Did You Know...
...Chester Carlson was a patent agent who tired of having to make multiple copies of patent applications using the only duplication method available at the time: carbon paper. In 1959 he came up with a new copying system and took it to IBM for evaluation. The "experts" at IBM determined potential sales to be only 5,000 units because people wouldn't want to use a bulky machine when they had carbon paper. Carlson's invention was the xerography process, the company founded on the system is Xerox.
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| Number | Title | Issue Date |
| 8181518 | Float for liquid level indicator A magnetic float is provided for a level indicator system that is suitable for low density liquids at high pressure, such as C3-liquids. The float comprises a hollow tube, first and second endcaps, and a magnet assembly. The hollow tube comprises a carbon fiber rein... | 05/22/2012 |
| 7600425 | Float for a fill level sensor The invention relates to a float (5) for a fill level sensor, comprised of a fuel-resistant plastic (7), an expanding means (8) and/or filler (9), whereby the expanding means consists of gas-filled plastic balls (11) that are provi... | 10/13/2009 |
| 7418861 | Mechanically self actuated liquid level sensor A liquid level sensor for measuring liquid levels in underground and above ground containers includes a frame formed to have an elongate hollow tubular configuration that encloses a cavity. A cam pivot has an end extending into the cavity from a first inner wall por... | 09/02/2008 |
| 7409860 | Fuel level measurement device A fuel level measurement device has a fuel level sensor carried by a fuel level float at the distal end of a pivoting float arm of the device which is preferably part of a fuel pump module located inside of a fuel tank preferably for automotive applications. Prefera... | 08/12/2008 |
| 7343800 | Linear position indicator system and method The present invention is directed to system and method for determining a fluid level. The system comprises a sensing rod assembly comprised of releasably connectable rod segments. Each rod segment carries a processor and a plurality of inductors. Each inductor gener... | 03/18/2008 |
| 7293578 | Gauge assembly having a stop fill device A gauge assembly includes an indicator for providing an indication of an amount of fluid in a tank and a stop-fill assembly for stopping the flow of fluid flowing into the tank once the fluid reaches a particular level. The gauge assembly has a shaft that rotates as... | 11/13/2007 |
| 7287944 | Self-riveting male fastener and panel assembly A male fastener formed of heat treated carbon steel for high performance applications, including a shank portion, radial flange and tubular barrel, wherein the barrel has an axial length of 60% or less than the outside diameter and a fastener and panel assembly, whe... | 10/30/2007 |
| 7278311 | Liquid level and density measurement device A liquid level and density measurement device is disclosed. The device comprises an elongated magnetostrictive transducer and at least two transducer magnets embedded into floats that can freely move along a transducer. One float is relatively more sensitive to liqu... | 10/09/2007 |
| 7249530 | Oil consumption simulating device An engine lubrication system simulating device is provided, having a reservoir configured to contain engine oil. The simulating device may also include an agitation device configured to agitate oil in the reservoir. In addition, the simulating device may include a c... | 07/31/2007 |
| 7210755 | Solid semiconductor element, ink tank, ink jet recording apparatus provided with ink tank, liquid information acquiring method and liquid physical property change discriminating method There is disclosed a solid semiconductor element which very efficiently detects information about a liquid and bidirectionally exchanges the information with the outside. The solid semiconductor element is disposed in a liquid container, and includes at least energy... | 05/01/2007 |
| 7159396 | Fluid-operated power generating system A system and method for actuating a load by means of the conversion of hydraulic energy to reciprocating movement of a piston assembly within a chamber. The piston assembly includes a float, and the fluid within the chamber is alternately withdrawn into fluid convey... | 01/09/2007 |
| 7082827 | Leak detector An example of an apparatus for detecting the lowering of a top surface of a liquid includes a housing that has a housing hole, and an insertion member attached to the housing. A dowel is inserted into the housing hole, and a float is attached to the dowel. A detecto... | 08/01/2006 |
| 7067750 | Float switch and mounting system assembly A float switch assembly with a housing/clamping structure that is made from plastic and impervious to corrosion, with improvements over the prior art including a thumbscrew positioned between its two upper bracing protrusions and external braces/ribs that make it le... | 06/27/2006 |
| 7062967 | Fuel level sensor An apparatus and method are provided for determining the fuel level in a fuel tank. The apparatus includes an acoustic transducer arranged to transmit an acoustic signal and receive a reflected signal. A float remains buoyant at the surface of the fuel in the tank a... | 06/20/2006 |
| 7014287 | Solid semiconductor element, ink tank, ink jet recording apparatus provided with ink tank, liquid information acquiring method and liquid physical property change discriminating method There is disclosed a solid semiconductor element which very efficiently detects information about a liquid and bidirectionally exchanges the information with the outside. The solid semiconductor element is disposed in a liquid container, and includes at least energy... | 03/21/2006 |
| 7000620 | Dishwasher float mounting bracket with retainer cover A float mounting plate is provided for a dishwasher to limit the level of water in the dishwasher tub. The float has a stem extending downwardly through a stand pipe in the bottom of the tub and into a switch bracket which houses the water level control switch. A ta... | 02/21/2006 |
| 6992260 | Plastic pan float switch and mounting system assembly A float switch, housing, and clamping member assembly that is made from plastic and impervious to corrosion, with improvements over the prior art including a wide float switch body for enhanced water displacement that results in a more responsive operation, a housin... | 01/31/2006 |
| 6966334 | Float valve for a christmas tree watering system The float valve has a water inlet, a perforated bottom surface and a lift valve mounted between the water inlet and the bottom surface. A float and a rocker arm are used to raise and lower the disc of the lift valve in response to a water level inside the housing. T... | 11/22/2005 |
| 6953050 | Float, particularly for level control in bottles of liquefied gas and the like A float, particularly for level control in bottles of liquefied gas and the like, comprising a float body associated with an element for connection to a valve unit, the float body being constituted by an internally hollow element made of plastics whose shape is defi... | 10/11/2005 |
| 6938480 | Encapsulated float and method for making same A float, including rubber material for sensing liquid levels having a chemically resistant protective covering said float having greater resistance to attach from chemicals, such as hydrocarbons, acids, and chlorinated solvents, said float may be made to include mag... | 09/06/2005 |
| 6892573 | Side-mountable fluid level sensor A side-mounted float sensor has eight components: a reed switch, two leads, a molded connector, a sensor body, a sealing grommet, a float, and an activation magnet. The two leads are assembled to the molded connector and the reed switch is welded across the leads. T... | 05/17/2005 |
| 6874528 | Fill valve assembly A fill valve assembly comprises a valve body extending along a longitudinal axis and defining a fluid inlet, a valve seat and at least one fluid outlet, an axially slidable valve element arranged for axially slidable movement along the longitudinal axis, into and ou... | 04/05/2005 |
| 6712090 | Hydraulic valve A fluid tank valve assembly of the type employed for water tanks for toilets has a tank refill valve located atop a fluid inlet supply tube. The refill valve has a lever that is raised and lowered to open and close the valve. An inverted, cup-shaped hood is position... | 03/30/2004 |
| 6703635 | Method and apparatus for measuring the level of liquid using optical fiber strain gauge For measurement of a liquid level, an optical fiber connected at its one end portion to force receiving means movably arranged in liquid to receive force from the liquid is dipped in the liquid together with the force receiving means, and a change in the ... | 03/09/2004 |
| 6679285 | Faucet for filling tanks The invention relates to a faucet for filling tanks known as silent and/or fast-closing faucets. The faucet comprises a basic structure and functionalities such as those disclosed in Patent 9400095. The device assembly controlling opening and closing of t... | 01/20/2004 |
| 6679286 | Ball tap with a water level switch A compact ball tap with 1 a water level switch which comprises a guide standpipe 5 vertically arranged in a tank T, a float 6 slidably installed on the guide standpipe 5, a valve 3, a lever 4 controlling an open-close action of the valve 3 connected with ... | 01/20/2004 |
| 6666228 | Ball cock assembly A ball cock assembly includes a water supply riser with a valve for controlling water flow into a toilet tank. The valve includes an arm extending therefrom for opening and closing the valve. A float container is provided and disposed adjacent to the rise... | 12/23/2003 |
| 6615862 | Float for liquid waste disposal apparatus The object of this invention is to provide a float for a liquid waste disposal apparatus having a simple structure for enabling the content inside a container to be easily visually recognizable and allowing a faster and steadier solidification of an absor... | 09/09/2003 |
| 6588272 | Redundant level measuring system A redundant level measuring system comprises a chamber for fluidic coupling to a process vessel whereby material level in the vessel equalizes with material level in the chamber. A float including a magnet in the chamber rises and falls with material leve... | 07/08/2003 |
| 6557412 | Non-fouling liquid level control A non-fouling liquid level detector and control especially for a sealed system likely to have iron particle contaminants. The device employs a float projecting above the liquid level and bearing above the liquid level a unmagnetized ferromagnetic tell-tal... | 05/06/2003 |
| 6559397 | Dishwasher float retainer for dishwasher float switch assembly A float retainer is provided for a dishwasher to limit the level of water in the dishwasher tub. The float has a stem extending downwardly through a stand pipe in the bottom of the tub and into a switch bracket which houses the water level control switch.... | 05/06/2003 |
| 6530274 | Apparatus for liquid level measurement in a container A liquid level measuring device for measuring the level of liquid in a storage or dispensing tank has an elongated tubular hollow body that carries a threaded coupler adapted for engaging a threaded nipple on top of the tank. A buoyant float is attached t... | 03/11/2003 |
| 6523404 | Apparatus for measuring a fluid level An apparatus for measuring a fluid level in a tank comprises a housing including a level indicator for displaying a measured fluid level in the tank. A rod extends from the housing and a float is adapted to travel along the rod. A first end of an elongate... | 02/25/2003 |
| 6513378 | Liquid level float switch with manual reset An electro-mechanical liquid level float switch that continuously actuates a switch on sensing a change in the liquid upon reaching a threshold level, where the float-switch requires manual reset once the switch has been actuated. The float switch has an ... | 02/04/2003 |
| 6508121 | Filling level sensor A filling level sensor (2) for a fuel container (1) of a motor vehicle has two lever arms (4, 5). One of the lever arms (4) supports a float (10), while the other lever arm (5) is prestressed against the bottom of the fuel container (1). A detecting devic... | 01/21/2003 |
| 6481277 | Temperature control unit and sight glass An apparatus for indicating a fluid level in a reservoir includes a conduit for communication with a reservoir and including a sight glass. A buoyant primary float is provided within the conduit, and a stop is provided within the conduit for engaging the ... | 11/19/2002 |
| 6370951 | Method and apparatus for sensing the level of fluid with a container An apparatus for sensing a level of fluid within a container. The apparatus includes a first cantilevered arm having a first float coupled to the container. The apparatus additionally includes a second cantilevered arm having a second float coupled to the... | 04/16/2002 |
| 6305411 | Normally-open backwater valve A backwater valve (for preventing the flow of liquid in a reverse direction when water backs up in the valve) has a gate which sealingly engages the input opening to the valve chamber so as to prevent the flow of water out of or into the input opening. Th... | 10/23/2001 |
| 6305405 | Valve for a tank and especially for a flow control arrangement having a plurality of fluid storage tanks A fluid flow control valve having a cam disposed near an opening of a fuel passage. The cam is operable to be rotated about a shaft by the action of a float. As a fluid level in a tank changes, the cam rotates from an open position remote from the opening... | 10/23/2001 |
| 6269694 | Float-supported dielectric level sensor A sensor for detecting levels of fluids and particulate matter is based on differences in dielectric constants of the various materials. The difference is reflected in different capacitance across electrodes immersed to different depths in such materials.... | 08/07/2001 |
