Patent US3975582A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3975582A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fluid level sensing probe
Assignee: Cinch Connectors Ltd
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Filing: 1974-11-04
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Granted: 1976-08-17
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Expires: 1994-11-04
Abstract
Abstract A probe for use in a fluid level sensing system has an electrode and an insulating body located between the ends of the electrode. The insulating body is in the form of a hollow, tubular shell and includes electrode carrying parts ad resilient fluid container wall engaging parts. The electrode and container wall engaging parts are spaced along the longitudinal axis of the electrode so that, when the probe is mounted in its operative position in an opening in a fluid container, the container wall engaging parts resiliently engage the container wall parts which bound the opening, and the electrode is supported by the shell at a position within the container and spaced from the container wall.
Inventors
- 👤 David Julian Ford
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 12:47
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F23/00; G01F23/22; G01F23/24; G01F23/241; G01F23/242
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
180 words
A probe for use in a fluid sensing system comprising an elongate electrode and an insulating connector disposed on the electrode, the connector being seated in an opening in a wall of a fluid container and including an electrode carrying bushing and an integral resilient, container wall-engaging shroud, the container wall-engaging shroud including a cylindrical seating disposed between two integral annular abutments, the electrode carrying bushing being seated in the container and supporting the electrode within the container in spaced relation to the wall of the container, the seating on the container wall-engaging shroud being resiliently tensioned against the wall of the container which circumferentially bounds the opening therein and the abutments being disposed on opposite sides of the container wall to position the seating in register with the opening a cap detachably secured to the container wall engaging shroud, the cap having an aperture therein through which an external circuit conductor is threaded and connected with the electrode and including a resilient internal rim which is snapped into and sealingly seated in a groove formed externally on the connector.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
180 words
A probe for use in a fluid sensing system comprising an elongate electrode and an insulating connector disposed on the electrode, the connector being seated in an opening in a wall of a fluid container and including an electrode carrying bushing and an integral resilient, container wall-engaging shroud, the container wall-engaging shroud including a cylindrical seating disposed between two integral annular abutments, the electrode carrying bushing being seated in the container and supporting the electrode within the container in spaced relation to the wall of the container, the seating on the container wall-engaging shroud being resiliently tensioned against the wall of the container which circumferentially bounds the opening therein and the abutments being disposed on opposite sides of the container wall to position the seating in register with the opening a cap detachably secured to the container wall engaging shroud, the cap having an aperture therein through which an external circuit conductor is threaded and connected with the electrode and including a resilient internal rim which is snapped into and sealingly seated in a groove formed externally on the connector.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A probe according to claim 1 wherein one of the annular abutments comprises an upstanding shoulder which abuts the outer side of the container wall.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
51 words
A probe according to claim 2 wherein the other annular abutment has a frustoconical surface which converges towards and merges into the cylindrical seating to facilitate snap insertion of the connector into the container opening to the extent permitted by engagement of the shoulder with the outer side of the container.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
A probe according to claim 3 wherein the connector includes a frustoconical wall which interconnects the electrode carrying bushing and container wall-engaging shroud and diverges towards the shroud.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
A probe according to claim 1 wherein said bushing extends along a substantial length of the electrode and is sealed on the electrode to inhibit the flow of fluids and gases between the connector and the electrode.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
A probe according to claim 1 wherein there is a space between the electrode carrying bushing and the electrode which permits the flow of gases between the connector and the electrode.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
A probe according to claim 1 wherein the cap includes an integrally-formed external resilient skirt which is tensioned against the outer side of the container and circumferentially bounds the wall of the container defining the opening therein.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-08-17 | 1980-02-16 | 1980-08-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-08-17 | 1984-02-16 | 1984-08-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-08-17 | 1988-02-16 | 1988-08-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |