US3914862A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of making level sensor
Assignee: Texas Instruments Inc
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Filing: 1974-08-21
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Granted: 1975-10-28
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Expires: 1994-08-21
Abstract
Abstract A method of assembling a level sensor is disclosed which incorporates the steps of soldering a first wire lead to one side of a PTC sensor pill, soldering an isolating wafer to the other side of the pill while sandwiching a second lead therebetween, placing insulating covers onto the leads, inserting an insulating sleeve within a bulbous metal can which is open at one end, and placing a solder form within the can. The pill-wafer assembly is bonded to the can by applying heat to the solder form after which a cover member is secured to the open end of the can hermetically sealing it.
Inventors
- 👤 Jr Lyle E Mcbride
- 👤 William W Bowman
- 👤 Hans A Stoeckler
- 👤 Harold A Hanson
- 👤 Joseph J Gibola
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 07:23
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F23/00; G01F23/22; G01F23/24; G01F23/246; G01F23/247; H; H01; H01C; H01C7/00; H01C7/02; H01C7/022; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49002; Y10T29/49082; Y10T29/49085
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
136 words
The method of making a liquid level sensor comprising the steps of soldering a wire lead to one side of a temperature sensitive sensor element pill, soldering an electrically isolating wafer to the other side of a sensor element pill while simultaneously sandwiching the flattenEd end of a second wire lead therebetween to form a sensor assembly, covering each lead with an insulating sleeve, placing a solder form within a bulbous-shaped portion of a can having one open end, inserting the aforesaid assembly and sleeves into the can placing the wafer adjacent the solder form, applying heat to the solder form to solder the wafer to the can, sealingly closing the open end of the can with a cover portion, the wire leads extending through the cover and being adapted for connection to an electrical circuit.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
136 words
The method of making a liquid level sensor comprising the steps of soldering a wire lead to one side of a temperature sensitive sensor element pill, soldering an electrically isolating wafer to the other side of a sensor element pill while simultaneously sandwiching the flattenEd end of a second wire lead therebetween to form a sensor assembly, covering each lead with an insulating sleeve, placing a solder form within a bulbous-shaped portion of a can having one open end, inserting the aforesaid assembly and sleeves into the can placing the wafer adjacent the solder form, applying heat to the solder form to solder the wafer to the can, sealingly closing the open end of the can with a cover portion, the wire leads extending through the cover and being adapted for connection to an electrical circuit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
101 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of sealingly closing the open end of the can with a cover portion includes the steps of forming a stem portion having a flat base portion on one end and a bushing portion at the other end, and having a central opening therethrough, sealingly securing the flat base portion of the stem to the open end portion of the can, sealingly closing the bushing portion of the stem portion with an insulating mass, the leads extending through the central opening of the stem portion and the insulating mass, and curing the insulating mass.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of cleaning and polishing the sensor assembly prior to inserting it within the can.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 3 further comprising the step of inserting a side insulating sleeve into the can, and wherein the assembly is thereafter inserted within the side insulating sleeve.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 4 further comprising the step of cleaning the entire assembly in a solvent solution prior to the sealingly closing step.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the sealingly securing step includes soldering the periphery of the flat base portion of the stem to the open end of the can while cooling the bulbous-shaped portion of the can.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the curing step includes heating the entire sensor while holding the ends of the wire leads against movement.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-10-27 | 1979-04-28 | 1979-10-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-27 | 1983-04-28 | 1983-10-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-27 | 1987-04-28 | 1987-10-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |