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:
Jul. 13, 2004
Filed:
Jun. 13, 2002
David Capano, Greenfield, NY (US);
Environment One Corporation, Niskayuna, NY (US);
Abstract
A sensor for use in determining a level of a medium or detecting an object includes a plurality of spaced-apart electrically conductive members disposed on a nonconductive support. Each of the conductive members are connected to an astable multivibrator for selectively generating a first plurality of signals each having a frequency based on a capacitive value due to a respective conductive member, an at least one ground member, and at least one of an absence of the medium and a presence of the medium. A microcontroller enables determining the level of the medium or detection of the object based on the frequencies of the first plurality of generated signals. The microcontroller may be configured for compensating for buildup of a material on the sensor to enhance the accuracy of the sensor. Self-correcting features and safety features employed in the sensor are also disclosed.