Abstract: A sensor for an inclination measuring device which comprises a capsule (3) part-filled with a conductive liquid. First to fourth electrodes (A-D) are disposed within the capsule in contact with the liquid. An electrical signal is applied between electrodes (C, D) and one then the other of electrodes (A, B), to derive a signal indicative of the degree of immersion of the electrode (A), and then the electrode (B) within the liquid. The ratio of these signals is related to the angle of inclination of the capsule about the reference axis O and relative to a first reference angle defined at the gap between the electrodes (A, B). A similar gap, defining a second reference angle is disposed between electrodes (C, D), perpendicular to the gap between electrodes (A, B), and by reconfiguring the electrodes (A-D), to measure the degree of immersion of electrodes (C and D), the sensor is able to sense any angle of inclination about the reference axis.

Abstract: An inclination sensor is disclosed which includes a capsule 15 containing a conductive liquid 17 which forms a liquid pendulum and having first and second resistive tracks 11, 13. In a first measuring configuration, the terminals A, B of track 11 are connected to positive and negative voltages respectively and the terminals C, D of resistive track 13 are connected together, to form a sensing electrode. The voltage at terminal B is then adjusted so that the voltage at common electrode C, D, sensed through the conductive liquid 17 is adjusted to be zero. The ratio of voltages at terminals A and B is then related to the position of the conductive liquid 17 relative to the resistive track 11 and thus of the inclination of the capsule relative to horizontal. In an alternative measuring configuration, the roles of the resistive tracks 11, 13 are reversed, to allow the sensor to measure angles in a different angular range.