US1531579A - Indicator - Google Patents

Description

March 31. 1925. 1,531,579

A. L. sol-1M INDICATOR Filed Sept. 26, 1923 2 Sheets-Sheet l nncnfoz @wf/L 502m/ March 31, 1925. 1,531,579

A. L. sol-1M INDICATOR Filed Sept. 26, 1923 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 @ma ga/m,

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Patented Mar. 371, 1925.

UNITED STATES l 1,531,579 PATENT oFFlvcE.

ALFRED L. SOHM, 0F CHICAGO, y:F.il'aIiIlN'OIS.

Application med september 2s, 1923. serial No. 664,985.

To all whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, ALFRED L. SOHM, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Indicators, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to indicators, and more particularly to a pressure o erated. attachment for the cooling systems o motor vehicles to sound a signal when the pressure in the cooling system increases beyond a predetermined point and to permit escape of fluid upon further increase 1n pressure.

The device forming the subject matter of the present invention is an improvement over the construction described and claimed in my copending application Serial No. 609,- 034, filed December 26, 1922.

An object of the present invention is the provision of an improved valve to control the admission of vapor into the pressure cylinder.

A further object of the invention is the provision of improved means for actuating the audible signal.

In the accompanying drawings, I have shown one embodiment of the invention. In this showing:

Figure 1 is a rear elevation of a portion of the radiator of a motor vehiclel showing the invention applied, the indicator being shown in vertical section,

Figure 2 is a similar view of the indicator showing the parts in operative position,

Figure 3 is a horizontal sectional view on line 3 3 of Figure 2, x

Figure 4 is a similar view Online 4--4 of Figure 2,

Figure 5 is a similar view on line 5--5 of Figure 2, and,

Figure 6 is a detailed unassembled view .of the parts of the indicator.

Referring to the drawings, the reference numeral 1 designates generally the radiator of a motor vehicle having a cooling fluid 2, such as water, therein. The radiator is provided with a filling opening 3, which is screw-threaded to receive the usual radiator cap. It is further provided with the usual overflow pipe 4, the upper end 5 of which is disposed within the radiator and spaced a slight distance from the top.

The device forming the subject matter of the present invention comprises a cylinder 6 adapted to be arranged over the radiator to communicate with the interior through the filling opening, the usual radiator cap being removed. In this showing, I have illustrated a pair of cross arms 7 having an annular flange 8 which is internally screwthreaded for the reception of the external threads on the filling opening. The cross arms are hollow and vapor generated by increase in temperature of the cooling fluid in the radiator is adapted to enter these arms which act as a condenser. The cylinder 1s provided with a base 9, and a threaded tube 10 is secured to the base. This tube extends through an opening in the upper secured to the cross arms by means of a nut l1, arranged'on the threaded portion of the tube and suitable lock washers 12. A nut 13 1s arranged on the lower end of the tube and this nut carries a strainer 14 formed of wire gauze or other similar material and adapted to prevent entry of dust or dirt into the cylinder of the indicator. The interior of the cylinder communicates with the interior of the radiator through the tube 10. .A, diaphragm 15 is arranged in the bottom of the cylinder and this diaphragm is provided with a central opening 16. An annular groove 17 surrounds this opening and the material forming the diaphragm is curled upwardly, as at 18, between the groove and the edge of the opening. A basket 19 is supported within the base of the cylinder and is adapted to receive a valve 20. As shown, the basket consists of a disk or plate having a plurality of upstanding arms 21, serving as guides for the valve. The outer edges of the basket are slightly spaced from the wall of the base to permit passage of vapors or liquid around the basket. The basket is supported on a plug 22 arranged within the upper end of the tube. The valve consists of a hollow, preferably metallic cylindrical member which is lighter than water and 100 adapted to float therein. When in normalv position shown in Figure v2 of the drawings, the valve is slightly spaced from the disk 19 by means of projections 23, formed on the upper face of the disk. The valve is pro-v 105 vided with a rounded projection 24 on its upper face, adapted to enter the opening 16. The contour of the projection 24 is such that the valve will snugly engage the curled portion 18 of the diaphragm adjacent the open 110 surface of the cross arms and the cylinder is l 28 to prevent leakage of fluids. The piston is provided with a piston rod 29 extending through an opening in the top 30 of the cylinder. As shown, the piston rod is provided with a shoulder 31, adapted to limit its upward movement. A coil spring 32 surrounds the piston and is adapted to be placed under compression whenvthepistonV is raised to a position adjacent the top of the cylinder.

As shown, the piston rod is hollow and is p-rovided with a plug 33 at its lower end, adapted to close it and prevent communication between the interior of the piston rod and the space in the cylinder below the piston. The cylinder wall is provided with a groove or port 34 to permit passage of fluid around the piston when the piston is raised to a predetermined point. The piston rod is provided with an opening 35 to permit passage of this fluid into the interior of the piston rod. A whistle or other audible signal 36 is arranged on the upper end of the pistonrod and is adapted to be actuated by fluid passing through the, opening 35. A suitable cap or cover 37 is arranged over the whistle. As shown, a pair of washers 38 are secured to the piston rod and a supporting plate or disk 39 is arranged between these washers. The plate is in the form of an irregular disk having radial projections 40 and certain of these projections are provided with upstanding ends 41, adapted to be secured to the cap 37 to support it.

The top 30 of the cylinder is colored red, as indicated in Figure 3 of the drawings, and when the piston is raised in the cylinder by pressure to lift the cap 37, a visible signal is given the operator of the machine that the pressure in the cooling system has begun tol increase.

The device is further adapted to serve as a condenser and the cylinder is surrounded by a jacket 42, spaced from the cylinder wall to form a chamber 43. This chamber communicates with the interior of the cylinder through openings 44. The diaphragm 16 is provided with projections 45 on its upper face which prevents the face of the piston from contacting with the upper surface of the diaphragm.

A suitable relief valve is arranged on the overflow pipe to permit discharge of fluid from the cooling system if the pressure becomes too great. As shown, a tubular member 46 issecured to the overflow pipe by means of a rubber hose 47. This tubular member is provided with a ball valve 48, normally retained in closed position by means of a spring 49. A whistle 50 is arranged in the tubular member beyond the spring.

The operation of the device is as follows:

The discharge of fluid from the cooling sysstem is normally prevented by the valve 48. Anyrise in temperature sufficient to vaporize any of the liquid in the cooling system thus creates an increase in pressure and the vapors pass upwardly into the cylinder 6. 'lhevapors pass around the valve 2O into the cylinder and move the piston upwardly. Any upward movement of the piston causes a corresponding upward movement of the cap 37 and thus uncovers the top of the cylinder which, as stated, is painted red to give a visible signal of an increase in pressure in the system. If the vehicle is continued in operation without locating the cause of the increase in pressure, the piston moves upwardly a further distance, permitting the passage of vapors to the upper portion of the cylinder through the port 34. The vapors pass into the piston rod through the opening 35 and below the whistle 36, giving an audible signal. If for any reason, the Huid in the cooling system is not replenished before a dangerous pressure is reached, the valve 48 is removed from its seat by the pressure of the fluid, overcoming the tension of spring 49 and the uid is discharged through the whistle 50 in the tubular member 46. The cross arms 7 serve as a condenser in the usual manner and the chamber 43 surrounding the cylinder also serves as a condenser, condensing the vapors and returning them to the cooling system. The projections 45 retain the piston slightly spaced from the diaphragm, as shown in Figure 1 of the drawings, even though the pressure .in the systcm is too low to overcome the weight of the piston and raise it, and thus preventfree flow of the vapors through the openings 44 into the chamber 43 at all times.

Particularattention is called to the valve 20 which is constructed to prevent water from passing into the cylinder and out through the piston rod 29 and whistle 36. Vihile vapors passing through the tube 10 into the base of the cylinder are flowing around the valve, the valve is sufficiently light to float in water and if any water is forced upwardly by the pressure in the radiator, the rounded projection 24 seats in the valve seat 18 surrounding the. opening 16 in the diaphragm and prevents water from entering the cylinder.

It is to be understood that the forni of my invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size, and arrangement of parts may be resorted to Without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

I claim:

l. In a device of the character described, a chamber, a plate arranged within said chamber `and dividing it into an upper compartment and a lower compartment adapted to be arranged over the lling opening of an automobile radiator and communicate with' the interior thereof, said plate being provided with an opening, a pressure operated member mounted in said upper compartment, a signal adapted to be actuated upon movement of said member, and a float valve arranged in the lower compartment and adapted to be moved upwardly to close said opening when water rises into said lower compartment from the automobile radiator.

2. In a device of the character described, a cylinder, a valve chamber arranged below said cylinder and adapted to communicate with the interior ot an auto-mobile radiator, a piston mounted in said cylinder, a'signal adapted to be actuated upon upward movement of said piston, a diaphragm arranged beneath said cylinder and separating it from said valve chamber, said diaphragm being provided with an opening, and a hollow valve arranged in said chamber, said valve comprising a sulistantially cylindrical 1 member having a rounded projection on its upper face adapted to be received in the opening on said diaphragm when water rises int-o said valve chamber from the automobile radiator.

3. A device constructed in accordance with claim 2 provided with an audible signal communicating with said cylinder abovethe piston therein, said cylinder being provided with a bypass, said piston being adapted to' uncover said bypass to alford communication between opposite ends of said cylinder after the piston has moved a predetermined distance.

4. In a-device of the character described,

a. cylinder, a piston mounted in said cylin"` der, a hollow piston rod connected thereto and extending through the t0-p of the cylinder, said piston rod being provided i ith an opening communicating between line interior of the piston rod and the interior of said cylinderabove the piston, said cylinder being provided with a bypass arranged in the wall thereof adjacent the top to permit fluid to flow from the bottom of the cylinder to the top thereof when the piston has moved to a position intermediate the ends of the bypass, and a signal'carricd by said hollow piston rod and adapted to be actuated by fluid passing through said piston rod.

5. A device constructed in accordance with claim l provided with an audible signal communicating with said upper compartment above the pressure operated member therein, said upper compartment being provided with a bypass adapted to afford communication between the opposite ends of said upper compartment when said pressure operated member has moved to a position intermediate the ends of said bypass.

6. In a device of the character described, a chamber, a plate arranged within said chamber and dividing it into an upper compartment and a lower compartment adapted to bearranged over the filling opening of an automobile radiator to communicate with the interior thereof, said plate being provided with an opening, a pressure operated member mounted in said upper compartment, a signal adapted to be actuated upon movement of said member, a supporting plate arranged in said lower compartment and provided with upwardly extending lugs, and a float mounted in said' lower compartment and normally supported on said lugs, said ioat having a portion adapted to engage said opening when said float rises due to the presence of water in said lower compartment from the automobile radiator.

7. A device constructed in accordance with claim y6 wherein said supporting plate is provided with a plurality of spaced upstanding arms surrounding said float and serving as guides therefor.

8. In a device of the character described, a cylinder, a valve chamber arranged below said cylinder, said chamber being adapted to be arranged over the filling opening ot' an automobile radiator and being provided with an opening communicating with the interior of the radiator, a p1ston mounted in said cylinder, a signal adapted to be i actuated upon upward movement of saidv piston, a diaphragm arranged beneath said cylinder and separating it from said' valve chamber, said diaphragm being provided jvith an opening, a member secured in the opening in'said valve chamber, a su porting plate carried byv said member and provided with upstanding lugs, a plurality of upstanding guide arms surrounding said supporting plate, and a float arranged .on

said supporting plate and adapted to be guided by said arms, said oat having a portion adapted to close the opening in said diaphragm when water rises into said valve chamber from the automobile radiator.

In testimony whereof, I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

ALFRED L. SOHM.

Witnesses:

MARTIN' PnTnRsoN, HAYDEN HUNT.

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