US3693738A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Legal load indicator for a liquid tanker
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-04-07
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Granted: 1972-09-26
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Expires: 1991-04-07
Abstract
Abstract A legal load indicator for a liquid tanker comprising a gauge adapted to be positioned outside of the tanker and having a pressure responsive, pivotable, pressure-weight indicating pointer and a manually rotatable face having a marker so positioned thereon as to be alignable with the pointer in a selected position thereof. A pipe connects the gauge to a bell positioned at the bottom of the tanker for conducting the pressure of the air trapped within the bell to the gauge so that the pointer indicates the weight of liquid in the tanker independently of the height and density of such liquid. By positioning the marker on the movable face relative to the pointer at a position indicative of the legal weight limit of the tanker, the tanker may be filled with any liquid to its legal weight limit. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus also includes a mechanism for removing hardening materials from the bell and pipe to insure proper operation of the gauge.
Inventors
- 👤 Ottie H Andrews
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 22:42
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01G; G01G19/00; G01G19/08; G01G19/10; G01G5/00; G01G5/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
159 words
A legal load indicator for a liquid tanker comprising: means adapted to be positioned inside and at the bottom of said tanker for trapping a volume of air thereat; a gauge adapted to be positioned outside of said tanker and having a pressure responsive, movable, pressure-weight indicating pointer and a manually movable face having a marker indicated thereon, said marker being positioned on said face so as to be alignable with said pointer in a selected position thereof; conduit means connecting said air trapping means with said gauge for conducting the air pressure therein to said gauge whereby said pointer indicates the weight of liquid in said tanker; means for releasably securing said movable face and said marker thereon relative to said gauge and said pointer at a positive indicative of the legal weight limit of said tanker; and vibrating means positioned within said air trapping means or said conduit means for dislodging any material that might harden therein.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
159 words
A legal load indicator for a liquid tanker comprising: means adapted to be positioned inside and at the bottom of said tanker for trapping a volume of air thereat; a gauge adapted to be positioned outside of said tanker and having a pressure responsive, movable, pressure-weight indicating pointer and a manually movable face having a marker indicated thereon, said marker being positioned on said face so as to be alignable with said pointer in a selected position thereof; conduit means connecting said air trapping means with said gauge for conducting the air pressure therein to said gauge whereby said pointer indicates the weight of liquid in said tanker; means for releasably securing said movable face and said marker thereon relative to said gauge and said pointer at a positive indicative of the legal weight limit of said tanker; and vibrating means positioned within said air trapping means or said conduit means for dislodging any material that might harden therein.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
57 words
A legal load indicator for a liquid tanker according to claim 1 wherein said conduit means comprises a pipe and wherein said vibrating means comprises: a flat-sided bar positionEd within said pipe, partially extending downwardly into said air trapping means; and a spring connected to the bottom of said bar and contacting said bottom of said tanker.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
A legal load indicator for a liquid tanker according to claim 1 wherein said conduit means comprises: a pipe connected between said air trapping means and said gauge.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
81 words
A legal load indicator for a liquid tanker according to claim 3 wherein said legal load indicator is removable from said tanker and further comprising: a hollow cylinder extending from the top to the bottom of said tanker, said tanker having an opening therein above said cylinder, said air trapping means and said pipe extending through said cylinder to the bottom of said tanker; and means for sealing said opening and for holding said legal load indicator relative to said tanker.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
A legal load indicator for a liquid tanker according to claim 4 wherein said cylinder has at least one hole therein, adjacent the bottom thereof, to permit fluid communication from said tanker to said air trapping means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
124 words
A legal load indicator for a liquid tanker according to claim 1 wherein said gauge is adapted to be positioned beneath said tanker and wherein said air trapping means comprises: a bell-shaped structure including a sleeve which is open at the bottom thereof and a collar at the top thereof; and wherein said conduit means comprises: a transfer stud extending through an opening in the bottom of said tanker, the top of said transfer stud being connected to said collar, the bottom of said transfer stud being connected to said gauge, said transfer stud having a passageway running entirely therethrough, from said collar to said gauge, and at least one hole adjacent said gauge from said passageway to the outer surface of said stud.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
82 words
A legal load indicator for a liquid tanker according to claim 6 wherein said transfer stud further comprises: a collar intermediate the ends thereof, the bottom surface of said collar adapted to be positioned in contact with the inner surface of the bottom of said tanker; and an externally threaded section extending below said collar through said opening in said tanker; and further comprising: a nut adapted to engage said externally threaded section for holding said transfer stud relative to said tanker.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
A legal load indicator for a liquid tanker according to claim 6 wherein said vibrating means comprises: a sleeve positioned within said air trapping means, surrounding said transfer stud.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-09-26 | 1976-03-27 | 1976-09-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-09-26 | 1980-03-27 | 1980-09-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-09-26 | 1984-03-27 | 1984-09-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |