Electrically Conductive Fluid Detector

Abstract

A sensor detects the presence of an electrically conductive liquid such as water or the material at the bottom of a reservoir such as an oil pan or crank case. The water or other material will enter a gap between two contacts that are connected to a power source and a signal device such as an LED. The power source may be a battery positioned within the sensor or may be external.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A sensor for detecting the presence of an electrically conductive material comprising:
 an electrically conductive outer housing having an internal bore extending therethrough;   a signal device located within the outer housing;   a member having an internal bore extending therethrough located at an end of said housing;   an electrically conductive pin located within the bore of the member and electrically insulated from the member, thereby forming an annual space between the pin and the member,   the pin and the member adapted to be connected to a power source whereby when an electrically conductive material enters a space between the pin and the bore of the member, it will complete an electrical circuit which will activate the signal device.   
     
     
         2 . The sensor as claimed in  claim 1  including a power source located within the outer housing. 
     
     
         3 . The sensor as claimed in  claim 1  including an external power source. 
     
     
         4 . The sensor as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the signal device is a light emitting diode. 
     
     
         5 . The sensor as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the pin is cylindrical in shape. 
     
     
         6 . The sensor of  claim 1  wherein the member has screw threads on an outer surface thereof. 
     
     
         7 . A sensor for detecting the presence of an electrically conductive material comprising:
 an electrically conductive outer housing having an internal bore extending therethrough;   a signal device located within the outer housing;   a cylindrical member having screw threads on an outer surface thereof and having an internal bore extending therethrough located at an end of said housing;   an electrically conductive pin located within the bore of the cylindrical member and electrically insulted from the cylindrical member;   the pin and the cylindrical member adapted to be connected to a power source whereby when an electrically conductive material enters a space between the pin and the bore of the cylindrical member, it will complete an electrical circuit which will activate the signal device.   
     
     
         8 . The sensor as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the material is a liquid. 
     
     
         9 . The sensor as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the material is a solid.