Fluid level gauge or reservoir with built-in light source
AssigneeOil-Rite Corporation
InventorsCarolyn M. Boldt, Jonathan J. Krueger
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An improved fluid level verification apparatus with an integral, internal source of illumination that is powered by an integral, internal energy source and is activated by a motion sensor or any other sensor commonly known in the art to detect the presence of a person in dark or dimly lit environments. The preferred light source is a light emitting diode (LED). A second embodiment of the integral, internal source of illumination that is powered by an integral, internal energy source and is activated by a motion sensor or any other sensor commonly known in the art to detect the presence of a person in dark or dimly lit environments is applied to a fluid reservoir tank.
Claims18
A fluid level verification apparatus for a fluid container capable of being activated by a foreign body, the apparatus comprising:
- a transparent tube defining a chamber and having oppositely disposed ends;
- a pair of longitudinally spaced apart end members, said respective end members each having a cylindrical projection extending therefrom in facing and axially aligned relationship with said transparent tube;
- and each being in fluid communication with said transparent tube and said container;
- an integral, internal source of illumination disposed within one of said end members that illuminates said transparent tube;
- a sensor to detect the presence of said foreign body;
- said sensor mechanically integrated with one of said end members;
- a power source integrated internally within one of said end members;
- said sensor coupled with said source of illumination in order to activate said source of illumination upon detection of the presence of said foreign body.
In a fluid level verification apparatus for a fluid container having a transparent tube, a pair of longitudinally spaced apart end members in fluid communication with said transparent tube, wherein the improvement comprises:
- an integral, internal source of illumination within one of said end members that illuminates said transparent tube;
- a sensor to detect the presence of a foreign body;
- said sensor mechanically integrated with one of said end members;
- a power source integrated internally within one of said end members;
- an electronics subassembly electronically in communication with said power source, said sensor, and said source of illumination;
- said sensor in communication with said source of illumination in order to activate said source of illumination upon detection of the presence of said foreign body.
In a fluid level verification apparatus for a fluid retaining reservoir capable of being activated by a foreign body, the apparatus and reservoir comprising:
- a reservoir tank, said reservoir tank having a wall separating opposed first and second ends;
- a least one opening in a first end of said reservoir tank;
- said at least one opening able to receive an apparatus having:
- an at least one, preferably one, end member;
- an integral, internal source of illumination disposed within said at least one, preferably one, end member that illuminates said reservoir tank;
- a sensor to detect the presence of said foreign body;
- said sensor mechanically integrated with said at least one, preferably one, end member;
- a power source integrated internally within said at least one, preferably one, end members;
- said sensor in communication with said source of illumination in order to activate said source of illumination upon detection of the presence of said foreign body.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.