The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 27, 2003
Filed:
Feb. 23, 2001
Charles E. Heger, Saratoga, CA (US);
Other;
Abstract
A wireless (e.g., radio) system and method for automatic water level maintenance of, e.g., a swimming pool utilizing capacitive liquid level sensing. A reference electrode allows water level sensing independent of the water chemistry or temperature. Capacitive electrodes having areas larger than the reference electrode sense various liquid levels when the liquid covers an area of any sensing electrode equal to the area of the reference electrode. Averaging is incorporated to filter out effects of wind or other disturbances. Upon sensing a given condition, the transmitter transmits a sensed condition to a remote receiver for control of valves and pumps for changing the water level in the pool. The receiver includes safety timers for filling and emptying to protect against equipment failure or communications faults. User selectable identification allows identical such radio systems to operate within proximity to each other. Power saving features are used to extend battery life.