The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 20, 2004
Filed:
May. 09, 2003
Christian Paul A. Ricordi, Bourg-les-Valence, FR;
Joseph E. Fabin, Elmwood Park, IL (US);
Illinois Tool Works Inc., Glenview, IL (US);
Abstract
A combustion tool employing a replaceable pressurized fuel cell includes a fuel condition monitor system for monitoring and indicating fuel cell fuel condition. The fuel condition monitor system includes a fuel condition monitor for monitoring at least one of fuel cell pressure and fuel flow from the fuel cell, a control unit connected to the monitor for receiving fuel condition data sensed by the monitor, comparing the sensed data with preset values and determining fuel level in the fuel cell based on the determinations, a metering valve connected to the control unit, providing the exact amount of fuel based upon fuel cell condition, and an indicator connected to the control unit for providing an indication of fuel level. A method of monitoring and indicating combustion tool fuel cell condition includes providing a preset series of fuel cell condition values, monitoring fuel cell condition, obtaining fuel cell condition data, comparing the monitored data with preset values and determining whether there is sufficient fuel and providing a signal to an indicator.