Drexelbrook Controls, Inc.

Jonathan L Kramer

Frederick L Maltby

Steven R Petersen

Howard S Hoopes

Richard G Hall

Herbert A Shauger, Jr

Kenneth M Loewenstern

A probe developing an admittance with a material whose condition is to be continuously measured is capacitively coupled with a variable frequency oscillator, preferably one having a digital output stage, for generating a variable frequency signal having a period varying with the admittance developed at the probe. Both the oscillator input and output are capacitively coupled to the probe. In a preferred embodiment, a set point circuit including a plurality of resistors coupled in parallel with the oscillator output and a plurality of switches coupled in parallel with the probe conductor and each with a different one of the resistor, provides easy circuit adjustment for use of the system with a variety of materials. A preferred digital circuit employing a pair of flip flops, fixed timer and one shot generate a fixed period variable duration duty cycle digital voltage level signal for transmission, if desired, or for conversion into a variable current signal.

Continuous condition sensing system

A two-wire, admittance-responsive instrument system in which a transmitter, receiver and calibrator are connected by a two-wire transmission line is disclosed. The calibrator repetitively transmits a calibration enabling signal causing the transmitter to increment a reference admittance for comparison to a sensed admittance corresponding to a known physical condition. The calibrator monitors the bistable output signals transmitted by the transmitter in the calibration mode, which changes state when the incremented reference admittance bears a predetermined relationship to the sensed admittance. The calibrator may then transmit additional calibration enabling signals causing preload to be established for transmitter operation.

Remotely calibratable instrument system

A two-wire transmitter includes an admittance sensing probe adapted to sense the conditions and corresponding admittance of materials. The probe is coupled into an admittance responsive network which generates an admittance signal representing the condition of materials. The output current from the transmitter is varied in response to the admittance signal. In one embodiment of the invention, the admittance responsive network comprises a variable frequency oscillator whose frequency varies with the admittance of the materials. In another embodiment, the admittance responsive network comprises a ramp generator with a frequency which varies with the admittance of the materials. In another embodiment, the admittance responsive network comprises a bridge whose balance changes in response to the admittance of the materials.

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Warminster, PA, United States of America

Jonathan L Kramer