Patent US3958527A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3958527A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic product depletion indicator
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1975-01-17
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Granted: 1976-05-25
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Expires: 1995-01-17
Abstract
Abstract The indicator of this invention comprises a product "empty" signal means actuated responsive to the product container achieving an empty condition, automatically actuating the empty signal means, to provide a visual empty signal, so that the user will be automatically signalled as to the need for replenishment when that occurs. The invention comprises a container movably received in a casing and normally urged to one (full) position responsive to balancing thereof on pressure means, and signal empty means positioned in the area of the container and interconnected with an intermediate mechanism activated on movement of the container, when empty, responsive to said pressure means. Prior to the container empty condition the pressure means will be inadequate to move the container to the point required to actuate the empty signal means.
Inventors
- 👤 Anthony Iannacone
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 10:06
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F23/00; G01F23/20; G01F23/205; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S116/00; Y10S116/32
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
123 words
A product empty signal means for indicating depletion of a product from a container reservoir and the need to replenish the same, comprisng: a. means movably receiving said container therein, b. means engaging the container and normally urging the same to a predetermined position relative to the container receiving means, c. empty signal actuating means positioned for actuation on movement of the container while normally clear of the container while the latter contains said product therein, d. said empty signal means including an elongated rod normally urged for movement in one direction, and e. means for normally holding the rod against movement in said one direction, and for releasing the rod for movement in said one direction on depletion of said container contents.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
123 words
A product empty signal means for indicating depletion of a product from a container reservoir and the need to replenish the same, comprisng: a. means movably receiving said container therein, b. means engaging the container and normally urging the same to a predetermined position relative to the container receiving means, c. empty signal actuating means positioned for actuation on movement of the container while normally clear of the container while the latter contains said product therein, d. said empty signal means including an elongated rod normally urged for movement in one direction, and e. means for normally holding the rod against movement in said one direction, and for releasing the rod for movement in said one direction on depletion of said container contents.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
In a product depletion indicator as set forth in claim 1, said means so normally holding the signal member normally latching the rod.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
In a product depletion indicator as set forth in claim 1, said means so normally holding the signal member comprising linkage means, normally latching the rod.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
In a product depletion indicator as set forth in claim 1, said means so normally holding the signal member comprising electromagnetic means, normally latching the rod.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
In a product depletion indicator as set forth in claim 1, said means so normally holding the signal member comprising pivotally mounted linkage means, normally latching the rod.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
In a product depletion indicator as set forth in claim 1, said means so normally holding the rod comprising electromagnetic means actuated on contact of the container therewith on movement of the container to empty condition.
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) | 1979-05-25 | 1979-11-24 | 1980-05-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-05-25 | 1983-11-24 | 1984-05-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-05-25 | 1987-11-24 | 1988-05-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |