초록 ▼

A fluid level sensor and a method of operating the oil level sensor to measure the fluid level and dielectric strength of the fluid substantially simultaneously. The fluid level sensor having a compensator capacitor normally fully submerged within the fluid and a linear capacitor variably submerged

A fluid level sensor and a method of operating the oil level sensor to measure the fluid level and dielectric strength of the fluid substantially simultaneously. The fluid level sensor having a compensator capacitor normally fully submerged within the fluid and a linear capacitor variably submerged as a function of fluid level. Oscillators convert the capacitance of the linear and compensator capacitors into a first and second frequency respectively. A processor uses the two frequencies and calibration data stored in a memory to calculate the fluid level and dielectric strength substantially simultaneously. The dielectric strength calculation may be based upon an offset from the second frequency from a known frequency of a known dielectric strength. The fluid level calculation may be based upon a ratio of a numerator to a denominator where the numerator is a difference between the second frequency and a second focal point frequency, and the denominator is a difference between the first frequency and a first focal point frequency.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A sensor for measuring a dielectric strength and a level of a fluid above a predetermined level in a container, the sensor comprising:a linear capacitor disposed within the container to engage the fluid while the level of the fluid is above the predetermined level, the linear capacitor having a f

1. A sensor for measuring a dielectric strength and a level of a fluid above a predetermined level in a container, the sensor comprising:a linear capacitor disposed within the container to engage the fluid while the level of the fluid is above the predetermined level, the linear capacitor having a first capacitance that is sensitive to the dielectric strength and the level of the fluid above the predetermined level; a compensator capacitor disposed within the container and submerged in the fluid when the level of the fluid is at least as high as the predetermined level, the compensator capacitor having a second capacitance that is sensitive to the dielectric strength of the fluid and an electronic circuit including a first oscillator electrically connected to the linear capacitor to convert the first capacitance into a first frequency, a second oscillator electrically connected to the compensator capacitor to convert the second capacitance into a second frequency, and a processor electrically connected to the first oscillator and the second oscillator, the processor being operational to calculate the dielectric strength and the level of the fluid above the predetermined level substantially simultaneously based upon the first frequency and the second frequency.