Battery electrolyte monitor

• US 5,841,357 A
• Filed: 07/30/1996
• Issued: 11/24/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 07/30/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: S&S Trust
• Original Assignee: Stewart & Stevenson Services, Inc. (Kirby Corporation)
• Inventors: Horne, Ernest Gene, Henry, Ricky Joe
• Primary Examiner(s): Wu, Daniel J.
• Application Number:
  US08/688,308
• Time in Patent Office: 847 Days
• Field of Search: 340/618, 340/620, 340/636, 340/455, 73/304 R, 324/432, 324/433, 429/91-93
• US Class Current: 340/636.13
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/484 for measuring electrolyte level, electrolyte density or electrolyte conductivity
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

A wet cell battery electrolyte level monitor monitors the electrolyte fluid level of individual battery cells on battery powered mobile or stationary equipment. The one piece monitor includes a probe housing with associated circuitry and two wire leads. The monitor wire leads may be permanently or temporarily attached to the battery system voltage and battery system ground. After removing the battery fill cap of a specific cell, the probe is inserted into the fill cap opening on the battery. The monitor'"'"'s electrolyte level indicator provides an indication that the electrolyte is at the battery manufacturer'"'"'s recommended level. If the indicator does not illuminate, water needs to be added to the batteries.

Claims

1. A portable electrolyte fluid monitor for inserting into a fill opening in a wet cell battery, comprising:

a conductive probe composed of antimonial lead, adapted for insertion into the battery fill opening to a depth corresponding with a minimum acceptable electrolyte fluid level, said probe providing a variable voltage representative of the electrolyte voltage, wherein said probe is adapted for testing by touching said probe to a source of positive voltage;

a glass infused polypropylene housing that prevents said probe from contacting the battery case around the fill opening; and

electrical circuitry coupled to said probe and disposed within said housing, said electrical circuitry comprising;

a first conductor enclosed in an acid resistant coiled cable;

a second conductor enclosed in an acid resistant coiled cable;

reverse polarity, over voltage, and over current protection circuitry; and

an operational amplifier configured as a comparator for comparing said variable

voltage to a reference voltage and delivering current to an LED if said input voltage exceeds said reference voltage.