US3920155A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Particle level indicator
Assignee: Xerox Corp
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Filing: 1974-02-27
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Granted: 1975-11-18
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Expires: 1994-02-27
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus arranged to indicate the level of particles remaining in a housing. The housing dispenses particles therefrom, and the apparatus senses when the particle level is diminished beneath a preselected level. In this manner, additional particles may be added to the housing when the apparatus indicates that the particles therein are depleted.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles A Whited
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 08:45
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F23/00; G01F23/22; G01F23/28; G01F23/296; G01F23/2966; G03; G03G; G03G15/00; G03G15/06; G03G15/08; G03G15/0822; G03G15/0848; G03G15/0856; G03G15/086
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
171 words
An apparatus for indicating particle quantity, including: means for housing a supply of particles, said housing means includes a generally tubular member journaled for oscillatory movement substantially about the longitudinal axis thereof and defining a chamber for storing a quantity of particles therein, said tubular member having a perforated region arranged to prevent the passage of particles therethrough when said tubular member is stationary while allowing the passage of particles therethrough when said tubular member is oscillated; means for vibrating said housing means to dispense particles therefrom; means for sensing the level of particles remaining in said housing means, said sensing means being mounted for movement in said housing means and arranged to engage the particles stored therein above a pre-selected level; and means for detecting the movement of said sensing means relative to said housing means, said sensing means being adapted to move relative to said housing means when the particles stored therein are beneath the pre-selected level and said vibrating means moves said housing means to dispense particles therefrom.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
171 words
An apparatus for indicating particle quantity, including: means for housing a supply of particles, said housing means includes a generally tubular member journaled for oscillatory movement substantially about the longitudinal axis thereof and defining a chamber for storing a quantity of particles therein, said tubular member having a perforated region arranged to prevent the passage of particles therethrough when said tubular member is stationary while allowing the passage of particles therethrough when said tubular member is oscillated; means for vibrating said housing means to dispense particles therefrom; means for sensing the level of particles remaining in said housing means, said sensing means being mounted for movement in said housing means and arranged to engage the particles stored therein above a pre-selected level; and means for detecting the movement of said sensing means relative to said housing means, said sensing means being adapted to move relative to said housing means when the particles stored therein are beneath the pre-selected level and said vibrating means moves said housing means to dispense particles therefrom.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
64 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 1, further including: circuit means arranged to produce an electrical signal in response to said detecting means indicating movement of said sensing means relative to said housing means; and display means, actuated by the electrical signal generated by said circuit means, for indicating that the quantity of particles remaining in said housing means is beneath the pre-selected level.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said vibrating means includes a motor adapted to oscillate said tubular member about the longitudinal axis thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
93 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein said sensing means includes: a shaft member having one end portion thereof mounted pivotably in said tubular member, said shaft member extending in a direction substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of said tubular member; and a generally planar member secured to said shaft member in the region of the other end portion thereof, said planar member moving substantially in unison with said tubular member when contacting the particles stored therein, and oscillating relative to said tubular member when spaced from the particles stored therein.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
58 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein said detecting means includes magnetic sensing means mounted closely spaced to said tubular member in communication with said planar member sensing the oscillation thereof relative to said tubular member for indicating that said planar member is spaced from the particles therein and that the particles are beneath the pre-selected level.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2111663A
Cited
US3578211A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-11-17 | 1979-05-19 | 1979-11-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-11-17 | 1983-05-19 | 1983-11-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-11-17 | 1987-05-19 | 1987-11-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |