Differential compensator to reduce uncertainty in determination of movement of a structural member

US10247536B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Commerce · US

Inventors

• Christopher M. Smith · Richland, US
• Matthew S. Hoehler · Poolesville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 8, 2016
• Grant date: Apr 2, 2019
• Expiry date: Nov 16, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01B7/003
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A differential compensator reduces uncertainty in determination of movement of a structural member and includes: a first probe line to attach to the structural member and to provide a first combination of displacement of the structural member and a first expansion of the first probe line in response to movement of the structural member and expansion of the first probe line; and a second probe line having a coefficient of thermal expansion that is different than that of the first probe line, the second probe line to attach to the structural member at a position on the structural member proximate to a point of attachment of the first probe line to the structural member and to provide a second combination of displacement of the structural member and second expansion of the second probe line in response to movement of the structural member and expansion of the second probe line.