US3771368A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multi-output integrating accelerometer
Assignee: Kearfott Guidance and Navigation Corp
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Filing: 1971-02-22
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Granted: 1973-11-13
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Expires: 1991-02-22
Abstract
Abstract An accelerometer having a plurality of proof masses adapted to move relative to a casing in response to accelerations of the casing. The proof masses differ with respect to mass or size so that they respond differently to forces thereon as a result of the acceleration. An output signal is generated in response to a predetermined movement of each of the proof masses.
Inventors
- 👤 W Albert
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 21:17
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01P; G01P7/00; G01P1/00; G01P1/006; G01P15/00; G01P15/02; G01P15/08; G01P15/135
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
188 words
An accelerometer comprising a casing having a plurality of elongate proof mass passages and a plurality of interconnecting passages defined therein, a proof mass disposed in each of said proof mass passages, each proof mass adapted to move in its respective proof mass passage relative to said casing in response to a predetermined acceleration of said casing, and means responsive to a predetermined movement of each of said proof masses for generating an output, wherein said proof mass passages communicaTe with one another through said interconnecting passages, and wherein said interconnecting passages include an inlet passage connecting to one end of each said proof mass passage on one side of its said proof mass, an outlet passage connecting to an opposite end of each said proof mass passage on the opposite side of its said proof mass, a connecting passage interconnecting said inlet passage to said outlet passage, and wherein each said proof mass has a selective mass and size arranged to provide a sequential actuation of said proof masses, and wherein damping means in the form of a fluid is disposed in said casing and said passages.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
188 words
An accelerometer comprising a casing having a plurality of elongate proof mass passages and a plurality of interconnecting passages defined therein, a proof mass disposed in each of said proof mass passages, each proof mass adapted to move in its respective proof mass passage relative to said casing in response to a predetermined acceleration of said casing, and means responsive to a predetermined movement of each of said proof masses for generating an output, wherein said proof mass passages communicaTe with one another through said interconnecting passages, and wherein said interconnecting passages include an inlet passage connecting to one end of each said proof mass passage on one side of its said proof mass, an outlet passage connecting to an opposite end of each said proof mass passage on the opposite side of its said proof mass, a connecting passage interconnecting said inlet passage to said outlet passage, and wherein each said proof mass has a selective mass and size arranged to provide a sequential actuation of said proof masses, and wherein damping means in the form of a fluid is disposed in said casing and said passages.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The accelerometer of claim 1 wherein each of said proof masses has a different cross-sectional area so that the pressure of said damping fluid applies different forces to each of said proof masses.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The accelerometer of claim 2 wherein each of said proof masses has a different mass, so that they respond differently to forces thereon as a result of a predetermined range of accelerations.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
The accelerometer of claim 1 wherein movement of each proof mass relative to said casing causes a corresponding flow of said damping fluid, and further comprising means in said casing for establishing a restricted flow path for said damping fluid.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The accelerometer of claim 1 further comprising means disposed in said casing for compensating for changes in the viscosity of said damping fluid in response to temperature variations.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The accelerometer of claim 4 further comprising means disposed in said casing for compensating for changes in the viscosity of said damping fluid in response to temperature variations.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
56 words
The accelerometer of claim 6 wherein said compensating means comprises a bellows disposed in said casing and adapted to expand and contract in response to changes in volume of said damping fluid due to temperature variations, and further comprising means to vary the length of said restricted flow path in response to movement of said bellows.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
The accelerometer of claim 7 wherein said means for establishing said restricted flow path comprises means connected to said bellows and adapted to define a helical flow path in said casing, whereby movement of said bellows varies the effective length of said flow path.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
The accelerometer of claim 1 wherein said means for generating an output comprises contact means in the path of each of said proof masses and spaced a predetermined distance therefrom, and means to vary said predetermined distance.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
The accelerometer of claim 1 further comprising means to apply a predetermined bias force to each of said proof masses to prevent any movement thereof in the absence of a predetermined casing acceleration.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
The accelerometer of claim 1 further comprising means to latch each of said proof masses into a position in contact with said biasing means, and means to release said latch.
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) | 1976-11-12 | 1977-05-14 | 1977-11-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-11-12 | 1981-05-14 | 1981-11-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-11-12 | 1985-05-14 | 1985-11-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |