Bilge sentry

• US 6,218,948 B1
• Filed: 08/16/1999
• Issued: 04/17/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 08/17/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Alfred Dana
• Original Assignee: Alfred Dana
• Inventors: Dana, Alfred
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery
• Assistant Examiner(s): Tang, Son M.
• Application Number:
  US09/374,300
• Time in Patent Office: 610 Days
• Field of Search: 340/604, 340/606, 340/614, 340/616, 340/618, 340/620, 340/626, 340/613, 340/612
• US Class Current: 340/604
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/265 for discrete levels
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/266 measuring circuits therefor

Abstract

The invention is an oil-water detection device for monitoring the presence of water in a container. The device consists of a probe having two thin strips of sheeting within a fiberglass circuit board for sensing the presence of water in a container and generating a signal dependent on the presence of water, a divide counter and Stamp II micro-processor and an accessory communications link connected to the micro-processor. A power supply is also provided. The detection device can differentiate between oil and water and will not be activated merely by the presence of oil on the water.

Claims

1. An oil-water detection device for monitoring the presence of water in a container, said device consisting of:

detection means for sensing the presence of water in a container, and differentiating between water and petroleum products and generating a signal dependent on the presence of water, said detection means having two thin strips of copper sheeting, a dual operation amplifier functioning as an oscillator, and a buffer,

electronic means for collecting and amplifying said signal from said detection means, said electronic means having a divide by ten counter, a micro controller and a display,

calibration means for providing a useful operating range and an interface between said detection means and externally mounted devices,

said detection device being powered by a power supply.

2. The oil-water detection device of claim 1 wherein said detection means consists of two thin strips of copper sheeting within a fiberglass circuit board.

3. The oil-water detection device of claim 1 wherein said detection means, electronic means and said calibration means are contained within a molded outer protective cover.

4. The oil- water detection device of claim 3 wherein said outer protective cover consists of synthetic flourine-containing resins (TEFLON™

).

5. An oil-water detection device for monitoring the presence of water in a container, said device consisting of:

a probe having two thin sheets of sheeting within a fiberglass circuit board, for sensing the presence of water in a container and differentiating between water and petroleum products and generating a signal on the presence of water, said probe also having a dual operation amplifier functioning as an oscillator, a buffer and a cap switch,

a divide by ten counter, and a micro-controller connected to said probe, and

an accessory communications link connected to said micro-controller,

said detection device being powered by a power supply.

6. The oil-water detection device of claim 5 wherein a display link is connected to said micro-controller.

7. The oil water detection device of claim 5 wherein an outer protective cover consisting of synthetic flourine-containing resins (TEFLON) is formed over said detection device.