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:
May. 01, 2001
Filed:
Jun. 04, 1998
Steve Dumbovic, Elmhurst, IL (US);
Richard C. Francke, Bartlett Lakes Estate, IL (US);
Illinois Tool Works Inc, Glenview, IL (US);
Abstract
An electrically resistive fluid level sensor and system for sensing fluid levels in a container, for example washing machine basins, and for closing a supply of fluid to the container when the fluid level in the container reaches a specified level. The system includes generally fluid level resistive element portions disposed in the container and electrically connectable by fluid therein, and an input signal source, electrically coupled to the fluid level resistive element portions, whereby an output signal across the fluid level resistive element portions is proportional to the fluid level. Temperature resistive element portions are preferably disposed in the container and connected in series between the input signal source and the fluid level resistive element portions to substantially cancel any thermal effects on fluid level sensing and control. The fluid level resistive element portions are electrically coupled to a signal input of a comparator circuit, whereby an output signal of the comparator circuit closes the supply fluid to the container when the fluid therein reaches a specified level.