US1372554A - Thermostatic signal for automobile-radiators - Google Patents

Description

J. SAHLIN.

THERMOSTATIC SIGNAL FOR AUTOMOBILE RADIATORS. APPLICATION FILED NOV-3,1919.

1,372,554. Patented Mar. 22, 1921.

2 SHEETS-SHEET l.

FIG. I

avwewtor J. SAHLIN.

THERMOSTATIG SIGNAL FOR AUTOMOBILE RADIATORS. APPLICATION FILED NOV, 3, I919. 1,3?2,554, Patented Mar. 22, 1921.

2 SHEETSSHEET 2.

FIG. 2.. FIG. 3.

awwnto'c STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN SAI-ILIN, 033 OAK PARK, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR '10 JULIUS E. KIEFER, TRUSTEE,

, OF MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN.

THERMOSTATIC SIGNAL FOR AUTOMOBILE-RADIATORS.

Application filed November 3, 1919.

To all whom it may concern: 1 Be it known that I, JOHN SAHLIN, a c1t1- zen of the United States of America, residing at-Oak Park, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Thermostatic Signals for Automobile-Radiators, of which the following is a specification.

The primary object of the invention is the provision of a simple and inexpensive device whereby the operator of a motor vehicle may ascertain at a glance the heat conditions within his radiator, visible signals being displayed for denotlng excessive heat as well as a normal heated condition during operation and the cold condition when at rest.

A further object of the invention is to provide a temperature signaling device upon the closure cap of a radiator filling spout that will be ornamental in appearance and automatic in operation as well as economical in manufacture, and whereby the danger of low water in the circulating cooling system of the motor causing damage to the machine is prevented.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a predetermined, colored signal viewable. forwardly and rearwardly of the radiator cap of an automobile for denoting when the fluid in the cooling system of the motor is at a proper running temperatureand to visually indicate any radical lower ing or rising of such temperature, where danger of freezing or boiling of the fluid in the radiator is encountered, so that the same may be remedied before actual injury occurs.

With these general objects in view and others that will appear as the nature of the invention is better understood, my invention consists of the novel combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawing and pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawing forming a part of this application, like reference characters refer Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. 22, 1921.

Serial No. 335,239.

to corresponding parts throughout the several views, and

Figure 1 1s a perspective view of the device in use,

Fig. 2 is a frontelevation of the invention, partially illustrated in vertical section and parts broken away,

Fig. 3 is a side elevatlon thereof,

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken upon line IV-IV of Fig. 1, and

Fig. 5 is a detail view of a sliding connection employed with the invention.

It will be first understood that my invention is primarily designed for use in connection with the radiator of an automobile but may, nevertheless be also advantageously used, Wherever dangerously low-or high temperatures of fluid are liable to occur and injure any kind of a device or machine. A closure plug or cap 10 of the form indicated-in Figs. 1, 2, and 3 of the drawing is commonly employed with the filling spout of an automobile radiator. This cap 10 is ordinarily formed of hard rubber or metal with a centrally depending threaded flange 11 for securing the cap in closed position, removably upon the spout, such as 9 of the radiator 8 of a motor vehicle 7 A substantially key-stone shaped frame 12 formed of brass or aluminum hasa tubular base 13 extending downwardly through.

a central opening '14 in the cap 10 with a shoulder 15 resting upon the top of the cap. An opening 15 extends through the base 13 and shoulder 15 into the frame 12, while a cup 17 depends from the bottom of the base 13 underlying the opening 15. A couplin g nut 18 is threaded upon the lower end of the base 13 within the flange 11 and unites the cup 17 with the base 13, while a washer 19 is positioned between the nut 18 and adj acent portion of the cap lOand the base '13 is thereby secured within the opening 14 with the frame mounted upon the cap, readily viewable when the cap is in its closing position.

Flanges 20 projecting inwardly of the frame 12, provide seats at the opposite faces thereof for dial glasses or 'plates 21, with sheet metal retaining rings 22 secured marginally thereover by screws 23. The dial plates 21 are preferably suitably covered with colored material'or coating, excepting a central ovoiloid shaped portion 24 of each plate for seeing between and through the said plates 21, within the frame 12.

A supporting block 25 is secured within the opening 19 of the base 13 by screws 26 and has spaced ears 27, between which the lower end of an indicator arm 28 is pivoted by a pin 29. The arm 28 extends into the frame 12 between the, plates 21 and with a flat head 30 upon the free end thereof is substantially fan shaped and adapted for swinging movement upon the pin 29, to and fro within the frame 12 between the plates 21.

A thermostatic element 31, formed of sheet material with the appearance of a leaf spring and capable of expansion when heated, has one end anchored to a depending portion 32 of the base 13 within the cup 17 by means of screws 33. The element -31 is looped within the cup 17 and has its other end extended upwardly and loosely connected to the arm 28 by means of a bolt or rivet 34 secured to the arm 28 and extending through a short longitudinal slot 35 in the thermostatic element 31, as best seen in Figs. 1 and 4 of the drawing. The heating and extending of the thermostatic element 31 causes the arm 28 and head 30 to swing toward and'past the center of the indicator frame 12, while green and red panels or portions 36 and .37 respectively of the head 30, are brought successively into view through the unobscured portions or windows 24 of the plates 21.

The colored indicating panels 36 and 37 i may be transparent to permit the light to pass therethrough or the same may be opaque or translucent and readily viewable through the windows 24 from either side or face of the indicator. An adjusting screw 38 extends through the cup 17 and bears against the thermostatic element 31.

increasing or decreasing the tension thereon at will and so normally positioning the indicating mechanism for use.

The complete operation of the invention will be fully understood from the foregoing detailed description thereof, the cap 10 being screwed in the filling spout or water intake of an automobile radiator, when in use, the clear or white portions 24 of the plates 21 being unobstructed by the head 30 when the engine is cold. When the engine attains its normal running temperature, the green signal 36 will show and. should remain in view denoting proper temperature in the circulating fluid of the motor and radiator. A'slight change in the temperature within the radiator influences the thermostatic element 31 for bringing the danger or red signal 37 into view when the engine overheats, while insufiicient heating or the lowering of the temperature toward the cold or freezing point causes an opposite swinging of the indicator head 30 withdrawing the green panel 36 from view, a condition that should not exist when the engine is running properly with efiiciency. I

While the form of my invention in automobile accessory herein set forth is believed to be the preferred form thereof, it will be understood that minor changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention.

What I claim as new is 1. The combination with a radiator filler cap having a centrally disposed opening; of an indicator casing having a tubular lower and extending through said opening, a thermostat casing extending below the tubular end. a union nut connecting the tubular end and the thermostat casing, and a packing ring secured between the lower surface of the cap and the upper surface of said nut.

l. A heat indicator for radiators comprisin in combination with the filling spout cap of the radiator, a tubular base projecting tlierethrough, a substantially oval frame mounted upon the base, an arm pivoted within the base adapted for swinging transversely of the frame. signal means upon the free end of said arm within the frame, a thermostatic element having one end secured within the cap and its other end operatively attached to said arm whereby a change in temperature in the radiator beneath the cap is adapted to automatically shift said arm and signal means, a cup beneath the vase surrounding the thermostatic element. a coupling nut for said cup and base threaded to the base within the cap adapted for also maintaining the base and frame upon the cap, and sealing the base and cap from communication with the raiiiator. and an adjusting screw carried by the cup bearing against the thermostatic element therein adapted for altering the tension of the thermostatic member.

3. A heat indicator for radiators comprising in combination with the fillingspout cap of the radiator, a tubular base projecting therethrough, a substantially oval frame mounted upon the base, an arm pivoted within the base adapted for swinging transversely of the frame, signal means upon the free end of said arm within the frame, a thermostatic element having one end secured within the cap and its other end operatively attached to said arm whereby a change in temperature in the radiator beneath the cap is adapted to automaticallv shift said arm and signal means, a cup beneath the base surrounding the thermostatic element, a coupling nut for said cup and base threaded to the base Within the cap adapted for also maintaining the base and frame upon the cap, and sealing the base and cap from communication with the radiator, an adjusting screw carried by the cup bearing against the thermostatic element therein adapted for altering the tension of the thermostatic member, an inwardlg projecting flange upon the frame, space plates seated upon said flange at opposite sides of-the frame having ahning window portions adapted for viewing said signal elements therethrough during theshifting of said arm, fiat rings overlying said plates, and means for securing said rings and plates to said flange. I

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

JOHN SAHLIN.

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