Float actuated liquid level monitoring apparatus
First Claim
1. A float actuated oil level monitoring apparatus for providing a continuously variable analog indication of oil level in an oil pan of an engine having a lubricating system, the apparatus comprising:
- a reservoir having a top and a bottom portion, said reservoir having means to secure same relative to said oil pan such that oil level in said reservoir continuously corresponds with oil level in said oil pan;
first means for providing fluid communication between said bottom portion of said reservoir and said oil pan proximate its bottom;
second means for providing fluid communication between said top portion of said reservoir and the atmosphere above said oil level in said oil pan;
a float of selected material, size, and shape, together with an electrical element, disposed within said reservoir, and a contact associated with said float engaging said element whereby electrical characteristic of said element continuously varies as a function of changes in the level of oil in said reservoir as determined by the position of said float, said float and associated electrical contact having a frictional resistance to movement due to oil level changes in said reservoir caused by operation and non-operation of said lubricating system for compensating for the differences in indicated oil quantity between conditions of an operating lubricating system and a non-operating lubricating system, said float member being of a selected material, shape, and size and said contact providing frictional resistance for cooperating with said element to accomplish said compensating.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A float actuated resistive oil level display with warning for providing continuous visual indication of oil level in the oil pan of an internal combustion engine. The system includes a reservoir which communicates with the oil pan such that the oil level in the reservoir corresponds to that in the oil pan. A selectively designed float resistor is disposed within the reservoir in such a manner as to compensate for the quantity of oil distributed throughout an engine'"'"'s lubricating system while it is running, and is part of an electrical circuit which includes a meter and an alarm circuit remotely positioned within the view of the operator of the motor vehicle or other device powered by the engine to provide a continuous visual indication of oil level in the oil pan, even while such motor vehicle or other device is being operated.
33 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A float actuated oil level monitoring apparatus for providing a continuously variable analog indication of oil level in an oil pan of an engine having a lubricating system, the apparatus comprising:
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a reservoir having a top and a bottom portion, said reservoir having means to secure same relative to said oil pan such that oil level in said reservoir continuously corresponds with oil level in said oil pan; first means for providing fluid communication between said bottom portion of said reservoir and said oil pan proximate its bottom; second means for providing fluid communication between said top portion of said reservoir and the atmosphere above said oil level in said oil pan; a float of selected material, size, and shape, together with an electrical element, disposed within said reservoir, and a contact associated with said float engaging said element whereby electrical characteristic of said element continuously varies as a function of changes in the level of oil in said reservoir as determined by the position of said float, said float and associated electrical contact having a frictional resistance to movement due to oil level changes in said reservoir caused by operation and non-operation of said lubricating system for compensating for the differences in indicated oil quantity between conditions of an operating lubricating system and a non-operating lubricating system, said float member being of a selected material, shape, and size and said contact providing frictional resistance for cooperating with said element to accomplish said compensating. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification