초록 ▼

A fluid sensor (100) senses a level of fluid (20) in a receptacle (10). The fluid sensor comprises a detector assembly (200) for detecting fluid and comprises sensor circuitry. The detector assembly comprises a detector body (201) comprising an electrically insulative material and defining first and

A fluid sensor (100) senses a level of fluid (20) in a receptacle (10). The fluid sensor comprises a detector assembly (200) for detecting fluid and comprises sensor circuitry. The detector assembly comprises a detector body (201) comprising an electrically insulative material and defining first and second surfaces (210, 220) in a predetermined spaced relation. The detector body defines a space (250) between the first and second surfaces and defines a port (255, 257) for allowing fluid to pass in the space between the first and second surfaces. The detector assembly also comprises first and second conductive layers (212, 222) deposited over at least a portion of the first and second surfaces of the detector body, respectively. The sensor circuitry is conductively coupled to at least one of the first and second conductive layers for generating an electrical signal based on whether fluid is present in the space between the first and second surfaces.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A fluid sensor comprising:a) a detector assembly for detecting fluid, said detector assembly comprising:i) a detector body comprising an electrically insulative material and defining a first surface and a second surface in a predetermined spaced relation with said first s

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A fluid sensor comprising:a) a detector assembly for detecting fluid, said detector assembly comprising:i) a detector body comprising an electrically insulative material and defining a first surface and a second surface in a predetermined spaced relation with said first surface, said detector body defining a space between said first surface and said second surface and defining a port for allowing fluid to pass into said space between said first and second surfaces,ii) a first conductive layer deposited over at least a portion of said first surface of said detector body, andiii) a second conductive layer deposited over at least a portion of said second surface of said detector body;wherein said detector body comprises a first molded portion and a second molded portion around said first molded portion to define patterns for said first and second conductive layers, said first and second molded portions comprising different materials; andb) a printed circuit board for supporting sensor circuitry conductively coupled to at least one of said first and second conductive layers for generating an electrical signal based on whether fluid is present in said space between said first and second surfaces;wherein said detector body further defines a mounting surface for supporting for electrical contact to said sensor circuitry and defines a via extending between said mounting surface and one of said first and second conductive layers, said contact conductively coupled to said one of said first and second conductive layers through said via.