Patent ID: 8919193

Claim:
An ultrasonic sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a fluid in contact with the sensor, and/or its level, comprising: a first probe having a transducer element operably connected thereto, the transducer element configured to transmit an ultrasonic signal through the first probe; and a second probe having other than a straight shape, the second probe having a transducer element operably connected thereto, the transducer element configured to receive the ultrasonic signal transmitted by the first probe through the fluid, to determine the presence or absence of a fluid, and when fluid is present, a location of the fluid along the second probe, wherein the other than straight shape of the second probe increases the path length of the received signal to increase resolution and accuracy of sensing the presence or absence of the fluid, and when fluid is present, the resolution and accuracy of the location along the second probe at which the fluid is present.