Coolant condition sensor apparatus

US4666582A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED · US

Inventors

• Gene E. Blankenship · Richardson, US
• Edward M. Gonsalves · Swansea, US
• Keith W. Kawate · Attleboro Falls, US
• Stephen P. Sacarisen · Houston, US
• William H. Giolma · Garland, US
• Damir A. Spanjol · Richardson, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 26, 1985
• Grant date: May 19, 1987
• Expiry date: Sep 26, 2005

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F01P2025/80
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A dual function sensor particularly useful with vehicular coolant systems indicates when a coolant liquid becomes corrosive to such cooling system materials as well as when the liquid falls to a low level condition. A reference and a sense electrode are used to probe the condition of the coolant liquid. Integral electronics provide signal conditioning and transmitting to indicate both corrosive and low level coolant conditions. The sensor assembly mounts directly onto a tubular coupling on the vehicle radiator by pushing the assembly onto the coupling until a spring wire element snaps past a lip formed on the free distal end of the coupling. An electrical connector shroud extends from the assembly and accommodates a mating male connector which is pushed onto the shroud until a clip mounted on the male connector snaps over a locking tab located on the shroud. The male connector typically is connected to an engine control module (ECM).