Patent ID: 6664793
Filing Date: 2003-12-16
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
An apparatus for obtaining a transient immitivity response for a fluid, comprising:a first electrode and a second electrode, the first and second electrodes being spaced apart from each other and both in contact with the fluid; an excitation source for providing a time varying excitation voltage to the first electrode, the excitation voltage being capable of being switched between a first defined voltage level and a distinct second defined voltage level; a capacitance located between the second electrode and an electrical or circuit ground, the ground having a defined ground voltage; a voltage detector for detecting a sensed voltage at a predetermined location with respect to the apparatus; and a timing device for determining one or more time intervals between the switch in first and second defined voltage levels wherein the one or more time intervals can be correlated with the sensed voltage at each interval and each sensed voltage per time interval measures a rate representing the transient immitivity response.