Patent US3815416A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3815416A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Control system for rod type tank gage
Assignee: Midland Manufacturing Corp
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Filing: 1972-10-06
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Granted: 1974-06-11
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Expires: 1992-10-06
Abstract
Abstract A control system usable with any of a number of similar rod type tank gages having a gaging rod extensible from a tank and a float member within the tank connected with the rod for positioning same in accordance with liquid level, the control system having structure mountable on the tank for cooperation with the gaging rod, a magnetized member on the gaging rod exterior of the tank, at least one switch on the structure adapted to be actuated by the magnetized member and electrical conductors leading from the switch and adapted to be connected to remote control apparatus such as audio, visual, or valve actuating means responsive to switch action. In more detailed aspect, the control system has a plurality of switches responsive to different liquid levels, and a fail-safe stop member for the gaging rod, together with means responsive to engagement between the gaging rod and the stop member for indicating a malfunction condition. The control system operates at extremely low electrical energy levels, rendering the system safe for use in hazardous areas, and the conductors leading from the switches extend to control apparatus located in non-hazardous areas.
Inventors
- 👤 R Portis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 05:45
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F23/00; G01F23/30; G01F23/64; G01F23/66; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S73/00; Y10S73/05
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
193 words
For use with a rod type tank gage having a gaging rod extensible from a tank and a float member within the tank connected by a magnetic couple with the rod for positioning same in accordance with liquid level, a control system, comprising: an elongated structure mounted on an exterior portion of the tank in alignment with the gaging rod, said structure including transparent guide means for the gaging rod and an index means in effective relation with said rod for visually indicating rod position; a magnetized member secured to the gaging rod exterior of the tank; at least one switch actuatable by said magnetized member and mounted in predetermined position on said elongated structure; electrical conductors leading from said switch for connection to associated control apparatus such as audio, visual, or valve actuating means responsive to switch action; a fail-safe stop member on said elongated structure for engagement by said gaging rod, continued rise in fluid level following such engagement effective to break the magnetic couple between rod and float member, causing said gaging rod to drop; and means responsive to rod drop for actuating means for indicating the rod drop condition.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
193 words
For use with a rod type tank gage having a gaging rod extensible from a tank and a float member within the tank connected by a magnetic couple with the rod for positioning same in accordance with liquid level, a control system, comprising: an elongated structure mounted on an exterior portion of the tank in alignment with the gaging rod, said structure including transparent guide means for the gaging rod and an index means in effective relation with said rod for visually indicating rod position; a magnetized member secured to the gaging rod exterior of the tank; at least one switch actuatable by said magnetized member and mounted in predetermined position on said elongated structure; electrical conductors leading from said switch for connection to associated control apparatus such as audio, visual, or valve actuating means responsive to switch action; a fail-safe stop member on said elongated structure for engagement by said gaging rod, continued rise in fluid level following such engagement effective to break the magnetic couple between rod and float member, causing said gaging rod to drop; and means responsive to rod drop for actuating means for indicating the rod drop condition.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The control system of claim 1 with the addition of a carriage member mounted on said elongated structure for longitudinal adjustment, said switch mounted on said carriage member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
The control system of claim 1 with the addition of one or more additional switches actuatable by said magnetized member mounted in predetermined position on said elongated structure, and electrical conductors leading from each additional switch for connection to associated control apparatus.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The control system of claim 3 with the addition of one or more additional carriage members mounted on said elongated structure for longitudinal adjustment, each additional switch mounted on a carriage member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
The control system of claim 1 wherein said switch actuatable by said magnetized member is a magnetically operated reed switch enclosed in an air tight housing, thereby rendering the system safe for use in an explosive environment.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
The control system of claim 1 wherein said guide means for the gaging rod is open in part, providing access to the gaging rod whereby the rod is movable manually for checking the response of said switch and the associated control apparatus.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The control system of claim 1 with the addition of means for adjusting said fail-safe stop member longitudinally on said elongated structure.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
41 words
The control system of claim 1 with the addition of means for detachably mounting said elongated structure on said tank, whereby a single control system readily is usable with a plurality of tanks having compatible gages and control system mounting means.
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) | 1977-06-10 | 1977-12-10 | 1978-06-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-06-10 | 1981-12-10 | 1982-06-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-06-10 | 1985-12-10 | 1986-06-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |