Proximity sensor for level sensing
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An apparatus for sensing the level of a substance contained in a tank having a bottom portion and a side wall portion, comprising:
- a first, thin planar electrode associated with said side wall portion;
a second, thin planar electrode associated with said side wall portion;
said second electrode arranged on said side wall portion substantially above said first electrode with respect to said bottom portion;
said first electrode coupled to a first resistor and to a first input of a detection circuit;
said second electrode coupled to a second resistor and to a second input of a detection circuit;
a strobe line coupled to said first resistor and said second resistor;
wherein said detection circuit produces a low-level output when said fluid substantially covers neither said first nor said second electrode;
wherein said detection circuit produces a low-level output when said fluid substantially covers both said first and said second electrode;
wherein said detection circuit produces a high-level output when said fluid substantially covers one, but not both, of said first and said second electrodes.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A field effect sensor is adapted for use in sensing level of fluids and powders. The sensor uses elongated, parallel electrodes disposed on or within the side wall of a tank. The longitudinal axes of the electrodes are parallel to the surface of fluid or powder contained in the tank.
95 Citations
9 Claims
-
1. An apparatus for sensing the level of a substance contained in a tank having a bottom portion and a side wall portion, comprising:
-
a first, thin planar electrode associated with said side wall portion; a second, thin planar electrode associated with said side wall portion; said second electrode arranged on said side wall portion substantially above said first electrode with respect to said bottom portion; said first electrode coupled to a first resistor and to a first input of a detection circuit; said second electrode coupled to a second resistor and to a second input of a detection circuit; a strobe line coupled to said first resistor and said second resistor; wherein said detection circuit produces a low-level output when said fluid substantially covers neither said first nor said second electrode; wherein said detection circuit produces a low-level output when said fluid substantially covers both said first and said second electrode; wherein said detection circuit produces a high-level output when said fluid substantially covers one, but not both, of said first and said second electrodes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
-
Specification
-
- Resources
Litigation Campaign Assessment
Thank you for your request. You will receive a custom alert email when the Litigation Campaign Assessment is available.
×
-
Current AssigneeTouchsensor Technologies LLC (Methode Electronics Incorporated)
-
Original AssigneeTouchsensor Technologies LLC (Methode Electronics Incorporated)
-
InventorsTaylor, Michael Jon, Zielinski, Michael R.
-
Primary Examiner(s)Williams, Hezron
-
Assistant Examiner(s)FRANK, RODNEY T
-
Application NumberUS10/828,705Publication NumberTime in Patent Office706 DaysField of Search733/04.R, 732/90.R, 733/04.CUS Class Current73/304.00CCPC Class CodesG01F 23/261 for discrete levelsG01F 23/266 measuring circuits thereforG01F 23/268 mounting arrangements of pr...
