US 4,276,776 A · Temperature/pressure transducer

Abstract

A temperature or pressure gauge capable of providing a magnified output indication of a respective sensed temperature or pressure of a fluid. Overlapping surfaces are movable relative to one another in response to sensed changes in temperature or pressure of a fluid. Each surface is provided with an aperture, a light controlling edge, or an indicator which overlaps and intersects at an acute angle a respective aperture, edge or indicator on the other surface. Rotary motion or other motion induced by the sensing element is translated into linear movement of the point of intersection of the two apertures, edges or indicators, the linear movement being greater in magnitude than the movement of the sensing element. This gauge is suitable for strip chart recording, for visual observation or for electrooptical reading. Where the gauge is adapted for electrooptical reading, a light source illuminates the point of intersection and a photo sensor array produces a signal indicating the location of the point of intersection. This signal may be translated into a readout of the temperature or pressure or it may be used to activate a control mechanism.

Claims25

Dependent claims

An optical gauge comprising:

a sensing element adapted to produce movement in response to changes in a selected one of a fluid temperature and pressure to be measured;
a first surface having an indication means disposed thereon, said indication means being elongated in a longitudinal dimension;
a second surface movable relative to said first surface in a direction transverse of said longitudinal dimension, and having a second longitudinally elongated, indication means disposed thereon, said second surface and said first surface being in a confronting, overlapping relationship, said second indication means being disposed at an acute angle with respect to said first indication means and having a common point of intersection with said first indication means, the position of said point of intersection being indicative of a measurement of said selected one of a fluid temperature and pressure;
and
linkage means connecting said second surface with said sensing element and adapted to cause transverse movement of said second surface relative to said first surface in response to movement of said sensing element to produce longitudinal movement of said common point of intersection.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Temperature/pressure transducer

Life of this patent

Temperature/pressure transducer

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims25