Patent US4475498A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4475498A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Engine detecting device
Assignee: The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
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Filing: 1983-12-15
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Granted: 1984-10-09
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Expires: 2003-12-15
Abstract
Abstract A detection device having pushbutton operation which after a short predetermined period of time indicates by means of lights whether both oil and lubricant levels are adequate or if not which is not satisfactory. The device is coupled with circuitry so as to quickly activate a thermistor within the lubricant reservoir for accurate detection at that point and may be coupled with engine deactivation means to preclude engine operation in the event that the device is not activated or in the event that either of the coolant or lubricant levels are inadequate.
Inventors
- 👤 Erwin E. Hurner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 19:18
CPC Classifications
F; F02; F02B; F02B77/00; F02B77/08; F01; F01M; F01M11/00; F01M11/06; F01M11/061; F01M11/10; F01M11/12; F01P; F01P11/00; F01P11/14; F01P11/18; F02B3/00; F02B3/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
138 words
A detection device for sensing lubricant and coolant levels in a motor driven vehicle, comprising a lubricant level probe comprising a thermistor; a coolant level probe; circuitry communicating with said probes having a booster and timer to boost a normal D.C. power source of 12 volts to pulses of 18 volts across said thermistor for predetermined period of times set by said timer; a normally off pressure switch activating said circuitry; a first light emitting diode communicating with said circuitry to light at the end of said predetermined period of time if both of said probes detect the pressence of the appropriate fluid; and a second and third light emitting diodes associated with said coolant and lubricant level probes respectively and said circuitry to light in the absence of appropriate fluid instead of said first light emitting diode.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
138 words
A detection device for sensing lubricant and coolant levels in a motor driven vehicle, comprising a lubricant level probe comprising a thermistor; a coolant level probe; circuitry communicating with said probes having a booster and timer to boost a normal D.C. power source of 12 volts to pulses of 18 volts across said thermistor for predetermined period of times set by said timer; a normally off pressure switch activating said circuitry; a first light emitting diode communicating with said circuitry to light at the end of said predetermined period of time if both of said probes detect the pressence of the appropriate fluid; and a second and third light emitting diodes associated with said coolant and lubricant level probes respectively and said circuitry to light in the absence of appropriate fluid instead of said first light emitting diode.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said predetermined period of time is five (5) seconds or less.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said coolant probe completes a circuit through said coolant in the presence of an appropriate coolant level but presents an open circuit to said circuitry in the absence of an appropriate coolant level.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said pressure switch must be manually engaged for said predetermined period of time for any of said light emitting diodes to be activated.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device in accordance with claim 1 including engine deactivation means associated with said circuitry to prevent engine activation in the event said first light emitting is activated.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device in accordance with claim 1 including engine deactivation means in the event said pressure switch is not depressed for said predetermined period of time.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein said thermistor heats in the absence of lubricant to lower its resistance and establish electrical communication with ground, but is called in the presence of lubricant to maintain an open circuit to ground.
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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) | 1987-10-09 | 1988-04-09 | 1988-10-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-10-09 | 1992-04-09 | 1992-10-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-10-09 | 1996-04-09 | 1996-10-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |