Gap width probe and method
US4841224A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 10, 1987 |
| Grant date | Jun 20, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 10, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01B7/14
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A probe for determining the thickness of an interface gap between two surfaces is disclosed. The probe includes an inflatable bladder, which can be inserted into a gap and inflated, such that the sides of the bladder contact the planes. A distance-measuring device is mounted within the cavity of the bladder and is suitable for measuring the distance between the sides of the bladder. Passive electrical circuitry for use as the distance-measuring device is also disclosed. Passive electrical circuitry has an electrical property that varies as the distance between the passive electrical elements varies. In the case of a probe utilizing capacitive circuitry, three relationally positioned measuring electrodes and a common electrode are mounted within the bladder cavity such that the measuring and common electrical are in facing relationship and move away from each other as the bladder is inflated. When the bladder is inflated with a dielectric fluid, the electrodes are pressed flat against the surfaces. Once the electrodes are separated, a value for the capacitance at each measuring electrode's position is obtained. The capacitance value is indicative of the distance between the surfaces…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.