US4039942A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System for sensing electrical potential particularly in plants
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1975-08-05
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Granted: 1977-08-02
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Expires: 1995-08-05
Abstract
Abstract The system includes two conductive sensors to be placed in contact with a body which exhibits voltage changes, such as the leaves of a plant. The sensors are connected to an amplifier having high input impedance and connected with positive feedback and providing good common mode rejection. The amplifier output, in response to voltage changes sensed by the sensors, drives a coil having an iron core, and current flow through the coil is sensed by a utilization device, which, in one arrangement, comprises a magnet secured to the clapper of wind bells.
Inventors
- 👤 David Glaser
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 13:50
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R29/00; G01R29/24; G01N; G01N33/00; G01N33/0098; G01R19/00; G01R19/0084; G01R19/145; G01R19/155
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
179 words
A plant voltage sensing system for sensing electrical potentials in the leaves of a plant comprising two conductive sensors capacitively coupled to opposite surfaces of a plant leaf whose electrical potential is to be sensed, a differential operational amplifier having high input impedance and having an output and two inputs, each input being connected through a resistive path to one of said sensors, a resistive path connected across the two inputs of said amplifier, the output of said amplifier being coupled through a resistor and capacitor to one input of said amplifier, both inputs of said amplifier also being connected through a Zener diode arrangement to ground, means connected to the output of said amplifier to receive current flow therefrom in response to potential changes in said leaf and sensed by said sensors, a utilization device for responding to said currentflow and providing a useful representation thereof, and said utilization device comprising bell chimes that ring in response to said current changes whereby the changes in the plant potential of the plant causes said bell chimes to generate sound.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
179 words
A plant voltage sensing system for sensing electrical potentials in the leaves of a plant comprising two conductive sensors capacitively coupled to opposite surfaces of a plant leaf whose electrical potential is to be sensed, a differential operational amplifier having high input impedance and having an output and two inputs, each input being connected through a resistive path to one of said sensors, a resistive path connected across the two inputs of said amplifier, the output of said amplifier being coupled through a resistor and capacitor to one input of said amplifier, both inputs of said amplifier also being connected through a Zener diode arrangement to ground, means connected to the output of said amplifier to receive current flow therefrom in response to potential changes in said leaf and sensed by said sensors, a utilization device for responding to said currentflow and providing a useful representation thereof, and said utilization device comprising bell chimes that ring in response to said current changes whereby the changes in the plant potential of the plant causes said bell chimes to generate sound.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system defined in claim 1 wherein said means includes an iron core coil, a permanent magnet in operative relation with said coil, said magnet and iron core repelling each other when current flows through said coil.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system defined in claim 1 and including bias adjusting means for setting the operating level of said amplifier to respond to the voltage levels found in a particular body.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system defined in claim 1 and including a positive feedback connection from the output to the input of said amplifier.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system defined in claim 1 wherein said sensors comprise conductive polyurethane foam pads and said body comprises a plant leaf.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system defined in claim 1 wherein said sensors comprise conductive polyurethane foam pads adapted to be clamped to said body.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-08-01 | 1981-01-31 | 1981-08-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-08-01 | 1985-01-31 | 1985-08-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-08-01 | 1989-01-31 | 1989-08-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |