Rotating paddle bin level indicator
US5164555A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 12, 1991 |
| Grant date | Nov 17, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 12, 2011 |
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 that includes a motor mounted within a protective enclosure and coupled by a shaft and clutch arrangement to a paddle disposed within the bin to engage material therewithin. When the material reaches the level of the paddle, drag on the paddle causes the motor to rotate within the enclosure against the force of an adjustable spring to activate switches disposed within the enclosure for indicating material level. The switches also remove power from the motor and apply power to an electrical resistance heater to warm the enclosure and help prevent condensation at low external ambient temperature. The paddle is constructed to enhance drag when used in conjunction with low-density materials.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.