US4081638A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Level control with float actuated switch
Assignee: Corning Glass Works
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Filing: 1976-10-26
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Granted: 1978-03-28
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Expires: 1996-10-26
Abstract
Abstract A float unit having two float portions operates a switching unit to stop the supply of liquid at a selected high level and to reestablish the supply at a selected low level. The switching unit may be a precision snap-acting switch, and the float unit may be integrally formed from glass. In the preferred embodiment, the switch and an upper switch-engaging portion of the float are mounted in a housing which serves as a closure for a container.
Inventors
- 👤 William B. Thorn
- 👤 Jonathan G. Tobelmann
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 09:04
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H35/00; H01H35/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
215 words
Apparatus for determining when at least two predetermined heights of the surface level of a liquid within a container are obtained, the apparatus comprising: a float assembly including upper and lower float portions, means for connecting said upper and lower float portions at all times in a fixed vertically spaced apart spatial relationship, and a shaft extending upwardly from said upper float portion; means positioned above a body of liquid for guiding the shaft portion of said float assembly, said guiding means permitting the float assembly to move upwardly and downwardly in relation to the surface level of the liquid to be determined; normally closed switch means mounted above the upper end of the float shaft for actuation by said upper end; said lower float portion being capable of buoyantly suspending said float assembly in said body of liquid but incapable of exerting sufficient force on said switch means to open said normally closed switch; said upper float portion being capable of supplying sufficient force with said lower float portion to open said normally closed switch and determine an upper liquid level; and said lower float portion being capable upon the lowering of the liquid level to allow said switch means to revert to its normally closed position and thus determine a lower liquid level.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
215 words
Apparatus for determining when at least two predetermined heights of the surface level of a liquid within a container are obtained, the apparatus comprising: a float assembly including upper and lower float portions, means for connecting said upper and lower float portions at all times in a fixed vertically spaced apart spatial relationship, and a shaft extending upwardly from said upper float portion; means positioned above a body of liquid for guiding the shaft portion of said float assembly, said guiding means permitting the float assembly to move upwardly and downwardly in relation to the surface level of the liquid to be determined; normally closed switch means mounted above the upper end of the float shaft for actuation by said upper end; said lower float portion being capable of buoyantly suspending said float assembly in said body of liquid but incapable of exerting sufficient force on said switch means to open said normally closed switch; said upper float portion being capable of supplying sufficient force with said lower float portion to open said normally closed switch and determine an upper liquid level; and said lower float portion being capable upon the lowering of the liquid level to allow said switch means to revert to its normally closed position and thus determine a lower liquid level.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the float assembly includes a generally cylindrical lower float portion and an upper float portion having a flat bottom surface to be submerged in the liquid.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the float assembly is made from glass and is symmetrical about a vertical line.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
57 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said guiding means includes a plug portion removably engaged within an opening to container means for collecting and dispensing the liquid, said float assembly is symmetrical about a vertical axis, and the shaft portion thereof is slidably engaged within a vertical bore formed in the plug portion of said guiding means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said switch means includes a lever positioned for engagement by the float shaft extending through a bore of said guiding means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
190 words
A liquid level control for use in combination with a container means for collecting and dispensing liquid and electrically powered means for supplying liquid to said container means, the level control comprising: a float unit extending into the container means, said float unit including a lower float portion, a connecting shaft extending upwardly from the lower float portion, an upper float portion extending upwardly from the connecting shaft, and an actuating arm extending upwardly from the upper float portion; means mounted within an opening to said container means for guiding the actuating arm of said float unit in a vertical direction; and means for switching off and on electrical power to said means for supplying liquid to said container means, said switching means including electrical contact means and means for actuating said electrical contact means, said actuating means being engaged by said float arm, said actuating means exerting a maximum force on said float arm when the contacts move from a closed position to an open position, and said actuating means exerting a lesser force on the float arm after the opening of the contacts and until the closing thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
190 words
A liquid level control for use in combination with a container means for collecting and dispensing liquid and electrically powered means for supplying liquid to said container means, the level control comprising: a float unit extending into the container means, said float unit including a lower float portion, a connecting shaft extending upwardly from the lower float portion, an upper float portion extending upwardly from the connecting shaft, and an actuating arm extending upwardly from the upper float portion; means mounted within an opening to said container means for guiding the actuating arm of said float unit in a vertical direction; and means for switching off and on electrical power to said means for supplying liquid to said container means, said switching means including electrical contact means and means for actuating said electrical contact means, said actuating means being engaged by said float arm, said actuating means exerting a maximum force on said float arm when the contacts move from a closed position to an open position, and said actuating means exerting a lesser force on the float arm after the opening of the contacts and until the closing thereof.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The level control of claim 6 wherein said float unit is symmetrical about a vertical axis.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said lower float portion is generally cylindrical and said upper float portion has a bottom end provided with a flat surface portion.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said float unit is integrally made from glass and is symmetrical about a vertical axis, with said upper float portion including a bottom portion having a flat surface portion.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
198 words
Apparatus for opening and closing an electrical circuit responsive to the level of a supply of liquid in a container, comprising: switch means for deactivating said circuit upon such liquid reaching a predetermined upper level and for reactivating said circuit upon such liquid obtaining a predetermined lower level; a float assembly moveable with the level of the liquid in said container to actuate said switch means; said float assembly including lower float means for buoyantly suspending said float assembly within said liquid but with insufficient buoyancy to actuate said switch means for deactivating said circuit, upper float means; means connecting said upper and lower float means, at all times, in a fixed spaced apart relation with each other, said upper float means for providing sufficient buoyancy in conjunction with said lower float means to actuate said switch means for deactivating said circuit upon said liquid reaching said predetermined upper level; and actuating means extending upwardly from said upper float means for operatively engaging said switch means; and said lower float providing means for permitting said switch means to reactivate said circuit upon the lowering of the level of said liquid in said container to said predetermined lower level.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
198 words
Apparatus for opening and closing an electrical circuit responsive to the level of a supply of liquid in a container, comprising: switch means for deactivating said circuit upon such liquid reaching a predetermined upper level and for reactivating said circuit upon such liquid obtaining a predetermined lower level; a float assembly moveable with the level of the liquid in said container to actuate said switch means; said float assembly including lower float means for buoyantly suspending said float assembly within said liquid but with insufficient buoyancy to actuate said switch means for deactivating said circuit, upper float means; means connecting said upper and lower float means, at all times, in a fixed spaced apart relation with each other, said upper float means for providing sufficient buoyancy in conjunction with said lower float means to actuate said switch means for deactivating said circuit upon said liquid reaching said predetermined upper level; and actuating means extending upwardly from said upper float means for operatively engaging said switch means; and said lower float providing means for permitting said switch means to reactivate said circuit upon the lowering of the level of said liquid in said container to said predetermined lower level.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2736013A
Cited
US2510663A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-03-27 | 1981-09-26 | 1982-03-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-03-27 | 1985-09-26 | 1986-03-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-03-27 | 1989-09-26 | 1990-03-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |