Combination transmission fluid monitor and filter

Claim 1

In a combination transmission fluid monitor and filter for use within an automobile vehicle, wherein the filter element has a cover which is equipped with an opening therethrough and an oil outlet boss engaged over the said opening, the combination of A. a cylindrical outlet fitting affixed to the cover at the said outlet boss, said fitting having an axially aligned, cylindrical channel, 1. said channel communicating with the said cover opening to receive transmission fluid under pressure therethrough, B. a conductive pin having a portion positioned within the said cylindrical channel, 1. said pin being insulated from the cover and channel construction, C. a second conductive pin projecting into the interior of the cylindrical channel, 1. said second pin being grounded to the said cover construction; 2. said second pin being spaced from the first pin within the channel; D. a conductive cylindrical plunger slideable within the said channel above the said conductive pins, 1. said plunger being reciprocal from a circuit open position to a circuit closed position, a. normal transMission fluid pressure urging the plunger to its circuit open position b. low fluid pressure allowing the plunger to assume its circuit closed position, said plunger contacting the said pins when in the circuit closed position, 2. said plunger having a flat bottom upon which the fluid pressure impinges for plunger operation within the channel, 3. said plunger having a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the channel to act as a piston therein; E. a spring biasing between a fixed portion of the fitting and the top of the plunger, 1. said spring being axially aligned within the channel, 2. said spring urging the plunger to its circuit closed position upon a drop in transmission fluid pressure below a predetermined minimum; and F. an electrical circuit connected between the first and second conductive pins, 1. said circuit incorporating a warning light which is activated when the plunger contacts the pins.