US 6,449,857 B1 · Inclinometer and inclinometer network

Abstract

An electronic inclinometer and a centrally controlled network of inclinometers are disclosed. A resistive or capacitive inclinometer sensor measures inclination in two orthogonal axes. Measuring electrodes can be provided on the exterior of a dielectric sensor cell isolated from a sensor fluid. In another embodiment, measuring electrodes comprise pins partially immersed in a cell fluid contained in a metal housing and reference electrodes are provided to compensate for temperature and electrochemical changes in the sensor. Sensor signals are converted to frequency signals that are processed by a microprocessor having a unique logical address and preferably having an external solid state memory. A plurality of inclinometers can be arranged in multiple logical branches to be centrally controlled. The controller operates the network in real time or in a programmable timed autonomous mode. Network data can be presented in a graphical 3D format using software provided on the controller.

Claims33

Dependent claims

A two-axis inclinometer comprising:

a sensor cell including a conductive housing defining a fluid chamber partially filled with a fluid;
at least four measuring electrodes vertically suspended in said chamber and partially immersed in said fluid;
said measuring electrodes being evenly spaced apart near an interior wall of the housing to form two pairs, said pairs lying in orthogonal vertical planes;
and two reference electrodes vertically suspended in said fluid;
said reference electrodes having a level of exposure to said fluid which is independent of the orientation of said housing relative to gravity during operation;
and
said sensor cell forms part of a circuit including a microprocessor for transmitting, processing and storing signal data from said sensor cell.

4 more elements

A two-axis inclinometer comprising:

a sensor cell including a conductive housing defining a fluid chamber partially filled with a fluid;
at least four measuring electrodes vertically suspended in said chamber and partially immersed in said fluid;
said measuring electrodes being evenly spaced apart near an interior wall of the housing to form two pairs, said pairs lying in orthogonal vertical planes;
and two reference electrodes vertically suspended in said fluid;
said reference electrodes having a level of exposure to said fluid which is independent of the orientation of said housing relative to gravity during operation;
and
said sensor cell forms part of a circuit including a microprocessor for transmitting, processing and storing signal data from said sensor cell;
wherein each of said two reference electrodes is coated with an insulating material extending from an upper section of each of said reference electrodes and leaving a lower section of each of said two reference electrodes uncovered;
and
wherein each of said two reference electrodes is coaxial to one of said measuring electrodes such that said each of said two reference electrodes has a lead extending through a hollow core in one of said measuring electrodes and insulated from said fluid and said measuring electrodes;
said each of said two reference electrodes has a reference extension extending below said lead and said measuring electrodes;
and
each of said two reference electrodes is insulated from said measuring electrodes and exposed to said fluid.

10 more elements

A two-axis inclinometer comprising:

a sensor cell including a conductive housing defining a fluid chamber partially filled with a fluid;
at least four measuring electrodes vertically suspended in said chamber and partially immersed in said fluid;
said measuring electrodes being evenly spaced apart near an interior wall of the housing to form two pairs, said pairs lying in orthogonal vertical planes;
and two reference electrodes vertically suspended in said fluid;
said reference electrodes having a level of exposure to said fluid which is independent of the orientation of said housing relative to gravity during operation;
and
said sensor cell forms part of a circuit including a microprocessor for transmitting, processing and storing signal data from said sensor cell;
wherein said reference electrodes are positioned less than half the distance from the center of said housing to said interior wall;
and
wherein said reference electrodes comprise a coaxial pair with an inner electrode and an outer electrode spaced from said inner electrode, said outer electrode having a plurality of apertures.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Inclinometer and inclinometer network

Life of this patent

Inclinometer and inclinometer network

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims33