Patents by Inventor Stephen J. Bates

Stephen J. Bates has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5170567
    Abstract: A sensor for an incination 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). The capsule (1) is also constructed to compensate for thermal effects, by forming the sides of the capsule so that they are responsive to pressure change within the capsule caused by thermal expansion of the contents of the capsule to expand the volume of the capsule, to keep the level of liquid therein constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventors: Kelvin R. Davis, Stephen J. Bates, Andrew J. Murray