US4345473A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Vertical component accelerometer
Assignee: Shell USA Inc
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Filing: 1980-11-26
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Granted: 1982-08-24
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Expires: 2000-11-26
Abstract
Abstract An accelerometer for measuring the vertical component of acceleration independent of the accelerometer orientation or the pressure. The accelerometer is particularly adapted for use in marine surveys in combination with a hydrophone to cancel the surface reflected wave.
Inventors
- 👤 Albert J. Berni
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 22:03
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01V; G01V1/00; G01V1/16; G01V1/18; G01V1/181; G01P; G01P15/00; G01P15/02; G01P15/08; G01P15/09
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
An accelerometer for measuring the vertical component of acceleration comprising: a first and second hollow piezoelectric element, said second element being disposed within said first element; mounting means for securing said first and second elements in position and isolating the volume between said first and second elements; contact means for securing first and second leads to the outer surface of said first element and the inner surface of said second element; a conductive liquid, said liquid partially filling the volume between said first and second elements; and, means for coupling a third lead to said conductive liquid.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
97 words
An accelerometer for measuring the vertical component of acceleration comprising: a first and second hollow piezoelectric element, said second element being disposed within said first element; mounting means for securing said first and second elements in position and isolating the volume between said first and second elements; contact means for securing first and second leads to the outer surface of said first element and the inner surface of said second element; a conductive liquid, said liquid partially filling the volume between said first and second elements; and, means for coupling a third lead to said conductive liquid.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The accelerometer of claim 1 wherein the polarity of said first and second piezoelectric elements being chosen so that the charge on the inner surface of each has the same polarity when said elements are compressed.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The accelerometer of claim 1 or 2 wherein said first and second elements are cylindrical.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The accelerometer of claim 3 wherein said accelerometer is oriented with the axes of said elements in a horizontal plane.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The accelerometer of claim 1 wherein said contact means comprises a metallic film deposited on the surfaces of said elements.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The accelerometer of claim 5 and in addition, means for establishing fluid communication between the exterior of said first element and the interior of said second element.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The accelerometer of claim 6 wherein said first and second elements have spherical shapes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The accelerometer of claim 6 wherein said first and second elements are tubular shaped.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The accelerometer of claim 1 wherein said conductive liquid is sufficient to completely cover the second element when said accelerometer is oriented in its normal operating position.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
34 words
The accelerometer of claim 1 wherein said means for coupling said third lead to said conductive liquid comprises a circular wire surrounding said second element, said third lead being connected to said circular wire.
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) | 1985-08-23 | 1986-02-22 | 1986-08-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-08-23 | 1990-02-22 | 1990-08-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-08-23 | 1994-02-22 | 1994-08-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |