Methods and systems for fluid container volume indicator
AssigneeIllinois Tool Works Inc.
InventorsJeffery R. Ihde, Brian Randall Bellile
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An example fluid container fill indicator system generates an alert in response to a change in pressure at the exhaust conduit or the fluid container. In some example, the change in pressure causes a reed or whistle type device to generate an audible alert. In some examples, the alert is a mechanical and/or electronic signal based on a change in position or orientation of a valve in response to the change in pressure.
Claims20
A fluid container fill indicator system, comprising:
- a fluid container configured to receive a fluid, wherein the fluid container comprises a top surface having an opening through which exhaust gases displaced by the fluid escape from the fluid container;
- a sound producing device positioned within the opening on the top surface of the fluid container, and configured to vibrate or cause the air to vibrate to generate an audible alert signal in response to a change in pressure at the fluid container;
- and
- a sensor to monitor one or more characteristics of the audible alert;
- wherein the alert signal is inaudible during a fill operation until the fluid reaches a threshold fill amount, at which time the alert signal becomes audible.
A fluid container fill indicator system, comprising:
- a fluid container configured to receive a fluid, wherein the fluid container is integrated with a housing of an engine driven generator system;
- an exhaust conduit connected to the fluid container and configured to exhaust gases from the fluid container displaced by the fluid;
- and
- a valve configured to:
- change position or orientation in response to a change in pressure at the exhaust conduit or the fluid container;
- and
- generate an alert signal in response to the change in position or orientation;
- wherein the alert signal is inaudible during a fill operation until the fluid reaches a threshold fill amount, at which time the alert signal becomes audible.
A fluid container fill indicator system comprising a valve arranged at an exhaust connected to a fluid container and configured to exhaust gases from the fluid container displaced by a fluid, wherein the valve includes a diaphragm that is configured to:
- move in response to a change in pressure at the exhaust or the fluid container;
- and
- create an aperture in response to the movement of the valve, causing an audible alert signal as the exhaust gases are forced past the aperture,
- wherein the alert signal is inaudible during a fill operation until the fluid reaches a threshold fill amount, at which time the alert signal becomes audible.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.