Capacitive gravity sensor and inclinometer
First Claim
1. An inclinometer sensor capable of providing an electrically measurable indication of inclination angles of from 0°
- to ±
90°
from a given reference angle α
, said inclinometer sensor comprising;
means defining at least one fluid container;
a fluid having a dielectric constant at least partially and not completely filling said at least one container;
first and second pairs of plates, said plates located with at least a portion of said fluid affecting capacitance between respective plates of each of said first and second pairs of plates;
third and fourth pairs of plates, said plates located with at least a portion of said fluid affecting capacitance between respective plates of each of said third and fourth pairs of plates;
said first and second pairs of plates and said fluid comprising a means for varying capacitance between respective plates of each of said first and second pairs of plates over a θ
1 range of inclination angles centered about α
; and
said third and fourth pairs of plates and said fluid comprising a means for varying capacitance between respective plates of each of said third and fourth pairs of plates over a θ
2 range of inclination angles centered about β
, where β
is offset from α
and θ
1 +θ
2 is greater than 180°
.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed is an improved inclination sensor and an improved inclinometer. A pair of plates in combination with a metallic housing provides accurate inclination information over ranges of 0°±60° and 180°±60°. A second pair of plates rotated 90° in the plane of the first pair of plates, provides accurate inclination information over ranges of 90°±60° to 270°±60°. Coverage is thereby provided over 360°. The inclination sensor is combined with a microprocessor which is programmed to weight the contribution of the plates so as to provide a smooth transition for angles in the region of coverage overlap. A EEPROM memory stores and provides calibration input information to correct the inclination sensor output to accurate output angles.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. An inclinometer sensor capable of providing an electrically measurable indication of inclination angles of from 0°
- to ±
90°
from a given reference angle α
, said inclinometer sensor comprising;means defining at least one fluid container; a fluid having a dielectric constant at least partially and not completely filling said at least one container; first and second pairs of plates, said plates located with at least a portion of said fluid affecting capacitance between respective plates of each of said first and second pairs of plates; third and fourth pairs of plates, said plates located with at least a portion of said fluid affecting capacitance between respective plates of each of said third and fourth pairs of plates; said first and second pairs of plates and said fluid comprising a means for varying capacitance between respective plates of each of said first and second pairs of plates over a θ
1 range of inclination angles centered about α
; andsaid third and fourth pairs of plates and said fluid comprising a means for varying capacitance between respective plates of each of said third and fourth pairs of plates over a θ
2 range of inclination angles centered about β
, where β
is offset from α
and θ
1 +θ
2 is greater than 180°
. - View Dependent Claims (2)
- to ±
-
3. An inclinometer sensor capable of providing an electrically measurable indication of inclination angles of from 0°
- to 360°
from a given reference angle α
, said inclinometer sensor comprising;means defining at least one fluid container; a fluid having a dielectric constant at least partially and not completely filling said at least one container; first and second pairs of plates, said plates located with at least a portion of said fluid affecting capacitance between respective plates of each of said first and second pairs of plates; third and fourth pairs of plates, said plates located with at least a portion of said fluid affecting capacitance between respective plates of each of said third and fourth pairs of plates; said first and second pairs of plates and said fluid comprising a means for varying capacitance between respective plates of each of said first and second pairs of plates over a θ
1 range of inclination angles centered about both α and
α
+180°
; andsaid third and fourth pairs of plates and said fluid comprising a means for varying capacitance between respective plates of each of said third and fourth pairs of plates over a θ
2 range of inclination angles centered about both β and
β
+180°
, where β
is offset from α and
θ
1 +θ
2 is greater than 180°
. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
- to 360°
Specification