Abstract An oil level indicator that detects the level or insufficiency thereof in an engine crankcase or the like. Internal combustion engines and in particular automotive engines cannot be inspected during operation for detecting the level of lubricating oil therein. And, since it is imperative that a sufficiency of oil be maintained therein despite whatever malfunction might cause the loss of oil, this invention provides an apparatus in the nature of an attachment that adapts to the crankcase of any usual internal combustion engine, so as to reflect the oil level therein and to provide a signal in the event that said level is insufficient. More particularly, the apparatus is adaptable to existing crankcase openings and fastening points, and provides for adjustability in order to be suited for any prescribed insufficiency as circumstances require. Preferably an electrical contact is made that operates a lighted signal which warns the vehicle operator.
Inventors
👤 Matej Karl Triska
Bibliographic Details
Application Number—
JurisdictionUS
Data Sourcegoogle_patents
Last Synchronized2026-11-04 09:20
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F23/00; G01F23/30; G01F23/32
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
An oil level indicator for engine lubrication systems wherein oil is to be maintained at a sufficient level within a crankcase or the like, and including, a mounting bracket with means for securement to the side of the crankcase and having a vertically disposed guide, a plug adapter threaded into an opening in the crankcase replacing and threadedly receiving the drain plug thereof and having a lateral fluid connection entering the plug adapter intermediate the two threaded connections thereof and in open communication into the crankcase, said drain plug being installed in and to close said plug adapter, an oil level detection unit selectively positioned vertically of and secured onto the said guide, there being a fluid connection from said lateral connection into said level detection unit, and means responsive to said level detection unit and indicating the level of fluid common in said unit and said crankcase.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
148 words
An oil level indicator for engine lubrication systems wherein oil is to be maintained at a sufficient level within a crankcase or the like, and including, a mounting bracket with means for securement to the side of the crankcase and having a vertically disposed guide, a plug adapter threaded into an opening in the crankcase replacing and threadedly receiving the drain plug thereof and having a lateral fluid connection entering the plug adapter intermediate the two threaded connections thereof and in open communication into the crankcase, said drain plug being installed in and to close said plug adapter, an oil level detection unit selectively positioned vertically of and secured onto the said guide, there being a fluid connection from said lateral connection into said level detection unit, and means responsive to said level detection unit and indicating the level of fluid common in said unit and said crankcase.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The oil level indicator as set forth in claim and wherein the mounted bracket is braced by means of extending its lower extremity to the first mentioned threaded connection and captured between the crankcase and the said plug adapter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
87 words
The oil level indicator as set forth in claim 1 and wherein the mounting bracket guide has a slotted opening and the oil level detection unit is rotatably oriented to a horizontal disposition while being positioned vertically, wherein the mounting bracket is braced by means of extending its lower extremity to captured engagement with the said plug adapter, there being a threaded fastener extending from the level detection unit and through said slotted opening and a nut means for securement in the selected and rotatably oriented position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
148 words
The oil level indicator as set forth in claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket guide has a slotted opening and the oil level detection unit is rotatably oriented to a horizontal disposition while being positioned vertically, wherein the mounting bracket is braced by means of extending its lower extremity to captured engagement with the said plug adapter, there being a threaded fastener extending from the level detection unit and through said slotted opening and a nut means for securement in the selected and rotatably oriented position, and wherein the oil detection unit comprises a vented and otherwise closed vessel with a float captured therein for vertical movement and into engagement with a piston operating a normally open electrical switch, and the means responsive to said level detection unit comprising a light energized through a battery powered circuit wen the said switCh is closed by lowering of the float.