Continuous condition sensing system
US4950998A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 21, 1988 |
| Grant date | Aug 21, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 21, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01R27/2605
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A probe developing an admittance with a material whose condition is to be continuously measured is capacitively coupled with a variable frequency oscillator, preferably one having a digital output stage, for generating a variable frequency signal having a period varying with the admittance developed at the probe. Both the oscillator input and output are capacitively coupled to the probe. In a preferred embodiment, a set point circuit including a plurality of resistors coupled in parallel with the oscillator output and a plurality of switches coupled in parallel with the probe conductor and each with a different one of the resistor, provides easy circuit adjustment for use of the system with a variety of materials. A preferred digital circuit employing a pair of flip flops, fixed timer and one shot generate a fixed period variable duration duty cycle digital voltage level signal for transmission, if desired, or for conversion into a variable current signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.