US3748444A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrical impulse counter for automatic car wash and the like
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-01-17
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Granted: 1973-07-24
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Expires: 1992-01-17
Abstract
Abstract A counter system that insures a count each time power is applied to an electric motor or the like is disclosed. The system is particularly adaptable to automatic car wash apparatus but can also be incorporated into electrically controlled vending machines or the like. Electrical power cannot be applied to a motor or other electrically operative device until the electrical impulse counter has been energized. Thus, the process to be counted cannot begin until a count has been initiated. The counter and associated apparatus are housed in a tamper-proof box using armor type cable or the like.
Inventors
- 👤 J Gilboy
- 👤 W Jenkins
- 👤 R Deane
- 👤 P Kirtley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 02:30
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06M; G06M1/00; G06M1/08; G06M1/10; G06M1/108
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
156 words
In combination with a car wash system, a counter system comprising: a counter, a relay having first and second contacts, a relay coil and a pair of electrically connected relay arms; means to connect said first relay contact to said counter; means to connect said second relay contact to the starter coil of a motor of said car wash system, means to connect one side of said relay coil to said pair of electrically connected relay arms; means to connect the other side of said relay coil to said counter in such a manner that said counter is connected between said other side of said relay coil and said first contact; and means to connect said relay coil to said car wash system in such a manner that said relay coil is energized when said car wash system is activated, whereby said counter and said car wash motor are energized when said relay coil is energized.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
156 words
In combination with a car wash system, a counter system comprising: a counter, a relay having first and second contacts, a relay coil and a pair of electrically connected relay arms; means to connect said first relay contact to said counter; means to connect said second relay contact to the starter coil of a motor of said car wash system, means to connect one side of said relay coil to said pair of electrically connected relay arms; means to connect the other side of said relay coil to said counter in such a manner that said counter is connected between said other side of said relay coil and said first contact; and means to connect said relay coil to said car wash system in such a manner that said relay coil is energized when said car wash system is activated, whereby said counter and said car wash motor are energized when said relay coil is energized.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The combination as defined in claim 1 wherein one of said pair of relay arms closes on said first relay contact and the other of said pair of relay arms closes on said second relay contact when said relay coil is energized.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The combination as defined in claim 2 wherein said relay and said counter are housed in a tamper-resistant, locked, steel utility box and all electrical conductors brought into said box are covered by a protective sheath.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The combination as defined in claim 3 wherein said motor starter coil is the starter coil of the water pump motor of said car wash system.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
153 words
In combination with vending apparatus, a counter system comprising: a counter, a relay having first and second contacts, a relay coil and a pair of electrically connected relay arms; means to connect said first relay contact to said counter; means to connect said second relay contact to an electrically responsive operator of said vending apparatus, means to connect one side of said relay coil to said pair of electrically connected relay arms; means to connect the other side of said relay coil to said counter in such a manner that said counter is connected between said other side of said relay coil and said first contact; and means to connect said relay coil to said vending apparatus in such a manner that said relay coil is energized when said vending apparatus is activated, whereby said counter and said electrically responsive operator of said vending apparatus are energized when said relay coil is energized.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
153 words
In combination with vending apparatus, a counter system comprising: a counter, a relay having first and second contacts, a relay coil and a pair of electrically connected relay arms; means to connect said first relay contact to said counter; means to connect said second relay contact to an electrically responsive operator of said vending apparatus, means to connect one side of said relay coil to said pair of electrically connected relay arms; means to connect the other side of said relay coil to said counter in such a manner that said counter is connected between said other side of said relay coil and said first contact; and means to connect said relay coil to said vending apparatus in such a manner that said relay coil is energized when said vending apparatus is activated, whereby said counter and said electrically responsive operator of said vending apparatus are energized when said relay coil is energized.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
42 words
The combination as defined in claim 5 wherein one of said pair of relay arms closes on said first relay contact and the other of said pair of relay arms closes on said second relay contact when said relay coil is energized.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
The combination as defined in claim 5 wherein said relay and said counter are housed in a tamper-resistant, locked, steel utility box and all electrical conductors brought into said box are covered by a protective sheath.
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) | 1976-07-23 | 1977-01-22 | 1977-07-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-07-23 | 1981-01-22 | 1981-07-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-07-23 | 1985-01-22 | 1985-07-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |