Dokumentenidentifikation |
EP0442901 01.02.1996 |
EP-Veröffentlichungsnummer |
0442901 |
Titel |
VERFAHREN UND VORRICHTUNG ZUR BERECHNUNG VON BRENNSTOFFSVERBRAUCH |
Anmelder |
Mc Roberts, Richard Carl, Olympia, Wash., US |
Erfinder |
Mc Roberts, Richard Carl, Olympia, Wash., US |
Vertreter |
derzeit kein Vertreter bestellt |
DE-Aktenzeichen |
68925211 |
Vertragsstaaten |
DE, GB |
Sprache des Dokument |
En |
EP-Anmeldetag |
25.09.1989 |
EP-Aktenzeichen |
899116479 |
WO-Anmeldetag |
25.09.1989 |
PCT-Aktenzeichen |
US8904168 |
WO-Veröffentlichungsnummer |
9003630 |
WO-Veröffentlichungsdatum |
05.04.1990 |
EP-Offenlegungsdatum |
28.08.1991 |
EP date of grant |
20.12.1995 |
Veröffentlichungstag im Patentblatt |
01.02.1996 |
IPC-Hauptklasse |
G09B 19/22
|
IPC-Nebenklasse |
G01D 1/00
|
Beschreibung[en] |
This invention relates to methods and apparatus for determining the
mileage of a vehicle and, more particularly, to such a method and apparatus which
minimizes the calculations required and permits the determination to be made without
any special equipment installed or attached to the vehicle.
In recent years, consumers have become aware of the need to conserve
fuel so that we will be able to meet our future energy needs. Consumers have also
become increasingly aware of the cost savings that can be achieved by increasing
the fuel efficiency of vehicles. Both of these concerns have led to an increased
interest in determining the mileage that vehicles actually obtain. The conventional
method for determining mileage is to divide the number of miles travelled between
two occasions of filling the gas tank of the vehicle, by the number of gallons
required to fill the tank on the second occasion. This method has the disadvantages
of requiring that the tank be filled to capacity on two separate occasions and
of involving tedious computations. These disadvantages deter many people from attempting
to keep track of the mileage performance of their vehicles.
One approach to solving the problem of the need for an easy way to
determine mileage is to provide special meters and/or indicators that are installed
in the vehicle. This approach has the obvious disadvantages of relatively high
expense and requiring modification of the vehicle.
U.S.Patent No. 4,346,665, granted August 31, 1982, to the present
applicant, discloses a method and apparatus for determining vehicular mileage.
This patent discloses a device for facilitating calculation of units of distance
travelled per unit of fuel consumed by a vehicle of the type having an odometer,
a fuel tank, and a fuel gauge for indicating the level of fuel in the fuel tank,
the device comprising indicator means for recording the reading of the fuel gauge
when the initial odometer reading is taken. This patent also discloses a method
for determining units of distance travelled per unit of fuel consumed by a vehicle
of the type having an odometer, a fuel tank, and a fuel gauge for indicating the
level of fuel in the fuel tank, comprising the steps of taking an initial odometer
reading, and recording the corresponding fuel gauge reading (the "base" fuel gauge
reading) by positioning indicator means; consuming fuel in the tank by operating
the vehicle, and adding a number of units of fuel to the fuel tank to bring the
fuel gauge reading above the base reading; continuing to consume fuel by operating
the vehicle, and while so continuing, monitoring the fuel gauge; and when the fuel
gauge again reaches the base reading, taking a second odometer reading, and subtracting
the initial odometer reading from the second odometer reading.
The apparatus disclosed in the U.S. patent includes a sight device
which is attached to the existing dashboard of a vehicle. The sight device has
a portion which aligns with the pointer on the existing fuel gauge and which acts
as a reference mark. The method disclosed includes aligning the sight device with
the pointer, adding fuel to the tank, and then driving the vehicle until the fuel
gauge again aligns with the reference mark. The fuel may be added at the same time
as the alignment is accomplished before driving the vehicle, or after the vehicle
has been driven some distance following the alignment. The odometer is noted at
the initial alignment and at the time when the pointer again moves into alignment
with the reference mark. The distance travelled between these two occasions and
the amount of fuel added provide the data for the calculation of the mileage.
In the patent, I disclosed that any quantity of fuel may be added, but the addition
of ten units of fuel is preferred since this makes the calculation easier. I also
disclosed that a table having one side with distance travelled and the other side
with fuel units consumed may be used to determine distance travelled per unit
of fuel while avoiding mathematical calculations.
The patent cited above and the prior art that is discussed and/or
cited therein should be studied for the purpose of putting the present invention
into proper perspective relative to the prior art.
The present invention provides a device for facilitating calculation
of units of distance travelled per unit of fuel consumed by a vehicle of the type
having an odometer, a fuel tank, and a fuel gauge for indicating the level of
fuel in the fuel tank. The device comprises a recording surface. The surface includes
first, second, and third horizontal rows of boxes. The first row is for receiving
a notation of an initial odometer reading. The second row is positioned above and
aligned with the first row and is for receiving a notation of a subsequent odometer
reading taken following consumption of a predetermined number of units of fuel
substantially equal to 10n, with n being a whole number greater than
zero. The third row is positioned below and aligned with the first and second
rows for receiving a notation of the result of subtracting the notation in the
first row from the notation in the second row. A decimal point is positioned relative
to the third row to automatically convert the result of the subtraction into, and
provide a visual display of, units of distance per unit of fuel.
The device further includes a graduated scale, the graduations of
which correspond to different levels of fuel in the fuel tank, and indicator means.
The indicator means is associated with the scale and allows selective recording
of the reading of the fuel gauge when the initial odometer reading is taken. The
scale and indicator means may take various forms. In the disclosed embodiment,
the scale is arcuate, and the indicator means comprises a pivotable pointer. The
scale may have fractional graduations between zero and one.
In its preferred form, the device of the invention comprises a member
having a display surface, and a stack of paper mounted on the display surface.
The stack includes a plurality of removable sheets of paper. Each sheet has an
outer surface with the characteristics of the recording surface described above.
The scale and the indicator means are positioned on the display surface adjacent
to the stack of paper. This preferred form of the device has the advantages of
being relatively simple in structure, inexpensive to manufacture, and easy and
fun to use. In addition, the stack of papers allows the device to be used on a
number of occasions while automatically providing a permanent record of each mileage
determination.
The positioning of the decimal point relative to the third row of
boxes is an essential feature of the invention. The desired relative positioning
may be achieved by positioning the decimal point on the recording surface between
two boxes in the third row. In an alternative embodiment, the device comprises
a foldable member and the decimal point is positioned on the cover of the device.
The foldable member has an inner portion that includes the recording surface, and
a cover. The cover folds into a closed position in which it substantially covers
the recording surface. The cover defines a window through which the result of the
subtraction in the third row is visible when the cover is in its closed position.
The decimal point is positioned on the outside of the cover adjacent to the window
to position it between two boxes in the third row when the cover is closed.
The invention also provides a method for determining units of distance
travelled per unit of fuel consumed by a vehicle of the type having an odometer,
a fuel tank, and a fuel gauge associated with the tank for indicating the level
of fuel in the tank. The method comprises providing a recording surface, such surface
including first, second, and third horizontal rows of boxes. The second row is
positioned above and aligned with the first row, and the third row is positioned
below and aligned with the first and second rows. A decimal point positioned between
two boxes in the third row is also provided, as are a graduated scale, the graduations
of which correspond to different levels of fuel in the fuel tank, and indicator
means associated with the scale. The method also comprises taking an initial odometer
reading, and substantially simultaneously taking a base fuel gauge reading. The
initial odometer reading is recorded in the boxes of the first row, and the base
fuel gauge reading is recorded by positioning the indicator means. Fuel in the
tank is consumed by operating the vehicle. A number of units of fuel are added
to the fuel tank, such number being substantially equal to 10n, n being
a whole number greater than zero, to bring the fuel gauge reading above the base
reading. The consumption of fuel is continued, and the fuel gauge is monitored.
When the fuel gauge again reaches the base reading, a second odometer reading
is taken. The second odometer reading is recorded in the boxes of the second row,
and then the initial reading is subtracted from the second reading, and the result
is recorded in the boxes of the third row. The decimal point is positioned automatically
to convert the result of the subtraction into units of distance per unit of fuel.
The scale may have fractional graduations between zero and one.
In some circumstances, it may be inconvenient or impractical to add
as much as ten gallons or other fuel units to the tank. This is particularly likely
in the case of a small automobile with a small fuel tank. Therefore, it is a feature
of the invention that the step of adding fuel may comprise adding at different
times a plurality of quantities of fuel, the sum of the quantities equalling the
number of units described above, for example ten units. This optional feature
of the invention greatly facilitates the use of the method and apparatus of the
invention by drivers of small cars who can easily and conveniently add, for example,
five gallons on two separate occasions, but for whom the need to add ten gallons
on one occasion would often be impractical.
The method and apparatus of the invention provide a means for greatly
simplifying the determination of a vehicle's fuel efficiency. The method and apparatus
do not require any special installations in or attachments to the vehicle and
reduce the calculations to one simple subtraction. The preferred embodiments of
the method and apparatus provide in one simple device and one simple procedure
a complete means for recording the necessary data and carrying out the required
calculation. The preferred embodiment of the device of the invention provides in
one compact simple structure a means for easily recording the fuel gauge level
and the odometer readings. This frees the operator from any necessity for remembering
any of the readings and helps prevent loss of notations of the readings. Since
the method and apparatus do not require physical installations or attachments
to the vehicle, they may readily be used in conjunction with any type of vehicle
having any type of fuel gauge. The invention is versatile and completely compatible
with both conventional dial-type fuel gauges and other newer types of gauges,
such as bar-type and digital gauges.
These and other advantages and features will be apparent from the
detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the invention.
In the drawings, like element designations refer to like parts throughout
and:
FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a portion of a dashboard of a conventional
type, showing conventional dials and gauges.
FIG. 2 is a pictorial view of the preferred embodiment of the invention.
FIG.3 is a pictorial view of the device shown in FIG. 2 opened and
ready for use.
FIG.4 is an elevational view of the top sheet of paper shown in FIG.
3 with an initial odometer reading recorded thereon.
FIG. 5 is like FIG.4 except that it also shows a subsequent odometer
reading and subtraction results recorded.
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary elevational view of the lower right-hand
portion of the cover of a modified form of the device.
The drawings show devices 20, 20&min;, that are constructed according
to the invention and that also constitute the best modes of the apparatus of the
invention currently known to the applicant. The drawings also illustrate the best
mode for carrying out the method of the invention currently known to the applicant.
FIG. 1 shows a typical passenger vehicle dashboard configuration. This configuration
is shown and described herein for the purposes of illustration. It is of course
to be understood that the method and apparatus of the invention may also be used
to advantage in connection with passenger vehicles with other types of dashboard
configurations and in connection with other types of vehicles.
Referring to FIG. 1, the dashboard 2 has displayed thereon a conventional
dial-type fuel gauge 4, an odometer/speedometer 10, an oil pressure gauge 14, and
an ammeter 16. The fuel gauge 4 has a scale 8 with the conventional graduations
of empty (E), 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and full (F). The gauge 4 also has a pivotable pointer
6 which indicates the fuel level in the vehicle fuel tank in a known manner. The
odometer reading on the odometer/speedometer 10 is indicated by the reference
numeral 12.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the preferred embodiment of the apparatus
of the invention comprises a folding member or card 20. The card 20 may be made
from various materials and is preferably made from lightweight cardboard. The card
20 has a cover 22 and an inner portion or back page 26. The cover 22 has a window
24 formed in its upper portion for the purpose described below. FIG. 2 shows the
card 20 closed for storage or transportation. FIG. 3 shows the card 20 opened
ready for use.
Referring to FIG. 3, the back page 26 of the card 20 has an inner
face which forms a display surface 28. A stack 30 of sheets 34 of paper is attached
to the lower portion of the display surface 28 by means of a fastener 32. The fastener
32 may take various forms, such as the large staple 32 shown in FIGS.3-5.A scale
48 is printed on the display surface 28 above the stack of paper 30. The scale
48 has fractional graduations between zero and one. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3,
the preferred form of the scale 48 is arcuate and the fractional graduations are
1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 like the graduations on the conventional fuel gauge 4 shown in
FIG. 1. The ends of the scale are preferably marked, "E" and "F" to correspond
to the markings on the scale 8 on the fuel gauge 4. A pointer 50 is pivotably mounted
on the display surface 28 below the scale 48, as by a grommet. The pointer 50
is positioned to pivot relative to the scale 48 in the same manner that the pointer
6 of the fuel gauge 4 pivots relative to the fuel gauge scale 8. The attachment
of the pointer 50 to the back page 26 is loose enough to allow the pointer 50
to be easily pivoted manually by a user but tight enough to hold its position once
it has been pivoted. The scale 48 and pointer 50 are positioned on the display
surface 28 to be visible through the window 24 in the cover 22 when the cover
22 is closed, as shown in FIG. 2.
Each of the sheets 34 of paper in the stack 30 has an outer recording
surface 36. Each sheet 34 also has a line of perforations 38 so that it may be
easily torn off the stack 30 following computation of mileage thereon. After being
removed from the stack 30, the sheet 34 may be discarded or retained as a permanent
record of the mileage. In order to facilitate the maintenance of a permanent record,
a space for recording the date on which the mileage was calculated is provided
at the bottom of each sheet 34.
The recording surface 36 of each sheet 34 has three horizontal rows
40, 42, 44 of boxes printed thereon. The first row 40 is in the middle and is labeled
"A" to assist the user in recording the data in the proper places in the right
order. The second row 42 is positioned above and aligned with the first row 40.
Each of the first and second rows 40, 42 is provided for receiving a notation of
an odometer reading. Preferably, each of the two rows 40, 42 has five boxes for
recording the whole number portion of a standard odometer reading. Six, rather
than five, boxes may also be provided to include the fractional portion of the
odometer reading. The third row 44 is positioned below and aligned with the first
and second rows 40, 42 and is provided for receiving a notation of the result of
subtracting the notation in the first row 40 from the notation in the second row
42. Normally, only three boxes would be required in the third row 44, corresponding
to the three rightmost boxes in the first and second rows 40, 42. However, in
order to improve the appearance of the recording surface 36, the third row 44 has
five boxes that are aligned with the five boxes of the first and second rows 40,
42. The second row is labeled "B", and the third row is labeled "C" again as an
aid to the user in properly recording the data. The boxes in each of the three
rows 40, 42,44 would usually be square, as shown in the drawings. However, the
boxes could also be other shape, such as rectangular, round, or elliptical.
The card 20 also has a decimal point 46 positioned relative to the
third row 44 to automatically convert the result of the subtraction operation into
units of distance per unit of fuel. The card 20 and the positioning of the decimal
point 46 automatically provide a visual display of the units of distance per unit
of fuel. The automatic conversion is accomplished by means of the positioning of
the decimal point 46 relative to the recorded difference between two odometer
readings taken before and after, respectively, a predetermined number of units
of fuel are consumed. The predetermined number of units is substantially equal
to 10n, with n being a whole number greater than zero. The embodiment
of the recording surface 36 shown in FIGS. 3-5 is intended for use with passenger
vehicles and light trucks. The decimal point 46 is positioned on the recording
surface 36 between the rightmost and second to rightmost boxes in the third row
44 to correspond to the consumption of ten units of fuel.
An alternative positioning of the decimal point 46&min; is illustrated
in FIG. 6, which shows a modified form 20&min; of the folding card 20. FIG. 6 shows
the lower right hand portion of the cover 22&min; of the card 20&min; in a closed
position. This portion of the cover 22&min; has a small window 52 formed therein
through which the right three boxes of the third row 44&min; are visible when the
cover 22&min; is closed. Rather than being positioned on the recording surface,
the decimal 46&min; is printed on the outside of the cover 22&min; adjacent to
the window 52. As seen in FIG. 6, the decimal point 46&min; is positioned between
the two rightmost boxes of the third row 44&min; when the cover 22&min; is closed.
The solid portions of the cover 22&min; around the window 52 cover the remainder
of the recording surface.
In each of the two embodiments shown in the drawings, the card 20,
20&min; would preferably also include complete printed instructions on how to use
the card 20, 20&min;. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, a legend on the outside of the
cover 22&min; would also preferably be provided to label the mileage showing through
the window 52.
The method of the invention will be described in relation to the
card 20 shown in FIGS. 2-5. The first step is to take an initial odometer reading
when the vehicle is on a substantially level road surface, and to record the reading
in the first row 40 of boxes. This is illustrated in FIG. 4. The odometer reading
shown recorded in FIG. 4 is the reading that is shown on the odometer/speedometer
10 illustrated in FIG. 1. The fractional portion of the reading, in this case
zero, has been deleted. Substantially simultaneously with the taking of the initial
odometer reading, a base fuel gauge reading is taken. The fuel gauge reading is
recorded on the card 20 by positioning the pivotable pointer 50 to correspond
to the position of the pointer 6 of the fuel gauge 4.
After the initial odometer reading and the base fuel gauge reading
have been recorded, the vehicle is operated to consume fuel in the tank. Fuel is
added to the tank when the tank is sufficiently empty to accept it. As described
above, the number of units of fuel added to the tank is substantially equal to
10n, with n being a whole number greater than zero. The fuel may be
added immediately following the taking of the initial odometer reading and base
fuel gauge reading, or after the vehicle has been driven some distance following
the taking of these readings. The entire amount of fuel maybe added on one occasion.However,
if this is impractical because of the size of the tank or for some other reason
is not desired, the fuel may also be added at a plurality of different times. The
sum of the quantities added at the different times equals the desired number of
units. The addition of the fuel brings the fuel gauge reading above the base reading.
After the fuel gauge reading has been brought above the base reading,
operation of the vehicle and the consequent fuel consumption are continued. During
the operation of the vehicle, the fuel gauge is monitored. When the fuel gauge
again reaches the base reading, a second odometer reading is taken. The second
odometer reading is recorded in the boxes of the second row 42, as shown in FIG.
5. Then the initial reading is subtracted from the second reading, and the result
is recorded in the boxes of the third row 44, also as shown in FIG. 5. The user
then merely has to read the third row 44 to determine his mileage.
As noted above, the date of the determination may be recorded at
the bottom of the sheet 34 to provide a permanent record of the determination.
The mileage determination may be made periodically to enable the vehicle operator
to monitor the performance of the vehicle. The periodic determinations can serve
to alert the operator when the vehicle is in need of a tune-up or other servicing.
More frequent and/or better timed servicing can increase the overall energy savings
of the vehicle and also help to prolong the life of the vehicle. In addition, the
periodic determinations can alert the driver to poor driving habits that result
in decreased mileage, and thereby encourage improvements in driving habits that
reduce fuel consumption.
The device 20 shown in FIGS. 2-5 is designed for use in association
with passenger vehicles and for computing miles per gallon. It is intended to be
understood that the device of the invention may also be adapted for use with large
vehicles, such as tractor/trailer trucks, which have large fuel tanks capable
of holding in excess of a hundred gallons. For use with such large vehicles, the
device would be modified to position the decimal point 46 between the second and
third boxes from the right in the third row 44. The amount of fuel added in carrying
out the method of the invention would be 100, rather than 10, gallons. The method
of the invention is also suitable for use in areas where fuel quantities and distances
are measured in the metric system. For example, 10 or 100 liters could be added
to calculate kilometers per liter.
Since the method and apparatus of the invention are based on readings
taken from the vehicle fuel gauge, which indicates fuel level, rather than quantity,
there is no need to know what quantity of fuel is contained in the vehicle fuel
tank. Therefore, there is no need to fill the tank completely. In personal tests,
I have found my method to be very accurate if the fuel gauge and odometer readings
are taken when the vehicle is on a substantially level surface. I have found a
repeatable correspondence between the fuel level in the tank and the fuel gauge
pointer position. Therefore, in the practice of the invention, the amount of fuel
consumed between the two odometer readings is essentially equal to the amount of
fuel added.
Some newer vehicles are equipped with a computer readout of mileage.
The invention is also useful in connection with such vehicles since it provides
a means for checking the accuracy of the computer readout and thereby determining
whether or not the computer system needs repair. The invention also provides a
means for establishing and maintaining a permanent record of the mileage obtained.
The preferred embodiments of the device of my invention and the preferred
embodiment of the method of my invention have been described above. The description
is in no way intended to limit me to the described embodiments. It is intended
to be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and omissions
in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of the invention
as defined by the following claims.
|
Anspruch[de] |
- Vorrichtung zur Erleichterung der Berechnung von zurückgelegten Streckeneinheiten
pro verbrauchter Kraftstoffeinheit eines Fahrzeugs, welches einen Wegstreckenzähler,
einen Kraftstofftank und einen Kraftstoffvorratsanzeiger zur Angabe des Kraftstoffstandes
im Kraftstofftank aufweist, enthaltend:
eine Aufzeichnungsfläche, umfassend eine erste horizontale, aus Kästchen bestehende
Reihe zur Aufnahme einer Aufzeichnung einer ersten Wegstreckenzählerablesung, eine
zweite, darüber angeordnete und nach der ersten Reihe ausgerichtete horizontale
Kästchenreihe zur Aufnahme einer Aufzeichnung einer nachfolgenden Wegstreckenzählerablesung,
die vorgenommen wird nach Verbrauch einer vorbestimmten Anzahl von Kraftstoffeinheiten,
die im wesentlichen 10n entspricht, wobei n eine ganze Zahl größer Null
ist, sowie eine dritte horizontale Kästchenreihe, die unterhalb der ersten und
zweiten Reihen angeordnet und nach diesen ausgerichtet ist, zur Aufnahme einer
Aufzeichnung des Ergebnisses aus der Subtraktion der Aufzeichnung in der ersten
Reihe von der Aufzeichnung in der zweiten Reihe,
einen Dezimalunkt, der in bezug auf die dritte Reihe angeordnet ist, um das Ergebnis
automatisch in Streckeneinheiten pro Kraftstoffeinheit umzuwandeln und eine Sichtanzeige
für diese bereitzustellen,
eine mit Gradeinteilungen versehene Skala, deren Teilstriche verschiedenen Kraftstoffständen
im Kraftstofftank entsprechen, sowie ein der Skala zugeordnetes Anzeigemittel zur
Aufzeichnung des Standes der Kraftstoffvorratsanzeige bei der ersten Wegstreckenzählerablesung.
- Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, bei der die Skaleneinteilungen dem Füllstand des
Kraftstofftanks leer, viertelvoll, halbvoll, dreiviertelvoll und voll entsprechen.
- Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder Anspruch 2, bei der die Skala bogenförmig
ist und das Anzeigemittel einen drehbaren Zeiger enthält.
- Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, welche ein Element mit einer
Anzeigefläche und einen auf der Anzeigefläche angeordneten Papierstapel enthält,
wobei der Stapel eine Vielzahl abnehmbarer Blätter umfaßt, die jeweils eine Oberfläche
mit den angeführten Kennzeichen der Aufzeichnungsfläche aufweisen, und bei welcher
die Skala und das Anzeigemittel auf der Anzeigefläche in der Nähe des Stapels angeordnet
sind.
- Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, wobei der Dezimalpunkt auf der
Aufzeichnungsfläche zwischen zwei Kästchen in der dritten Reihe angeordnet ist.
- Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, enthaltend ein faltbares Element
mit einem inneren Teil, der die Aufzeichnungsfläche umfaßt, und einem Deckel, der
sich in eine geschlossene Position klappen läßt, in der er die Aufzeichnungsfläche
im wesentlichen abdeckt, wobei der Deckel ein Fenster definiert, durch welches
das Ergebnis in der dritten Reihe sichtbar ist, wenn sich der Deckel in der geschlossenen
Stellung befindet, und sich der Dezimalpunkt auf der Außenseite des Deckels in
der Nähe des Fensters befindet, so daß er bei geschlossenem Deckel zwischen zwei
Kästchen in der dritten Reihe angeordnet ist.
- Verfahren zur Bestimmung von zurückgelegten Streckeneinheiten pro verbrauchter
Kraftstoffeinheit eines Fahrzeugs mit Wegstreckenzähler, Kraftstofftank und Kraftstoffvorratsanzeiger
zur Angabe des Kraftstoffstandes im Kraftstofftank, enthaltend die Schritte:
Bereitstellung einer Aufzeichnungsfläche, umfassend eine erste horizontale, aus
Kästchen bestehende Reihe, eine zweite, darüber angeordnete und nach der ersten
Reihe ausgerichtete horizontale Kästchenreihe und eine dritte, unterhalb der ersten
und zweiten Reihe angeordnete und nach diesen ausgerichtete horizontale Kästchenreihe,
Bereitstellung eines zwischen zwei Kästchen in der dritten Reihe angeordneten Dezimalpunktes,
Bereitstellung einer mit Gradeinteilungen versehenen Skala, deren Teilstriche verschiedenen
Kraftstoffständen im Kraftstofftank entsprechen, sowie Bereitstellung eines der
Skala zugeordneten Anzeigemittels,
Ablesen eines ersten Wegstreckenzählerstandes und im wesentlichen gleichzeitiges
Ablesen eines Ausgangsstandes der Kraftstoffvorratsanzeige,
Aufzeichnen des ersten Wegstreckenzählerstandes in die Kästchen der ersten Reihe
und Erfassen des Ausgangsstandes der Kraftstoffvorratsanzeige durch Einstellen
des Anzeigemittels,
Verbrauch von Kraftstoff im Tank durch Inbetriebnahme des Fahrzeugs und Zugabe
einer Anzahl von Kraftstoffeinheiten in den Kraftstofftank, die im wesentlichen
10n entspricht, wobei n eine ganze Zahl größer Null ist, um den Stand
des Kraftstoffvorratsanzeigers über den Ausgangsstand zu bringen,
Fortführen des Kraftstoffverbrauchs durch Fahren des Fahrzeugs und währenddessen
Überwachen des Kraftstoffvorratsanzeigers,
sobald der Kraftstoffvorratsanzeiger den Ausgangsstand wieder erreicht,
Ablesen eines zweiten Wegstreckenzählerstandes und Aufzeichnen der zweiten Wegstreckenzählerablesung
in die Kästchen der zweiten Reihe,
Subtrahieren des ersten Wegstreckenzählerstandes von dem zweiten Wegstreckenzählerstand
und Aufzeichnen des Ergebnisses in die Kästchen der dritten Reihe,
wobei der Punkt vor der ersten Dezimalstelle derart angeordnet ist, daß eine Anzahl
von der Zahl n entsprechenden Kästchen in der dritten Reihe rechts des Punktes
liegt, so daß das Ergebnis automatisch in Streckeneinheiten pro Kraftstoffeinheit
umgewandelt wird.
- Verfahren nach Anspruch 7, bei dem der Schritt der Kraftstoffzugabe enthält,
daß zu verschiedenen Zeiten eine Vielzahl von Kraftstoffmengen zugegeben wird,
wobei die Summe der Mengen gleich der Zahl der Einheiten ist.
|
Anspruch[en] |
- A device for facilitating calculation of units of distance travelled per unit
of fuel consumed by a vehicle of the type having an odometer, a fuel tank, and
a fuel gauge for indicating the level of fuel in the fuel tank, the device comprising:
a recording surface, the surface including a first horizonal row of boxes for receiving
a notation of an initial odometer reading, a second horizontal row of boxes positioned
above and aligned with the first row for receiving a notation of a subsequent odometer
reading taken following consumption of a predetermined number of units of fuel
substantially equal to 10n, with n being a whole number greater than
zero, and a third horizontal row of boxes positioned below and aligned with the
first and second rows for receiving a notation of the result of subtracting the
notation in the first row from the notation in the second row;
a decimal point positioned relative to the third row to convert the result automatically
into, and to provide a visual display of, units of distance per unit of fuel;
a graduated scale the graduations of which correspond to different levels of fuel
in the fuel tank; and
indicator means associated with the scale for recording the reading of the fuel
gauge when the initial odometer reading is taken.
- A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the graduations of the scale correspond
to the fuel tank being empty, 1/4 full, 1/2 full, 3/4 full and full.
- A device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the scale is arcuate, and
the indicator means comprises a pivotable pointer.
- A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, which comprises a member having
a display surface, and a stack of paper mounted on the display surface, the stack
including a plurality of removable sheets of paper, each sheet having an outer
surface with the recited characteristics of the recording surface; and in which
the scale and the indicator means are positioned on the display surface adjacent
to the stack.
- A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the decimal point
is positioned on the recording surface between two boxes in the third row.
- A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, which comprises a foldable
member with an inner portion which includes the recording surface, and a cover
which folds into a closed position in which it substantially covers the recording
surface, the cover defining a window through which the result in the third row
is visible when the cover is in the closed position, and the decimal point being
positioned on the outside of the cover adjacent to the window to position it between
two boxes in the third row when the cover is in the closed position.
- A method for determining units of distance travelled per unit of fuel consumed
by a vehicle of the type having an odometer, a fuel tank, and a fuel gauge for
indicating the level of fuel in the fuel tank, comprising the steps of:
providing a recording surface, the surface including a first horizontal row of
boxes, a second horizontal row of boxes positioned above and aligned with the first
row, and a third horizontal row of boxes positioned below and aligned with the
first and second rows, providing a decimal point positioned between two boxes in
the third row, providing a graduated scale the graduations of which correspond
to different levels of fuel in the fuel tank, and providing indicator means associated
with the scale;
taking an initial odometer reading, and substantially simultaneously taking a base
fuel gauge reading, recording the initial odometer reading in the boxes of the
first row, and recording the base fuel gauge reading by positioning the indicator
means;
consuming fuel in the tank by operating the vehicle, and adding a number of units
of fuel to the fuel tank substantially equal to 10n, with n being a
whole number greater than zero, to bring the fuel gauge reading above the base
reading;
continuing to consume fuel by operating the vehicle, and while so continuing, monitoring
the fuel gauge;
when the fuel gauge again reaches the base reading, taking a second odometer reading
and recording the second odometer reading in the boxes of the second row, subtracting
the initial odometer reading from the second odometer reading, and recording the
result in the boxes of the third row;
the decimal point being positioned so that, in the third row, a number of boxes
equal to the number n are to the right of the decimal point, to convert the said
result automatically into units of distance per unit of fuel.
- A method as claimed in claim 7, in which the step of adding fuel comprises
adding at different times a plurality of quantities of fuel, the sum of the quantities
equalling the said number of units.
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Anspruch[fr] |
- Dispositif destiné à faciliter le calcul des unités de distance parcourues
par unité de carburant consommé par un véhicule du type comportant un compteur
kilométrique, un réservoir de carburant, et une jauge à carburant destinée à indiquer
le niveau de carburant dans le réservoir, le dispositif comprenant :
   une surface d'enregistrement, la surface comprenant une première
rangée horizontale de cases destinée à recevoir une notation d'une lecture initiale
du compteur kilométrique, une deuxième rangée horizontale de cases placée au-dessus
et dans l'alignement de la première rangée, destinée à recevoir une notation d'une
lecture ultérieure du compteur kilométrique prise après la consommation d'un nombre
prédéterminé d'unités de carburant sensiblement égal à 10n, n étant
un nombre entier supérieur à zéro, et une troisième rangée horizontale de cases
placée en dessous et dans l'alignement des première et deuxième rangées, destinée
à recevoir une notation du résultat de la soustraction de la notation dans la
première rangée de la notation dans la deuxième rangée;
   une virgule décimale placée relativement à la troisième rangée
pour convertir automatiquement le résultat en unités de distance par unité de carburant
et pour fournir une représentation visuelle de ces unités de distance par unité
de carburant;
   une échelle graduée dont les graduations correspondent à différents
niveaux de carburant dans le réservoir, et
   un moyen indicateur associé à l'échelle pour enregistrer la
lecture de la jauge à carburant lorsque la lecture initiale du compteur kilométrique
est prise.
- Dispositif suivant la revendication 1, dans lequel les graduations de l'échelle
correspondent à l'état du réservoir de carburant vide, rempli au 1/4, rempli à
1/2, rempli aux 3/4 et plein.
- Dispositif suivant la revendication 1 ou la revendication 2, dans lequel l'échelle
est courbe, et le moyen indicateur comprend une aiguille qui peut pivoter.
- Dispositif suivant l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, qui comprend
un élément présentant une surface de présentation et une pile de papier montée
sur la surface de présentation, la pile comportant une pluralité de feuilles de
papier détachables, chaque feuille ayant une face extérieure qui présente les caractéristiques
exposées de la surface d'enregistrement; et dans lequel l'échelle et le moyen
indicateur sont placés sur la surface de présentation, près de la pile.
- Dispositif suivant l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel la
virgule décimale est placée sur la surface d'enregistrement entre deux cases de
la troisième rangée.
- Dispositif suivant l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, qui comprend
un élément repliable présentant une partie intérieure qui comprend la surface
d'enregistrement, et une couverture qui se replie en position fermée dans laquelle
elle recouvre sensiblement la surface d'enregistrement, la couverture définissant
une fenêtre à travers laquelle le résultat dans la troisième rangée est visible
lorsque la couverture est en position fermée, et la virgule décimale étant placée
sur l'extérieur de la couverture près de la fenêtre afin de la positionner entre
deux cases de la troisième rangée lorsque la couverture est en position fermée.
- Procédé pour déterminer les unités de distance parcourues par unité de carburant
consommé par un véhicule du type comportant un compteur kilométrique, un réservoir
de carburant et une jauge à carburant destinée à indiquer le niveau de carburant
dans le réservoir, comprenant les étapes consistant à :
   prévoir une surface d'enregistrement, la surface comprenant
une première rangée horizontale de cases, une deuxième rangée horizontale de cases
placée au-dessus et dans l'alignement de la première rangée, et une troisième
rangée horizontale de cases placée en dessous, et dans l'alignement des première
et deuxième rangées, prévoir une virgule décimale placée entre deux cases dans
la troisième rangée, prévoir une échelle graduée dont les graduations correspondent
à différents niveaux de carburant dans le réservoir, et prévoir un moyen indicateur
associé à l'échelle;
   faire une lecture initiale du compteur kilométrique et, en
substance simultanément, une lecture de base de la jauge à carburant, enregistrer
la lecture initiale du compteur kilométrique dans les cases de la première rangée,
et enregistrer la lecture de base de la jauge à carburant en plaçant le moyen indicateur;
   consommer du carburant dans le réservoir durant la marche
du véhicule et ajouter un nombre d'unités de carburant au réservoir sensiblement
égal à 10n, n étant un nombre entier supérieur à zéro, afin d'amener
la lecture de la jauge à carburant au-dessus de la lecture de base;
   continuer à consommer du carburant durant la marche du véhicule,
et pendant ce temps, surveiller la jauge à carburant;
   lorsque la jauge à carburant atteint à nouveau la lecture
de base, faire une deuxième lecture du compteur kilométrique et enregistrer la
deuxième lecture de compteur kilométrique dans les cases de la deuxième rangée,
soustraire la lecture initiale du compteur kilométrique de la deuxième lecture
du compteur kilométrique et enregistrer le résultat dans les cases de la troisième
rangée;
   la virgule décimale étant placée de telle sorte que, dans
la troisième rangée, un nombre de cases égal au nombre n soit à droite de la virgule
décimale, afin de convertir automatiquement ledit résultat en unités de distance
par unité de carburant.
- Procédé suivant la revendication 7, dans lequel l'étape consistant à ajouter
du carburant consiste à ajouter à différents moments une pluralité de quantités
de carburant, la somme des quantités égalant ledit nombre d'unités.
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Patent Zeichnungen (PDF)
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