Capacitive proximity sensor

Patent · Fri Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1993

OSTI ID:869327

Kronberg, James W ^[1]

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1. Aiken, SC

A proximity sensor based on a closed field circuit. The circuit comprises a ring oscillator using a symmetrical array of plates that creates an oscillating displacement current. The displacement current varies as a function of the proximity of objects to the plate array. Preferably the plates are in the form of a group of three pair of symmetric plates having a common center, arranged in a hexagonal pattern with opposing plates linked as a pair. The sensor produces logic level pulses suitable for interfacing with a computer or process controller. The proximity sensor can be incorporated into a load cell, a differential pressure gauge, or a device for measuring the consistency of a characteristic of a material where a variation in the consistency causes the dielectric constant of the material to change.

• Research Organization: WESTINGHOUSE SAVANNAH RIVER CO
• DOE Contract Number: AC09-89SR18035
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 5315884
• OSTI ID: 869327
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

/73/324/
arranged
array
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capacitive
causes
cell
center
change
characteristic
circuit
circuit comprises
closed
closed field
common
common center
comprises
computer
consistency
constant
controller
creates
current
current varies
device
dielectric
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differential
differential pressure
displacement
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field
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form
function
gauge
hexagonal
incorporated
interfacing
level
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load
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logic
material
measuring
opposing
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pattern
plate
plates
preferably
pressure
pressure gauge
process
process control
process controller
produces
proximity
proximity sensor
pulses
pulses suitable
sensor
sensor based
suitable
symmetric
symmetrical
symmetrical array
variation
varies