Level warning device
US4737759A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 1986 |
| Grant date | Apr 12, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 29, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60G2800/912
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A level warning device for dump trucks comprises a light transmissive tubular trackway having raised, closed ends and a mount for securing the tubular trackway to a transverse member of the bed of the truck. The trackway includes a detent at a central location which defines a pocket lateral of the passage defined within the trackway. The trackway itself comprises straight, tubular segments which are inclined with respect to a horizontal axis at angles equal to the critical angle at which the truck would likely start to turn over. Positioned above a central region of the trackway is a photo-electric switch. Optically aligned with the photo-electric switch from below the trackway is an element for emitting an infra-red beam through the tubular element. A ball which is sized to roll freely in the trackway and the pocket is held within the detent pocket while the bed is in a lowered position by reason of the inclination of the detent at such conditions. While in the pocket, a portion of the ball prevents the beam from striking the photo-electric switch.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.