Visual indicator with sensor

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-9316524-B2
Application number	US-201514619454-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Feb 11, 2015
Priority date	Aug 8, 2012
Publication date	Apr 19, 2016
Grant date	Apr 19, 2016

Abstract

A fluid level gauge includes a housing having a first end and a second end, and a window disposed in the housing, proximate to the first end. The fluid level gauge further includes an optical sensor disposed in the housing, proximate to the second end. A prism is disposed in the housing, between the optical sensor and the window, such that the prism and the window define a fluid chamber therebetween. The housing further includes a plurality of through holes that provides a fluid path from outside the housing to the fluid chamber.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A fluid level gauge comprising:
a housing having a first end and a second end;
a window disposed in the housing, proximate to the first end;
an optical sensor comprising a prism, a light transmitter, and a light receiver disposed in the housing, proximate to the second end such that the optical sensor and the window define a fluid chamber therebetween, wherein the light transmitter and the light receiver are disposed between the prism and the fluid chamber; and
wherein the housing further includes a plurality of through holes that provides a fluid path from outside the housing to the fluid chamber.

2. The fluid level gauge of claim 1 , wherein the window provides an unobstructed view of the fluid chamber to an operator.

3. The fluid level gauge of claim 1 , wherein the optical sensor further comprises a printed circuit board.

4. The fluid level gauge of claim 3 , wherein the housing includes a bore extending from the first end to the second end, and wherein wires extend from the printed circuit board through the bore to the first end of the housing and to an indicator.

5. The fluid level gauge of claim 1 , further comprising a cover disposed on the second end of the housing.

6. The fluid level gauge of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the prism is disposed outside the housing.

7. A fluid gauge comprising:
a housing having a window disposed in a first end, and a sensor comprising a prism, a light transmitter, and a light receiver disposed in a second end, with a fluid chamber disposed between the window and the sensor,
wherein the housing includes a plurality of apertures that define a plurality of fluid paths to the fluid chamber and wherein the light transmitter and the light receiver are disposed between the prism and the fluid chamber,
wherein the window provides an unobstructed view of the fluid chamber to an operator, and
wherein the window at least partially reflects light when the fluid chamber is empty, and light at least partially passes through the window when fluid is in contact with the window.

8. The fluid level gauge of claim 7 , wherein at least a portion of the prism is disposed outside the housing.

9. The fluid gauge of claim 7 , wherein the window is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of glass and a polymeric material.

10. The fluid gauge of claim 7 , wherein the sensor is in signal communication with an indicator selected from the group consisting of a light emitting diode, an incandescent light, and a liquid crystal display.

11. The fluid gauge of claim 7 , wherein the window includes a plurality of visible concentric circles that can be either molded into the window or printed thereon.

12. The fluid gauge of claim 7 , wherein the window has a flat outer surface and a flat inner surface.

13. A liquid level indicator comprising:
a hollow housing defining a liquid chamber, the housing having a plurality of apertures defining a liquid path to the liquid chamber;
a window disposed proximate to a first end of the hollow housing; and
an optical sensor comprising a prism, a light transmitter, and a light receiver disposed proximate to the second end of the hollowing housing; wherein the light transmitter and the light receiver are disposed between the prism and the liquid chamber.

14. The liquid level indicator of claim 13 , wherein the window at least partially reflects light when the liquid chamber is empty, and light at least partially passes through the window when liquid is present in the liquid chamber and in contact with the window.

15. The liquid level indicator of claim 13 , further comprising a seal adjacent the window.

16. The fluid level gauge of claim 13 , wherein at least a portion of the prism is disposed outside the housing.

Assignees

• Eaton Corp

Inventors

• Kopansky Gregory
• James Rolland Tracy
• Birch George Patrick
• Knox Michael John

Classifications

• G01F23/2925

  using electrical detecting means · CPC title

• G01F23/2922 Primary

  with light-conducting sensing elements, e.g. prisms · CPC title

• G01F23/02

  by gauge glasses or other apparatus involving a window or transparent tube for directly observing the level to be measured or the level of a liquid column in free communication with the main body of the liquid · CPC title