Tank display system and method for determining the remaining volume in a tank
First Claim
1. A tank display system for a fuel tank of a motor vehicle, wherein the fuel tank is a composite tank including a main fuel tank, and a supplementary fuel tank from which the fuel is to be emptied into the main tank when the main tank is almost empty, the display system comprising:
- a sensor which measures a level of fuel in the composite tank, and a tank display which indicates the level of fuel; and
wherein, upon attainment of a given low level of fuel in the main tank, the sensor is operative to give off a signal directing an emptying of the supplementary tank, said signal providing fuel quantity to said display and being suitable for actuation of a warning device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A tank display system for a tank filled with fuel, the tank being divided into a main tank and a supplementary tank, has a level limit switch which responds when the main tank is almost empty. If the switch gives off a signal, then a valve is opened, allowing fuel to flow from the supplementary tank into a flood cup of the main tank. Furthermore, this signal activates a unit for detection of fuel consumption, which unit calculates the remaining volume of fuel in the supplementary tank, which volume decreases as a result of the consumption of fuel. As starting volume for the calculation, the completely filled supplementary tank is used. The precise remaining volume of fuel is displayed.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A tank display system for a fuel tank of a motor vehicle, wherein the fuel tank is a composite tank including a main fuel tank, and a supplementary fuel tank from which the fuel is to be emptied into the main tank when the main tank is almost empty, the display system comprising:
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a sensor which measures a level of fuel in the composite tank, and a tank display which indicates the level of fuel; and wherein, upon attainment of a given low level of fuel in the main tank, the sensor is operative to give off a signal directing an emptying of the supplementary tank, said signal providing fuel quantity to said display and being suitable for actuation of a warning device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for determining a remaining volume in a fuel tank which has a sensor which measures the level of fuel, comprising the steps of:
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constructing the tank as a composite tank of a main tank and a supplementary tank; withdrawing fuel via a valve from the supplementary tank upon attaining a state of near emptiness; wherein, during a fueling operation, filling the supplementary tank prior to a filling of the main tank; and upon the presence of a signal emitted by the sensor, when the main tank is almost empty, switching the valve for removal of fuel from the supplementary tank. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification