US3681753A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electronic fuel level warning device
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1970-08-05
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Granted: 1972-08-01
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Expires: 1990-08-05
Abstract
Abstract An electronic system for providing a warning when the gasoline level in a fuel tank falls to a predetermined level. A flashing light indication warns the motorist when the predetermined level is reached. The flashing light is actuated through a silicon controlled rectifier by a float in the fuel tank provides a signal through an electronic assembly to activate the silicon controlled rectifier.
Inventors
- 👤 George J Whalen
- 👤 Rudolf F Graf
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 10:28
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R16/00; B60R16/02; B60R16/023; B60R16/0231; B60R16/0232; G; G01; G01F; G01F23/00; G01F23/30; G01F23/56; G01F23/60
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
256 words
A Level sensing warning system for use with a tank having a liquid therein and for providing a warning when the level of a liquid held in a tank reaches a predetermined level comprising visual warning means for providing a visual warning when said liquid reaches said predetermined level, first means for sensing the level of said liquid, said first means including a variable resistor provided with a wiper arm, second means responsive to said first means for actuating said visual warning means when said liquid reaches said predetermined level, said warning means including flashing lamp means for providing a flashing visual signal, a silicon controlled rectifier device having a gate terminal, said device being triggered into a conducting state when a signal from said second means of a predetermined amplitude is applied to said gate terminal, said device being connected to said flashing lamp means, said first means being provided with a source or periodic pulses supplied to said wiper arm so that a pulse amplitude level is developed across said variable resistor responsive to the level of said liquid, said pulse developed across said variable resistor being supplied to said second means, said second means being connected for supplying a pulse to said gate terminal, so that when said liquid is at said predetermined level said device is triggered into its conducting state actuating said warning means, said second means being provided with wave shaping means connected between said wiper arm and said gate electrode for shaping the pulse appearing at said gate terminal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
256 words
A Level sensing warning system for use with a tank having a liquid therein and for providing a warning when the level of a liquid held in a tank reaches a predetermined level comprising visual warning means for providing a visual warning when said liquid reaches said predetermined level, first means for sensing the level of said liquid, said first means including a variable resistor provided with a wiper arm, second means responsive to said first means for actuating said visual warning means when said liquid reaches said predetermined level, said warning means including flashing lamp means for providing a flashing visual signal, a silicon controlled rectifier device having a gate terminal, said device being triggered into a conducting state when a signal from said second means of a predetermined amplitude is applied to said gate terminal, said device being connected to said flashing lamp means, said first means being provided with a source or periodic pulses supplied to said wiper arm so that a pulse amplitude level is developed across said variable resistor responsive to the level of said liquid, said pulse developed across said variable resistor being supplied to said second means, said second means being connected for supplying a pulse to said gate terminal, so that when said liquid is at said predetermined level said device is triggered into its conducting state actuating said warning means, said second means being provided with wave shaping means connected between said wiper arm and said gate electrode for shaping the pulse appearing at said gate terminal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A level sensing warning system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said wave shaping means includes a resistor and a capacitor connected in parallel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
105 words
A level sensing warning system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said flashing lamp is provided with a thermal switch for turning said lamp off after it is turned on, said liquid being gasoline and said tank being a gasoline fuel tank, said first means being provided with a fuel guage connected between said source of periodic pulses and said wiper arm, a float resting on top of said gasoline in said fuel tank, said float being connected to said wiper arm, and said second means being provided with a variable resistor for adjusting the amplitude of the pulse supplied to said gate terminal.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-08-01 | 1976-01-31 | 1976-08-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-01 | 1980-01-31 | 1980-08-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-01 | 1984-01-31 | 1984-08-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |