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:
Jan. 11, 2005
Filed:
Oct. 30, 2002
Isabelle Mckenzie, Poquoson, VA (US);
David Vanzuilen, Fremont, IN (US);
Francois-xavier Bernard, Corronsac, FR;
Isabelle McKenzie, Poquoson, VA (US);
David Vanzuilen, Fremont, IN (US);
Francois-Xavier Bernard, Corronsac, FR;
Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation, Auburn Hills, MI (US);
Abstract
A sensor () includes a single capacitor () that operates in two different modes to obtain capacitance and conductance information when a mixture flows between the electrodes () of the capacitor. The inventive sensor is particularly well-suited for making methanol content determinations within a mixture used to provide hydrogen to supply a fuel cell. Two different oscillators () are selectively used to obtain the conductance and capacitance information. In a disclosed embodiment, a capacitor includes an outer electrode () that is received around an inner electrode () such that there is a spacing between the electrodes through which the mixture flows. The mixture acts as a dielectric of the capacitor allowing the conductance and capacitance measurements to be made. The example sensor includes a temperature sensor () conveniently supported within the inner electrode ().