US3823304A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic control system for limiting ice formation in gutters and downspouts
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-05-14
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Granted: 1974-07-09
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Expires: 1993-05-14
Abstract
Abstract A gutter waste sensor comprising a grounded electrode and a water sensing electrical probe mounted on an insulated block which is vertically adjustable to various levels on a hollow stand extending upward from the bottom of the gutter. The water sensing probe is located and spaced protectively between members of the vertical stand. The grounded electrode terminates on the stand at a lower level than the probe. The probe and grounded electrode are part of a solid state electronic circuit for detecting the presence of water at the predetermined level in the gutter and energizing an electrical heating cable system laid therein to limit the accumulation of ice and prevent the overflow of water therefrom during a thaw.
Inventors
- 👤 R Siemianowski
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 17:41
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F23/00; G01F23/22; G01F23/24; G01F23/241; H; H05; H05B; H05B3/00; H05B2214/00; H05B2214/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
63 words
In an automatic control system for limiting ice formation in gutters having electrical heating cables laid therein, the combination comprising: a. a gutter, b. a water level sensor including an electric probe for sensing the level of water in the gutter, c. an electronic switch connected to the sensor and to the heating cable, and d. a power supply connected to the switch.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
63 words
In an automatic control system for limiting ice formation in gutters having electrical heating cables laid therein, the combination comprising: a. a gutter, b. a water level sensor including an electric probe for sensing the level of water in the gutter, c. an electronic switch connected to the sensor and to the heating cable, and d. a power supply connected to the switch.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
54 words
In the control system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the water level sensor comprises: a. an upright stand having a top and a base for mounting on the bottom of the gutter, and b. wherein the electric probe is mounted on and insulated from the stand between the top and the base.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
In the control system as set forth in claim 2 wherein the stand comprises: a. a horizontal leg, and b. a plurality of spaced vertical members mounted to the leg for protectively mounting the probe therebetween.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
48 words
In the control system as set forth in claim 3 wherein the upright stand comprises: a. a heating cable looped over the vertical legs and secured to the top of the stand, and b. a cable loop wound around the juncture of the base and the upright stand.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
70 words
In the control system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the switch comprises: a. a transformer having a primary circuit connected to the power supply, b. a thyristor control circuit connected to one terminal of the secondary circuit of the transformer, and c. an electrical relay having one terminal connected to the thyristor and the other terminal connected to the other terminal of the secondary circuit of the transformer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
154 words
A water level sensor comprising a conducting metal stand having a horizontal base member which mounts a hollow vertical leg having a top and side members, and uninsulated ground lead connected to the bare metal of the stand, a laminated insulating block mounted between the side members intermediate between the top and the base of the stand, a water sensing probe protectively mounted on and extending downward from the laminated block at a distance up from the base of the stand, a water sensing probe lead connecting with the sensing probe comprising insulated hookup wire, a heater cable, a vertical loop of the heating cable on the vertical leg of the stand, and a loop of heating cable tied around the vertical leg adjacent to the horizontal base member, all connected in an electrical circuit whereby in the presence of water between the side members and the probe, the electrical circuit will be operable.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
154 words
A water level sensor comprising a conducting metal stand having a horizontal base member which mounts a hollow vertical leg having a top and side members, and uninsulated ground lead connected to the bare metal of the stand, a laminated insulating block mounted between the side members intermediate between the top and the base of the stand, a water sensing probe protectively mounted on and extending downward from the laminated block at a distance up from the base of the stand, a water sensing probe lead connecting with the sensing probe comprising insulated hookup wire, a heater cable, a vertical loop of the heating cable on the vertical leg of the stand, and a loop of heating cable tied around the vertical leg adjacent to the horizontal base member, all connected in an electrical circuit whereby in the presence of water between the side members and the probe, the electrical circuit will be operable.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 6 wherein the electrical circuit comprises a small signal thyristor in a rectifier circuit, a thermal delay relay and a transformer.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-07-08 | 1978-01-07 | 1978-07-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-07-08 | 1982-01-07 | 1982-07-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-07-08 | 1986-01-07 | 1986-07-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |