Patents by Inventor Brian J. Goodwin

Brian J. Goodwin has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Apparatus and method for sensing material level by capacitance measurement
    Patent number: 5554937
    Abstract: A highly accurate system to measure the level of material in a vessel. A probe is provided in the vessel. The vessel and the probe are at different potentials so as to create a capacitance therebetween. The air and materials in the vessel act as dielectrics. As the material level varies, so does the capacitance. This capacitance is subjected to a charge-discharge-charge cycle yielding integrated net neutral charge. The duration of the cycle is compared to a reference time to determine capacitance, which is proportional to the level of material in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Penberthy, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary G. Sanders, Brian J. Goodwin
  • Apparatus and method for measuring capacitance from the duration of a charge-discharge charge cycle
    Patent number: 5461321
    Abstract: A highly accurate system to measure the value of a capacitor using proportionality against a time base reference. The capacitor under test is linearly sequentially charged in three discrete steps yielding integrated net neutral charge as well as a delay for discharging dielectric absorption during each measurement cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Penberthy, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary G. Sanders, Brian J. Goodwin