Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the variation in the capacitance of a capacitive sensor. The apparatus and method include means for constantly applying a constant electrically current to an electrode of the capacitor and means for generating a first series of timing pulses. The voltage on the capacitor is compared to a reference voltage and an electrical signal is generated when the voltage on the capacitor reaches a first voltage which exceeds the reference voltage. The first series of timing pulses emitted by the generating means from the time that the charging of the capacitor beings until the electrical signal is generated is counted and an output signal is generated corresponding to the number of timing pulses counted. An application of the sensor to the measurement of the change in length of a telescoping device such as a shock absorber is also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid level and composition sensor includes a first interdigitated capacitor mounted substantially vertically in a tank, and a second interdigitated capacitor mounted substantially horizontally in and near the bottom of the tank. An electronic processor is responsive to the value of capacitance of the first capacitor for producing a first voltage signal proportional to the level of the liquid in the tank and is responsive to the value of capacitance of the second capacitor for producing a second voltage signal having a voltage level corresponding to the composition or dielectric constant of the liquid. The processor also multiplies the first and second voltage signals together to produce a liquid level voltage output signal having a constant slope for voltage amplitude versus liquid level, regardless of the composition of the liquid in the tank.

Abstract: An arrangement for heating includes an antenna which has at least one convolution of conductor centered on an axis. The antenna is adapted for receiving electrical power for heating a surface. A noncontacting temperature sensor is centered on the axis of the antenna with its field of view directed along the axis.

Abstract: Apparatus using microwave energy for the therapeutic and hyperthermic treatment of an internal body organ such as the prostate gland. An irregularly shaped coaxial applicator having a narrow portion and a wide portion is inserted through the male anus into the rectum such that a substantially maximum intensity of the microwave energy irradiates the prostrate gland for preferential heating of the prostate gland and a substantially minimum intensity irradiates untreated tissue. Temperature sensing means are positioned on the periphery of the applicator to measure the tissue environment irradiated by the microwave energy. A controller, operating with the temperature sensing means, is provided to maintain the temperature of the tissue environment within a desired temperature range.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying radioactive and microwave energy to the walls of an internal body organ such as the uterus. An applicator having two ovoids and a tandem is positionable in the female vagina such that the ovoids are placed at the walls of the cervix and the tandem is inserted into the uterine cavity. Temperature sensing means are positioned on the periphery of the ovoids and tandem to measure the tissue environment heated by the radioactive energy and microwave energy. A controller, operating with the temperature sensing means, is provided to maintain the temperature of the tissue environment within a desired temperature range.

Abstract: In a microwave system where energy is directed through an applicator to heat a specimen, the inaccuracies encountered when control temperatures are monitored with thermocouples located in the presence of the microwave field are precluded through the use of a duty cycle that segregates the temperature monitoring periods from the periods when the microwave energy is directed through the applicator.

Abstract: Apparatus for hyperthermia treatment provides transmission of microwave energy for irradiation of tissues and simultaneous and concurrent and continuous measurement of the temperature of the heated tissues at the site of the treatment. The microwave energy is supplied to the site of treated tissue by a coaxial applicator which is positioned near the tissue.