Brett L Crider

Address:

PO Box 195, Bremen, AL 35033

Phone:

2562872738

VIN:

1GNUKJE3XAR134622

Make:

CHEVROLET

Model:

SUBURBAN

Year:

2010

US Patent:

20080148845, Jun 26, 2008

Filed:

Jan 24, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/883110

Inventors:

Brett Crider - Bremen AL, US

International Classification:

G01F 23/26

US Classification:

73304 C

Abstract:

A material level detection sensor () having a continuous ultrasonic sensor () and a capacitive proximity sensor (). The capacitive proximity sensor detects the material only when the material is at or within the dead zone () of the ultrasonic sensor, at which point it switches the ultrasonic sensor off. The ultrasonic sensor transmits a level detection output signal until it is turned off by the capacitive proximity sensor. The capacitive proximity sensor transmits a level detection output signal only when it detects the material, and it will switch the ultrasonic sensor on when it does not detect the material. The material level detection sensor transmits only a single level detection output signal at any given time, providing an accurate and reliable estimate of material level. The device is particularly useful for measuring inventory and consumption of particulate solids and powders in bins or silos ().