US4654646A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Modular liquid level sensor having integral electronics
Assignee: Gulf and Western Manufacturing Co
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Filing: 1985-02-22
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Granted: 1987-03-31
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Expires: 2005-02-22
Abstract
Abstract A liquid level sensor is provided which includes a base assembly and a dipstick assembly. The base assembly includes an electronic printed circuit board assembly, electrical connections to both the dipstick assembly and a wiring harness, and a mounting assembly for securing it to an engine dipstick tube. The dipstick assembly includes a cap, a tube, and a sensor element. The cap is designed to provide the necessary keying and locking features to mate with the base assembly. The tube provides protection for lead wires which connect the sensing element to the printed circuit board assembly.
Inventors
- 👤 Ben J. Charboneau
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 01:01
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F23/00; G01F23/22; G01F23/24; G01F23/246; G01F23/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
A liquid level sensor comprising: a housing defining an enclosure therein; an electronic circuit assembly positioned within said enclosure for detecting input signals and producing output signals in response thereto; a cap detachably securable to said housing, said cap including a handle member and an elongate tube extending from said handle member; a sensing device positioned near one end of said tube, said sensing device being sensitive to the presence or absence of a liquid; conductor means extending through said tube from said sensing device; and means for electrically connecting and disconnecting said circuit assembly and said conductor means as said cap is secured to and removed from said housing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
110 words
A liquid level sensor comprising: a housing defining an enclosure therein; an electronic circuit assembly positioned within said enclosure for detecting input signals and producing output signals in response thereto; a cap detachably securable to said housing, said cap including a handle member and an elongate tube extending from said handle member; a sensing device positioned near one end of said tube, said sensing device being sensitive to the presence or absence of a liquid; conductor means extending through said tube from said sensing device; and means for electrically connecting and disconnecting said circuit assembly and said conductor means as said cap is secured to and removed from said housing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
A sensor as described in claim 1 wherein said housing includes a base portion having a passage therethrough, said passage being of sufficient diameter to receive said elongate tube of said cap.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
A sensor as described in claim 2 wherein said passage is cylindrical.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
A sensor as defined in claim 2 including means for securing said base portion to an engine dipstick tube.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
A sensor as defined in claim 1 wherein said electronic circuit assembly includes a printed circuit board positioned within said enclosure.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
A sensor as defined in claim 1 including a socket by said housing.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
A sensor as defined in claim 1 including a female terminal within said cap, said conductor means being connected between said female terminal and said sensing device.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
39 words
A sensor as defined in claim 7 including a connector pin connected to said circuit assembly and extending outside said enclosure, said female terminal being positioned to receive said connector pin when said cap is secured to said housing.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
A sensor as defined in claim 1 wherein cap and said housing each have substantially the same asymmetrical cross-sectional configuration.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
46 words
A sensor as defined in claim 1 wherein said tube includes first and second tube sections detachably secured to each other, a tube connector securing said first and second tube sections to each other, said tube connector including means for connecting and disconnecting said conductor means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
12 words
A sensor as described in claim 1 wherein said tube is flexible.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
120 words
A liquid level sensor comprising: a housing defining an enclosure therein, an electronic circuit assembly positioned within said enclosure for detecting input signals and producing output signals in response thereto; a passage extending through said housing; a cap detachably securable to said housing, said cap including a top portion and an elongate tube extending therefrom, said tube being insertable within said passage; a sensing device positioned near one end of said tube, said sensing device being sensitive to the presence or absence of a liquid; conductor means extending through said tube from said sensing device; and means for electrically connecting and disconnecting said circuit assembly and said conductor means as said cap is secured to and removed from said housing.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
120 words
A liquid level sensor comprising: a housing defining an enclosure therein, an electronic circuit assembly positioned within said enclosure for detecting input signals and producing output signals in response thereto; a passage extending through said housing; a cap detachably securable to said housing, said cap including a top portion and an elongate tube extending therefrom, said tube being insertable within said passage; a sensing device positioned near one end of said tube, said sensing device being sensitive to the presence or absence of a liquid; conductor means extending through said tube from said sensing device; and means for electrically connecting and disconnecting said circuit assembly and said conductor means as said cap is secured to and removed from said housing.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
37 words
A sensor as described in claim 12 wherein said housing includes an elongate base portion, said passage being cylindrical and extending through said base portion, and means for securing said base portion to an engine dipstick tube.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
12 words
A sensor as described in claim 12 wherein said tube is flexible.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
49 words
A sensor as described in claim 12 including a printed circuit board mounted within said enclosure, a pin connector connected to said board and extending from said enclosure, said cap including a female terminal for receiving said pin connector, and said female terminal being connected to said conductor means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
26 words
A snesor as described in claim 15 including a socket defined by said housing and means for electrically connecting said socket and said printed circuit board.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
16 words
A sensor as described in claim 12 wherein said tube includes first and second detachable sections.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
21 words
A sensor as described in claim 12 wherein said housing and said cap each have substantially the same asymmetrical cross-sectional configuration.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
17 words
A sensor as described in claim 12 wherein said cap includes a handle having an 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) | 1990-03-30 | 1990-09-29 | 1991-03-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-03-30 | 1994-09-29 | 1995-03-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-03-30 | 1998-09-29 | 1999-03-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |