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US 10,983,244 B2Granted
Method for scanning an object using a gravimeter
AssigneeUniversity of Rochester
InventorsAndrew N. Jordan, John C. Howell
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods of scanning an object using a pendulum gravimeter are disclosed. The pendulum gravimeter may include an interferometer, such as a Sagnac interferometer, to determine a displacement on the pendulum by way of a mirror attached to the pendulum. Scanning of the object may be performed in 1D, 2D, or 3D, and may result in an image of the object. In another aspect, a mass may be tracked while in motion using a pendulum gravimeter to detect the gravitational attraction of the object.
Claims12
A method of scanning an object, comprising:
- providing a pendulum gravimeter comprising:
- a pendulum having a mirror, the pendulum configured to have a restoring force for restoring the pendulum to a neutral position;
- and
- an interferometer configured to measure a displacement of the pendulum from the neutral position;
- measuring the gravitational field of the object at a first measurement location;
- measuring the gravitational field of the object at a second measurement location;
- and
- calculating the mass distribution of the object based on the measured gravitational fields.
5 more elements
A method of scanning an object, comprising:
- determining, using a Sagnac interferometer, a first displacement of a pendulum caused by the object;
- moving the object with respect to the pendulum;
- measuring a second displacement of the pendulum caused by the object;
- and
- determining a profile of the object based on the displacement of the pendulum.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.