Patent attributes
A contactless, sealed fuel level sensor for determining a fuel level in a fuel tank and producing a level indicative signal includes a frame, a cover, a float arm, a float and a light-responsive sensor. The frame is configured to have a cavity formed therein. The cover is connected to the frame to enclose the cavity. The float arm is coupled to one of the frame or cover. The float is connected to the float arm and configured such that the float moves the float arm as a level of fuel increases and decreases in the fuel tank. The light-responsive sensor is configured to generate a fuel level signal indicative of a fuel level in the fuel tank based on the movement of the float arm. The fuel level sensor may also include a light source such as a light emitting diode (LED). The light-responsive sensor may be a single photoelectric sensor located in the sealed cavity, or an array of photoelectric sensors located in the sealed cavity. The fuel level sensor may also include a rotatable hub connected to the float arm for movement as the arm moves and where rotation of the hub varies an amount of light impinging on the photoelectric sensor. The light responsive sensor may also include a CMOS sensor located in the sealed cavity. The light responsive sensor may also include a digital, optical-based displacement encoder mounted on the float arm used in combination with a rotary scale applied to the cover opposite the encoder.
