Solid state fluid level sensor

Details Solid state fluid level sensor Solid state fluid level sensor

2004-07-09

2008-05-20

Williams, Hezron (Department: 2856)

Measuring and testing

Liquid level or depth gauge

C073S30400R, C340S620000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07373817

ABSTRACT:
A sensor system for sensing liquid level in a bilge, for use in automatic bilge pump actuation. First and second field effect sensors are potted or sealed within a container or the bilge wall and are aligned in a vertical array and each comprise a substantially planar pattern of “electrodes” or conductive traces disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) along with integrated circuits used to create a loop or arc-shaped electric field. As bilge liquid rises to the proximity or level of the field effect sensors, a change in the arc-shaped electric field is sensed and, in response, a bilge pump is automatically actuated to pump liquid out of the bilge. Optionally, the pump control can be programmed by use of a microprocessor to permit control of on-off timing and prevent undesirable effects of “sloshing.”

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