Abstract: A detonator for initiating a detonation event in an explosive charge. The detonator comprises an exploding foil initiator and a switch. The exploding foil initiator includes a detonator bridge with a bridge member and a bridge contact that are electrically coupled to one another. The switch includes a switch contact that is spaced apart from the detonator bridge such that a spark gap of a predetermined width is defined between the bridge contact and the switch contact. A discharge arc, which is formed when a voltage in excess of a predetermined gap breakdown voltage is applied across the spark gap, closes the switch to thereby permit current to flow between the bridge contact and the switch contact.

Abstract: A detonator for initiating a detonation event in an explosive charge. The detonator comprises an exploding foil initiator and a switch. The exploding foil initiator includes a detonator bridge with a bridge member and a bridge contact that are electrically coupled to one another. The switch includes a switch contact that is spaced apart from the detonator bridge such that a spark gap of a predetermined width is defined between the bridge contact and the switch contact. A discharge arc, which is formed when a voltage in excess of a predetermined gap breakdown voltage is applied across the spark gap, closes the switch to thereby permit current to flow between the bridge contact and the switch contact.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor for detecting when an upper level of a liquid in a reservoir has reached a predetermined or critical point in the reservoir. The sensor includes a first input plate and a second input plate disposed concentrically relative to the first input plate. Each of the input plates are further of a shape such that an imaginary line extending through the centroid of the first input plate divides each of the first and second input plates approximately in half. An output or receiver plate is positioned closely adjacent the two input plates. The input plates are further disposed in the reservoir such that the centroid is at the predetermined or critical level in the reservoir. The two input plates are alternately electrically excited and the signals coupled to the output plate are detected and repeatedly compared against one another. The output signals will differ in magnitude because of the difference in the dielectric constant of air and the liquid in the reservoir.

Abstract: A digital liquid level sensing apparatus for detecting variations in the dielectric of a substance being sensed. The apparatus includes a capacitive element array including a plurality of individual (i.e., segmented) input plates positioned along an axis of measurement of a fluid to be detected. The array also includes a common output plate having a length sufficient to span the entire accumulated length of the input plates. A controller sequentially applies DC excitation pulses to the input plates which cause a series of output currents to be coupled onto the output plate. The output currents are input to a current-to-voltage amplifier which generates a series of corresponding analog output voltages. The analog output voltages are then input to a peak voltage detector circuit to generate a series of peak voltage signals representative of the magnitudes of the analog output voltages.

Abstract: A digital liquid level sensing apparatus for detecting variations in the dielectric of a substance being sensed, to thereby provide a signal indicative of the level of the liquid being sensed in relation to a known full level. The apparatus includes a reservoir having an output plate and an input plate assembly associated therewith. The input plate assembly includes a plurality of independently electrically excitable input plates which transmit a signal through the liquid being sensed to the output plate. The signals from the output plate are processed and a determination is made as to the level of liquid in the reservoir relative to a known full level. If the input plate assembly is located against the exterior surface of one wall of the reservoir, then both of the interior and exterior portions of that particular wall should be devoid of any metallic surface. In an alternative embodiment, a discardable interior reservoir is provided which fits nestably within the reservoir of the sensor.

Abstract: A digital liquid level sensing apparatus and method for detecting variations in the dielectric of a substance being sensed. The apparatus includes a capacitive element array which is disposed in a fluid to be measured and which includes a plurality of individual (i.e., segmented) input plates positioned along an axis of measurement of the fluid to be detected. The array also includes a common output plate having a length sufficient to span the entire accumulated length of the input plates. A controller sequentially applies DC excitation pulses to the input plates which cause a series of output currents to be coupled onto the output plate. The output currents are input to a current-to-voltage amplifier which generates a series of corresponding analog output voltages. The analog output voltages are then input to a peak voltage detector circuit to generate a series of peak voltage signals representative of the magnitudes of the analog output voltages.

Abstract: A digital liquid level sensing apparatus for detecting variations in the dielectric of a substance being sensed. The apparatus includes a capacitive element array including a plurality of individual (i.e., segmented) input plates positioned along an axis of measurement of a fluid to be detected. The array also includes a common output plate having a length sufficient to span the entire accumulated length of the input plates. A controller sequentially applies DC excitation pulses to the input plates which cause a series of output currents to be coupled onto the output plate. The output currents are input to a current-to-voltage amplifier which generates a series of corresponding analog output voltages. The analog output voltages are then input to a peak voltage detector circuit to generate a series of peak voltage signals representative of the magnitudes of the analog output voltages.