U.S. patent application number 15/002463 was filed with the patent office on 2017-07-27 for inverted oil level sensor assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is United Technologies Corporation. Invention is credited to Eric J. Heims, Wesley Paul Long, JR..
Application Number | 20170211961 15/002463 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59350345 |
Filed Date | 2017-07-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170211961 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Long, JR.; Wesley Paul ; et
al. |
July 27, 2017 |
INVERTED OIL LEVEL SENSOR ASSEMBLY
Abstract
An oil level sensor assembly for an oil tank includes a cell
with a first set of holes along the cell, an oil level sensor
within the cell that is configured to be inserted into and removed
from a bottom of the cell, and a ball valve column within the cell
and adjacent to the oil level sensor. The ball valve column is
rotatable, has ball valves that correspond with the first set of
holes along the cell, and is configured such that the ball valve
column is rotatable to an open position aligning the ball valves
with the first set of holes to allow oil to access the oil level
sensor and rotatable to a closed position misaligning the ball
valves with the first set of holes to prevent oil from accessing
the oil level sensor.
Inventors: |
Long, JR.; Wesley Paul;
(Vernon, CT) ; Heims; Eric J.; (Avon, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
United Technologies Corporation |
Hartford |
CT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59350345 |
Appl. No.: |
15/002463 |
Filed: |
January 21, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F01M 2011/0095 20130101;
G01F 23/0046 20130101; F16N 19/006 20130101; G01F 23/04 20130101;
F01M 11/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01F 23/04 20060101
G01F023/04 |
Claims
1. An oil level sensor assembly for an oil tank, the assembly
comprising: a cell with a first set of holes along the cell; an oil
level sensor within the cell, the oil level sensor configured to be
inserted into and removed from a bottom of the cell; and a ball
valve column within the cell and adjacent to the oil level sensor,
the ball valve column being rotatable, having ball valves that
correspond with the first set of holes along the cell, and
configured such that the ball valve column is rotatable to an open
position aligning the ball valves with the first set of holes to
allow oil to access the oil level sensor and rotatable to a closed
position misaligning the ball valves with the first set of holes to
prevent oil from accessing the oil level sensor.
2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a drain port in
fluidic connection with the cell and a drain ball valve of the ball
valve column, the drain ball valve being within a channel of the
drain port that is oriented 90 degrees from the first set of holes
such that the ball valve column is rotatable to the closed position
aligning the drain ball valve with the channel to allow oil to exit
the cell through the drain port.
3. The assembly of claim 2, further comprising: a drain plug
engageable with an outlet of the drain port.
4. The assembly of claim 3, further comprising: a handle on a
bottom end of the ball valve column, wherein the drain plug secures
the handle and the ball valve column in the open position.
5. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a handle on a
bottom end of the ball valve column.
6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the handle in the open position
engages a base of the oil level sensor to prevent the oil level
sensor from being removed from the cell.
7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the handle has an arm with a
slot that engages a projection on the base of the oil level
sensor.
8. The assembly of claim 5, further comprising: a ball valve mount
cover adjacent to the handle and the bottom of the ball valve
column.
9. The assembly of claim 8, further comprising: a handle stop on
the ball valve mount that is configured to prevent the handle and
the ball valve column from rotating past 90 degrees from the open
position.
10. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a wall that
separates the cell into a first cavity that houses the oil level
sensor and a second cavity that houses the ball valve column, the
wall having a second set of holes that correspond with the first
set of holes and the ball valves of the ball valve column such that
the ball valve column is rotatable to the open position aligning
ball valves with the first set of holes and the second set of holes
to allow oil to enter the first cavity without filling the second
cavity.
11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first set of holes
includes at least one hole adjacent to a top of the cell and at
least one hole adjacent to the bottom of the cell.
12. An oil tank for an engine comprising: a container; a tube
extending from a bottom of the container, the tube having a series
of holes along the tube that open into the container and an inner
cavity that is accessible through a bottom of the tube; an oil
level sensor within the tube that is configured to be inserted into
and removed from the tube through the bottom of the tube; and a
valve column within the tube and adjacent to the oil level sensor,
the valve column having a plurality of valve elements that
correspond with the series of holes along the tube and being
rotatable between a first position that allows oil to flow through
at least one of the series of holes and at least one of the
plurality of valve elements to access the oil level sensor and a
second position that prevents oil from flowing through the series
of holes and the plurality of valve elements.
13. The oil tank of claim 12, further comprising: a drain at the
bottom of the tube and in fluidic connection with the inner cavity,
the drain having a channel that is radially offset from the series
of holes; and a drain valve within the channel and incorporated
into and rotatable with a bottom of the valve column such that the
drain valve aligns with the channel in the second position to allow
oil to flow out of the inner cavity of the tube.
14. The oil tank of claim 13, further comprising: a drain plug
engageable with an outlet of the drain.
15. The oil tank of claim 14, further comprising: a handle
extending from the bottom of the valve column out through the
bottom of the tube and the bottom of the container.
16. The oil tank of claim 15, wherein the drain plug secures the
handle in the first position.
17. The oil tank of claim 15, wherein the handle has an arm with a
slot that engages a projection on a base of the oil level
sensor.
18. The oil tank of claim 15, further comprising: a handle stop
extending from the bottom of the container to prevent the handle
and the valve column from rotating past a set angle from the first
position.
19. The oil tank of claim 12, wherein the tube extends entirely
through the container and has a sealed top.
20. The oil tank of claim 12, wherein the valve column is one
continuous element with the plurality of valve elements such that
rotation of the valve column rotates all of the plurality of valve
elements in unison.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present disclosure relates to lubrication systems for
engines. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to oil
level sensors for oil tanks in engines.
[0002] Most complex engines require lubricant, such as oil, to
reduce friction to prevent overheating and damage to components.
The oil is housed in one or multiple oil tanks with hoses running
from the oil tank to components in need of lubrication and back to
the oil tank. As engines become more complex, oil tanks become
larger. Additionally, the increased complexity of engines results
in an increased size. To minimize the increasing size of the
engine, oil tanks are being fit into areas of the engine that are
less accessible than oil tanks in previous engines.
[0003] To determine whether there is sufficient oil in the oil
tank, an oil level sensor is used. Usually, the sensor is inserted
from the top of the oil tank and accessible from the top by
maintenance personnel, such as a dipstick utilized with an
automotive engine. However, a top-loaded oil level sensor requires
an air gap between the oil and the top of the oil tank, requiring
the oil tank to be even larger. Sometimes it is more convenient for
the oil level sensor to be inserted from the bottom of the oil tank
and accessible from the bottom by maintenance personnel. While the
oil level sensor can be inserted from the bottom of the oil tank,
the removal of the sensor requires that the oil tank be drained
before opening a port on the bottom to remove the oil level
sensor.
SUMMARY
[0004] An oil level sensor assembly for an oil tank includes a cell
with a first set of holes along the cell, an oil level sensor
within the cell that is configured to be inserted into and removed
from a bottom of the cell, and a ball valve column within the cell
and adjacent to the oil level sensor. The ball valve column is
rotatable, has ball valves that correspond with the first set of
holes along the cell, and is configured such that the ball valve
column is rotatable to an open position aligning the ball valves
with the first set of holes to allow oil to access the oil level
sensor and rotatable to a closed position misaligning the ball
valves with the first set of holes to prevent oil from accessing
the oil level sensor.
[0005] An oil tank for an engine includes a container, a tube
extending from a bottom of the container that has a series of holes
along the tube that open into the container and an inner cavity
that is accessible through a bottom of the tube, an oil level
sensor within the tube that is configured to be inserted into and
removed from the tube through the bottom of the tube, and a ball
valve column within the tube and adjacent to the oil level sensor.
The ball valve column has a plurality of valve elements that
correspond with the series of holes along the tube and is rotatable
between an open position that allows oil to flow through at least
one of the series of holes and at least one of the plurality of
valve elements to access the oil level sensor and a closed position
that prevents oil from flowing through the series of holes and the
plurality of valve elements.
[0006] The present summary is provided only by way of example and
not limitation. Other aspects of the present disclosure will be
appreciated in view of the entirety of the disclosure, including
the entire text, claims, and accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional perspective view of an oil tank
with an inverted oil level sensor assembly.
[0008] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional elevation view of the inverted
oil level sensor assembly of FIG. 1A.
[0009] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a portion of the inverted
oil level sensor assembly in an open position.
[0010] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a portion of the inverted
oil level sensor assembly in a closed position.
[0011] FIG. 3A is a first cross-sectional elevation view of a
portion of the inverted oil level sensor assembly in the open
position.
[0012] FIG. 3B is the first cross-sectional elevation view of a
portion of the inverted oil level sensor assembly in the closed
position.
[0013] FIG. 4A is a second cross-sectional elevation view of a
portion of the inverted oil level sensor assembly in the open
position.
[0014] FIG. 4B is the second cross-sectional elevation view of a
portion of the inverted oil level sensor assembly in the closed
position.
[0015] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional plan view of the inverted oil
level sensor assembly in the open position.
[0016] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional plan view of the inverted oil
level sensor assembly in the closed position.
[0017] While the above-identified figures set forth embodiments of
the present disclosure, other embodiments are also contemplated, as
noted in the discussion. In all cases, this disclosure presents the
invention by way of representation and not limitation. It should be
understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be
devised by those skilled in the art, which fall within the scope
and spirit of the principles of the invention. The figures may not
be drawn to scale, and applications and embodiments of the present
invention may include features and components not specifically
shown in the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] An inverted oil level sensor assembly for use in an oil tank
is disclosed herein that includes a cell or tube within the oil
tank that houses an oil level sensor and a ball valve column. The
tube includes a series of holes that are configured to allow oil to
enter the inside of the tube. The oil level sensor is configured to
be inserted and removed from a bottom of the tube and the oil tank.
The ball valve column has a plurality of ball valves that
correspond with the series of holes in the tube. The ball valve
column is rotatable between an open position and a closed position.
When in the open position, the series of holes and the plurality of
ball valves align to allow oil to flow into the tube so that the
oil level sensor can measure the level of oil in the oil tank. When
in the closed position, the series of holes and the plurality of
ball valves are not aligned, preventing oil from flowing into the
tube and allowing the oil level sensor to be removed without having
to drain the entire oil tank.
[0019] At the bottom of the tube is a drain that allows oil to
drain from an inner cavity of the tube before the oil level sensor
is removed. The drain has a channel that is oriented perpendicular
to (i.e., 90 degrees offset from) the series of holes in the tube
and also incorporates a drain ball valve, which is part of the ball
valve column and oriented similar to the plurality of ball valves
such that when the ball valve column is in the closed position the
drain ball valve aligns within the channel of the drain to allow
oil to flow through the drain and out of the tube. Thus, oil cannot
be drained from the tube through the drain unless the ball valve
column is in the closed position so that the plurality of ball
valves are not aligned with the series of holes, preventing
additional oil to be drained from the oil tank other than the
limited amount of oil within the tube.
[0020] The disclosed inverted oil level sensor assembly includes a
number of other features. The drain can include a drain plug that
engages an outlet of the drain to provide an additional safeguard
against the draining of the tube and the oil tank. The ball valve
column can include a handle extending from the bottom of the ball
valve column to allow the rotation of the ball valve column between
the open position and the closed position. The handle can be
configured such that the drain plug secures the handle in the open
position and must be removed before the handle can move to the
closed position. The handle can also be configured to engage a base
of the oil level sensor when the ball valve column is in the open
position to prevent the removal of the oil level sensor when the
ball valve column is in the open position. The oil level sensor
assembly can also include a handle stop that prevents the handle
and the ball valve from rotating past 90 degrees from the open
position (i.e., rotating past the closed position) to ensure the
drain ball valve is aligned within the channel of the drain.
[0021] The disclosed inverted oil level sensor assembly has many
benefits. The assembly does not require the oil tank to be drained
before the oil level sensor can be removed, saving maintenance time
and oil that will be lost in the process. Because the oil level
sensor is inserted from the bottom, a minimal air gap needs to be
present at a top of the oil tank, reducing the size and weight of
the oil tank. The assembly also has only a few moving parts (the
rotation of the ball valve column between the open position and the
closed position), reducing the complexity and the number of
components that can become damaged throughout the life of the oil
tank. The inverted oil level sensor assembly has a number of
safeguards that prevent the oil level sensor from being removed
without first sealing the tube off from the oil within the oil
tank, preventing the oil tank from draining through the drain in
the tube and the void left by the removal of the oil level sensor.
Each of these benefits, along with others, will be appreciated in
the subsequent disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional perspective view of an oil tank
with an inverted oil level sensor assembly, and FIG. 1B is a
cross-sectional elevation view of the inverted oil level sensor
assembly of FIG. 1A taken along line 1B-1B. Oil tank 10 includes
container 12 and oil level sensor assembly 20. Oil level sensor
assembly 20 includes (among other components) tube 22 having a
series of holes 24, bottom 26, oil level sensor 28, ball valve
column 30 having a plurality of ball valves 32 and drain ball valve
34, and wall 36.
[0023] Oil tank 10 is configured to hold oil or another lubricant
or may even be designed to hold fuel (for simplicity, the contents
of oil tank 10 will be denoted as "oil" even though oil tank 10 can
hold another fluid). Oil tank 10 is used in an engine in
conjunction with other oil delivery mechanisms, such as oil hoses
and a pump, to provide oil to the components of the engine to
prevent the engine from overheating and becoming damaged. The
functionality of oil tank 10 is known in the art and the
configuration of oil tank 10 can be altered for design
considerations of the engine in which oil tank 10 is located. As
will be described below, oil tank 10 includes container 12 to hold
oil and oil level sensor assembly 20 to measure the amount of oil
within container 12.
[0024] Container 12 of oil tank 10 is an enclosure that holds a
lubricant, such as oil, or another fluid. Container 12 will usually
have an inlet and outlet that connects to oil hoses to allow oil to
exit container 12 to provide cooling and lubrication to other
engine components and thereafter reenter container 12 for storage.
Container 12 an opening that allows for oil level sensor assembly
20 and may also include other openings as needed by the engine.
Container 12 can have a variety of different sizes, shapes, and
configurations depending on the engine in which oil tank 10 is
located. Because oil level sensor assembly 20 is inserted from a
bottom of container 12, a minimal air gap needs to be present in
container 12 between a top of the oil (within container 12) and a
top of container 12, reducing the size and weight of container 12.
Container 12 can be one continuous and monolithic component or can
be a number of components fastened together to create the
enclosure, and container 12 can be constructed from a variety of
materials, including metal or a composite material.
[0025] Oil level sensor assembly 20 of oil tank 10 measures the
amount of oil within container 12 and convey that measurement to
the necessary entity, such as a computer monitoring the engine, a
digital display that is monitored by an operator, an oil level
alarm, or some other visual or audio alert system. Oil level sensor
assembly 20 can have a number of other components and
configurations not specifically disclosed herein, but the overall
functionality of oil level sensor assembly 20 should remain
unchanged: to allow oil level sensor 28 to be inserted and removed
from a bottom of oil level sensor assembly 20 without the need to
drain the oil from container 12.
[0026] Tube 22 (also referred to as a cell) of oil level sensor
assembly 20 creates an inner cavity that encloses the inner
components of oil level sensor assembly 20 and separates those
components from the rest of container 12. Tube 22 is an elongated
vessel that is in contact with and runs from bottom 26 of oil level
sensor assembly 20 (and the bottom of container 12) to the top of
container 12. However, in other embodiments, tube 22 can terminate
before the top of container 12 and have a cap to enclose tube 22
such that a top of tube 22 is not in contact with container 12.
While tube 22 in FIG. 1A is shown as having a consistent
substantially triangular or quasi-pear-shaped cross-sectional area
along the entire length of tube 22, tube 22 can have a number of
cross-sectional shapes; including circular (so that tube 22 is a
cylinder), triangular, elliptical, rectangular, or another shape;
and can have a varying cross-sectional shape along the entire
length of tube 22. Tube 22 can be constructed from a variety of
materials, including metal or a composite material, and can be
constructed from the same material as container 12. Additionally,
tube 22 can be molded and cast with container 12 or fastened to
container 12 using welds, screws, or other fasteners. However, the
connection between tube 22 and container 12 should be sealed so
that oil cannot leak into tube 22 at a seam.
[0027] Tube 22 includes the series of holes 24 (also referred to as
a first series of holes or a set of holes). The series of holes 24
are orifices along the length of tube 22 that allow oil to enter
the inner cavity of tube 22 from container 12. The series of holes
24 are in a line at different positions along the length of tube 22
to allow oil to enter the inner cavity of tube 22 so that the level
of oil within container 12 is equal to the level of oil in the
inner cavity of tube 22. Each hole of the series of holes 24 should
be sized to allow oil to easily move into and out of tube 22
without experiencing a problematic amount of drag so that the level
of oil measured by oil level sensor 28 accurately represents the
level of oil within container 12. While the disclosed embodiment
shows the series of holes 24 with holes in a line, the series of
holes 24 can be configured such that the holes having openings into
different sides of tube 22. However, the series of holes 24 cannot
be at a location along tube 22 that cannot correspond to ball valve
column 30. Each hole of the series of holes 24 can have a variety
of cross-sectional shapes and different holes can have different
cross-sectional shapes. The series of holes 24 can include any
number of holes, from a configuration that includes only two holes
(one near the top and one near bottom 26) to a configuration that
includes a dozen or more holes.
[0028] Bottom 26 of oil level sensor assembly 20 is adjacent to
container 12 and is where tube 22 connects to container 12. Oil
level sensor 28 is inserted into and removed from tube 22 through
bottom 26. Adjacent to bottom 26 are a number of other components
of oil level sensor assembly 20.
[0029] Oil level sensor 28 is housed within tube 22 and measures
the amount of oil within container 12 by measuring the amount of
oil in the inner cavity of tube 22. Oil level sensor 28 includes a
sensor that extends into tube 22 and a base that attaches to bottom
26 of oil level sensor assembly 20. Oil level sensor 28 can extend
the entire length of tube 22 or extend only partially into tube 22.
Oil level sensor 28 can be a transducer, electronic sensor, or
another sensor configured to measure the amount of a fluid and
convey that measurement to the necessary entity. Because oil level
sensor 28 is inserted and removed through bottom 26, oil level
sensor 28 should be configured to function upside-down (as opposed
to an oil level sensor that is inserted and removed through the top
of container 12). The base of oil level sensor 28 attaches oil
level sensor 28 to bottom 26 oil level sensor assembly 20 (through
screws or other removable fasteners) and seals oil level sensor 28
within tube 22 to prevent oil from leaking out. Additionally, the
base can also include an attachment for electronics or other
components that accept the measurement from oil level sensor 28 and
convey it to the necessary entity.
[0030] Ball valve column 30 is also housed within tube 22 adjacent
to oil level sensor 28 and the series of holes 24 and rotates to
seal the inner cavity of tube 22 from the oil within container 12.
Ball valve column 30 extends into tube 22 and sticks out through
bottom 26 to have a rotatable handle. Ball valve column 30 is shown
as a substantially cylindrical shaped adjacent to oil level sensor
28, but can have another shape or configuration to seal the inner
cavity of tube 22 from container 12, such as a hollow shape similar
to the shape of tube 22 to be adjacent to all walls of tube 22 so
that oil level sensor 28 is within ball valve column 30 and ball
valve column 30 rotates around oil level sensor 28 to seal oil
level sensor 28 from container 12. While denoted as "ball valve
column" in this disclosure, the valve column can include any type
of valve that is configured to rotate between one position that
allows the flow of oil and another position that prevents the flow
of oil from container 12 into tube 22. Ball valve column 30 can
extend the entire length of tube 22 or extend only partially into
tube 22. Ball valve column 30 can be constructed from a variety of
materials; such as metal, plastic, or a composite material; but
should have sufficient strength and rigidity to rotate within tube
22 without deforming (so as to remain aligned with the series of
holes 24. Ball valve column 30 is housed within tube 22 but is not
fastened to tube 22 so as to be able to rotate between an open
position (as is shown in FIG. 1B) and a closed position.
[0031] Ball valve column 30 includes a plurality of ball valves 32
(also referred to as a plurality of valve elements) that correspond
to the series of holes 24 to, when in the open position, allow oil
to enter the inner cavity of tube 22 and, when in the closed
position, prevent oil from entering the inner cavity of tube 22
(i.e., seal oil level sensor 28 from container 12). The plurality
of ball valves 32 are along the length of ball valve column 30 and
align with the series of holes 24. While denoted as "ball valves"
in this disclosure, the valve elements can be any type of valve
that is configured to at one position allow the flow of oil and at
another position prevent the flow of oil from container 12 into
tube 22. Each ball valve of the plurality of ball valves 32 can
have the same orientation (i.e., all ball valves extend through
ball valve column 30 in the same direction) as is shown in FIG. 1B
or, if the series of holes 24 are not in a line along tube 22, can
be oriented such that each ball valve is aligned with a
corresponding hole when ball valve column 30 is in the open
position. The number of ball valves of the plurality of ball valves
32 should be equal to the number of holes in the series of holes 24
and should be sufficient to allow oil to easily enter and exit the
inner cavity of tube 22 so that the level of oil within tube 22 is
equal to the level of oil within container 12. Additionally, each
ball valve of the plurality of ball valves 32 should be sized to
allow oil to easily move into and out of tube 22 without
experiencing a problematic amount of drag so that the level of oil
measured by oil level sensor 28 accurately represents the level of
oil within container 12. The plurality of ball valves 32 of ball
valve column 30 can be one continuous and monolithic component or
each ball valve of the plurality of ball valves 32 can be separate
components fastened to one another.
[0032] Drain ball valve 34 is a valve located at a bottom of ball
valve column 30 and can be configured to rotate in conjunction with
ball valve column 30. While denoted as "drain ball valve" in this
disclosure, the drain valve can by any type of valve that is
configured to at one position allow oil to flow and at another
position prevent the flow of oil from tube 22 out of the system.
Drain ball valve 34 is similar to the plurality of ball valves 32
but does not have a corresponding hole of the series of holes 24.
Instead, drain ball valve 34 is within a drain passage that, when
ball valve column 30 is in the closed position, drains oil out of
the inner cavity within tube 22. Because the drain passage includes
a channel in which drain ball valve 34 is located that is oriented
perpendicular (90 degrees offset) from the plurality of ball valves
32, drain ball valve 34 in the disclosed embodiment has the same
orientation as the plurality of ball valves 32 (i.e., drain ball
valve 34 and the plurality of ball valves 32 extend through ball
valve column 30 in the same direction). Drain ball valve 34 is not
in fluidic contact with the oil in container 12 as the plurality of
ball vales 32 are, but rather is in fluidic contact with the oil in
tube 22 when ball valve column 30 is rotated to the closed
position. Drain ball valve 34 can be one continuous and monolithic
component with one or all of the plurality of ball valves 32 or can
be separate from the plurality of ball valves 32 so as to be
fastened to and move in conjunction with the plurality of ball
valves 32 or not fastened to and move separately from the plurality
of ball valves 32. The functionality of drain ball valve 34 will be
described in greater detail with regards to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, and
5B.
[0033] Wall 36 is within tube 22 and fluidically separates oil
level sensor 28 from ball valve column 30. Wall 36 separates the
inner cavity of tube 22 into two cavities (a first cavity and a
second cavity) with the first cavity housing oil level sensor 38
and the second cavity housing ball valve column 30. Wall 36
includes a second series of holes (also referred to as a second set
of holes) that correspond with the series of holes 24 and the
plurality of ball valves 32 so that when ball valve column 30 is in
the open position the second series of holes, the series of holes
24, and the plurality of ball valves 32 align to allow oil to enter
the first cavity without filling the second cavity of tube 22. Wall
36 can reduce the amount of oil within tube 22 so that less oil is
lost when the oil is drained from tube 22 through the drain passage
and drain ball valve 34.
[0034] As will be described with greater detail with regards to
FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B, ball valve column 30 is rotatable within
tube 22 between the open position and the closed position. In the
open position, ball valve column 30 aligns the plurality of ball
valves 32 with the series of holes 24 and the second series of
holes in wall 36 to allow oil to enter tube 22 so that oil level
sensor 28 can measure the level of oil within tube 22 (which is the
same level as the level of oil within container 12). In the closed
position, ball valve column 30 is positioned so that the plurality
of ball valves 32 do not align with the series of holes 24 and the
second series of holes in wall 36 to seal the inner cavity of tube
22 from container 12 to prevent oil from entering tube 22. The
position of ball valve column 30 when in the closed position aligns
drain ball valve 34 within the drain passage to allow the oil
within tube 22 to drain. With the oil in tube 22 drained,
maintenance personnel can easily remove or insert oil level sensor
28 without the oil within the inner cavity of tube 22 causing
problems.
[0035] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a portion of the oil level
sensor assembly in the open position, FIG. 2B is a perspective view
of the portion of the oil level sensor assembly in the closed
position, FIG. 3A is a first cross-sectional elevation view of a
portion of the inverted oil level sensor assembly in the open
position, and FIG. 3B is the first cross-sectional elevation view
of a portion of the inverted oil level sensor assembly in the
closed position.
[0036] Oil tank 10 includes container 12 and oil level sensor 20.
Oil level sensor assembly 20 includes tube 22, the series of holes
24, bottom 26, oil level sensor 28, ball valve column 30, the
plurality of ball valves 32, drain ball valve 34, and wall 36. Oil
level sensor 28 includes base 38 with base 38 having base
projection 40 and base connector 42. Ball valve column 30 includes
ball valve column cap 44 and handle 46 with handle 46 having pivot
wing 48, rotation wing 50, and arm 52. Oil level sensor assembly 20
also includes drain 54 with channel 56, drain outlet 58, and drain
plug 60. Oil level sensor assembly 20 includes ball valve mount 62
having handle stop 64.
[0037] Base 38 of oil level sensor 28 is on a bottom of oil level
sensor 28, protrudes downward through bottom 26, and may be visible
on a bottom side of container 12. Base 38 can be one continuous and
monolithic component with a portion of oil level sensor 28 that
extends into tube 22 or base can be a separate component that is
fastened to other portions of oil level sensor 28. Base 38 provides
a structural area that allows oil level sensor 28 to be fastened to
bottom 26 and provides a component that maintenance or other
personnel can grasp to insert and remove oil level sensor 28 from
tube 22. Base 38 also seals (possibly through the use of an O-ring
or another sealing element) the inner cavity of tube 22 so that oil
cannot leak out of the inner cavity of tube 22 through a hole in
bottom 26 through which oil level sensor 28 extends. Base 38 of oil
level sensor 28 can be attached to bottom 26 through various means,
but should allow for oil level sensor 28 to be inserted and removed
from tube 22 for maintenance. Base 38 can have any shape,
configuration, or orientation and can be constructed from a variety
of materials, including the same material used for the rest of oil
level sensor 28.
[0038] Base projection 40 projects downward from a flat portion of
base 38 to interact with arm 52 of handle 46 of ball valve column
30 when ball valve column 30 is in the open position (as shown in
FIG. 2A and as will be discussed in greater detail below). Base
projection 40 is a shaft that can have interior threads to accept a
bolt that can tighten around a slot in arm 52 to secure arm 52 and
ball valve column 30 in the open position. Base projection 40 can
be one continuous and monolithic component with base 38 or a
separate component that is fastened to base 38. Additionally, base
projection 40 can have another size, shape, configuration, or
orientation to interact with arm 52 or may not be present in other
embodiments.
[0039] Base connector 42 projects downward from the rest of base 38
and provides an attachment for electronics or other components to
connect to oil level sensor 28 to convey the measurement of the
level of the oil within tube 22 from oil level sensor 28 and to the
necessary entity. Base connector 42 can have a cylindrical shape
that is externally threaded or another configuration to connect to
electronics, electrical wires, or other ports. Base connector 42
can be one continuous and monolithic component with the rest or oil
level sensor 28 or can be a separate component that is fastened to
base 38. Further, base connector 42 can have any size, shape,
configuration, or orientation to allow base connector 42 to convey
the measurement of the oil level in tube 22 as measured by oil
level sensor 22 to the necessary entity.
[0040] Ball valve column cap 44 is near a bottom of ball valve
column 30 (adjacent to drain ball valve 34) and supports ball valve
column 30 so that ball valve column 30 does not move vertically
within tube 22 (to ensure plurality of ball valves 32 remain
vertically aligned with the series of holes 24). Ball valve column
cap 44 can also seal the inner cavity of tube 22 so that oil cannot
leak out of the inner cavity of tube 22 through a hole in bottom 26
through which ball valve column 30 extends. Ball valve column cap
44 can be constructed from a variety of materials and can be one
continuous and monolithic component with ball valve column 30 or
can be a separate component. Additionally, ball valve column cap 44
can be incorporated into ball valve mount 62 and/or a fastener
adjacent to pivot wing 48 of handle 46 (to form one component with
ball valve mount 62 and be connected to the fastener). Ball valve
column cap 44 can include an O-ring or another sealing element to
sufficiently seal ball valve column 30 within tube 22. Ball valve
column cap 44 can be configured to rotate with ball valve column 30
or remain stationary.
[0041] Handle 46 is connected to and on the bottom of ball valve
column 30 and provides a handle for maintenance and other personnel
to rotate ball valve column 30 between the open position and the
closed position. Handle 46 can be one continuous and monolithic
component with ball valve column 30 or can be a separate component
attached to drain ball valve 34 and ball valve column cap 44 of
ball valve column 30. Handle 46 extends downward from bottom 26 and
can be visible on the bottom side of container 12. Handle 46 can be
constructed from a variety of materials, but should have sufficient
strength and rigidity to withstand the stresses placed on handle 46
from being used to rotate ball valve column 30. While handle 46 can
have a variety of shapes, sizes, configurations, and orientations
to provide a handle to rotate ball valve column 30, handle 46 of
the disclosed embodiment includes pivot wing 48, which is directly
downward from ball valve column 30 and is adjacent to ball valve
column cap 44; rotation wing 50, which extends radially outward
from a point where pivot wing 48 and ball valve column cap 44
interact; and arm 52, which extends downward and outward from a
point between pivot wing 48 and rotation wing 50 to interact with
base projection 40.
[0042] Pivot wing 48 is connected to ball valve column 30 (through
drain ball valve 34) and may have a hole through pivot wing 48 to
allow a fastener to connect pivot wing 48 to ball valve column 30
and/or to keep ball valve column 30, ball valve column cap 44,
handle 46, and other components within oil level sensor assembly
20. Handle 46 and ball valve column 30 rotate about a point of
pivot wing 48 that is along a line of rotation of ball valve column
30.
[0043] Radially outward from pivot wing 48 is rotation wing 50,
which rotates 90 degrees between the open position (FIGS. 2A and
3A) and the closed position (FIGS. 2B and 3B). Rotation wing 50 can
have a similar shape and size to pivot wing 48, including a hole
near a tip of rotation wing 50. When in the open position, drain
plug 60 can extend through the hole in rotation wing 50 into drain
outlet 58 to secure handle 46 in the open position. When in the
closed position, a notch in rotation wing 50 (as seen in FIG. 2A)
can engage handle stop 64 to prevent handle 46 and ball valve
column 30 from rotating past the closed position to ensure drain
ball valve 34 aligns with channel 56 in drain 54.
[0044] Ann 52 extends downward from a point between pivot wing 48
and rotation wing 50 and outward to engage base projection 40 when
handle 46 and ball valve column 30 are in the open position. Arm 52
has a slot that engages base projection 40 or a fastener on or
within base projection 40. In the open position, the fastener of
base projection 40 can be tightened to secure arm 52 in place to
prevent ball valve column 30 and handle 46 from being rotated to
the closed position by mistake, vibration, or another unintended
means. Additionally, whether the fastener is tightened or not, the
interaction between arm 52 and base projection 40 prevents oil
level sensor 28 from being removed from tube 22 when in the open
position because arm 52 would be downward from base projection 40
of oil level sensor 28 and oil level sensor 28 cannot be pulled
downward and out of tube 22. Other embodiments may not contain a
fastener on base projection 40 and a slot in arm 52 such that arm
52 simply rotates to be downward from base projection 40 without
interacting with a fastener or any other part of base projection
40, or other embodiments of oil level sensor assembly 20 may not
include handle 46 with arm 52 or base 38 with base projection
40.
[0045] Drain 54 (also referred to as a drain port) is a passage
that runs from tube 22 through bottom 26 out of the system to allow
a path for oil to drain out of tube 22 when ball valve column 30 is
in the closed position. Drain 54 can run from a point adjacent to
base 38 on the bottom side of container 12 to downward extending
drain outlet 58, or can have another configuration or orientation
to allow oil to drain from the inner cavity of tube 22. Drain 54
includes channel 56, which is a portion of drain 54 that runs in a
direction that is perpendicular (90 degrees offset) to the series
of holes 24 so that when ball valve column 30 (the plurality of
ball valves 34 and drain ball valve 34) is in the open position
drain ball valve 34 does not align with channel 56 and prevents oil
from flowing through channel 56 (while otherwise allowing oil to
flow into tube 22 through the series of holes 24 and the plurality
of ball valves 32), but when ball valve column 30 is in the closed
position drain ball valve 34 aligns with channel 56 to allow oil to
flow through channel 56 and out of the system (while otherwise
preventing oil from flowing into tube 22 through the series of
holes 24 and the plurality of ball valves 32). Only a portion of
drain 54 is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, but drain 54 and related
components will be described in greater detail with regards to
FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B.
[0046] Drain outlet 58 is a downward extending component of drain
54 and is where oil flows out of oil level sensor assembly 20.
Drain outlet 58 is internally threaded to allow drain plug 60 to be
inserted and fastened to drain 54 to prevent oil from flowing out
of tube 22 through drain 54. Drain outlet 58 can have other sizes,
shapes, configurations, and orientations, including drain outlet 58
being at a different location, not extending downward but rather
extending parallel to bottom 26 or angled in another direction, or
having external threads or other means to allow drain plug 60 to
fasten to drain 54. Additionally, other embodiments may not include
drain plug 60 and may rely only on drain ball valve 34 to prevent
oil from draining out of tube 22 when ball valve column 30 is in
the open position.
[0047] Drain plug 60 can be inserted into drain outlet 58 to
prevent oil from flowing out of tube 22 through drain 54. Drain
plug 60 can be a bolt, another fastener, or another apparatus that
is able to be inserted into drain outlet 58 or otherwise configured
to block the flow of oil. As shown in FIG. 2A, drain plug 60 can be
inserted through the hole in rotation wing 50 into drain outlet 58
to prevent rotation wing 50, handle 46, and ball valve column 30
from rotating out of the open position. Drain plug 60 being
inserted through rotation wing 50 provides a mistake-proof design
in which oil cannot be drained from tube 22 until drain plug 60 is
removed and ball valve column 30 (with handle 46) is rotated to the
closed position. This provides a second level of protection (in
addition to drain valve ball 34 rotating within channel 56) to
prevent oil from draining out of tube 22 (and out of container 12)
when ball valve column 30 is in the open position. Other
embodiments may include a configuration in which drain plug 60 and
rotation wing 50 do not interact, or interact some other way.
[0048] Ball valve mount 62 is downward from bottom 26 and is
positioned in part between ball valve column 30 and handle 46. Ball
valve mount 62 provides structural support to ball valve column 30
and handle 46, and handle 46 rotates/pivots about an end of ball
valve mount 62. Ball valve mount 62 is relatively flat and forms a
plane that is parallel to a plane formed by bottom 26. Ball valve
mount 62 is shown in the disclosed embodiment as having a
triangular shape, but other embodiments can include ball valve
mount 62 having a variety of shapes, sizes, configurations, and
orientations. Ball valve mount 62 can be constructed from a variety
of materials, including metal or a composite material, and should
have sufficient strength and rigidity to support ball valve column
30 and the other components of oil level sensor assembly 20.
[0049] Handle stop 64 extends downward from ball valve mount 62 to
stop handle 46 from rotating past the closed position (as shown in
FIG. 2B). Handle stop 64 can have any size, shape, or configuration
but the disclosed embodiment includes handle stop 64 that extends
downwards just enough to engage rotation wing 50 by sliding into
the notch in rotation wing 50. Handle stop 64 can be a bolt or
other fastener that fastens ball valve mount 62 or other components
to container 12. Handle stop 64 is positioned at a location in
relation to drain outlet 58 such that rotation wing 50 and ball
valve column 30 can only rotate 90 degrees between the open
position (where rotation wing 50 is adjacent drain outlet 58) and
the closed position (where rotation wing 50 is adjacent handle stop
64). The location and presence of handle stop 64 ensures that drain
ball valve 32 aligns within channel 56 when in the closed position
to allow oil to flow out of tube 22 and ensures that the plurality
of ball valves 32 do not align with the series of holes 24 in tube
22 to seal the oil within container 12 off from the inner cavity of
tube 22.
[0050] Ball valve column 30 rotates between the open position
(shown in FIGS. 2A and 3A) and the closed position (shown in FIGS.
2B and 3B). When in the open position, ball valve column 30 is in a
position such that the plurality of ball valves 32 are aligned with
the series of holes 24 to allow oil to access oil level sensor 28
within tube 22 by allowing oil to flow into and fill the inner
cavity of tube 22 to a level that is the same as a level of oil
within container 12. In the open position, oil level sensor 28
measures the level of oil within tube 22 and, because the level of
oil within tube 22 is equal to the level of oil in container 12,
takes an accurate measurement of the oil within container 12 and,
through other components, conveys this measurement to the necessary
entity, whether that's a human operator or a computer monitoring
oil level sensor assembly 20. With handle 46 (which is attached to
and rotates with ball valve column 30) in the open position, arm 52
engages base projection 40 to prevent oil level sensor 28 from
being removed from tube 22. Also, drain plug 60 is able to engage
drain outlet 58 by being inserted through the hole in rotation wing
50 to prevent handle 46 from being rotated out of the open position
and to ensure drain 54 is plugged when handle 46 is in the open
position. Further, when ball valve column 30 is in the open
position, drain ball valve 34 at the bottom of ball valve column 30
is not aligned within channel 56 of drain 54, preventing oil from
flowing through drain 54 from the inner cavity of tube 22 out of
the system (as will be described in greater detail with regards to
FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B). Drain ball valve 34 is not aligned
within channel 56 because channel 56 is oriented 90 degrees
(perpendicular) from the orientation of the series of holes 24 such
that for drain ball valve 34 to be aligned within channel 56 than
the plurality of ball valves 32 are not aligned with the series of
holes 24.
[0051] Oil level sensor assembly 20 includes multiple mistake-proof
features that prevent oil from being drained from container 12 and
only allows oil to be drained from tube 22 when tube 22 is sealed
off from container 12. One mistake-proof feature is arm 52 engaging
base projection 40 to prevent oil level sensor 28 from being
removed. Another mistake-proof feature is drain plug 60 engaging
drain outlet 58 by being inserted through rotation wing 50 to
prevent handle 46 from rotating. A third mistake-proof feature is
drain ball valve 34 misaligning with channel 56 when in the open
position to block the flow path of oil out of tube 22.
[0052] When in the closed position (shown in FIGS. 3B and 4B), ball
valve column 30 is in a position such that the plurality of ball
valves 32 are not aligned with the series of holes 24 in tube 22,
sealing the inner cavity of tube 22 off from container 12 so that
when the oil within the inner cavity of tube 22 is drained, the
whole container 12 is not also drained. With handle 46 in the
closed position, rotation wing 50 is rotated to engage handle stop
64 (and cannot rotate past handle stop 64) to ensure that ball
valve column 30 and handle 46 do not rotate past the closed
position. With ball valve column 30, including the plurality of
ball valves 32 and drain ball valve 34, rotated 90 degrees from the
open position into the closed position, drain ball valve 34 becomes
aligned with channel 56 of drain 54, creating a complete flow
passage for oil to flow out of tube 22 through drain outlet 58. In
the closed position, drain outlet 58 is no longer plugged by drain
plug 60 because drain plug 60 needs to be removed from drain outlet
58 to move handle 46 into the closed position (because drain plug
60 is inserted through rotation wing 50 to engage drain outlet 58
when in the open position). With arm 52 no longer engaging base
projection 40 on base 38 because handle 46 is rotated out of the
open position, oil level sensor 28 can be removed from tube 22 and
separated from the rest of oil level sensor assembly 20 for
inspection and maintenance. Ball valve column 30 can remain in the
closed position for an extended period until oil level sensor 28 is
returned to tube 22 and oil level sensor assembly 20.
[0053] FIG. 4A is a second cross-sectional elevation view of a
portion of oil level sensor assembly 20 in the open position, and
FIG. 4B is the second cross-sectional elevation view of a portion
of oil level sensor assembly 20 in the closed position. The second
cross-sectional elevation view in FIGS. 4A and 4B is a view that is
perpendicular (rotated 90 degrees) to the first cross-sectional
elevation view in FIGS. 3A and 3B. FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional
plan view of the inverted oil level sensor assembly in the open
position, and FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional plan view of the
inverted oil level sensor assembly in the closed position.
[0054] Oil tank 10 includes container 12 and oil level sensor 20.
Oil level sensor assembly 20 includes tube 22, oil level sensor 28,
ball valve column 30, drain 54, and ball valve mount 62. Tube 22
includes the series of holes 24, bottom 26, and wall 36. Oil level
sensor 28 includes base 38 with base 38 having base projection 40
and base connector 42. Ball valve column 30 includes the plurality
of ball valves 32, drain ball valve 34, ball valve column cap 44,
and handle 46 with handle 46 having pivot wing 48, rotation wing
50, and arm 52. Drain 54 includes channel 56, drain outlet 58, and
drain plug 60. Valve mount 62 includes handle stop 64 (as shown in
FIGS. 2A and 2B).
[0055] FIG. 4A is taken along line 4A-4A as shown in FIG. 5A. FIGS.
4A and 5A show ball valve column 30 in the open position such that
drain ball valve 34 is not aligned within channel 56 of drain 54.
When ball valve column 30 is in the open position, drain ball valve
34 is perpendicular to channel 56 to prevent oil from flowing
through drain 54 and out through drain outlet 58. Additionally,
drain plug 60 engages drain outlet 58 through rotation wing 50,
providing another block to oil draining out through drain outlet
58. As shown in FIG. 5A, drain 54 is substantially L-shaped
starting at tube 22 and terminating at drain outlet 58. Channel 56
is the straight passage in which drain ball valve 34 is located
between a bend in drain 54 and drain outlet 58. Channel 56 is
perpendicular (i.e., rotated 90 degrees) from the series of holes
24 in tube 22. Drain 54 can have a variety of sizes, shapes,
configurations, and orientations and should allow oil to drain from
the inner cavity of tube 22 out of the system (when in the closed
position) without the oil becoming clogged or otherwise
inhibited.
[0056] FIG. 4B is taken along line 4B-4B as shown in FIG. 5B. FIGS.
4B and 5B show ball valve column 30 in the closed position such
that drain ball valve 34 is aligned within channel 56 of drain 54.
When ball valve column 30 is in the closed position, drain ball
valve is aligned within channel 56 to allow oil to flow through
drain 54 and out through drain outlet 58. Because drain 54 is on
the bottom side of container 12, gravity is utilized to drain oil
from tube 22 when drain 54 is open (when drain ball valve 34 is
aligned within channel 56 and drain plug 60 is not plugging drain
outlet 58). Additionally, rotation wing 50 engages handle stop 64
to ensure ball valve column 30 is not rotated past the closed
position so drain ball valve 34 and channel 56 align. Because of
drain plug 60 is partially within drain outlet 58 and within the
hole in rotation wing 50 when in the open position, drain plug 60
must be removed before ball valve column 30 and handle 46 are
rotated to the closed position. Therefore, drain plug 60 is not
plugging drain outlet 58 when ball valve column 30 is in the closed
position and oil can easily flow out of tube 22 through drain 54. A
hole in drain ball valve 34 that oil flows through can be sized and
shaped to match that of channel 56 or can be a different size,
shape, or configuration depending on design considerations.
[0057] The disclosed inverted oil level sensor assembly 20 has many
benefits. Oil level sensor assembly 20 does not require oil tank 10
to be drained before oil level sensor 28 can be removed, saving
maintenance time and oil that will be lost in the process. Because
oil level sensor 28 is inserted from the bottom of container 12, a
minimal air gap needs to be present in container 12, reducing the
size and weight of oil tank 10 and container 12. Oil level sensor
assembly 20 also has only a few moving parts (the rotation of ball
valve column 30 and handle 46 between the open position and the
closed position), reducing the complexity and the number of
components that can become damaged throughout the life of oil tank
10. The inverted oil level sensor assembly 20 has a number of
safeguards that prevent oil level sensor 28 from being removed
without first sealing tube 22 off from the oil within container 12,
preventing oil in container 12 from draining through drain 54 in
tube 22 and the void left by the removal of oil level sensor 28.
Oil level sensor assembly 20 can be designed into a new and unused
oil tank 10 or can be implemented in an already existing oil tank
10 (i.e., oil tank 10 can be retrofitted to accommodate oil level
sensor assembly 20).
Discussion of Possible Embodiments
[0058] The following are non-exclusive descriptions of possible
embodiments of the present invention.
[0059] An oil level sensor assembly for an oil tank includes a cell
with a first set of holes along the cell, an oil level sensor
within the cell that is configured to be inserted into and removed
from a bottom of the cell, and a ball valve column within the cell
and adjacent to the oil level sensor. The ball valve column is
rotatable, has ball valves that correspond with the first set of
holes along the cell, and is configured such that the ball valve
column is rotatable to an open position aligning the ball valves
with the first set of holes to allow oil to access the oil level
sensor and rotatable to a closed position misaligning the ball
valves with the first set of holes to prevent oil from accessing
the oil level sensor.
[0060] The oil level sensor assembly of the preceding paragraph can
optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or
more of the following features, configurations, and/or additional
components:
[0061] A drain port in fluidic connection with the cell and a drain
ball valve of the ball valve column, the drain ball valve being
within a channel of the drain port that is oriented 90 degrees from
the first set of holes such that the ball valve column is rotatable
to the closed position aligning the drain ball valve with the
channel to allow oil to exit the cell through the drain port.
[0062] A drain plug engageable with an outlet of the drain
port.
[0063] A handle on a bottom end of the ball valve column, wherein
the drain plug secures the handle and the ball valve column in the
open position.
[0064] A handle on a bottom end of the ball valve column.
[0065] The handle in the open position engages a base of the oil
level sensor to prevent the oil level sensor from being removed
from the cell.
[0066] The handle has an arm with a slot that engages a projection
on the base of the oil level sensor.
[0067] A ball valve mount cover adjacent to the handle and the
bottom of the ball valve column.
[0068] A handle stop on the ball valve mount that is configured to
prevent the handle and the ball valve column from rotating past 90
degrees from the open position.
[0069] A wall that separates the cell into a first cavity that
houses the oil level sensor and a second cavity that houses the
ball valve column, the wall having a second set of holes that
correspond with the first set of holes and the ball valves of the
ball valve column such that the ball valve column is rotatable to
the open position aligning ball valves with the first set of holes
and the second set of holes to allow oil to enter the first cavity
without filling the second cavity.
[0070] The first set of holes includes at least one hole adjacent
to a top of the cell and at least one hole adjacent to the bottom
of the cell.
[0071] An oil tank for an engine includes a container, a tube
extending from a bottom of the container with the tube having a
series of holes along the tube that open into the container and an
inner cavity that is accessible through a bottom of the tube, an
oil level sensor within the tube that is configured to be inserted
into and removed from the tube through the bottom of the tube, and
a valve column within the tube and adjacent to the oil level
sensor. The valve column has a plurality of valve elements that
correspond with the series of holes along the tube and being
rotatable between a first position that allows oil to flow through
at least one of the series of holes and at least one of the
plurality of valve elements to access the oil level sensor and a
second position that prevents oil from flowing through the series
of holes and the plurality of valve elements.
[0072] The oil tank of the preceding paragraph can optionally
include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the
following features, configurations, and/or additional
components:
[0073] A drain at the bottom of the tube and in fluidic connection
with the inner cavity with the drain having a channel that is
radially offset from the series of holes and a drain valve within
the channel and incorporated into and rotatable with a bottom of
the valve column such that the drain valve aligns with the channel
in the second position to allow oil to flow out of the inner cavity
of the tube.
[0074] A drain plug engageable with an outlet of the drain.
[0075] A handle extending from the bottom of the valve column out
through the bottom of the tube and the bottom of the container.
[0076] The drain plug secures the handle in the first position.
[0077] The handle has an arm with a slot that engages a projection
on a base of the oil level sensor.
[0078] A handle stop extending from the bottom of the container to
prevent the handle and the valve column from rotating past a set
angle from the first position.
[0079] A tube extends entirely through the container and has a
sealed top.
[0080] The valve column is one continuous element with the
plurality of valve elements such that rotation of the valve column
rotates all of the plurality of valve elements in unison.
[0081] Any relative terms or terms of degree used herein, such as
"substantially," "essentially," "generally," "approximately," and
the like should be interpreted in accordance with and subject to
any applicable definitions or limits expressly stated herein. In
all instances, any relative terms or terms of degree used herein
should be interpreted to broadly encompass any relevant disclosed
embodiments as well as such ranges or variations as would be
understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
entirety of the present disclosure, such as to encompass ordinary
manufacturing tolerance variations; incidental alignment
variations; alignment or shape variations induced by thermal,
rotational, or vibrational operational conditions; and the
like.
[0082] While the invention has been described with reference to an
exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in
the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope
of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to
adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention will
include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *