US 11,082,042 B2 · Material-discernment proximity sensor

Abstract

A material-discerning sensing device includes an antenna, a capacitive proximity sensor, and a control circuit. The antenna includes multiple conductive loops and is configured to radiate a wireless signal. The antenna defines an interior region devoid of the conductive loops and an exterior region outside the conductive loops. The capacitive proximity sensor includes a conductive pattern provided within the interior region or within a projection of the interior region, as well as a conductive bar. The control circuit is configured to detect a change in a characteristic of an electrical signal from the capacitive sensor. The conductive pattern includes a longitudinal portion, a first plurality of parallel conductors extending away from the longitudinal portion in a first direction and orthogonal to the longitudinal portion, and a second plurality of parallel conductors extending away from the longitudinal portion in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A device comprising:

a conductive loop that surrounds an interior region;
a capacitive sensor that includes a first portion disposed within the interior region and a second portion disposed such that a portion of the conductive loop is between the first portion of the capacitive sensor and the second portion of the capacitive sensor;
and
a control circuit coupled to the conductive loop and to the capacitive sensor, wherein the control circuit is configured to:
cause the conductive loop to radiate a first signal;
receive a second signal from the capacitive sensor in response to the first signal;
and
detect a change in a characteristic of the second signal.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Material-discernment proximity sensor

Life of this patent

Material-discernment proximity sensor

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20