NASA develops new sensor technology

HAMPTON, Va., April 29 (UPI) -- NASA scientists say they have developed a wireless sensor technology that can give operators of cars, planes, boats and trains more accurate fuel readings.

NASA senior scientist Stan Woodard at the Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., and ATK Corp. electronics technician Bryant Taylor said their magnetic fluid-level measuring system eliminates the need for any electrical component or circuit to be in contact with combustible fuel or fuel vapors. The system is already in use by commercial and recreational boaters.

"This fundamental technology could be used to design an unlimited number of sensors for a variety of measurements," Woodard said. "Just think about anything that you would want to measure. Don't be surprised when you see this technology commercially available in your home or cars."

Originally developed by NASA to retrofit aging aircraft with safety equipment, researchers said the technology is a spinoff for designing and using sensors without the shortcomings of many commonly used liquid storage measurement systems.

NASA said it has approved a partially exclusive license for wireless sensor technologies with Caplan Taylor Enterprises LLC of Newport News, Va, doing business as Tidewater Sensors.

More information is available at http://www.nasa.gov/centers/langley/business/tg-detail-wirelessfluidsensor.html.