Liquid level controller

• US 6,276,200 B1
• Filed: 12/01/1999
• Issued: 08/21/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 12/23/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Michael L. Cazden
• Original Assignee: Michael L. Cazden
• Inventors: Cazden, Michael L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Williams, Hezron
• Assistant Examiner(s): LOO, DENNIS S
• Application Number:
  US09/451,903
• Time in Patent Office: 629 Days
• Field of Search: 732/90.R, 733/05, 733/07, 733/09, 733/14, 137/428, 450/6, 450/7, 450/8, 450/9
• US Class Current: 73/305
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 4/12 Devices or arrangements for circulating water , i.e. devices for removal of polluted water, cleaning baths or for water treatment
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/62 using magnetically actuated indicating means
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/74 for sensing changes in level only at discrete points
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/76 characterised by the construction of the float
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/742 In separate communicating float chamber

Abstract

A liquid level control system utilizes a sensor that is attached to a fixed support relative to a liquid container and transmits radio-frequency signals to a remotely located liquid supply system depending upon fluctuations in the liquid level. In the context of a swimming pool, the sensor housing is attached to a sidewall of the pool, at the desired water level. A sensor circuit located within the housing floats at the liquid level, and as changes occur, movement of the floating sensor results in the transmission of signals to either activate or deactivate a supply valve that supplies replacement water to the pool. A small opening located at an upper portion of the sensor housing cooperates with the floating sensor to dampen the motion of the sensor, providing a more accurate reading of the liquid level.

Claims

1. A liquid level controller for automatically maintaining the liquid level in a reservoir, said apparatus comprising:

an electrically powered liquid level sensor comprising an outer housing having an upper end and a lower end and an opening formed at its lower end, an inner sensor housing slidably received within said outer housing, said inner sensor housing in fluid communication with the liquid in the reservoir through said opening in said outer housing when said outer housing is placed within and attached to a fixed support within the reservoir, a fixed position actuator attached to said outer housing such that said actuator engages said inner sensor housing upon changes in the position of said inner sensor housing within said outer housing, and a receptor attached to said inner sensor housing actuatable upon engagement with said fixed position indicator;

a radio frequency transmitter housed within said inner sensor housing and in electrical communication with said receptor; and

a water supply valve in radio-frequency communication with said liquid level sensor in a manner resulting in the selective activation thereof in response to variations in the reservoir water level.

2. The liquid level controller of claim 1, wherein said fixed position actuator comprises a fixed reference probe attached to and projecting from an inside surface of said outer housing.

3. The liquid level controller of claim 2, wherein said receptor comprises a pair of mechanical contact switches.

4. The liquid level controller of claim 1, wherein said fixed position actuator comprises a magnet attached to a lateral surface of said outer housing.

5. The liquid level controller of claim 4, wherein said receptor comprises a magnetic reed switch.

6. The liquid level controller of claim 5, wherein a pair of magnetic reed switches are provided at vertically separated locations within said inner sensor housing, including an upper switch for detecting a high water level and a lower switch for detecting a low water level.

7. The liquid level controller of claim 6, wherein said signal generator comprises a radio-frequency transmitter.

8. The liquid level controller of claim 7, wherein said liquid level sensor is powered by batteries.