US 5,237,753 AGranted

Capacitive gravity sensor and inclinometer

AssigneeLucas Sensing Systems, Inc.

InventorsBradley D. Carlson, Harold L. Swartz, Warren W. Stansberry

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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.degree..+-.60.degree. and 180.degree..+-.60.degree.. A second pair of plates rotated 90.degree. in the plane of the first pair of plates, provides accurate inclination information over ranges of 90.degree..+-.60.degree. to 270.degree..+-.60.degree.. Coverage is thereby provided over 360.degree.. 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.

Claims8

Dependent claims

An inclinometer sensor capable of providing an electrically measurable indication of inclination angles of from 0.degree. to .+-.90.degree. from a given reference angle .alpha., 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 .theta..sub.1 range of inclination angles centered about .alpha.;
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 .theta..sub.2 range of inclination angles centered about .beta., where .beta.is offset from .alpha.and .theta..sub.1 +.theta..sub.2 is greater than 180.degree..

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.