Patent US4364270A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4364270A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Device for pneumatically scanning the level of liquid in a container
Assignee: Siemens AG
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Filing: 1980-10-06
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Granted: 1982-12-21
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Expires: 2000-10-06
Abstract
Abstract A device for pneumatically scanning the level of liquid in a container, such as small housings for electronic components which are to be filled with casting resin, has a pneumatic scanning nozzle disposed above the component housing for directing an extremely low pressure air stream at the liquid surface in the housing. The nozzle has a branch conduit leading to a piston movable to actuate a proximity switch for providing a signal to cease the supply of liquid to the container. When a pre-determined liquid level is attained in the container, the back pressure through the conduit moves the piston against a spring bias to actuate the proximity switch. The liquid level is thus determined in a contact-free manner so that the measuring system remains untouched by the casting resin.
Inventors
- 👤 Alfred Heinzl
- 👤 Heinz Stadler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 04:44
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F23/00; G01F23/14; G01F23/16; G01F23/165; G01F23/168
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
156 words
A device for scanning the level of liquid in a container comprising: a scanning nozzle connected to a compressed air supply, said nozzle disposed above said container for directing air at a surface of said liquid in said container; a housing having an interior chamber; a piston contained in said chamber in contact-free fashion; a means for supporting said piston in said chamber and for permitting displacement of said piston in said chamber; a proximity switch disposed in said chamber a distance from a portion of said piston for emitting a signal when said distance is reduced by a pre-determined amount by displacement of said piston toward said switch; and a pressure tube interconnected between said chamber of said housing and said nozzle for directing back pressure to said chamber when said liquid in said container reaches a pre-determined level, whereby said back pressure displaces said piston into contact with said proximity switch for actuation thereof.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
156 words
A device for scanning the level of liquid in a container comprising: a scanning nozzle connected to a compressed air supply, said nozzle disposed above said container for directing air at a surface of said liquid in said container; a housing having an interior chamber; a piston contained in said chamber in contact-free fashion; a means for supporting said piston in said chamber and for permitting displacement of said piston in said chamber; a proximity switch disposed in said chamber a distance from a portion of said piston for emitting a signal when said distance is reduced by a pre-determined amount by displacement of said piston toward said switch; and a pressure tube interconnected between said chamber of said housing and said nozzle for directing back pressure to said chamber when said liquid in said container reaches a pre-determined level, whereby said back pressure displaces said piston into contact with said proximity switch for actuation thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said piston is a hollow piston formed from thin-walled sheet metal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said means for supporting said piston in said chamber is at least one leaf spring.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said means for supporting said piston in said chamber is at least one perpendicularly disposed tension spring.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said proximity switch has a rod-like proximity sensor extending into an interior of said piston.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 1 further comprising a means for adjusting the position of said proximity switch with respect to said piston.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 6 wherein said means for adjusting the position of said proximity switch is a set screw surrounding said switch and received in said housing.
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) | 1985-12-20 | 1986-06-21 | 1986-12-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-12-20 | 1990-06-21 | 1990-12-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-12-20 | 1994-06-21 | 1994-12-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |