Capacitive sensor and method and apparatus for controlling a pump using same

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 8380355
APP PUB NO 20080229819A1
SERIAL NO

12049906

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

Importance

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Abstract

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A variable capacitor for sensing the level of a liquid. The capacitor provides a readable capacitance that varies with respect to the level of the liquid. A pump control system implementing the capacitive sensor to control the level of a liquid by activating and deactivating the pump depending on the level of the liquid. Methods relating to varying capacitance of a capacitive sensor and controlling a pump based on the level of a liquid. A pump controller for controlling the level of a liquid in a reservoir includes a controller and a capacitor. The capacitor is adapted to provide an activation signal to the controller when the liquid in the reservoir reaches a first predetermined level relative thereto. Additionally, the capacitor is adapted to provide a trigger signal to the controller when the liquid in the reservoir reaches a second predetermined level relative thereto. Based on the trigger signal, the controller determines when to deactivate the pump.

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Patent Owner(s)

  • WAYNE/SCOTT FETZER COMPANY

International Classification(s)

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Mayleben, Philip A Edgewood, US 6 421
Stetter, Thomas R Cincinnati, US 3 97

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