Patent ID: 9267865
Filing Date: 2016-02-23
CPC Classification: F01N,F02D,G01M,G01N

Claim Text:
1. A method for detecting particles in an exhaust gas stream guided along a duct using a particle sensor that comprises at least two electrodes arranged in the duct, the method comprising: applying a first voltage and a second voltage to the at least two electrodes to produce a first electric field and a second electric field between the at least two electrodes; determining a first capacitance value that corresponds to the first electrical field and a second capacitance value that corresponds to the second electrical field of a capacitor that is embodied by the at least two electrodes; ascertaining from the first capacitance value and the second capacitance value information regarding the particles contained in the exhaust gas stream; and comparing the first capacitance value with a first reference value and comparing the second capacitance value with a second reference value to ascertain information regarding the particles contained in the exhaust gas stream, wherein the second capacitance value is compared with the second reference value to ascertain information regarding a type or size of the particles contained in the exhaust gas stream when the second voltage is an alternating current voltage.