Patent Application
20180306630
The present invention relates generally to a fluid level verification apparatus which is operable to measure the amount of fluid present in an object of interest, such as a tank, machine, or other article of manufacture, and more specifically, to a sight tube utilized in the fluid level verification apparatus which may be manufactured using a molding process.
Sight tubes are a component of a fluid level verification apparatus and known in the art for indicating fluid levels in the vessel to which the apparatus is attached. Prior art fluid verification devices have typically included a transparent tube or inspection window, which is connected in particular relation to the holding tank, and which provides a quick and convenient means by which an observer may visually verify the level of the fluid present.
Sight tubes are typically formed by cutting an elongated tube into a predetermined length. Molding of sight tubes is known in art. In the prior art, the elongated tube is formed by an extrusion process. However, the extrusion process produces draw lines in the elongated tube due to wear in the extrusion die as a result of use. Additionally, the extrusion process produces air bubbles in the elongated tube. Further, the wall thickness of the extruded elongated tube will varying based upon the stock material used. Prior art processes use nylon to produce sight tubes. When manufacturing nylon sight tubes, environmental factors influence the quality of the sight tube produced. High humidity environments will cause dimensions of the sight tube to increase, while low humidity environments will cause the opposite to occur. The nylon sight tubes can be annealed to prevent swelling. However, the annealing process is lengthy and expensive. Further, the annealing process is not an exact science.
Further, nylon sight tubes possess a yellow tint which is undesirable in many applications. Additionally, prior art applications of Trogamid® have a yellow color when processed and are subject to hazing.
As a next stage in the prior art manufacturing process, grooves are formed in the sight tube near its opposed ends. The grooves are formed through a machining process. Machining of grooves in the sight tube near its opposed ends produces high stress within the sight tube, especially at the sharp corners formed by the groove cutting process. This process lends itself to “crazing” (microscopic cracks), extra machining, and the potential for design failure.
Molding of sight tubes containing annular grooves is not known in the art. The prior art requires o-rings or seals to rest against the surfaces of the inspection window and not in an annular grooves. Another prior art reference requires the sight tube end to compressively communicate with art o-ring or seal. However, the prior art confronts a perennial issue, eventual leakage between a fluid level verification apparatus and a sight tube due to environmental conditions. Vibrations and temperature changes eventually cause the sealing action between the fluid level verification apparatus and the sight tube to be compromised.
A need exists for a process for manufacturing a molded sight tube containing at least one annular groove proximate to the ends of the sight tube for effective long-term sealing between a fluid level verification apparatus and sight tube.
A need exists for a process for manufacturing a molded sight tube containing at least one annular groove proximate to the ends of the sight tube where the sight tube does not possess the high stresses resulting from machining of grooves in the sight tube.
A need exists for a process for manufacturing a molded sight tube ready for use after the molding process. As opposed to cutting the sight tube to length and cutting the required grooves, the present invention contemplates molding the sight tube to the desired length and with the grooves in a single operation.
A need exists for a process for manufacturing a molded sight tube having consistent wall thickness or inconsistent (varying) wall thickness.
A need exists for a process for manufacturing a molded sight tube having improved clarity.
A need exists for a process for manufacturing a molded sight tube which reduces the environmental effects of humidity upon the sight tube.
An objective of this invention is to provide a process for molding a sight tube for fluid level related applications not requiring machining to produce a conduit having a predetermined length, at least one annular groove and at least one secondary annular groove.
Another objective of this invention is to provide a process for molding the sight tube for fluid level not requiring any machining operations to produce the desired length, conduit geometry and at least one annular groove. Another objective is to provide a process for molding the sight tube for fluid level requiring minimal machining operations to produce the desired length, conduit geometry and at least one annular groove. Another objective is to provide a process for molding the sight tube which reduces the environmental effects of humidity on the sight tube, such as injection molding.
In one embodiment of the invention, a method involves preparing a mold form for the sight tube. The method may also involve molding a sight tube comprising: a first sight tube end; a second sight tube end; the first sight tube end and the second sight tube end being oppositely disposed, separated by the length of a tubular section, the sight tube length; the sight tube having an outer periphery, and at least one annular groove molded in the outer periphery inwardly spaced from at least one of the first sight tube end and the second sight tube end.
The process may preferably comprise molding a sight tube possessing a length defining the tubular section, the sight tube length. The process may preferably comprise molding a sight tube possessing a conduit having a conduit diameter which may preferably travel the length of the sight tube, about a central axis of the sight tube. The process may preferably comprise molding a sight tube where the conduit diameter may preferably be substantially constant over the length. Alternatively, the process may comprise molding a sight tube where the conduit diameter may vary over the length. The process may preferably comprise molding a sight tube where an at least one indicia may be provided on the sight tube for indicating fluid level. A seal may be disposed within each of the at least one annular groove in the periphery of the sight tube.
In another embodiment of the invention, the method involves preparing a mold form for the sight tube. The method involves molding the sight tube comprising: preparing the mold form for the sight tube. Additionally, the method of molding the sight tube involves molding the sight tube comprising: the first sight tube end; the second sight tube end; the first sight tube end and the second sight tube end being oppositely disposed, separated by the length of the tubular section; and the sight tube having an outer periphery, and the at least one annular groove molded in the outer periphery inwardly spaced from each of the first sight tube end and the second sight tube end. The process may comprise molding the sight tube where an at least one, preferably two, secondary annular grooves are molded in the outer periphery inwardly spaced from each of the first sight tube end and the second sight tube end.
The process may preferably comprise molding the sight tube where the sight tube possesses a length defining the tubular section, the sight tube length. The process may preferably comprise molding a sight tube possessing a conduit having a conduit diameter which may preferably travel the length of the sight tube, about a central axis of the sight tube. The process may preferably comprise molding the sight tube where the conduit diameter may be substantially constant over the length. Alternatively, the process may comprise molding the sight tube where the conduit diameter may vary over the length. The process may preferably comprise molding at least one, preferably two, secondary annular grooves inwardly spaced from said at least one, preferably two, annular grooves. The at least one, preferably two, secondary annular grooves may section a middle section into substantially equal lengths providing for high and low fluid level indications. The process may comprise providing the at least one indicia on the sight tube. A seal may be disposed within each of the at least one annular groove in the periphery of the sight tube.
The process employs polymers known in the art. Preferably the process may employ Trogamid®, a crystallizable and permanently transparent polyamide. Further, injection molded Trogamid® is clear. Alternative and not exclusively, the process may employ acrylic or polycarbonate.
An intended benefit of the invention is a significant reduction in stresses within the sight tube by eliminating the machining process for creation of the at least one annular groove and the at least one secondary annular groove.
An intended benefit of the invention the sight tube is ready for use after the molding process requiring no machining of sight tube dimensions.
An intended benefit of the invention in manufacturing of the at least one annular groove for the o-rings or seals having reduced stress as compared to grooves produced with prior art manufacturing processes, and the improved geometrical tolerances for the at least one annular groove provide for an exact fit for each seal or o-ring or seal.
An intended benefit of the invention is the manufacturing of sight tubes having vastly improved clarity.
An intended benefit of the invention is a significant cost savings due to reduced manufacturing costs and reduced material costs.
An intended benefit of the invention is the manufacturing of sight tubes with reduced long-term drainage between the fluid level verification apparatus and the sight tube.
An intended benefit of the invention is the manufacturing of a molded sight tube which reduces the environmental effects of humidity upon the sight tube.
With attention to
With respect to
Alternatively, the first embodiment of the process molds an (n) number of annular grooves (20, 21), where n is equivalent to any integer, segmenting the sight tube 10 into (n+1) number of sections. The first embodiment of the process molds the at least one annular groove (20, 21) in the outer periphery 24 in the sight tube 10. Further, the first embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 10 possessing a conduit 30 traveling the length 19 of the sight tube 10 about a central axis 49 of the length 19. Alternatively, the first embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 10 such that the conduit 30, traveling a length 19 of the sight tube 10, may not be traveling about the central axis 49 of the length 19.
With respect to
With respect to
Alternatively, the first embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 10 with (n) number of the annular groove (20, 21), where n is equivalent to any integer, segmenting the sight tube 10 into (n+1) number of sections. The first embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 10 such that each of the (n+1) number of sections possessing an outer diameter. Preferably, each of the (n+1) number of outer section diameters are equivalent or nearly equivalent. Alternatively, one or a combination of the (n+1) number of outer section diameters may be disparate from the remainder. The first embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 10 such that the at least one annular groove (20, 21) each have a respective groove width 42 and groove depth 44. The first embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 10 such that the respective groove depths 44 are selected to accommodate a first seal, such as an o-ring or seal 48. It is preferable that the groove depth 44 is greater than half the o-ring or seal thickness (not illustrated in the figures). The process of molding the groove depths 44 results in an intended benefit of the invention in manufacturing of the at least one annular groove (20, 21) for the o-rings or seals 48 having reduced stress as compared to grooves produced with prior art manufacturing processes, and the improved geometrical tolerances for the at least one annular groove (20, 21) provide for an exact fit for each o-ring or seal 48. Additionally, the molding of the at least one annular groove (20, 21) results in an intended benefit of the invention which is the molding of sight tubes 10 with reduced long-term drainage between the fluid level verification apparatus (not illustrated in the figures) and the sight tube 10.
With respect to
The first embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 10 such that indicia (not illustrated in
Preferably, the first embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 10 employing Trogamid®, a crystallizable and permanently transparent polyamide. As previously noted, injection molded Trogamid® is clear. Alternative and not exclusively, the first embodiment of the process may mold the sight tube 10 employing acrylic or polycarbonate. Alternatively, the first embodiment of the process may mold the sight tube 10 employing at least one of various substrates known the art which are amendable to a molding process. While shown to be cylindrical in shape, it is conceivable that other conduit cross-sectional configurations could be utilized. An intended benefit of the invention is the manufacturing of sight tubes having vastly improved clarity.
With attention to
Alternatively, the second embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 100 applying an (n) number of annular grooves (120, 121), where a is equivalent to any integer, which segment the sight tube 100 into (n+1) number of sections. The second embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 100 molding the at least one, preferably two, annular grooves (120, 121) in the outer periphery 124 of the sight tube 100. Further, the second embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 100 possessing a conduit 130 traveling a length 119 of the sight tube 100 about a central axis 149 of the length 119. Alternatively, the second embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 100 such that the conduit 130, traveling a length 119 of the sight tube 100, may not be traveling about the central axis 149 of the length 119.
The second embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 100 such that the sight tube ends 114, 116 each comprise a conduit opening 128 and a boarder 126. The second embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 100 such that the border 126 preferably surrounds the conduit opening perimeter 146 and defines the conduit opening 128.
The second embodiment of the process molds the at least one, preferably two, annular grooves (120, 121) into the sight tube 100 such that the at least one, preferably two, annular groove (120, 121) segments the sight tube 100 into a first outer section 122, a middle section 118, and a second outer section 123. The second embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 100 such that the first outer section 122 possesses a first outer section outer diameter 132. The second embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 100 such that the second outer section 123 possesses a second outer section outer diameter 133. The second embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 100 such that the middle section 118 possesses a middle section outer diameter 134.
The second embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 100 such that the sight tube 100 possesses at least one, preferably two, secondary annular grooves 150 provided in the outer periphery 124 inwardly spaced from each of the first sight tube end 114 and the second sight tube end 116, and preferably inwardly spaced from at least one annular groove (120, 121) and sectioning the middle section 118 into substantially equal lengths.
The second embodiment of the process molds the at least one, preferably two, annular grooves (120, 121), such the at least one, preferably two, secondary annular grooves 150 section the middle section 118 into subsections 180 of equal or nearly equal lengths. Alternatively, the second embodiment of the process molds the at least one, preferably two, annular grooves (120, 121), such the at least one, preferably two, secondary annular grooves 150 section the middle section 118 into subsections 180 which are of less than substantially equal length. The second embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 100 such that the middle section outer diameter 134 may vary between subsections 180. In the alternative, the second embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 100 such that the sections on which the at least one, preferably two, secondary annular groove 150 is applied are divided into subsections 180 of equal or nearly equal lengths. Alternatively, the second embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 100 such that the outer diameters of the subsections 180 may vary between subsections 180.
The second embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 100 such that the first outer section outer diameter 132, second outer section outer diameter 133, and middle section outer diameter 134 are equivalent or nearly equivalent. Alternatively, the second embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 100 such that at least one of the first outer section outer diameter 132, second outer section outer diameter 133, and middle section outer diameter 134 may be disparate or dissimilar from the remainder.
Alternatively, the second embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 100 having an (n) number of annular grooves (120, 121), where n is equivalent to any integer, segmenting the sight tube 100 into (n+1) number of sections. The second embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 100 such that each of the (n+1) number of sections possesses an outer diameter. Preferably, the second embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 100 such that each of the (n+1) number of outer section diameters are equivalent or nearly equivalent. Alternatively, the second embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 100 such that one or a combination of the (n+1) number of outer section diameters may be disparate or dissimilar from the remainder.
The second embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 100 such that the at least one, preferably two, annular grooves (120, 121) each have a respective groove width 142 and groove depth 144. The second embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 100 such that the respective groove depths 144 are selected to accommodate a first seal, such as an o-ring or seal 48. It is preferable that the second embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 100 such that the groove depth 144 is greater than one half the o-ring or seal thickness (not illustrated in the figures). The second embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 100 such that the at least one, preferably two, secondary annular groove 150 each have a respective groove width 160 and groove depth 170.
The process molding the groove depths 144 results in an intended benefit of the invention in manufacturing of the at least one, preferably two, annular grooves (120, 121) for the o-rings or seals 48 having reduced stress as compared to grooves produced with prior art manufacturing processes, and the improved geometrical tolerances for the at least one, preferably two, annular grooves (120, 121) provide for an exact fit for each o-ring or seal 48. Additionally, the molding of the at least one, preferably two, annular grooves (120, 121) results in an intended benefit of the invention which is the molding of sight tubes 100 with reduced potential for leakage between the fluid level verification apparatus end pieces (not illustrated in the figures) and the sight tube 100.
The second embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 100 such that the conduit 130 possesses a conduit diameter 138 over the length 119 of the sight tube 100. The second embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 100 such that the conduit diameter 138 may preferably be substantially constant over the length 119. Alternatively, the second embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 100 such that the conduit diameter may vary over the length 119.
The second embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 100 such that additional indicia (not illustrated in the figures) may be provider on the sight tube 100. The first embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 100 such that indicia (not illustrated in the figures) may be provided on the sight tube 100 using a method known in the art other than molding. The indicia (not illustrated in the figures) may include, but not be limited to, high and/or low level markings, text, gradients, hash marks, etc.
Preferably, the second embodiment of the process molds the sight tube 100 employing Trogamid, a crystallizable and permanently transparent polyamide. As previously noted, injection molded Trogamid® is clear. Alternative and not exclusively, the second embodiment of the process may mold the sight tube 100 employing acrylic or polycarbonate. Alternatively, the second embodiment of the process may mold the sight tube 100 employing at least one of various substrates known in the art which are amendable to a molding process. While shown to be cylindrical in shape, it is conceivable that other conduit cross-sectional configurations could be utilized. An intended benefit of the invention is the manufacturing of sight tubes having vastly improved clarity.
Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures and methods. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.
This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application. Ser. No. 14/754,191, filed 29 Jun. 2015.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14754191 | Jun 2015 | US |
| Child | 16022229 | US |
