Magnetically responsive circuit-element module for liquid-level monitoring and probe therefrom
AssigneeTransamerica DeLaval Inc.
InventorWilliam P. Milish
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Components of a .pi.-network of resistors and magnetically responsive reed switches are encapsulated to form modules with keyed ends for end-to-end interlocking assembly. Conductive tabs of one module mate with those of the next module to establish electrical connection therebetween. Keying polarizes the modules to prevent incorrect assembly. The modules can be made with 2.sup.n switches where n is any positive number including zero. Probe assemblies of any length can be produced with the spacing interval between reed switches being uniform throughout the length of the probe.
Claims20
A magnetically responsive circuit-element module for liquid-level monitoring apparatus comprising an elongated body having ends that are complementally shaped and keyed for interlocking end-to-end assembly with other modules having the same end construction to form an assembly of any desired length, at least one float-magnet actuatable magnetic reed switch confined within said body, and electrically conductive members that are accessible from outside said body and that extend into the interior of said body where said conductive members are coupled to said reed switch for establishing electrical connection to said reed switch, said conductive members having portions located and oriented with respect to said body such that upon effecting said interlocking end-to-end assembly with other modules said conductive member portions are positioned for coupling to complemental conductive members that extend into said other modules to establish a network of reed switches connected electrically in a liquid-level sensing circuit.
A magnetically responsive circuit-element module for liquid-level monitoring apparatus comprising an elongated body having ends that are complementally shaped and keyed for interlocking end-to-end assembly with other modules having the same end construction to form an assembly of any desired length, at least one float-magnet actuatable magnetic reed switch confined within said body, and electrically conductive members that extend from outside said body into the interior thereof where said conductive members are coupled to said reed switch for establishing electrical connection to said reed switch, said conductive members having portions located and oriented with respect to said body such that upon effecting said interlocking end-to-end assembly with other modules said conductive member portions are positioned in juxtaposition with complemental conductive members that have portions extending from within said other modules to establish a network of reed switches connected electrically in a liquid-level sensing circuit.
A magnetically sensitive probe for use in liquid-level monitoring apparatus wherein a float-borne magnetic source controls the status of an array of magnetically responsive switches to provide a signal indicative of liquid level, said probe comprising a plurality of individual modules joined end-to-end both mechanically and electrically to provide a continuous network of uniformly spaced magnetically responsive reed switches throughout the length of the probe, each module comprising an elongated body having opposing ends complementally shaped and keyed in interlocking end-to-end assembly with the adjacent modules, at least one float-magnet actuatable magnetic switch confined within each said body, and electrically conductive members that extend from outside each said body into the interior of the respective body where said conductive members are coupled to the respective reed switches for establishing electrical connection to the respective reed switches, said conductive members having portions located and oriented with respect to each said body where they are in juxtaposition with and electrically connected to complemental conductive members that have portions extending from within said adjacent module bodies thereby establishing a network of said reed switches connected in a liquid-level sensing array throughout the length of the probe.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.