US4429272A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for indicating dielectric constant
Assignee: Delphi Technologies Inc
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Filing: 1981-11-05
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Granted: 1984-01-31
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Expires: 2001-11-05
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for providing an indication of a change in the dielectric constant of a fluid comprises a pair of electrodes at least one of which in use is surrounded by the fluid, an oscillator operable to charge and discharge the capacitors formed by the electrodes, the frequency of oscillation of the oscillator being dependent upon the voltage developed across one of the capacitors, and means responsive to the difference in the voltages developed across the capacitors.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael R. Bungay
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 03:05
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R27/00; G01R27/02; G01R27/26; G01R27/2617; G01R27/2623; G01N; G01N27/00; G01N27/02; G01N27/22; G01N27/221
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
180 words
Apparatus for providing an indication of a change in the dielectric constant of a fluid comprising a pair of electrodes, at least one of which in use is surrounded by said fluid, an oscillator operable to charge and discharge capacitors formed by said electrodes, said oscillator including a pair of exclusive OR circuits, a first pair of resistors connecting the output of one of said exclusive OR circuits to said capacitors respectively, a second pair of resistors connecting the capacitors respectively to one input of the other exclusive OR circuit, the output of said other exclusive OR circuit being connected in use to one input of said one exclusive OR circuit, the other inputs of the exclusive OR circuits being connected to opposite polarity supply lines respectively, the frequency of oscillation of said oscillator being dependent upon the rate of change of voltage across either one of said capacitors during a cycle, and means responsive to the difference in the voltages developed across said capacitors, said means providing an indication of a change in the dielectric constant of the fluid.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
180 words
Apparatus for providing an indication of a change in the dielectric constant of a fluid comprising a pair of electrodes, at least one of which in use is surrounded by said fluid, an oscillator operable to charge and discharge capacitors formed by said electrodes, said oscillator including a pair of exclusive OR circuits, a first pair of resistors connecting the output of one of said exclusive OR circuits to said capacitors respectively, a second pair of resistors connecting the capacitors respectively to one input of the other exclusive OR circuit, the output of said other exclusive OR circuit being connected in use to one input of said one exclusive OR circuit, the other inputs of the exclusive OR circuits being connected to opposite polarity supply lines respectively, the frequency of oscillation of said oscillator being dependent upon the rate of change of voltage across either one of said capacitors during a cycle, and means responsive to the difference in the voltages developed across said capacitors, said means providing an indication of a change in the dielectric constant of the fluid.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 including a resistor connected between the output of said other circuit and the one input of the one circuit, and a capacitor connected between the one input of the one circuit and its output.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
32 words
An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 or 2 including a further exclusive OR having its inputs connected to said capacitors respectively and its output connected to an indicating circuit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
48 words
An apparatus according to claim 3 in which said indicating circuit includes a transistor the collector/emitter path of which is connected in series with a warning lamp, the output of said further exclusive OR circuit being connected to the base of said transistor by way of a resistor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
An apparatus according to claim 4 including a capacitor operable to delay the conduction of the transistor following a change in the output of the further exclusive OR circuit.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
47 words
An apparatus according to claim 5 including an additional exclusive "OR" circuit connected as a timer to provide base current to said transistor for a limited period of time for the purpose of testing said warning lamp when the apparatus is connected to a source of supply.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 in which said capacitors are formed by the electrodes and fixed capacitors connected in series therewith, said electrodes being carried upon an insulated support for immersion in the fluid.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 in which said electrodes are mounted within an insulating support arranged to be immersed in the fluid.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 in which the areas of the two electrodes are different.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-01-30 | 1987-08-01 | 1988-01-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-01-30 | 1991-08-01 | 1992-01-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-01-30 | 1995-08-01 | 1996-01-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |