Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
85 words
Apparatus for generating a signal proportional to the quantity of the substance in a container composed of electrically non-conducting material, the apparatus comprising a pair of electrically isolated electrodes, mounted on the outside surface of the container, in face-to-face relationship on opposite sections thereof, such that the substance to be measured is situated therebetween, a dielectric coating covering said electrodes, and means, operatively connected to said electrodes, for measuring the capacitance of said electrodes and for generating an output signal proportional to said measured capacitance.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
85 words
Apparatus for generating a signal proportional to the quantity of the substance in a container composed of electrically non-conducting material, the apparatus comprising a pair of electrically isolated electrodes, mounted on the outside surface of the container, in face-to-face relationship on opposite sections thereof, such that the substance to be measured is situated therebetween, a dielectric coating covering said electrodes, and means, operatively connected to said electrodes, for measuring the capacitance of said electrodes and for generating an output signal proportional to said measured capacitance.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electrodes are formed of electrically conducting film.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said film is conductive paint.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said film is aluminum foil.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said film is comprised of aluminized mylar.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said signal generating means comprises a controlled voltage source and means for intermittently pumping current into said electrodes to charge and discharge same.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said signal generating means further comprises means for averaging the amount of charge pumped into the electrodes and means for generating a voltage output proportional thereto.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said signal generating means further comprises calibration means for adjusting said voltage output to be linearly proportional to the quantity of the substance within the container.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said signal generating means further comprises calibration means for calibrating said signal generating means such that said output signal is linearly proportional to the quantity of substance in the container.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said signal generating means comprises a charge pump frequency to voltage converter.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said signal generating means further comprises calibration means for calibrating said signal generating means such that said output signal is linearly proportional to the quantity of substance in the container.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said coating is a plastic sleeve.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said container has a substantially cylindrical portion and wherein said sections are located on said cylindrical portion.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said substance is a liquid and wherein said container is a closed vessel comprising liquid input and output ports.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
10 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said substance is milk.