Patent US4422204A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4422204A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Apparatus for cleaning a dipstick
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1982-07-29
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Granted: 1983-12-27
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Expires: 2002-07-29
Abstract
Abstract Disclosed is an apparatus for selectively cleaning a crankcase dipstick as it is withdrawn from the crankcase. The apparatus includes a pair of wiper lips, a spring biasing the wiper lips apart, a pair of handles for manually manipulating the wiper lips together, and an absorbent member positioned beneath the wiper lips for catching drops of oil wiped off the dipstick.
Inventors
- 👤 Arvin Long, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 12:38
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F23/00; G01F23/04; G01F23/045
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
238 words
Apparatus for cleaning a dipstick, said apparatus comprising: (a) a cup-shaped member adapted to be mounted over the dipstick receiving orifice of a crankcase, said cup-shaped member having an opening in the bottom thereof positioned to act as a continuation of the dipstick receiving orifice and sized to pass the dipstick; (b) an absorbent member removably placed in the bottom of said cup-shaped member, said absorbent member having an opening therethrough sized and positioned to closely receive the dipstick but to allow the dipstick to pass therethrough; (c) a hollow cylindrical member releasably mounted on said cup-shaped member so that the interior of said hollow cylindrical member constitutes a continuation of the interior of said cup-shaped member; (d) a pair of wiper lips fabricated from an absorbent material mounted in said hollow cylindrical member; (e) first means for biasing said wiper lips towards a position in which the dipstick can be passed therebetween without contacting said wiper lips; (f) second means for moving said wiper lips against the bias of said first means into a position in which they will contact and wipe the dipstick as it is passed therebetween; and (g) a cap mounted over the top opening of said hollow cylindrical member, said cap having an opening therein sized and positioned to permit the dipstick to pass through while the portion of said cap surrounding the opening acts as an abutment surface for the dipstick stop.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
238 words
Apparatus for cleaning a dipstick, said apparatus comprising: (a) a cup-shaped member adapted to be mounted over the dipstick receiving orifice of a crankcase, said cup-shaped member having an opening in the bottom thereof positioned to act as a continuation of the dipstick receiving orifice and sized to pass the dipstick; (b) an absorbent member removably placed in the bottom of said cup-shaped member, said absorbent member having an opening therethrough sized and positioned to closely receive the dipstick but to allow the dipstick to pass therethrough; (c) a hollow cylindrical member releasably mounted on said cup-shaped member so that the interior of said hollow cylindrical member constitutes a continuation of the interior of said cup-shaped member; (d) a pair of wiper lips fabricated from an absorbent material mounted in said hollow cylindrical member; (e) first means for biasing said wiper lips towards a position in which the dipstick can be passed therebetween without contacting said wiper lips; (f) second means for moving said wiper lips against the bias of said first means into a position in which they will contact and wipe the dipstick as it is passed therebetween; and (g) a cap mounted over the top opening of said hollow cylindrical member, said cap having an opening therein sized and positioned to permit the dipstick to pass through while the portion of said cap surrounding the opening acts as an abutment surface for the dipstick stop.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said first means comprises a compression spring.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
56 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said second means comprises a pair of handles each of which carries one of said wiper lips, said handles extending through a slot in the wall of said hollow cylindrical member, whereby said handles can be manipulated manually to bring said wiper lips into position to contact the dipstick.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 3 wherein said handles diverge outwardly from one another when said wiper lips are positioned so as to pass the dipstick.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 and further comprising a detent means for selectively holding said wiper lips in position to contact the dipstick.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said cap is pivotably mounted on said hollow cylindrical member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said cup-shaped member is adapted to be releasably mounted over the dipstick receiving orifice of a crankcase.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3387314A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-12-26 | 1987-06-27 | 1987-12-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-12-26 | 1991-06-27 | 1991-12-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-12-26 | 1995-06-27 | 1995-12-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |