Patent ID: 6087837
Filing Date: 2000-07-11
Classification: D21H,G01G,G01N

Abstract:
A sensor array in a measurement apparatus for detecting properties of a material, said measurement apparatus including a fixed impedance portion which is coupled to said sensor array, said fixed impedance portion and sensor array being coupled between a signal source and a reference potential, said sensor array having a variable impedance such that changes in properties of said material causes changes in the impedance of said sensor array, said sensor array comprising:a first elongated electrode coupled to said reference potential;second and third elongated segmented electrodes parallel and adjacent to said first elongated electrode, wherein segments within said second and third electrodes are configured with respect to each other such that segments in said second electrode are staggered with respect to segments in said third electrode;wherein said material resides between and in close proximity to said first elongated electrode and said second and third segmented elongated electrodes and said changes in properties are detected by said first electrode and said second and third electrodes of said sensor array.