Rotating paddle bin level indicator
US4392032A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 28, 1981 |
| Grant date | Jul 5, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 28, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H35/006
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus for indicating the level of flowable material in a storage bin comprising a motor rotatably suspended by a spring within a protective enclosure and a drive shaft coupled by a ball-and-detent clutch to a paddle disposed within the bin to engage material therein. When the material reaches the level of the paddle, the drag on the paddle causes the motor to rotate within the enclosure and thereby to activate a switch disposed within the enclosure and coupled to the motor. A spring returns the motor to the switch-deactivated position when the material level decreases and the consequent drag is removed from the paddle. Electronic circuitry disposed within the housing includes field-selectable fail-safe circuitry for indicating either a high or a low material condition in the event of a power failure or the like independently of actual material level.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.