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System and method including analytical units

  • US 8,996,320 B2
  • Filed: 01/23/2013
  • Issued: 03/31/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/23/2010
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A sensor system comprising:

  • a processor;

    a sensing circuit comprising a mandrel, wherein the sensing circuit is configured to generate a first signal and a second signal, each of the first signal and the second signal relating to at least one of resistance, capacitance, and inductance of the mandrel, andwherein the processor is coupled to the mandrel,wherein the processor is configured to compare the first signal to a first stored reference value to determine contact of a mandrel extension element with a liquid, andwherein the processor is configured to compare the second signal to a second stored reference value to determine a presence of an extension element on the mandrel, a fill level of an extension element, or a proximity of the mandrel to a conductive target,wherein the sensing circuit includes a phase-locked loop circuit and a tank circuit associated with the phase-locked loop circuit, the phase-locked loop circuit incorporating the mandrel and a set of varactors forming a tank block of the tank circuit, the set of varactors coupled to the processor.

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