US3766658A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Elevation angle indicator
Assignee: Sunoco Inc
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Filing: 1971-06-04
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Granted: 1973-10-23
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Expires: 1991-06-04
Abstract
Abstract A body of liquid contained in a ring-shaped piece of tubing serves as a liquid pendulum. Changes in the elevation angle of the support on which the tubing is mounted cause the tubing to rotate relative to the liquid; this relative rotation is sensed by means of a pair of capacitor electrodes coupled to the liquid, variations in capacitance causing energization of a driving motor in a direction to rotate the tubing back to a null position. The amount of rotation of the support, and hence the elevation angle, is indicated on a digital voltmeter supplied from a potentiometer mechanically coupled to the shaft which rotates the tubing.
Inventors
- 👤 E Shawhan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 18:29
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01C; G01C9/00; G01C9/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
In a level sensor for an elevation angle indicator, a ringshaped container, a body of electrically conductive liquid completely filling said container except for the space occupied by a gas bubble whose volume is small compared to the total volume of said liquid, means mounting said container on a support whose elevation angle is to be indicated, the mounting means being located substantially at the center of the ring, whereby changes in the elevation angle of said support cause movements of said container relative to said bubble; and means for detecting movements, from a preestablished position, of said bubble with respect to said container, said detecting means including a metallic electrode forming one plate of a capacitor with said liquid providing the other plate thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
125 words
In a level sensor for an elevation angle indicator, a ringshaped container, a body of electrically conductive liquid completely filling said container except for the space occupied by a gas bubble whose volume is small compared to the total volume of said liquid, means mounting said container on a support whose elevation angle is to be indicated, the mounting means being located substantially at the center of the ring, whereby changes in the elevation angle of said support cause movements of said container relative to said bubble; and means for detecting movements, from a preestablished position, of said bubble with respect to said container, said detecting means including a metallic electrode forming one plate of a capacitor with said liquid providing the other plate thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
55 words
Combination according to claim 1, wherein said detecting means includes a pair of metallic electrodes each forming respectively one plate of a pair of capacitors with said liquid providing the other plates of both capacitors, and wherein said preestablished position is one in which the center of said bubble is located midway between said electrodes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
Combination according to claim 1, wherein said container comprises a tube made of dielectric material, said tube providing the dielectric for the capacitor the plates of which comprise said electrode and said liquid.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-10-22 | 1977-04-23 | 1977-10-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-22 | 1981-04-23 | 1981-10-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-22 | 1985-04-23 | 1985-10-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |