Homogenous Fluid Level Sensing Devices
First Claim
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1. A fluid level sensing device comprising a probe body, wherein:
- said probe body defines a cross sectional profile comprising a fluid channel, at least two conductors, and a dielectric body portion;
said fluid channel is configured to extend along a longitudinal axis of said probe body, within said dielectric body portion;
said conductors are configured to extend along said longitudinal axis of said probe body;
said conductors are embedded within said dielectric body portion and are electrically isolated from each other by said dielectric body portion;
said conductors are provided such that each of said conductors are exposed at a sensing end of said probe body; and
said conductors are electrically coupled to a fluid level sensing circuit.
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Abstract
The present invention relates to homogenous fluid level sensing devices that comprise a probe body configured to insert into a container and sense a level of fluid held therein. Generally, the probe body is configured such that conductors are exposed at a sensing end of the probe body and changes in an electrical signal across the conductors can be correlated with the presence or absence of fluid at the sensing end of the probe body. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a probe body through a process of co-extrusion.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A fluid level sensing device comprising a probe body, wherein:
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said probe body defines a cross sectional profile comprising a fluid channel, at least two conductors, and a dielectric body portion; said fluid channel is configured to extend along a longitudinal axis of said probe body, within said dielectric body portion; said conductors are configured to extend along said longitudinal axis of said probe body; said conductors are embedded within said dielectric body portion and are electrically isolated from each other by said dielectric body portion; said conductors are provided such that each of said conductors are exposed at a sensing end of said probe body; and said conductors are electrically coupled to a fluid level sensing circuit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A fluid level sensing device comprising a probe body, a fluid level sensing circuit, and a container at least partially filled with fluid, wherein:
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said probe body defines a cross sectional profile comprising at least two conductors, a fluid channel, and a dielectric body portion; said probe body is configured to pass fluid through said fluid channel; said conductors are embedded within said dielectric body portion and are electrically isolated from each other by said dielectric body portion; said conductors are provided such that each of said conductors are exposed at a sensing end of said probe body; and said fluid level sensing circuit is configured to monitor changes in an electrical signal across said conductors.
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17. A method of manufacturing a fluid level sensing device comprising a probe body by co-extruding a dielectric material and an electrically conductive material such that:
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said probe body is configured as an elongate member free of substantial fluid holding discontinuities; said probe body comprises at least two conductors formed of said electrically conductive material, a fluid channel, and a dielectric body portion formed of said dielectric material; said fluid channel is configured to extend along a longitudinal axis of said probe body, within said dielectric body portion; said conductors are configured to extend along said longitudinal axis of said probe body; said conductors are electrically isolated from each other by said dielectric body portion; and said conductors are provided such that each of said conductors are exposed at a sensing end of said probe body.
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Specification