Patents by Inventor James B. Dockendorff
James B. Dockendorff has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11435217Abstract: A tank and liquid level indicator has first housing that holds a liquid and a second elongated housing in fluid communication with the first elongated housing so that a liquid level in the second housing is approximately equal to the level in the first housing. A float in the second housing cooperates with the circuitry to operate one or more light switches. A light-transmissive cover is disposed over the light source.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2020Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: Gems Sensors Inc.Inventors: David P. Curry, Douglas Stetson, James B. Dockendorff
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Publication number: 20210003443Abstract: A tank and liquid level indicator has first housing that holds a liquid and a second elongated housing in fluid communication with the first elongated housing so that a liquid level in the second housing is approximately equal to the level in the first housing. A float in the second housing cooperates with the circuitry to operate one or more light switches. A light-transmissive cover is disposed over the light source.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2020Publication date: January 7, 2021Inventors: David P. Curry, Douglas Stetson, James B. Dockendorff
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Patent number: 10782176Abstract: A tank and liquid level indicator has first housing that holds a liquid and a second elongated housing in fluid communication with the first elongated housing so that a liquid level in the second housing is approximately equal to the level in the first housing. A float in the second housing cooperates with the circuitry to operate one or more light switches. A light-transmissive cover is disposed over the light source.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2018Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: GEMS SENSORS INC.Inventors: David P. Curry, Douglas Stetson, James B. Dockendorff
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Publication number: 20190137320Abstract: A tank and liquid level indicator has first housing that holds a liquid and a second elongated housing in fluid communication with the first elongated housing so that a liquid level in the second housing is approximately equal to the level in the first housing. A float in the second housing cooperates with the circuitry to operate one or more light switches. A light-transmissive cover is disposed over the light source.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2018Publication date: May 9, 2019Inventors: David P. Curry, Douglas Stetson, James B. Dockendorff
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Patent number: 10215612Abstract: A fluid detector for determining a presence of a fluid within a container, the detector including a sensor assembly with a lens and a sensor element that outputs a first ultrasonic signal in response to an input electrical signal. A generally cylindrical wall extends outwardly from an outer surface of the container and defines a housing with a cylindrical central bore having a base surface. The sensor assembly is coupled to the lens so that the lens focuses the first ultrasonic signal toward the wall. The sensor assembly is positioned such that it receives a second ultrasonic signal from the wall that results from the first ultrasonic signal. The sensor assembly then generates an output electrical signal corresponding to the second ultrasonic signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2017Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: GEMS SENSORS, INC.Inventors: James B. Dockendorff, Kevin B. Downs, Bryan M. LaBarge, George K. Lewis
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Patent number: 10156467Abstract: A tank and liquid level indicator has first housing that holds a liquid and a second elongated housing in fluid communication with the first elongated housing so that a liquid level in the second housing is approximately equal to the level in the first housing. A float in the second housing cooperates with the circuitry to operate one or more light switches. A light-transmissive cover is disposed over the light source.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2016Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: GEMS SENSORS INC.Inventors: David P. Curry, Douglas Stetson, James B. Dockendorff
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Publication number: 20180045552Abstract: A fluid detector for determining a presence of a fluid within a container, the detector including a sensor assembly with a lens and a sensor element that outputs a first ultrasonic signal in response to an input electrical signal. A generally cylindrical wall extends outwardly from an outer surface of the container and defines a housing with a cylindrical central bore having a base surface. The sensor assembly is coupled to the lens so that the lens focuses the first ultrasonic signal toward the wall. The sensor assembly is positioned such that it receives a second ultrasonic signal from the wall that results from the first ultrasonic signal. The sensor assembly then generates an output electrical signal corresponding to the second ultrasonic signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2017Publication date: February 15, 2018Inventors: James B. Dockendorff, Kevin B. Downs, Bryan M. LaBarge, George K. Lewis
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Patent number: 9709435Abstract: A liquid level sensor for use with a container, including a housing with a body defining an interior volume, a switch actuated by an applied magnetic flux field to a closed position, the switch being disposed within the interior volume of the housing, and a float including a body, a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A pivot assembly includes a magnet and couples the housing and the first end of the float such that the float is pivotable about the pivot assembly between a first position and a second position, and a shunt is disposed within the first end of the float body. The shunt is disposed between the magnet and the switch in the first position of the float, thereby shielding the switch from the magnetic flux of the magnet such that the switch is in the open position.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2015Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: Gems Sensors Inc.Inventors: James B. Dockendorff, Kevin B. Downs
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Publication number: 20170138780Abstract: A tank and liquid level indicator has first housing that holds a liquid and a second elongated housing in fluid communication with the first elongated housing so that a liquid level in the second housing is approximately equal to the level in the first housing. A float in the second housing cooperates with the circuitry to operate one or more light switches. A light-transmissive cover is disposed over the light source.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2016Publication date: May 18, 2017Inventors: David P. Curry, Douglas Stetson, James B. Dockendorff
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Patent number: 9631968Abstract: A fluid detector for determining a presence of a fluid within a container, the detector including a sensor assembly with a lens and a sensor element that outputs a first ultrasonic signal in response to an input electrical signal. A generally cylindrical wall extends outwardly from an outer surface of the container and defines a housing with a cylindrical central bore having a base surface. The sensor assembly is coupled to the lens so that the lens focuses the first ultrasonic signal toward the wall. The sensor assembly is positioned such that it receives a second ultrasonic signal from the wall that results from the first ultrasonic signal. The sensor assembly then generates an output electrical signal corresponding to the second ultrasonic signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2014Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: Gems Sensors, Inc.Inventors: James B. Dockendorff, Kevin B. Downs, Bryan M. LaBarge, George K. Lewis
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Publication number: 20170082478Abstract: A liquid detection system for determining a presence of a liquid, including a piezoelectric element that outputs a first ultrasonic signal in response to an input electrical signal, and a housing with a first surface and a second surface disposed on opposite sides of a portion of the housing, a third surface disposed opposite the second surface across a gap in the housing, and a fourth surface and a fifth surface extending between the second surface and the third surface. The piezoelectric element is coupled to the first surface of the housing so that the piezoelectric element directs the first ultrasonic signal toward the second surface, and the gap in the housing is in fluid communication with a surrounding environment so that when fluid from the surrounding environment is present in the gap, the third surface of the housing reflects a second ultrasonic signal in response to the first ultrasonic signal when the liquid is present in the gap.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2016Publication date: March 23, 2017Inventors: Bryan M. LaBarge, James B. Dockendorff
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Publication number: 20150177049Abstract: A liquid level sensor for use with a container, including a housing with a body defining an interior volume, a switch actuated by an applied magnetic flux field to a closed position, the switch being disposed within the interior volume of the housing, and a float including a body, a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A pivot assembly includes a magnet and couples the housing and the first end of the float such that the float is pivotable about the pivot assembly between a first position and a second position, and a shunt is disposed within the first end of the float body. The shunt is disposed between the magnet and the switch in the first position of the float, thereby shielding the switch from the magnetic flux of the magnet such that the switch is in the open position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2015Publication date: June 25, 2015Inventors: James B. Dockendorff, Kevin B. Downs
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Publication number: 20150075278Abstract: A transducer for use in a fluid detector for determining a presence of a fluid within a container, the transducer comprising a piezoelectric element that outputs an ultrasonic signal in response to an input electrical signal, characterized in that said transducer further comprises, a lens with an upper portion, a lower portion, and a focal point, the upper portion including a curved surface with convex side. The piezoelectric element is coupled to the upper portion of the lens so that, when the lens is disposed adjacent an outer surface of a wall of the container such that the lens is intermediate the piezoelectric element and the wall, the lens focuses the ultrasonic signal toward the focal point of the lens and on the inner surface of the wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2014Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventors: James B. Dockendorff, Kevin B. Downs, Bryon M. LaBarge, George K. Lewis
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Patent number: 8966974Abstract: A liquid level sensor for use with a container, including a housing with a body defining an interior volume, a switch actuated by an applied magnetic flux field to a closed position, the switch being disposed within the interior volume of the housing, and a float including a body, a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A pivot assembly includes a magnet and couples the housing and the first end of the float such that the float is pivotable about the pivot assembly between a first position and a second position, and a shunt is disposed within the first end of the float body. The shunt is disposed between the magnet and the switch in the first position of the float, thereby shielding the switch from the magnetic flux of the magnet such that the switch is in the open position.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Gems Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Kevin B. Downs, James B. Dockendorff
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Publication number: 20140360906Abstract: A fluid detector for determining a presence of a fluid within a container, the detector including a sensor assembly with a lens and a sensor element that outputs a first ultrasonic signal in response to an input electrical signal. A generally cylindrical wall extends outwardly from an outer surface of the container and defines a housing with a cylindrical central bore having a base surface. The sensor assembly is coupled to the lens so that the lens focuses the first ultrasonic signal toward the wall. The sensor assembly is positioned such that it receives a second ultrasonic signal from the wall that results from the first ultrasonic signal. The sensor assembly then generates an output electrical signal corresponding to the second ultrasonic signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventors: James B. Dockendorff, Kevin B. Downs, Bryan M. LaBarge, George K. Lewis
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Patent number: 8850883Abstract: A transducer for use in a fluid detector for determining a presence of a fluid within a container, the transducer comprising a piezoelectric element that outputs an ultrasonic signal in response to an input electrical signal, characterized in that said transducer further comprises, a lens with an upper portion, a lower portion, and a focal point, the upper portion including a curved surface with convex side. The piezoelectric element is coupled to the upper portion of the lens so that, when the lens is disposed adjacent an outer surface of a wall of the container such that the lens is intermediate the piezoelectric element and the wall, the lens focuses the ultrasonic signal toward the focal point of the lens and on the inner surface of the wall.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2010Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Gems Sensors, Inc.Inventors: James B. Dockendorff, Kevin B. Downs, Bryan M. LaBarge, George K. Lewis
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Patent number: 8813558Abstract: A fluid detector for determining a presence of a fluid within a container, the detector including a sensor assembly with a lens and a sensor element that outputs a first ultrasonic signal in response to an input electrical signal. A generally cylindrical wall extends outwardly from an outer surface of the container and defines a housing with a cylindrical central bore having a base surface. The sensor assembly is coupled to the lens so that the lens focuses the first ultrasonic signal toward the wall. The sensor assembly is positioned such that it receives a second ultrasonic signal from the wall that results from the first ultrasonic signal. The sensor assembly then generates an output electrical signal corresponding to the second ultrasonic signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Gems Sensors, Inc.Inventors: James B. Dockendorff, Kevin B. Downs, Bryan M. LaBarge, George K. Lewis
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Publication number: 20120210782Abstract: A liquid level sensor for use with a container, including a housing with a body defining an interior volume, a switch actuated by an applied magnetic flux field to a closed position, the switch being disposed within the interior volume of the housing, and a float including a body, a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A pivot assembly includes a magnet and couples the housing and the first end of the float such that the float is pivotable about the pivot assembly between a first position and a second position, and a shunt is disposed within the first end of the float body. The shunt is disposed between the magnet and the switch in the first position of the float, thereby shielding the switch from the magnetic flux of the magnet such that the switch is in the open position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2012Publication date: August 23, 2012Applicant: GEMS SENSORS, INC.Inventors: Kevin B. Downs, James B. Dockendorff
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Publication number: 20110219871Abstract: A fluid detector for determining a presence of a fluid within a container, the detector including a sensor assembly with a lens and a sensor element that outputs a first ultrasonic signal in response to an input electrical signal. A generally cylindrical wall extends outwardly from an outer surface of the container and defines a housing with a cylindrical central bore having a base surface. The sensor assembly is coupled to the lens so that the lens focuses the first ultrasonic signal toward the wall. The sensor assembly is positioned such that it receives a second ultrasonic signal from the wall that results from the first ultrasonic signal. The sensor assembly then generates an output electrical signal corresponding to the second ultrasonic signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: GEMS SENSORS, INC.Inventors: James B. Dockendorff, Kevin B. Downs, Bryan M. LaBarge, George K. Lewis
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Patent number: 7946169Abstract: A fluid detector includes a piezoelectric element that outputs a first ultrasonic signal in response to an input electrical signal and a lens with an upper portion and a lower portion. A housing is integral with an outer surface of the wall of a container and defines a cylindrical central bore for receiving the lens. The piezoelectric element is coupled to the upper portion of the lens so that the lens focuses the first ultrasonic signal toward the wall so that it enters the wall. An ultrasonic detector is disposed adjacent the outer surface of the wall, for receiving a second ultrasonic signal from the wall that results from the first ultrasonic signal and that is affected by the presence or absence of fluid. The ultrasonic detector generates an output electrical signal corresponding to the second ultrasonic signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2009Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Gems Sensors, Inc.Inventors: James B. Dockendorff, Kevin B. Downs, Bryan M. LaBarge, George K. Lewis