Inclinometer
US5365671A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 5, 1993 |
| Grant date | Nov 22, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 5, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01C9/14
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A two-axis tilt sensor, or inclinometer (10), uses a spherical reference element (18) floating in an inert fluid (20) and including a magnet (42) to produce an asymmetrical weight distribution. The asymmetrical weight distribution maintains the spherical reference element at a constant orientation with respect to gravity, while the position of the magnet on the spherical reference element with respect to a housing (12) is detected by opposing pairs of Hall effect sensors (22) mounted on the housing. The outputs from opposing pairs of sensors are processed by differential amplifier circuits (80) to determine signals corresponding to the tilt of the inclinometer about the axes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.