Method and apparatus for sensing the level of fluid with a container
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for sensing a level of a fluid within a container in combination with the container, the apparatus comprising:
- a first cantilevered arm pivotally coupled to the container;
a second cantilevered arm pivotally coupled to the first cantilevered arm;
a first float carried by the first cantilevered arm;
a second float carried by the second cantilevered arm; and
a position sensing mechanism for sensing the relative positions of the first and second cantilevered arms and responsively determining the level of fluid within the container.
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Abstract
An apparatus for sensing a level of fluid within a container. The apparatus includes a first cantilevered arm having a first float coupled to the container. The apparatus additionally includes a second cantilevered arm having a second float coupled to the first cantilevered arm. The apparatus further includes a position sensing mechanism for sensing the relative positions of the first and second cantilevered arms and responsively determining the level of fluid within the container.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. An apparatus for sensing a level of a fluid within a container in combination with the container, the apparatus comprising:
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a first cantilevered arm pivotally coupled to the container;
a second cantilevered arm pivotally coupled to the first cantilevered arm;
a first float carried by the first cantilevered arm;
a second float carried by the second cantilevered arm; and
a position sensing mechanism for sensing the relative positions of the first and second cantilevered arms and responsively determining the level of fluid within the container. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A motor vehicle comprising:
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a fuel tank;
a first cantilevered arm pivotally coupled to the fuel tank;
a second cantilevered arm pivotally coupled to the first cantilevered arm;
a first float carried by the first cantilevered arm;
a second float carried by the second cantilevered arm; and
a position sensing mechanism for sensing the relative positions of the first and second cantilevered arms and responsively determining the level of fluid within the fuel tank. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method for sensing a level of fluid within a container, the method comprising the steps of:
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pivotably mounting a first cantilevered arm having a first float to the container;
pivotably mounting a second cantilevered arm having a second float to the first cantilevered arm;
determining a position of the first and second cantilevered arms; and
calculating a level of fluid within the container as a function of the relative positions of the first and second cantilevered arms. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
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Specification