Method for upgrading a dial indicator to provide remote indication capability
AssigneeRobertshaw Controls Company
InventorWilliam P. Schenk, Jr.
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A dial indicator, method, and kit for upgrading a dial indicator to provide both local visible and remote indication of a measured physical parameter is provided. A magnetic rotary pointer is provided by coupling a magnet to a pointer, or by providing a replacement pointer having an integral magnet, so that the magnetic rotary pointer is rotatable in response to a change a measured physical parameter. A potentiometer is magnetically coupled to the magnetic rotary pointer, and is fastened to a front side of the dial indicator.
Claims39
A method for upgrading a dial indicator to provide both local visible and remote indication of a physical parameter, said method comprising:
- providing the dial indicator with a magnetic rotary pointer, said magnetic rotary pointer being rotatable in response to a change in the physical parameter;
- magnetically coupling a potentiometer to said magnetic rotary pointer, said potentiometer being magnetically adjustable, wherein a rotation of said magnetic rotary pointer causes a change in the electrical output of said potentiometer;
- and
- fastening said potentiometer to a front side of the dial indicator.
A kit for upgrading a dial indicator to provide both local visible and remote indication of a physical parameter, said kit comprising:
- a magnet, sized and shaped for coupling to the dial indicator in a manner wherein said magnet rotates in response to a change in the measured physical parameter;
- a magnetically adjustable potentiometer;
- and
- a mounting assembly including a bracket sized and shaped for fastening said potentiometer to the dial indicator.
A dial indicator for providing both local visible and remote display of liquid level in a liquid storage tank, said dial indicator comprising:
- a magnetic rotary pointer, said magnetic rotary pointer being rotatable in response to a change in the liquid level in the tank;
- a magnetically adjustable potentiometer including a voltage divider and at least two electrical connectors, said potentiometer being magnetically coupled to said magnetic rotary pointer wherein a rotation of said magnetic rotary pointer causes a change in the electrical output of said potentiometer;
- said potentiometer being mounted to a front side of said dial indicator by a transparent bracket.
A method for upgrading a dial indicator to provide both local visible and remote indication of a physical parameter, said method comprising:
- providing a dial indicator having a substantially transparent faceplate and a rotary pointer, the rotary pointer being rotatable in response to a change in the physical parameter thereby providing the local visible indication of the physical parameter;
- removing the faceplate from the dial indicator;
- physically coupling at least one magnet to the rotary pointer;
- re-fastening the faceplate to the dial indicator;
- magnetically coupling a potentiometer to the at least one magnet, the potentiometer being magnetically adjustable, wherein a rotation of rotary pointer causes a change in the electrical output of the potentiometer, thereby providing the remote indication of the physical parameter;
- and
- fastening the potentiometer to a front side of the dial indicator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.