Fuel level measurement device
US7409860B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 14, 2006 |
| Grant date | Aug 12, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 18, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02M37/103
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fuel level measurement device has a fuel level sensor carried by a fuel level float at the distal end of a pivoting float arm of the device which is preferably part of a fuel pump module located inside of a fuel tank preferably for automotive applications. Preferably a sealed arcuate chamber of the float is defined between an electrically conductive cover and a variable electric resistor which preferably is a generally non-conductive ceramic substrate that carries an electrically resistive ink strip. A track exposed in the arcuate chamber has a concave shape that generally faces upward so that a rolling member changes position due to the forces of gravity within the chamber as the float arm pivots generally up and down with changing fuel levels in the tank. The rolling member is electrically conductive and completes the circuit between the electrically conductive cover and the variable resistive ink strip. The sealed chamber provides the pathway for the rolling member and preferably at least in part the buoyancy for the float.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.