Fluid level measuring device
AssigneeOrscheln Products LLC
InventorsJohn Michael Dougherty, Steven Marek, Michael H. Schmidt, Karen S. Slabaugh
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fluid level measuring device, also referred to as a dipstick, for measuring the fluid level in a fluid reservoir or tank, such as an oil pan or transmission reservoir in an internal combustion engine. The fluid level measuring device includes a stationary tube onto which lugs can be directly attached. The dipstick assembly includes a fluid level indicator measuring blade attached to an elongated shaft that is molded into a plastic handle assembly. The plastic handle assembly includes a bayonet type locking mechanism for locking the handle to the stationary tube assembly. A compressible seal forms a pressurized seal between the stationary tube assembly and the handle.
Claims15
A fluid measuring apparatus comprising:
- a shaft comprising first and second ends and wherein a fluid level indicator blade is associated with a first end of the shaft or said first end of the shaft comprises a fluid level indicator,
- a tube with an open end for receiving at least one end of the shaft and wherein said coupler has at least one lug directly connected to the tube,
- a handle associated with the second end of the shaft and comprising at least one slot that comprises an axial portion generally aligned with the direction of insertion of the shaft into the tube and a generally transverse portion, wherein one end of said at least one slot is open and dimensioned to engage said at least one lug and another end of said slot terminates in a locking seat, and;
- a seal associated with the handle that engages at least the open end face of the coupler when said lug engages said locking seat.
A fluid measuring apparatus for an engine or a transmission reservoir comprising:
- a wire shaft comprising first and second ends wherein said first end of the shaft is connected to a fluid level indicator,
- a non-linear tube comprising a first end having at least one lug with an enlarged end portion, and a second end of the tube comprising a fitting for engaging the reservoir,
- a handle connected to the second end of the shaft and comprising at least one curvilinear slot that terminates in a locking seat having an enlarged diameter relative to the at least one slot, wherein one end of said at least one slot is open and dimensioned to engage said at least one lug, and;
- a seal connected to the handle that engages at least the open end face of the tube.
A method for making a fluid level indicator comprising:
- providing a shaft comprising first and second ends,
- connecting a fluid level indicator blade to the first end of the shaft,
- providing a tube with an open end for receiving at least one end of the shaft,
- connecting at least one lug directly connected to the tube,
- connecting a fitting to an interior surface of the tube by inserting said fitting into the tube and reducing the diameter of the tube,
- providing a handle comprising at least one slot,
- connecting the second end of the shaft to the handle,
- and installing a seal in the base of the handle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.