Patent US3734313A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3734313A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Bulk bin level indicator
Assignee: DONALD ENGINEERING CO Inc
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Filing: 1971-06-10
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Granted: 1973-05-22
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Expires: 1991-06-10
Abstract
Abstract The present invention provides a level indicator for indicating the level of bulk materials such as molding sand which are stored in a bin. The indicator employs a pneumatically operated sensor having a J-shaped output tube which is mounted in the bin to supply a stream of air to an input tube across a gap between the J-shaped output tube and the input tube when no bulk material is present at the level of the indicator. When the bulk material is present at the level of the indicator, it obstructs the gap between the output and input tubes. This causes a pressure change at the input tube which can be detected by suitable means coupled to the input tube to provide a control signal. The control signal can be utilized in conjunction with filling apparatus to automatically refill the bin when the level falls below a predetermined level at which an indicator is installed. A second level indicator can be installed near the top of the bin to provide a control signal which will automatically stop associated filling apparatus when the bulk material has reached the level of the second indicator and the bin is filled.
Inventors
- 👤 D Gauthier
- 👤 W Jones
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 11:07
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F23/00; G01F23/14; G01F23/18; G01F23/185; B; B65; B65G; B65G47/00; B65G2814/00; B65G2814/03; B65G2814/0344
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
140 words
A level sensor for detecting the presence of bulk material in a container, said sensor comprising: means positioned within said container for generating a stream of gas, receiving means having an open end for receiving therewithin at least a portion of said stream of gas, means positioning said receiving means spaced from said generating means to provide a predetermined gap therebetween and aligned therewith to directly receive at least a portion of said stream of gas whereby said receiving means has a first pressure therein when said gap is unobstructed by bulk material and different pressure therein when said gap is obstructed by bulk material, and means for sensing the pressure in said receiving means and for providing a signal indicative of the presence or absence of bulk material in said gap between said generating means and said receiving means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
140 words
A level sensor for detecting the presence of bulk material in a container, said sensor comprising: means positioned within said container for generating a stream of gas, receiving means having an open end for receiving therewithin at least a portion of said stream of gas, means positioning said receiving means spaced from said generating means to provide a predetermined gap therebetween and aligned therewith to directly receive at least a portion of said stream of gas whereby said receiving means has a first pressure therein when said gap is unobstructed by bulk material and different pressure therein when said gap is obstructed by bulk material, and means for sensing the pressure in said receiving means and for providing a signal indicative of the presence or absence of bulk material in said gap between said generating means and said receiving means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
A sensor as defined in claim 1 wherein said generating means includes an open tube having a nozzle attached to one end thereof and means for coupling the other end to a source of pressurized gas.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
A sensor as defined in claim 2 wherein said receiving means comprises an open tube having one open end rigidly positioned to intercept at least a portion of said stream of gas, and the other end adapted to be coupled to said sensing means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
A sensor as defined in claim 3 wherein said tube included in said generating means comprises a J-shaped tube having an elongated portion, a curved portion and shank portion, and wherein said nozzle is attached to said shank portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
A sensor as defined in claim 4 and further comprising: mounting means for rigidly mounting said tube included in said generating means in fixed relationship to said tube included in said receiving means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
A sensor as defined in claim 5 wherein said sensing means comprises a pressure-actuated switching means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
51 words
A sensor as defined in claim 6 wherein said switching means includes an electrical switch for opening and closing contacts associated with said switch in response to pressure changes in said receiving means due to bulk material being present or absent in said gap between said nozzle and said receiving means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
131 words
A pneumatically-operated sensor adapted to be mounted within a container for detecting the presence of bulk material in said container, said sensor comprising: first means having a nozzle thereon, said first means including means for applying pressurized gas to said nozzle such that a stream of gas exits said nozzle; second means having a generally hollow body and including an opening therein, and; third means for rigidly positioning said second means in relation to said first means such that gas from said nozzle is directed into said opening of said second means, and such that a gap of predetermined width exists between said nozzle of said first means and said opening of said second means, whereby a pressure differential will occur within said second means when bulk material obstructs said gap.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
131 words
A pneumatically-operated sensor adapted to be mounted within a container for detecting the presence of bulk material in said container, said sensor comprising: first means having a nozzle thereon, said first means including means for applying pressurized gas to said nozzle such that a stream of gas exits said nozzle; second means having a generally hollow body and including an opening therein, and; third means for rigidly positioning said second means in relation to said first means such that gas from said nozzle is directed into said opening of said second means, and such that a gap of predetermined width exists between said nozzle of said first means and said opening of said second means, whereby a pressure differential will occur within said second means when bulk material obstructs said gap.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
109 words
For use as a bulk bin level indicator, a pneumatically-operated sensor comprising: a first J-shaped tube having an elongated portion, a curved portion, and a shank portion; a nozzle attached to an open end of said end portion of said first tube; a second tube having an open end; and means for rigidly affixing said second tube to said elongated portion of said first tube in a position whereby said open end of said second tube is in approximate alignment with said nozzle attached to said first tube and whereby a gap exists between said open end of said second tube and said nozzle attached to said first tube.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
109 words
For use as a bulk bin level indicator, a pneumatically-operated sensor comprising: a first J-shaped tube having an elongated portion, a curved portion, and a shank portion; a nozzle attached to an open end of said end portion of said first tube; a second tube having an open end; and means for rigidly affixing said second tube to said elongated portion of said first tube in a position whereby said open end of said second tube is in approximate alignment with said nozzle attached to said first tube and whereby a gap exists between said open end of said second tube and said nozzle attached to said first tube.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
31 words
A sensor as defined in claim 6 wherein saiD first tube includes means for coupling a source of pressurized air to an end of said first tube remote from said nozzle.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
31 words
A sensor as defined in claim 7 wherein said second tube includes means for coupling an end of said second tube remote from said open end to a pressure-operated control device.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
48 words
A sensor as defined in claim 8 wherein said nozzle has an aperture therethrough which supplies a stream of air when said first tube is coupled to said source of pressurized air, and wherein said stream of air is directed into said open end of said second tube.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
61 words
A sensor as defined in claim 9 wherein said gap formed by the space between said nozzle and said open end of said second tube is sufficiently wide to allow bulk material stored in said bin to obstruct the air stream from said nozzle when the bulk material is at the level at which said sensor is installed in said bin.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
A sensor as defined in claim 10 which further includes means coupled to said sensor for attaching said sensor to said bin.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
220 words
A bulk bin level indicating and control system for automatically refilling a bulk bin when the bulk material stored therein reaches a predetermined level, said system comprising: at least one pneumatically operated sensor comprising a first tube having a nozzle at one end thereof and being coupled to a source of pressurized air for providing a stream of air from said nozzle, and a second tube mounted in fixed relationship to said first tube such that said stream of air is directed into an open end of said second tube and whereby a gap exists between said open end of said second tube and said nozzle of said first tube such that said bulk material will obstruct said gap when the bulk material is at the level of said sensor; means coupled to said second tube at an end remote from said open end for detecting the resulting pressure change when said air stream from said nozzle is interrupted by said bulk material and for providing a control signal indicative of the presence or absence of bulk material at said level of said sensor; means for supplying bulk material to said bin and means for actuating said supplying means, said actuating means being coupled to said providing means and responsive to a control signal therefrom to actuate said supplying means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
220 words
A bulk bin level indicating and control system for automatically refilling a bulk bin when the bulk material stored therein reaches a predetermined level, said system comprising: at least one pneumatically operated sensor comprising a first tube having a nozzle at one end thereof and being coupled to a source of pressurized air for providing a stream of air from said nozzle, and a second tube mounted in fixed relationship to said first tube such that said stream of air is directed into an open end of said second tube and whereby a gap exists between said open end of said second tube and said nozzle of said first tube such that said bulk material will obstruct said gap when the bulk material is at the level of said sensor; means coupled to said second tube at an end remote from said open end for detecting the resulting pressure change when said air stream from said nozzle is interrupted by said bulk material and for providing a control signal indicative of the presence or absence of bulk material at said level of said sensor; means for supplying bulk material to said bin and means for actuating said supplying means, said actuating means being coupled to said providing means and responsive to a control signal therefrom to actuate said supplying means.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
63 words
A system as defined in claim 15 wherein a lower level sensor is employed to detect the presence of bulk material at a first predetermined level in said bin and in conjunction with an associated control means coupled thereto, activate said supplying means such that bulk material is added to said bin when no bulk material is detected by said lower level sensor.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
58 words
A system as defined in claim 16 wherein an upper level sensor is further provided within said bin to detect the presence of bulk material at a second predetermined level in said bin, and in conjunction with an associated control means coupled thereto, inactivate said supplying means when the level of bulk material reaches said second predetermined level.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2696606A
Cited
US3213670A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-05-21 | 1976-11-20 | 1977-05-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-05-21 | 1980-11-20 | 1981-05-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-05-21 | 1984-11-20 | 1985-05-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |