US3820098A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrical and visual fluid level sensor
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1972-04-18
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Granted: 1974-06-25
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Expires: 1992-04-18
Abstract
Abstract An improved method and liquid level sensor device is provided for monitoring the level of fluid in a container, by either or both, visual or electrical means. The sensor device is mounted onto a container and projects into the same. A small glass cap located on the outside section of the sensor device remains full of the liquid as long as the desired liquid level inside of the container is maintained. When the level of the liquid in the container falls, the cap will empty, thus giving a visual check. The section of the sensor device that is on the inside of the container has a float which follows the level of the liquid. When the liquid level falls, the float also falls, thereby closing a magnetic switch which causes a warning light or buzzer to be activated. This sensor device can also contain a pressure switch to monitor the pressure in the container and give an alarm by electrical means.
Inventors
- 👤 N Lacosta
- 👤 T Demyon
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 10:07
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F23/00; G01F23/02; G01F23/30; G01F23/32; G01F23/38
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
260 words
A visually and remotely inspectable liquid level sensor system for a container having fluid therein, comprising: a closed container having a fluid therein, said container having an aperture formed into a wall thereof; housing means having an internal cavity and being disposed externally of the closed container, the housing means further having an inner end portion positioned in said aperture and extending into said container whereby fluid from said container may enter into the internal cavity in said housing means; transparent cover means on that portion of the housing means lying externally of said closed container, said cover means communicating with the internal cavity in said housing means whereby fluid in said cavity may be viewed for monitoring the fluid level in said container; means for sealing the periphery of said housing in said aperture in the wall of said container; float means positioned in said fluid in said container and having a pivotally mounted end extending into said internal cavity in said housing; magnetic means positioned on the pivotally mounted end of said float means; switch means positioned in the wall of said housing and operable by said magnetic means; an electrical circuit having a source of power; and, signal means connected to said switch means, whereby said magnetic means on the pivotally mounted end of said float means is moved into closer proximity to said switch means on lowering of said float means due to a decrease in fluid level in said container and activates said switch means to close said electrical circuit, thereby operating said signal means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
260 words
A visually and remotely inspectable liquid level sensor system for a container having fluid therein, comprising: a closed container having a fluid therein, said container having an aperture formed into a wall thereof; housing means having an internal cavity and being disposed externally of the closed container, the housing means further having an inner end portion positioned in said aperture and extending into said container whereby fluid from said container may enter into the internal cavity in said housing means; transparent cover means on that portion of the housing means lying externally of said closed container, said cover means communicating with the internal cavity in said housing means whereby fluid in said cavity may be viewed for monitoring the fluid level in said container; means for sealing the periphery of said housing in said aperture in the wall of said container; float means positioned in said fluid in said container and having a pivotally mounted end extending into said internal cavity in said housing; magnetic means positioned on the pivotally mounted end of said float means; switch means positioned in the wall of said housing and operable by said magnetic means; an electrical circuit having a source of power; and, signal means connected to said switch means, whereby said magnetic means on the pivotally mounted end of said float means is moved into closer proximity to said switch means on lowering of said float means due to a decrease in fluid level in said container and activates said switch means to close said electrical circuit, thereby operating said signal means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
74 words
The liquid level sensor system of claim 1 and further comprising: pressure switch means positioned in the wall of said housing and operable by the pivotally mounted end of said float means; a second electrical circuit having a source of power; and, a second signal means connected to said pressure switch means, whereby said second signal means is activated on closing of the second electrical circuit by the activation of said pressure switch means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
A liquid level sensor system for a container as recited in claim 1, wherein said signal device consists of a light.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
A liquid level sensor system for a container as recited in claim 1, wherein said signal device consists of an acoustic device.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-06-24 | 1977-12-24 | 1978-06-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-06-24 | 1981-12-24 | 1982-06-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-06-24 | 1985-12-24 | 1986-06-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |