Apparatus and methods for imbalance compensation
US8485014B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 24, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jul 16, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 2, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N27/74
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Provided are apparatus and methods for compensation of mechanical imbalance in a measurement apparatus, that provides options for increased accuracy and/or less expensive manufacture of a torsion balance. Orientation measurements are taken and an imbalance torque about the torsion spring's axis of rotation is determined, and used to calculate a compensation. The measurement apparatus of one embodiment includes a test body and a set of magnets for generating a first disturbing force on the test body in response to a paramagnetic gas. A conductor element in the magnetic field receives an electrical current that generates a second opposing force to the test body, under feedback control that varies the current until the test body achieves a balanced null position. The control signal required to achieve the fixed null position is measured. Corrections are then made for an imbalance mass by measuring the orientation of the apparatus relative to an acceleration or gravitational field and determining the imbalance torque resulting from the imbalance mass. Use of the invention can improve accuracy or reduce the cost of manufacture of a torsion balance, by enabling compensation for imbalance…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.