Patent · US Expired

Temperature control unit and sight glass

US6481277B1 · kind B1 · utility

3Cited by
10References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 23, 2001
Grant dateNov 19, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 23, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01F23/76
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An apparatus for indicating a fluid level in a reservoir includes a conduit for communication with a reservoir and including a sight glass. A buoyant primary float is provided within the conduit, and a stop is provided within the conduit for engaging the primary float to prevent travel of the primary float beyond an upper portion of the conduit. A buoyant secondary float in the conduit is moveable together with the primary float when the primary float is not engaged by the stop, and is moveable separately from the primary float when the primary float is engaged by the stop and a fluid level in the conduit exceeds the level of the stop such that a portion of the secondary float may travel separately within the upper portion of the conduit. The secondary float preferable includes an elongate portion that passes through an aperture in the primary float, and a buoyant upper portion that is located above the primary float and is larger than the aperture in the primary float. The secondary float also preferably includes a lower portion that is located below the primary float and is larger than the aperture in the primary float. The length of the elongate member between the upper and lowe…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.