Level monitoring sensor apparatus, solid structure sensor apparatus, and pendulum sensor apparatus
US6845564B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 26, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jan 25, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 26, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S33/13
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for monitoring level variations in a given orientation of a structure, comprises a support portion secured to a structure to be monitored as a function of the given orientation in an adjustable position with respect to the horizon. A balancing arm hangs from the support portion in a resting position with respect to the horizon with one rotational degree of freedom being provided between the support portion and the balancing arm, such that a level variation in the given orientation of the structure causes the balancing arm to tend toward the resting position due to gravitational force A retaining member interrelates the balancing arm to the support portion, the retaining member retaining the balancing arm in the resting position. Sensors are positioned on the retaining member and are wired to a control system to measure strain of the retaining member resulting from the balancing arm tending toward the resting position, to quantify the level variation in the given orientation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.