Fluid level and temperature monitor and alarm system

• US 5,708,412 A
• Filed: 05/20/1996
• Issued: 01/13/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 08/05/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hot Engine Alarm Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Hot Engine Alarm Incorporated
• Inventors: Proulx, Raymond A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Peng, John K.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Flynn, Nathan J.
• Application Number:
  US08/650,808
• Time in Patent Office: 603 Days
• Field of Search: 340/449, 340/450, 340/650, 340/685, 123/41.15, 123/41.12
• US Class Current: 340/449
• CPC Class Codes: F01P 11/14 Indicating devices; Other safety devices
• CPC Class Codes: F01P 11/16 concerning coolant temperature F01P11/20 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F01P 11/18 concerning coolant pressure, coolant flow, or liquid-coolant level
• CPC Class Codes: F01P 2025/30 Engine incoming fluid temperature
• CPC Class Codes: F01P 2025/33 Cylinder head temperature
• CPC Class Codes: F01P 2025/70 Level
• CPC Class Codes: F01P 2031/20 Warning devices
• CPC Class Codes: F01P 2031/22 using warning lamps
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/242 Mounting arrangements for electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/243 Schematic arrangements of probes combined with measuring circuits

Abstract

An electronic detection system monitoring coolant level and/or temperature of an internal combustion engine. A unit installed within the cab of a vehicle provides visual and audible warning if engine temperature rises above its normal hottest operating temperature and/or when coolant level drops below a selected level in the coolant reserve tank thereby preventing damage caused by overheating. The overheat detection system may comprise a heat sensor within a bolt which may be screwed directly into the engine head. An additional heat sensor positioned in the bottom radiator hose can be used in series with the engine head sensor. Associated circuitry is adjustable when installed to provide alarm activation when the temperature is a few degrees above the hottest normal engine operating temperature. If the engine starts to overheat, an LED lights up and an audible alarm sounds. A coolant level detector detects a drop in coolant level and comprises two probes installed horizontally in a side wall of the coolant reserve tank to provide a current path through the coolant present between the probes. Circuitry includes an appropriate timing means connected to the probes, and an LED indicator and/or audible alarm to warn the driver when the coolant level drops below a predetermined level. Additional coolant probes may be installed in the top radiator hose to warn the driver in the event of complete loss of coolant.

Claims

1. A system for measuring characteristics of an internal combustion engine having an engine head, a radiator, and a first radiator hose and a second radiator hose transferring a coolant between said radiator and said internal combustion engine, comprising:

a heat sensor mounted in said engine head;

a second heat sensor mounted to sense temperature of coolant in said second radiator hose, said second heat sensor being electrically connected with said heat sensor in said engine head;

a heat control circuit responsive to said heat sensor and said second heat sensor producing a warning signal when said heat sensor and said second heat sensor measure a selected temperature, said heat control circuit being adjustable to set said selected temperature at a selected value above a hottest normal operating temperature level of said engine head, and

at least one alarm responsive to said warning signal and being activated to provide an audible and/or visual alarm when said selected temperature is reached.

2. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said heat sensor is a thermistor positioned in said engine head and said heat control circuit is adjusted to set said selected temperature at approximately five degrees above the hottest normal operating temperature level of said internal combustion engine.

3. A system in accordance with claim 2 wherein said heat control circuit includes transistor circuitry connected to said at least one alarm providing an output activating said at least one alarm in response to an output of said heat control circuit, said heat control circuit including an adjustable potentiometer which is adjusted to supply a selected output to said transistor circuitry when said selected temperature is reached whereby said transistor circuitry responds thereto to activate said at least one alarm.

4. A system in accordance with claim 3 wherein said potentiometer is adjusted to a first value to produce a first output to activate said at least one alarm when said engine is turned on to an idling state and is further adjusted to a second level until said at least one alarm becomes de-activated, said potentiometer being further so adjusted an additional number of times to activate and de-activate said at least one alarm in the same manner as said engine continues to idle until the engine heats up to its hottest operating temperature level, a final adjustment of said potentiometer being such as to activate said at least one alarm at a selected temperature level above said hottest operating temperature level.

5. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said engine further includes a coolant reserve tank, said coolant reserve tank being connected to said radiator and configured for transfer of coolant between said coolant reserve tank and said radiator, said system further including:

at least one coolant level sensor mounted in said coolant reserve tank;

a coolant level circuit, said at least one coolant level sensor being connected to said coolant level circuit to provide a first current through said at least one coolant level sensor when a level of said coolant in said coolant reserve tank is at or above a selected coolant level, said coolant level circuit providing a second current through said at least one coolant level sensor when said coolant in said coolant reserve tank is below said selected coolant level, said first current being higher than said second current, said coolant level circuit connected to a timer circuit and said at least one alarm and responsive at least one sensor to activate said at least one alarm when coolant level in said coolant reserve tank is below said selected coolant level.

6. A system in accordance with claim 5 wherein said coolant level circuit includes timer circuitry connected to transistor circuitry preventing said timer circuitry from activating said at least one alarm so long as coolant level is above said selected coolant level.

7. A system in accordance with claim 6 wherein said timer circuitry turns said transistor circuitry on and off at a selected rate such that said transistor circuitry is turned on during a time period that is longer than a time period during which the transistor circuitry is turned off.

8. A system in accordance with claim 7 wherein said transistor circuitry is adjustable to operate when a resistance level in a current path through said coolant level sensor is above a selected resistance level.

9. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein a resistor is connected in parallel with said second heat sensor.

10. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said second heat sensor is a thermistor.

11. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said second heat sensor is a heat responsive switch.

12. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said heat control circuit further includes a time delay circuit preventing said at least one alarm from being activated during a selected time period.

13. A system in accordance with claims 1, or 5 and further including:

an additional coolant level sensor mounted in the coolant in one of said first and said second radiator hose;

further including a second coolant level circuit, said additional coolant level sensor being connected to said second coolant level circuit.

14. A system in accordance with claim 13 wherein said first radiator hose is a top radiator hose and said additional coolant level sensor is mounted in said top radiator hose of the engine.

15. A system in accordance with claim 5 wherein said at least one coolant level sensor includes at least one probe configured to be immersed in a liquid to sense the presence or absence of said, liquid said probe comprising

a threaded portion;

a rod of a first metallic material attached to said threaded portion;

a sleeve of a second metallic material positioned around an end of said rod distal to said threaded portion; and

an electric terminal attachable to said threaded portion.

16. A system in accordance with claim 15 wherein said first material is brass and said second material is stainless steel.

17. A system in accordance with claim 13 wherein said additional coolant level sensor includes at least one probe configured to be immersed in a liquid to sense the presence or absence of said liquid, said probe comprising

a first portion;

a rod of first metallic material attached to said first portion;

a sleeve of second metallic material positioned around an end of said rod distal to said first portion; and

an electric terminal attachable to said first portion.

18. A system in accordance with claim 17 wherein said first material is brass and said second material is stainless steel.

19. A system for measuring characteristics of an internal combustion engine having a radiator and a radiator hose connected therebetween, said engine further including a coolant reserve tank, said coolant reserve tank being connected to said radiator and configured to transfer coolant between said coolant reserve tank and said radiator, said system further including:

at least one coolant level sensor mounted to sense level of coolant in said coolant reserve tank;

a coolant level circuit, said at least one coolant level sensor being connected to said coolant level circuit which senses a first current through said at least one coolant level sensor when said level of said coolant in said coolant reserve tank is at or above a selected coolant level, said coolant level circuit sensing a second current through said at least one coolant level sensor when said coolant in said coolant reserve tank is below said selected coolant level, said first current being higher than said second current, said coolant level circuit connected to at least one alarm and responsive to said at least one coolant level sensor to activate said at least one alarm when coolant level in said coolant reserve tank is below said selected coolant level;

further including timer circuitry in said coolant level circuit connected to transistor circuitry configured to prevent said timer circuitry from activating said at least one alarm so long as coolant level is above said selected coolant level;

wherein said timer circuitry turns said transistor circuitry on and off at a selected rate such that said transistor circuitry is turned on during a time period that is longer than a time period during which the transistor circuitry is turned off.

20. A system in accordance with claim 19 wherein said transistor circuitry is adjustable to operate when a resistance level in a current path through said coolant level sensor is above a selected resistance level.