GB286450A - Improvements in liquid level indicating mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

286,450. Damsel, W. B. Feb. 28, 1927. Indicators, electric.-A fuel level indicator for use in a motor vehicle comprises a casing 2 having an integral wall 3 spaced from the back 4 in which is a socket 5 to receive an electric lamp 6 with a contact terminal 8 connected by a wire 9 to a battery. A switch unit has a flexible conductor C comprising a number of insulated wires 11 which are led to the indicator through the back 4 to a number of circularly arranged contact posts 12. A metal block 13 has a threaded extension and nut 15 which clamps the back 4 to the casing. To the front of the block 13 a. graduated disc 17 is secured by a screw together with a frame 18 which has bearings for a hand 20 pivoted to move over the disc. At the opposite end of the spindle 19 a contact finger 22 is provided which can be brought successively into engagement with the contacts 12. The spindle 19 is operated from a stem 27 through gearing 23, 24 and is normally rotated to the zero reading on the indicator by a spring 26. A glass dial 29 is provided over the disc 17. On rotating the stem 27 the lamp 6 will illuminate the dial when the hand 20 indicates the liquid level in the tank, and in addition the lamp lights automatically when the liquid level is low. The switch unit comprises a casing E, Fig. 7, mounted in the top of the tank, which is insulated and sealed against moisture. An insulating block 45 within the casing has a number of circularly arranged contact posts 44 which are connected by wires 11 to the posts 12 in the indicator. Depending from the casing E is a telescopic tubular support comprising sections 46, 47 which are held in longitudinal adjustment by a band 48. An axially rotatable shaft 51 carries a switch arm 52 which successively engages the posts 44, and at the lower end of this shaft a, guide 54 is provided in which a pivoted float arm 59 can move and translate its vertical movements into rotary movements of the shaft owing to the helical shape of the guide slot. The arm 52 is in consequence successively engaged with the contacts 44 and with the various circuits leading to the switch. When the liquid level in the tank recedes to a predetermined level, the arm 52 automatically completes a circuit and a constant warning is registered of the depleted state of the fuel tank.