Abstract: An attitude sensor device for sensing deviations from a reference orientation which includes a sensor cup having a capacitor and a damped dielectric fluid with a bubble disposed between the electrodes of the capacitor. When the sensor cup is tilted, the bubble is displaced within the damped dielectric fluid and a capacitance change results. A controller circuit detects this capacitance change and outputs a warning signal to an LED and/or a speaker. In an alternate embodiment, the attitude sensor device is mounted to the inner housing of a gyroscope, which is insensitive to movement in two dimensions, thereby allowing the sensing of deviations of rotational movement.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 6, 1991
Date of Patent:
September 22, 1992
Assignee:
Alexander Rhys Thomas
Inventors:
Alexander R. Thomas, Anthony S. Pruszenski, Jr.