Liquid level sensor for appliance and associated method
US6959598B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 3, 2004 |
| Grant date | Nov 1, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 3, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01F23/2845
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A liquid level sensor for an appliance having a container in which liquid flows, and associated method. The sensor comprises a radio frequency oscillator and an antenna array connected to an input port of the oscillator. The antenna array comprises a longitudinal strip and a plurality of conductive fingers extending therefrom. The antenna array is mounted on the appliance in the proximity of the container such that each finger corresponds to a respective level in the container. The sensor includes an output port interconnected with the radio frequency oscillator and outputting a frequency step indicative of the container level to which liquid has reached.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.