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).

  • Patent number: 11435217
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Gems Sensors Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Curry, Douglas Stetson, James B. Dockendorff
  • Publication number: 20210003443
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Publication date: January 7, 2021
    Inventors: David P. Curry, Douglas Stetson, James B. Dockendorff
  • Patent number: 10782176
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: GEMS SENSORS INC.
    Inventors: David P. Curry, Douglas Stetson, James B. Dockendorff
  • Publication number: 20190137320
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: David P. Curry, Douglas Stetson, James B. Dockendorff
  • Patent number: 10215612
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: GEMS SENSORS, INC.
    Inventors: James B. Dockendorff, Kevin B. Downs, Bryan M. LaBarge, George K. Lewis
  • Patent number: 10156467
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: GEMS SENSORS INC.
    Inventors: David P. Curry, Douglas Stetson, James B. Dockendorff
  • Publication number: 20180045552
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: James B. Dockendorff, Kevin B. Downs, Bryan M. LaBarge, George K. Lewis
  • Patent number: 9709435
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Gems Sensors Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Dockendorff, Kevin B. Downs
  • Publication number: 20170138780
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: David P. Curry, Douglas Stetson, James B. Dockendorff
  • Patent number: 9631968
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Gems Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Dockendorff, Kevin B. Downs, Bryan M. LaBarge, George K. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20170082478
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Bryan M. LaBarge, James B. Dockendorff
  • Publication number: 20150177049
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: James B. Dockendorff, Kevin B. Downs
  • Publication number: 20150075278
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: James B. Dockendorff, Kevin B. Downs, Bryon M. LaBarge, George K. Lewis
  • Patent number: 8966974
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Gems Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin B. Downs, James B. Dockendorff
  • Publication number: 20140360906
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: James B. Dockendorff, Kevin B. Downs, Bryan M. LaBarge, George K. Lewis
  • Patent number: 8850883
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Gems Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Dockendorff, Kevin B. Downs, Bryan M. LaBarge, George K. Lewis
  • Patent number: 8813558
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Gems Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Dockendorff, Kevin B. Downs, Bryan M. LaBarge, George K. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20120210782
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: GEMS SENSORS, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin B. Downs, James B. Dockendorff
  • Publication number: 20110219871
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: GEMS SENSORS, INC.
    Inventors: James B. Dockendorff, Kevin B. Downs, Bryan M. LaBarge, George K. Lewis
  • Patent number: 7946169
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Gems Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Dockendorff, Kevin B. Downs, Bryan M. LaBarge, George K. Lewis