Abstract: A method for calibrating a flex fuel sensing apparatus having a fuel passage involves the use of a generally solid test blank having a size and shape configured to match that of the fuel passage. The test blank comprises material having a known, predetermined dielectric constant. The test blank is inserted into the fuel passage where the dielectric constant of the test blank is operative to simulate the presence of various gasoline and ethanol fuel blends. The test blank may also comprise a deformable/compressible solid such as rubber where the test blank is compressed during calibration to eliminate air gaps or the like, improving accuracy. The use of the solid test blank reduces complexity compared to using actual gasoline/ethanol blends for calibration as well as reduces post-calibration cleanup.

Abstract: A level of fluid in a container is determined as is a capacitance associated with the fluid. The capacitance and level are used to determine a concentration of ethanol in the fluid.

Abstract: A total capacitance is measured between an inner electrode disposed in a dielectric sleeve and an outer electrode surrounding the sleeve, with a fluid chamber being established between the sleeve and outer electrode. The total capacitance is correlated to a level (l) of fluid in the chamber using an electrode length, a unit length capacitance associated with the sleeve, and a unit length capacitance associated with the fluid chamber when no fluid is in the chamber.

Abstract: A position sensor has an external moving element couplable to a moving part whose angular or linear position is sought to be sensed. A sealed enclosure is engaged with the moving element such that the moving element moves relative to the enclosure, and capacitive elements are in the enclosure. An internal moving element inside the enclosure is magnetically coupled to the external moving element for movement with the external element, with the internal moving element moving between the capacitive elements thereby change the capacitance between the capacitive elements as the external moving element moves.

Abstract: A capacitive pressure sensor includes a electrically conductive, generally piston shaped diaphragm with a flexible base wall configured to deflect under pressure. The diaphragm is generally U-shaped in cross section. The base wall includes an upper, flat sensing surface which acts as a capacitive electrode. The diaphragm further includes a step around a radially-outermost perimeter which is elevated from the flat sensing surface. A sensing electrode body is located on top of the step and creates a capacitive sensing cavity between the sensing surface and the bottom surface of the electrode body. On the bottom surface of the electrode body is formed a center, circular electrode and a ring electrode that surrounds the center electrode. The center electrode and the sensing surface form a variable capacitor which changes with pressure and the ring electrode and the sensing surface form a reference capacitor.

Abstract: A bushing assembly adapted for application in vehicle suspension systems includes an outer, generally cylindrical bushing member, an inner generally cylindrical bushing member arranged concentrically within the outer member. The two bushing members are interconnected by an elastomeric member disposed there between and bonded thereto to permit limited rotational displacement between the external and internal bushing members. An angular position sensor is at least partially embedded within the elastomeric member and operative to produce an output signal indicative of the relative angular position of the external and internal bushing members. The sensor includes a stator assembly including a permanent magnet, a galvanomagnetic sensing element and a flux guide defining at least one pole face, and a rotor including a flux guide defining a second pole face. An air gap between the two pole faces varies dimensionally as a function of the relative angular position of the stator assembly and rotor.

Abstract: A bushing assembly adapted for application in vehicle suspension systems includes an embedded position sensor and an embedded speed sensor.

Abstract: A bushing assembly adapted for application in vehicle suspension systems includes an outer, generally cylindrical bushing member, an inner generally cylindrical bushing member arranged concentrically within the outer member. The two bushing members are interconnected by an elastomeric member disposed there between and bonded thereto to permit limited rotational displacement between the external and internal bushing members. An angular position sensor is at least partially embedded within the elastomeric member and operated to produce an output signal indicative of the relative angular position of the external and internal bushing members. The sensor includes a stator assembly including a permanent magnet, a galvanomagnetic sensing element and a flux guide defining at least one pole face, and a rotor including a flux guide defining a second pole face. An air gap between the two pole faces varies dimensionally as a function of the relative angular position of the stator assembly and rotor.

Abstract: A bushing assembly adapted for application in vehicle suspension systems includes an embedded position sensor and an embedded speed sensor.

Abstract: A bushing assembly adapted for application in vehicle suspension systems includes an outer, generally cylindrical bushing member, an inner generally cylindrical bushing member arranged concentrically within the outer member. The two bushing members are interconnected by an elastomeric member disposed there between and bonded thereto to permit limited rotational displacement between the external and internal bushing members. An angular position sensor is at least partially embedded within the elastomeric member and operated to produce an output signal indicative of the relative angular position of the external and internal bushing members. The sensor includes a stator assembly including a permanent magnet, a galvanomagnetic sensing element and a flux guide defining at least one pole face, and a rotor including a flux guide defining a second pole face. An air gap between the two pole faces varies dimensionally as a function of the relative angular position of the stator assembly and rotor.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor includes an electrode member with two spaced-apart electrodes and an air gap therebetween. A position reference plate, which can be straight for sensing linear position or curvilinear for sensing angular position, is disposed in the air gap, with the electrode member being attached to a moving component and the reference plate mounted on a stationary object or vice-versa. The reference plate is formed with an opening, the width of which varies throughout the length of the opening, so that the capacitance between the electrodes varies depending on the position of the plate relative to the electrode member.

Abstract: A sensing assembly senses liquid levels in a reservoir and creates a sensing signal. The sensing assembly includes a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor extending into the reservoir. A first electrode is electrically connected to the first electrical conductor. A second electrode is electrically connected to the second electrode conductor. The sensing assembly also includes a plurality of equidistantly spaced plates that are operatively connected to the second electrode. Each of the plurality of plates combines with the first electrode to create a capacitance such that the sensing signal generating by the sensing assembly determines the level of the liquid in the reservoir. The plates, an inductor and resistors are connected together in series with each of the groupings being connected in parallel to each other along the second electrode length. The sensing signal will generate spikes that, based on amplitude, will identify the amount of a liquid in the reservoir.

Abstract: A sensing assembly senses liquid levels in a reservoir and creates a sensing signal. The sensing assembly includes a first electrical conductor extending into the reservoir. A second electrical conductor also extends into the reservoir and is disposed from the first electrical conductor a predetermined distance. A first electrode is electrically connected to the first electrical conductor. The first electrode extends between a first conductor end and a first distal end and has a first electrode length. A second electrode is electrically connected to the second electrode conductor. The second electrode is spaced apart from the first electrode and extends between a second conductor end and a second distal end and has a second electrode length. The sensing assembly also includes a plurality of plates that are operatively connected to the second electrode. The plurality of plates are spaced equidistantly along the second electrode length.

Abstract: A sensing assembly (10) senses liquid levels (14) in a reservoir (12) and creates a sensing signal (54) therefore. The sensing assembly (10) includes a first electrical conductor (22) extending into the reservoir (12). A second electrical conductor (24) also extends into the reservoir (12) and is disposed from the first electrical conductor (22) a predetermined distance. A first electrode (28) is electrically connected to the first electrical conductor (22). The first electrode (28) extends between a first conductor end (30) and a first distal end (32). A first electrode length (34) is defined therebetween. A second electrode (36) is electrically connected to the second electrode conductor (24). The second (36) electrode is spaced apart from the first electrode (28) and extends between a second conductor end (38) and a second distal end (40). A second electrode length (42) is defined therebetween.

Abstract: A method identifies a level of each of a plurality of liquids in a reservoir. The method includes using a sensing assembly having first and second electrodes extending along a side of the reservoir, wherein the first and second electrodes combine to form a plurality of capacitors each having a unique capacitance. The method includes the steps of applying an input AC signal voltage to the first electrode. An output AC signal voltage is then measured across the second electrode. The method continues by locating clusters of frequency variations. The method then associates a level identification for each of the plurality of liquids with each of the clusters of frequency variations.

Abstract: A sensing assembly (10) senses liquid levels (14) in a reservoir (12) and creates a sensing signal (54) therefore. The sensing assembly (10) includes a first electrical conductor (22) extending into the reservoir (12). A second electrical conductor (24) also extends into the reservoir (12) and is disposed from the first electrical conductor (22) a predetermined distance. A first electrode (28) is electrically connected to the first electrical conductor (22). The first electrode (28) extends between a first conductor end (30) and a first distal end (32). A first electrode length (34) is defined therebetween. A second electrode (36) is electrically connected to the second electrode conductor (24). The second (36) electrode is spaced apart from the first electrode (28) and extends between a second conductor end (38) and a second distal end (40). A second electrode length (42) is defined therebetween.