US4408640A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for filling a container
Assignee: Singer Co
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Filing: 1981-10-26
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Granted: 1983-10-11
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Expires: 2001-10-26
Abstract
Abstract To fill a container with a predetermined volume of liquid, initially the time required to fill the container with an elemental volume is measured and the filling is continued for a multiple of the measured time, the multiple corresponding to the predetermined volume as a function of the elemental volume. Accordingly, any variations in inlet pressure are adapted to and compensated for.
Inventors
- 👤 Alfonse N. Voza
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 10:48
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47L; A47L15/00; A47L15/42; A47L15/4244
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
120 words
A method for filling a container with a predetermined volume of liquid, there being a controllable liquid flow valve intermediate a source of the liquid and the container, the method comprising the steps of: (a) opening the valve; (b) providing a signal when an elemental volume of the liquid is in the container; (c) timing the interval between the valve opening and the signal provision; (d) providing an indication of said predetermined volume as a multiple of said elemental volume; (e) timing a period commencing with the providing of said signal and terminating at said multiple less one times the interval determined in step (c); and (f) closing the valve at the termination of the period timed in step (e).
Claim 2
Independent Claim
120 words
A method for filling a container with a predetermined volume of liquid, there being a controllable liquid flow valve intermediate a source of the liquid and the container, the method comprising the steps of: (a) opening the valve; (b) providing a signal when an elemental volume of the liquid is in the container; (c) timing the interval between the valve opening and the signal provision; (d) providing an indication of said predetermined volume as a multiple of said elemental volume; (e) timing a period commencing with the providing of said signal and terminating at said multiple less one times the interval determined in step (c); and (f) closing the valve at the termination of the period timed in step (e).
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
145 words
Apparatus for filling a container from an inlet fluid line comprising: an electrically operated open/shut valve in the inlet fluid line; a fluid level sensor within the container arranged to provide an electrical level signal when the fluid level within the container reaches a predetermined reference level corresponding to an elemental volume; opening means for providing an electrical open signal to open said valve; first timing means for timing an elemental interval commencing with the opening of said valve and terminating with the provision of said electrical level signal; level selector means for selecting a desired container fill volume as a multiple of said elemental volume; second timing means for timing an overall fill interval equal to said elemental interval times said multiple; and shutting means responsive to the termination of said overall fill interval for providing an electrical shut signal to shut said valve.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
145 words
Apparatus for filling a container from an inlet fluid line comprising: an electrically operated open/shut valve in the inlet fluid line; a fluid level sensor within the container arranged to provide an electrical level signal when the fluid level within the container reaches a predetermined reference level corresponding to an elemental volume; opening means for providing an electrical open signal to open said valve; first timing means for timing an elemental interval commencing with the opening of said valve and terminating with the provision of said electrical level signal; level selector means for selecting a desired container fill volume as a multiple of said elemental volume; second timing means for timing an overall fill interval equal to said elemental interval times said multiple; and shutting means responsive to the termination of said overall fill interval for providing an electrical shut signal to shut said valve.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said opening means, said first timing means, said level selector means, said second timing means and said shutting means are together implemented by a programmed microcomputer.
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) | 1986-10-10 | 1987-04-11 | 1987-10-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-10-10 | 1991-04-11 | 1991-10-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-10-10 | 1995-04-11 | 1995-10-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |