Abstract: A capacitive gauge, suitable for measuring a fluid level in a container, includes upper and lower capacitive elements. Also provided is a control unit for calculating the fluid level in the container based on the capacitance of the upper and lower capacitors and a dielectric constant of the fluid in the container. The control unit also includes functionality for determining and storing the dielectric constant of the fluid in the container. The dielectric constant of the fluid is determined by first verifying whether the lower capacitive element is completely submerged based on a comparison of a measured capacitance of the upper capacitor to a reference capacitance of the upper capacitor. If the lower capacitor is verified to be submerged, then the dielectric constant of the fluid is calculated based on a measured capacitance of the lower capacitor.

Abstract: A linear position sensor is provided which employs phase quadrature sensor windings, an excitation winding and a resonator. When an excitation current is applied to the excitation winding, it causes the resonator to resonate which in turn induces signals in the sensor windings. The sensor windings are spatially arranged so that the electromagnetic coupling between them and the resonator varies with the position of the resonator. The excitation windings, phase quadrature windings and resonant circuit are arranged so that the magnetic fields involved in the operation of the position sensor are substantially parallel to each other and the direction of movement of the resonator. Consequently, the effect of rotation of the resonator or lateral movement of it relative to the excitation and phase quadrature windings is alleviated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enclosing a sensing device, such as an accelerometer, for reducing outside forces and strains on the sensing device. The cover includes two parts that bond to each other thereby forming a clamshell-type cover. The sensing device can float within the cover, is bonded to bonding points on one of the cover parts or is held in place by a pressure fit of the two cover parts on the sensing device.