Soap dispenser having fluid level sensor
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A fluid level sensor comprising:
- a linkage having a first end and a second end, the first end configured to be attached to a reference point;
a float attached to the second end; and
an accelerometer attached to a surface of the linkage and operable to move with movement of the float, herein the accelerometer has a sensing axis and the accelerometer is operative to measure changes in the sensing axis orientation relative to a fixed external force vector acting on the float.
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Abstract
A fill level sensor for a liquid soap container or vessel has a float-bearing arm and an accelerometer that is attached to a surface of the arm to detect changes in the volume of liquid soap in the container. A feedback system then conveys fill status information based on the output of the accelerometer, such as to service personnel who may be responsible for replenishing the supply of liquid soap in the container.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A fluid level sensor comprising:
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a linkage having a first end and a second end, the first end configured to be attached to a reference point; a float attached to the second end; and an accelerometer attached to a surface of the linkage and operable to move with movement of the float, herein the accelerometer has a sensing axis and the accelerometer is operative to measure changes in the sensing axis orientation relative to a fixed external force vector acting on the float. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A fluid level sensing system comprising:
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a vessel configured to contain a fluid level sensor; a linkage within the vessel having a first end and a second end, the first end configured to be attached to a reference point of the vessel; a float attached to the second end of the linkage; an accelerometer attached to a surface of the linkage and operable to move with movement of the float, wherein the accelerometer has a sensing axis and the accelerometer is operative to measure changes in the sensing axis orientation relative to a fixed external force vector acting on the float; and a fill status feedback system with a low fluid level indicator. - View Dependent Claims (11)
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12. A fluid level sensing system comprising:
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a vessel configured to contain a fluid level sensor; a linkage within the vessel having a first end and a second end, the first end configured to be attached to a reference point of the vessel; a float attached to the second end of the linkage; an accelerometer attached to a surface of the linkage and operable to move with movement of the float, wherein the accelerometer has a sensing axis and the accelerometer is operative to measure changes in the sensing axis orientation relative to a fixed external force vector acting on the float; and wherein the accelerometer outputs a voltage that increases as the external force vector increases. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14)
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Specification