Joseph D Baron

US Patent:

6968739, Nov 29, 2005

Filed:

Jun 4, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/764208

Inventors:

Joseph Baron - Huntington Beach CA, US
David C. Abbe - El Cajon CA, US

International Classification:

G02B005/14

US Classification:

73293, 73 173, 340619

Abstract:

A gauge is disclosed for indicating a level of a liquid in a tank including a display device and a control unit coupled thereto. The display device includes multiple light-emitting elements. The control unit receives a liquid level signal, measures a magnitude of the liquid level signal, and activates a number of the light-emitting elements dependent upon the magnitude. In one embodiment the control unit receives a reset signal and performs a calibration routine in response. The gauge may include a housing and a cap portion attached to the housing. The display device and the control unit may be positioned within the housing. The gauge may include conveying means (e. g. , an array of light pipes) for conveying light emitted by each of the light-emitting elements through an outer side surface of the cap portion. A method is described for indicating a level of a liquid in a tank.

US Patent:

20020166377, Nov 14, 2002

Filed:

May 12, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/854055

Inventors:

Joseph Baron - Huntington Beach CA, US
Li Yang - Hangzhou, CN

International Classification:

G01F023/00

US Classification:

073/29000R

Abstract:

A combination gas cap and LED fuel gauge, adapted for sealing a gas tank filling aperture of a gas tank of a motorcycle, has a plurality of LEDs for displaying the measurements of a gas level measuring device installed in or on the gas tank. The combination includes a gas cap housing and an LED control module. The gas cap housing is adapted for fitting within and sealing the gas tank filling aperture, as well as containing the LED control module. The LED control module includes and controls the plurality of LEDs that provide a visual indicator as to how much gas is in the gas tank. The gas cap housing has a top surface and a base. The top surface has a perimeter, and a perimeter sidewall extends downwardly from the perimeter of the top surface. The perimeter sidewall has an indicator opening through which the plurality of LEDs can be viewed. The base has an electronics containment cavity for containing, positioning, and protecting the LED control module, and also has a locking portion adapted to lockingly engage the gas tank filling aperture, thereby positioning the plurality of LEDs adjacent the outer surface of the gas tank.