Solid state fluid level sensor
First Claim
1. A fluid sensing pad comprising:
- a first electrode having a geometric form;
a second electrode disposed in a spaced relationship to said first electrode, said second electrode substantially surrounding said first electrode;
a first active electrical component proximate to said first and second electrodes; and
an interconnect pattern electrically coupling said first and second electrodes, said first active electrical component, a controlled device, and a power supply for said controlled device,wherein said first and second electrodes apply common mode signals to inputs of a differential sensing circuit.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A sensor system for sensing liquid level in a bilge, for use in automatic bilge pump actuation. First and second field effect sensors are potted or sealed within a container or the bilge wall and are aligned in a vertical array and each comprise a substantially planar pattern of “electrodes” or conductive traces disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) along with integrated circuits used to create a loop or arc-shaped electric field. As bilge liquid rises to the proximity or level of the field effect sensors, a change in the arc-shaped electric field is sensed and, in response, a bilge pump is automatically actuated to pump liquid out of the bilge. Optionally, the pump control can be programmed by use of a microprocessor to permit control of on-off timing and prevent undesirable effects of “sloshing.”
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A fluid sensing pad comprising:
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a first electrode having a geometric form; a second electrode disposed in a spaced relationship to said first electrode, said second electrode substantially surrounding said first electrode; a first active electrical component proximate to said first and second electrodes; and an interconnect pattern electrically coupling said first and second electrodes, said first active electrical component, a controlled device, and a power supply for said controlled device, wherein said first and second electrodes apply common mode signals to inputs of a differential sensing circuit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification