Patent US3636509A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3636509A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vehicle low coolant level indicating device
Assignee: Motors Liquidation Co
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Filing: 1970-03-16
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Granted: 1972-01-18
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Expires: 1990-03-16
Abstract
Abstract A device for indicating low coolant level in a vehicle radiator when the engine of the vehicle is started, for giving a continuous indication of such condition and for automatically indicating the proper working condition of the indicator device. The vehicle starter switch supplies battery voltage simultaneously to the indicator for testing purposes and to a circuit which modifies the voltage in accordance with the liquid level. A voltage corresponding to low liquid level triggers a silicon controlled rectifier which connects the indicator to the ignition switch and supplies it with battery voltage after the starter switch is opened.
Inventors
- 👤 Burton W Breece
- 👤 Raymond Edwin Summerer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 14:53
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F23/00; G01F23/22; G01F23/24; G01F23/241; G01F23/243
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
107 words
A warning system for indicating low fluid level in a reservoir associated with an engine, the reservoir contaiNing fluid subject to agitation during the operation of the engine; the engine including means operable to condition the engine for operation, an engine starter and starter energizing means; the warning system comprising liquid level sensing means, an indicator, means coupled to the starter energizing means effective to energize the sensing means and the indicator during operation of the starter, and lock-in means responsive to an indication of low liquid level from the sensing means to maintain the indicator in an energized condition after the starter energizing means is deactivated.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
107 words
A warning system for indicating low fluid level in a reservoir associated with an engine, the reservoir contaiNing fluid subject to agitation during the operation of the engine; the engine including means operable to condition the engine for operation, an engine starter and starter energizing means; the warning system comprising liquid level sensing means, an indicator, means coupled to the starter energizing means effective to energize the sensing means and the indicator during operation of the starter, and lock-in means responsive to an indication of low liquid level from the sensing means to maintain the indicator in an energized condition after the starter energizing means is deactivated.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
106 words
A warning system for indicating fluid level in a reservoir associated with an engine, the reservoir containing fluid subject to agitation during the operation of the engine; the engine including means operable to condition the engine for operation, an engine starter and starter energizing means; the warning system comprising liquid level sensing means, an indicator, means coupled to the starter energizing means effective to energize the sensing means and the indicator during operation of the starter and lock-in means responsive to an indication of low liquid level from the sensing means to energize the indicator through the engine conditioning means until the engine-conditioning means is deactivated.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
106 words
A warning system for indicating fluid level in a reservoir associated with an engine, the reservoir containing fluid subject to agitation during the operation of the engine; the engine including means operable to condition the engine for operation, an engine starter and starter energizing means; the warning system comprising liquid level sensing means, an indicator, means coupled to the starter energizing means effective to energize the sensing means and the indicator during operation of the starter and lock-in means responsive to an indication of low liquid level from the sensing means to energize the indicator through the engine conditioning means until the engine-conditioning means is deactivated.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
229 words
A warning system for indicating low fluid level in a vehicle mounted reservoir containing fluid subject to agitation during operation of the vehicle; the vehicle including an engine, an electric ignition system for the engine, a source of electric current at a certain voltage, a common current return, an ignition switch to connect the ignition system to the electric current source, an electric starter and a starter switch to connect the starter to the electric power supply; the warning system including, in combination, a first resistor, an indicator, the first resistor and indicator being connected between the starter side of the starter switch and the common return, a first voltage divider in parallel with the first resistor and indicator, said voltage divider comprising a second resistor and a third resistor in series, the third resistor having resistance varying with liquid level, a second voltage divider in parallel with the indicator, the second voltage divider comprising fourth and fifth resistors, a first semiconductor switch connecting the starter side of the starter switch and the midpoint of the second voltage divider, the first semiconductor switch having a voltage-sensitive switching gate connected to the midpoint of the first voltage divider, a latching semiconductor switch connecting the ignition side of the ignition switch to the indicator, said latching switch having voltage sensitive trigger means connected to the midpoint of the second voltage divider.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
229 words
A warning system for indicating low fluid level in a vehicle mounted reservoir containing fluid subject to agitation during operation of the vehicle; the vehicle including an engine, an electric ignition system for the engine, a source of electric current at a certain voltage, a common current return, an ignition switch to connect the ignition system to the electric current source, an electric starter and a starter switch to connect the starter to the electric power supply; the warning system including, in combination, a first resistor, an indicator, the first resistor and indicator being connected between the starter side of the starter switch and the common return, a first voltage divider in parallel with the first resistor and indicator, said voltage divider comprising a second resistor and a third resistor in series, the third resistor having resistance varying with liquid level, a second voltage divider in parallel with the indicator, the second voltage divider comprising fourth and fifth resistors, a first semiconductor switch connecting the starter side of the starter switch and the midpoint of the second voltage divider, the first semiconductor switch having a voltage-sensitive switching gate connected to the midpoint of the first voltage divider, a latching semiconductor switch connecting the ignition side of the ignition switch to the indicator, said latching switch having voltage sensitive trigger means connected to the midpoint of the second voltage divider.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-01-17 | 1975-07-19 | 1976-01-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-01-17 | 1979-07-19 | 1980-01-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-01-17 | 1983-07-19 | 1984-01-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |