US3697708A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Hopper material supply indicator
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-06-11
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Granted: 1972-10-10
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Expires: 1991-06-11
Abstract
Abstract A supply indicator for measuring the level of granular material stored in a bin, tank, silo or the like wherein a series of vertically spaced sensing limit switches are placed in and arranged to extend outwardly of a longitudinal slot in a tubular metallic housing. The housing is arranged within and longitudinally of the bin, tank, silo or the like and employs a flexible cylindrical sleeve tightly fitted over the housing which is capable of actuating indicating devices in a continuous fashion to note the changes in the level of the material in the hopper.
Inventors
- 👤 John I Beresic
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 12:28
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F23/00; G01F23/14; G01F23/18; G01F23/185
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
A hopper material supply indicator comprising in combination: a vertically disposed hollow housing having a longitudinally extending slotted-out portion, said slotted-out portion being formed by a pair of sloping plane surfaces having facing edges forming a narrow slit, a cylindrical flexible diaphragm surrounding said housing in snug tight arrangement therewith, a series of limit switches mounted in longitudinally spaced positions within the housing, and an actuating arm on the limit switches protruding through the narrow slit operatively to be engaged by the rear surface of the diaphragm.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
87 words
A hopper material supply indicator comprising in combination: a vertically disposed hollow housing having a longitudinally extending slotted-out portion, said slotted-out portion being formed by a pair of sloping plane surfaces having facing edges forming a narrow slit, a cylindrical flexible diaphragm surrounding said housing in snug tight arrangement therewith, a series of limit switches mounted in longitudinally spaced positions within the housing, and an actuating arm on the limit switches protruding through the narrow slit operatively to be engaged by the rear surface of the diaphragm.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
63 words
The hopper material supply indicator of claim 1 in further combination with a turn buckle mounted within each end of said housing for increasing and decreasing the tension on opposite walls of said housing to aid in placing and removing the diaphragm from around said housing and for causing said diaphragm to snugly fit around said housing when said indicator is in use.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The hopper material supply indicator of claim 1 wherein said housing comprises a hollow tubular housing having a rectangular cross section.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The hopper material supply indicator of claim 1 wherein said housing has an arcuate cross-sectional configuration.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The hopper material supply indicator of claim 1 wherein said diaphragm is formed of flexible rubber.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The hopper material supply indicator of claim 4 wherein said housing is slotted along its surface opposite to said slit for aiding in squeezing said housing to readily receive said diaphragm.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
The hopper material supply indicator of claim 1 wherein the series of limit switches are mounted on a rail detachably secured to the inside of said housing and insertable and removable from one end of the housing.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The hopper material supply indicator of claim 1 wherein said slit extends the full length of said housing.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US1281013A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-10-10 | 1976-04-10 | 1976-10-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-10-10 | 1980-04-10 | 1980-10-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-10-10 | 1984-04-10 | 1984-10-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |