Appeal No. 2001-0092 Page 8
Application No. 09/033,145
As shown in Figure 2 of Krambs, a suitable sensor for
detecting the presence of water in tank 3 comprises two
concentrically located spaced apart tubes connected to the
respective poles of a low voltage power supply, to provide a
low voltage differential between the tubes. When water rises
in tank 3 to a height that reaches the lower end of the
concentric tubes, current begins to flow between the tubes.
As the water rises above the lower end of the tubes, current
flow reaches a
threshold value sufficient to operate a sensor circuit 32.
Sensor circuit 32 is connected to operate a relay or switch 34
to open the circuit that otherwise energizes motor 11 when
signal box 10 calls for pump 12 to pump oil from large tank 1.
Sensor circuit 32 also, preferably, operates to simultaneously
energize an alarm device 36.
The appellants argue (brief, p. 6; reply brief, pp. 2-3)
that the sensor of Krambs which tests for the physical
accumulation of water is not a sensor which constantly tests
the lubricant for the presence of a certain percentage of
water in the lubricant as recited in claim 1 on appeal. We
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007