Oil level detection circuit

Claim 1

An oil level detection circuit for detecting the level of oil floating on water in an oil-collecting chamber and for controlling a solenoid valve located in a tube utilized for removing the oil from said chamber comprising: a. a first and second electrode both extending downwardly into said oil collecting chamber a specific first distance and being spaced apart a specific second distance, both said specific first distance and said specific second distance being variable, said specific second distance determining the sensitivity of said sensing circuit; b. a d-c power supply having a first and second output; said second output being connected to said solenoid valve; c. a sensing circuit having a variable sensitivity capability connected to said oil detecting means, said sensing circuit having a sensing current flowing therein whenever said detecting means detects water or air in said oil-collecting chamber; d. an amplifier circuit connected to said sensing circuit, said amplifier amplifying and sensing current; e. switching means connected between said first output of said d-c power supply and said solenoid valve, said switching means having a control input connected to said amplifier circuit, said switching means switching d-c power from said d-c power supply to said solenoid valve when water or air surrounds said oil detecting means thereby closing said solenoid valve.