secondary coil wound around the longitudinal axis. Each secondary coil has a winding density distribution that varies between the ends thereof. The winding direction of each secondary coil varies between a clockwise winding direction between the ends thereof. A coupler is positioned adjacent the primary coil between the ends thereof. The coupler includes a resonating circuit configured to resonate at a resonating frequency. The coupler or the coils are configured to move relative to the other of the coupler or the coils. A control system excites the primary coil with a first step of a signal and receives from each secondary coil in response thereto a time varying signal. Each time varying signal includes a ringing component superimposed on a time varying component temporally adjacent the first step of the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Applicant: Czarnek and Orkin Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Czarnek
  • Publication number: 20010032506
    Abstract: A method and system for remote monitoring of liquid level 21 within a container 12, such as the level of fuel within a propane cylinder. A magnetic float 20 disposed within the container 12 floats on the liquid 21, and lowers with the liquid level as fuel is consumed. Magnetic sensors 22 outside the container 12 sense the float 20 as it passes in the proximity of one of the sensors 22. A controller 26 receives output signals from the sensors 22 and transmits level indicating signals to a gauge 28 or other indicator for remote indication of the corresponding liquid level. The indicator 28 can be located proximal the user's direct line of sight, to remind the user to periodically monitor the fuel level to prevent running out of fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventor: John M. Keller
  • Patent number: 6305220
    Abstract: A fuel gauging system for a motor vehicle fuel tank, including a housing (100) supporting a resistive element (200), an arm (300) pivotally mounted on the housing (100) and comprising at least one cursor (350) engaging the resistive element (200), and a lever (400) provided with a float connected to the arm (300) for monitoring the movements thereof. The system includes a housing (100) and an arm (300) which comprise complementary rotational guides (120, 310) and structure (316, 317, 318, and 319) to enable translation of the arm (300) on the housing (100). The arm (300) is combined with an L-shaped lever (400) so that one of the sections (420) defines the pivot axis of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Marwal Systems
    Inventor: Daniel Brunel
  • Patent number: 6289728
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the amount of liquid contained in a railroad tank car, or any other liquid storage tank having an interior region defining a predetermined relationship between liquid level and volumetric content. A tube having a closed bottom end is disposed within the tank in a substantially vertical orientation with the closed end of the tube emersed in the liquid and the open end of the tube protruding from the top of tank. An elongate member having a longitudinal edge defining a varying profile corresponding to the predetermined relationship between liquid level and volumetric content is slidably received within the tube. A float is slidable vertically along the exterior of the tube and is magnetically coupled to the elongate member such that as the float rises or falls in response to a change in liquid level, the elongate member will be vertically displaced within the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Electromechanical Research Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry C. Wilkins
  • Patent number: 6289731
    Abstract: A liquid level detector that includes an internal tube, a coil wound on an external surface of the internal tube, an external tube, a float ball, a base, and an upper fixing socket. The float ball is disposed in the internal tube, which is wound by a coil on its external surface. The internal tube is enclosed by the external tube, wherein an upper end of the internal tube is connected to the upper fixing socket, while the bottom end is coupled with the base. The two ends of the external tube are sealed for protection of the coil wound on the external wall of the internal tube. When the liquid level detector is employed to detect a liquid level, the float ball in the internal tube will move up or down according to the liquid level, and the induced change in inductance will be converted into a usable signal by a conversion circuit to drive a display apparatus to show the liquid quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Inventor: Jui-Yang Lo
  • Patent number: 6276201
    Abstract: In a fuel tank (1) for a motor vehicle, a carrier (12) of a fuel level sensor (8) is manufactured in one piece with a wall of the baffle (4). As a result, the fuel tank (1) is composed of a very small number of components and can be mounted in a particularly simple way. In the region of a mounting for a lever arm (9) carrying a float (10), the carrier (12) is spaced from the baffle (4). The lever arm (9) can thereby engage round the mounting. The filling level sensor (8) has high stability as a result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventors: Christophe Gette, Stéphane Bouton, Otto Korst