Condensate liquid level sensor and drain fitting
AssigneeEmerson Electric Co.
InventorJeffrey N. Arensmeier
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fluid level sensor and drain fitting is provided that includes a fitting body having a first annular end, a second external-threaded end with an opening therein, and a passage extending from the opening to the first annular end. The drain fitting further includes a plurality of sensors forming an array on the second external-threaded end radially spaced around the opening such that at least one sensor is above the centerline of the opening regardless of the rotational position of the fitting. Each of the sensors are configured to provide an output that changes in response to contact with water. The plurality of sensors are configured to detect a water level relative to the opening in the fitting body based on the number of sensors in the array that provide an output indicative of contact with water.
Claims20
A fluid level sensor and drain fitting, comprising:
- a body having a first annular end, a second end having a surface and an opening, and a passage extending through the body between the opening of the second end and the first annular end;
- and
- a plurality of sensors disposed at least partially within the surface of the second end of the body, the sensors configured to detect a water level relative to the opening of the body, and each of the sensors being configured to provide an output that changes in response to contact with water.
A drain fitting, comprising:
- a body having a first end, a second end, and a passage extending through the fitting between the first end and the second end;
- and
- sensors disposed on the second end of the body and spaced radially around an opening defined at the second end of the body by the passage such that at least one of the sensors is positioned generally above a centerline of the opening and at least one of the sensors is positioned generally below the centerline of the opening regardless of a rotational position of the fitting, the sensors configured to detect a water level relative to the body, and each of the sensors being configured to provide an output that changes in response to contact with water.
A control system comprising:
- a fitting having a first end, a second end having a surface and an opening, and a passage extending through the fitting between the first end and the opening of the second end;
- fluid level sensors disposed at least partially within the surface of the second end of the fitting and arranged radially around the opening of the second end of the fitting such that at least one of the sensors is positioned generally above a centerline of the opening and at least one of the sensors is positioned generally below the centerline of the opening regardless of a rotational position of the fitting, the sensors configured to detect a water level relative to the opening of the fitting;
- and
- a controller configured to determine the level of water based on the number of sensors that provide an output indicative of contact with water, the controller further configured to output a technician service request upon determining that a water level is indicative of a plugged drain line.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.