Patent ID: 6144211
Filing Date: 2000-11-07
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A sensor system for use with time domain reflectometry systems to allow measurement of a fluid mixture within a fluid channel having constituents with differing electrical permittivities, comprising:a first sensor having a first sensor housing; said first sensor being mountable upon a first side of the fluid channel with an inside face thereof which is directed toward the fluid channel;at least one primary electrode made from electrically conductive material and having a sensing surface which is alone the inside face of the first sensor, the at least one primary electrode serving to conduct a pulsed time domain reflectometry signal along the sensing surface of the at least one primary electrode;a second sensor having a second sensor housing; said second sensor being mountable upon a second side of the fluid channel with an inside face thereof directed toward the fluid channel in opposing relationship to the inside surface of said first sensor;at least one secondary electrode made from electrically conductive material and having a sensing surface which is along the inside face of the second sensor;a first lead connected to the first sensor in electrical communication therewith, said first lead having a primary conductor and a secondary conductor, said first lead primary conductor being electrically connected to the at least one primary electrode;a second lead connected to the second sensor in electrical communication therewith, said second lead having a primary conductor and a secondary conductor, said second lead secondary conductor being electrically connected to the second electrode;a signal bifurcation connector for connecting to said first lead and said second lead at the primary and secondary conductors thereof, said signal bifurcation connector further having a main lead connection for connecting to a main lead through which time domain reflectometry signals are conveyed to and from the first and second sensors.