Abstract: A dielectric-constant-insensitive fluid level sensor for directly inserting into a high dielectric constant fluid is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the fluid level sensor includes a first set of stacked series capacitors where each capacitor in the first set is formed by two coplanar electrodes and a dielectric space between the electrodes. Each stack of series capacitors in the first set includes at least one capacitor having a first molded carrier as the dielectric space in series with another capacitor having a first fluid cavity as the dielectric space. In this embodiment, the total capacitance of the first set of stacked series capacitors varies as a function of the level of the fluid within the first fluid cavity.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a fluid level sensor apparatus for directly inserting into an oil-based fluid is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sense element that includes a plurality of electrodes mounted on one side of a substrate. In this embodiment, the plurality of electrodes form at least two inter-digitated planar capacitors in which a capacitance of one of the inter-digitated planar capacitors varies as a function of the level of the oil-based fluid within a fluid cavity. The apparatus in this embodiment also includes a passivation layer covering the two inter-digitated planar capacitors and an oleophobic coating covering the glass barrier layer.

Abstract: A dielectric-constant-insensitive fluid level sensor for directly inserting into a high dielectric constant fluid is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the fluid level sensor includes a first set of stacked series capacitors where each capacitor in the first set is formed by two coplanar electrodes and a dielectric space between the electrodes. Each stack of series capacitors in the first set includes at least one capacitor having a first molded carrier as the dielectric space in series with another capacitor having a first fluid cavity as the dielectric space. In this embodiment, the total capacitance of the first set of stacked series capacitors varies as a function of the level of the fluid within the first fluid cavity.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a sensor substrate includes a first end, a second end, and a body. The body contains provisions for accommodating one or more sense elements. The first end and the second end contain attachment points for attaching the sensor substrate to a shaft. In addition, the first end and the second end include curved portions. For a particular end, a spacing of the attachment points and/or a depth of the curved portion may define, in part, a flexibility of the end. This flexibility may be used to control a sensitivity of the sense elements.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a sensor substrate includes a first end, a second end, and a body. The body contains provisions for accommodating one or more sense elements. The first end and the second end contain attachment points for attaching the sensor substrate to a shaft. In addition, the first end and the second end include curved portions. For a particular end, a spacing of the attachment points and/or a depth of the curved portion may define, in part, a flexibility of the end. This flexibility may be used to control a sensitivity of the sense elements.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a stepped spring contact may have a first portion, a transition portion, and a second portion. The first portion may include a plurality of windings whose pitch may vary. The second portion may include a plurality of windings that are closely wound. A pitch of the windings contained in the second portion may be, for example, constant. The transition portion may include a winding that may make mechanical and electrical contact with a first electrical conductor (e.g., a pad contained on a printed circuit board (PCB)). The first portion may include a tip. The tip may be, for example, flat shaped or conically shaped. The tip may make electrical contact with a second electrical conductor (e.g., a terminal connector). In operation, the stepped spring contact may provide electrical continuity between the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a support ring may include an arm and a hook. The arm may be located at a first end of the support ring. The arm may provide a spring force to a circuit board that is loaded in the support ring. The hook may be located at a second end of the support ring. The hook may extend upward from the support ring. The second end may be opposite the first end. The hook may provide a reaction force on the circuit board. The reaction forced may be a force in reaction to the spring force. The support ring may include one or more legs. The legs may extend downward from the support ring.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a support ring may include an arm and a hook. The arm may be located at a first end of the support ring. The arm may provide a spring force to a circuit board that is loaded in the support ring. The hook may be located at a second end of the support ring. The hook may extend upward from the support ring. The second end may be opposite the first end. The hook may provide a reaction force on the circuit board. The reaction forced may be a force in reaction to the spring force. The support ring may include one or more legs. The legs may extend downward from the support ring.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a stepped spring contact may have a first portion, a transition portion, and a second portion. The first portion may include a plurality of windings whose pitch may vary. The second portion may include a plurality of windings that are closely wound. A pitch of the windings contained in the second portion may be, for example, constant. The transition portion may include a winding that may make mechanical and electrical contact with a first electrical conductor (e.g., a pad contained on a printed circuit board (PCB)). The first portion may include a tip. The tip may be, for example, flat shaped or conically shaped. The tip may make electrical contact with a second electrical conductor (e.g., a terminal connector). In operation, the stepped spring contact may provide electrical continuity between the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor.