The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 30, 1993
Filed:
Feb. 21, 1991
Robert A Pontefract, Chelmsford, MA (US);
Scully Signal Company, Wilmington, MA (US);
Abstract
An apparatus for protecting and optically isolating the optical element of the probe used for sensing liquid levels includes a tubular body formed from a rigid, non-reflective material which slides over the optical probe. The probe is mounted within the tubular body to create a gap between the shield and the probe in which liquid collects. An open end of the tubular body is cut at an angle and tapers to a point at the widest part of the gap. The tapered point and gap width are arranged so that, when the liquid level falls below the probe end, the surface tension of liquid running down the tapered point overcomes the surface tension of the liquid in the gap and draws the fluid out of the shield.