Ssi Technologies, Inc.

Bourns Incorporated

Lawrence B Reimer

Gregory Paul Murphy

David T Schlenke

Daniel R Reneau

Kenneth McDonald

Carol A Spicuzza

James Thomas

Daniel Russell Reneau

A fluid sensor including a sensing area configured to receive a fluid. The fluid sensor includes a transducer and a capacitive sensor. The transducer is configured to output an ultrasonic wave through the fluid. The capacitive sensor includes a capacitive plate configured to reflect the ultrasonic wave toward the transducer.

Combination sensor

A level measurement system including a tank, a transducer, and a controller. The tank is configured to contain a liquid. The transducer is configured to output an ultrasonic signal into the tank. The controller has a memory and electronic processor. The controller is electrically coupled to the transducer and is configured to determine a ring time of the transducer, and determine a level of the liquid contained within the tank based on the ring time of the transducer.

Fluid level sensing utilizing ring-time signatures of a transducer

A system and method for controlling the energy of sound waves generated for fluid sensing. The system includes a transducer configured to generate a first sound wave and a second sound wave and to detect a first echo of the first and second sound waves. The system also includes a driver configured to drive the transducer to produce the first and second sound waves. The system also includes a controller configured to compare a signal characteristic of the first echo of the first and second sound waves. The controller is configured to control the driver based on comparing the signal characteristic of the first echo of the first and second sound waves.

Systems and methods for power management in ultrasonic sensors

A system for sensing a fluid. The system including a fixed object; a first transducer generating a first sound wave in a horizontal direction and to detect a first echo of the first sound wave from the fixed object; a second transducer generating a second sound wave in a vertical direction; a temperature sensor detecting a temperature of the fluid; and a controller. The controller configured to produce a first signal to drive the first transducer to produce the first sound wave, produce a second signal to drive the second transducer to produce the second sound wave, receive a first indication of the detected first echo, receive a second indication of the detected second echo, receive a temperature indication, determine a quality of the fluid based on the first indication and the temperature indication, and determine a quantity of the fluid based on the second indication.

Systems and methods of determining a quality and a quantity of a fluid

A sensor operable to sense a characteristic of a fluid. The sensor includes a sensing area, a filter, and a transducer. The sensing area is configured to contain the fluid. The filter covers the sensing area. The filter is configured to allow a liquid portion of the fluid to enter the sensing area and substantially prohibit a gas portion of the fluid to enter the sensing area. The transducer is operable to output a pulse of sound through the liquid portion of the fluid contained within the sensing area, receive the reflected pulse of sound, and output a characteristic of the fluid based on the received pulse of sound.

Reduction of aeration interference in an ultrasonic fluid sensing system

A fluid sensor for sensing at least one characteristic of a fluid. The fluid sensor includes a sensing area, a sensing element and a mesh. The sensing element is configured to sense a characteristic of fluid located within the sensing area. The mesh is positioned around the sensing area. The mesh is configured to allow a liquid portion of the fluid to enter and exit the sensing area, and substantially prohibit a gas portion of the fluid to enter the channel.

A system for determining a quality and/or depth of a fluid in a tank. The system includes a controller, one or more transducers, and a temperature sensor. A fixed distance transducer transmits a sound wave toward a fixed surface. A depth transducer transmits a sound wave which reflects off a surface of the fluid. The temperature sensor senses a temperature of the fluid in the tank and provides an indication of the temperature to the controller. The controller measures the elapsed time for the sound waves to travel between the fixed distance transducer and a fixed surface and the elapsed time for the sound waves to travel between the depth transducer and the surface of the fluid held within the container. Using the elapsed times and the temperature of the fluid, the controller is able to determine a quality and the depth of the fluid.

Systems and methods of determining a quality and/or depth of diesel exhaust fluid

A target magnet assembly configured to be secured to a rotating shaft of a steering gear assembly. The target magnet assembly includes an index hub with a mount and a magnet secured by the mount. The mount includes a tab with a protrusion extending from the tab, a finger, and a stop. The magnet includes an axial retention groove receiving the finger, a top surface abutting the stop, and a radial retention groove receiving the protrusion.

Three-piece torque sensor assembly

A level sensor includes a first transducer generating a first signal, a second transducer generating a second signal, and a processor configured to switch operation between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the first transducer generates the first signal and the second transducer senses a reflection of the first signal from a surface. In the second mode, the second transducer generates the second signal and the first transducer senses a reflection of the second signal from a reference target. The processor determines a distance to the surface.

Immersed fuel level sensor

A circuit with two terminals that receive an input current. The circuit includes a sensor, and a controller to generate a modulated signal. The circuit also includes a flyback circuit that receives the modulated signal. The flyback circuit generates a first output voltage based on the modulated signal, shunts or redistributes at least a portion of the input current, and enables the controller to regulate the input current in proportion to the modulated signal.

Two wire resistive sensor

A sensor having a first array of N magnetic pole pairs, where N is a positive number, and a second array of M magnetic pole pairs, arranged substantially in parallel to the first array, where M is a positive number different from N, such as N&#x2212;1 or N+1. A first magnetic pole in the second array is aligned with a first magnetic pole in the first array. The remaining magnetic poles in the second array are arranged such that each one of them is positioned with respect to at least one pole in the first array to form a magnetic field with an angular orientation with respect to the two poles. This arrangement of magnetic pole pairs can be used to measure absolute position. A third array of M magnetic pole pairs may be arranged substantially in parallel with the second array. The second and third arrays of magnetic pole pairs may be used to measure relative position between the two arrays.

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Georgetown, SC, United States of America

Lawrence B Reimer