Abstract: A signal sampling circuit of a tilt sensor, suitable to be used in a tilt sensor, is described. The signal sampling circuit has a signal-generating module, a sample and hold module, and a differential module. The signal-generating module regularly generates a plurality of level-measuring signals in equal intervals, and alternately and multi-directionally sends them to the first input pin and the second input pin of the tilt sensor in turn, respectively. Then, the tilt sensor outputs in order the corresponding first and second output signal. The sample and hold module samples and holds the first and the second output signal in turn, and outputs the first and the second sampling signals, respectively. The differential module receives and differentiates the first and the second sampling signals, and outputs a level-estimating-result signal to a micro controller unit to derive the tilt information of one direction.

Abstract: An inclinometer for measuring the angle between a reference angular position and an angularly adjustable surface, such as on the control surfaces of a model aircraft. In one form, the inclinometer has a beam and a pair of opposed arms attached to the beam with centering faces to attach the inclinometer to the leading and trailing edges of the adjustable surface. In another form, the inclinometer has opposed gripping faces to attach to opposite sides of the adjustable surface. A pair of accelerometers sense the earth's gravitational vector and supply output signals to a data processor. The data processor determines a first reference position and a second angular position of the adjustable surface to determine the angle of the adjustable surface. A display receives information from the data processor to display the angle. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The novel miniaturized inclinometer for angle measurement with accurate measurement indicator is designed to monitor the angular motion of limbs. The device contains at least one inclinometer with signal conditioning electronics, including a microprocessor, placed within a miniature housing. A number of different sensors can be used and positioned in their housings so that their outputs vary as a function of their angle with respect to the gravity sector. The microprocessor controls a multiplexer, which controls the activities of the sensors; performs analog to digital conversions and measures the output curves from the sensor pairs to perform a conversion which results in a three hundred and sixty degree range with respect to gravity. Calibration data is stored in a read only memory and the microprocessor corrects variables to ensure accuracy and measures the difference in angle between the pairs of sensors.

Abstract: An instrument for determining angular inclinations includes a rectangular frame having a generally transparent rotatable disk positioned therein. The disk includes a weight that is gravitationally attracted to the Earth's surface and circuitry for determining the disk's relative rotational position. A light source and sensor surround the disk and cooperate to determine the disk's angular position according to opaque lines imprinted on the disk's surface. The instrument includes a speech generator having a memory in which a plurality of audible messages corresponding to respective angular inclinations are stored. The instrument includes logic circuitry for determining an appropriate message to be generated according to the sensed position of the disk. This message is emitted through a speaker. The instrument further includes visual indicators relative to the angular inclination of the frame.

Abstract: In a lifting vehicle having a holding and lifting device(5, 6) for holding and raising or lowering goods (9) and having a central operating device for controlling the travelling and handling of the goods (9) held by the holding device (6), the handling of sensitive goods by the person operating the lifting vehicle can be made easier or monitored by the holding device (6) being equipped with a sensor device (8) for the instantaneous inclination and/or the instantaneous accelerations of the holding device (6).

Abstract: A power tool includes a leveling device which includes a rotatable member which seeks an equilibrium position which corresponds to a level position. A rotating device includes a member which enables passage of a beam. An electrical circuit which includes an emitting device, a receiving device and an indicating device is electrically coupled such that upon activation, the emitting device emits a beam which passes through the beam passing member. The beam is received by the receiving device which, in turn, activates the indicator device. The indicator is generally a light emitting device which has a varying brightness so that the user may view the indicator from all sides of the power tool.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrolytic tilt sensor comprises: a) forming sensing electrodes on a generally planar surface of a dielectric substrate; b) forming a reference electrode on the surface; c) mounting a housing to the substrate so that the sensing electrodes and the reference electrode are contiguous to a volume defined between the housing and the substrate; d) forming a fluid tight seal between the housing and the substrate; e) injecting an electrolytic fluid into the volume; f) sealing the electrolytic fluid in the volume; and g) forming an electrical circuit on the substrate for generating an output signal representing the angle of the dielectric substrate with respect to a gravitational field, wherein the electrical circuit includes an oscillator mounted on the surface.

Abstract: An instrument for determining angular inclinations includes a rectangular frame having a generally transparent rotatable disk positioned therein. The disk includes a weight that is gravitationally attracted to the Earth's surface and circuitry for determining the disk's relative rotational position. A light source and sensor surround the disk and cooperate to determine the disk's angular position according to opaque lines imprinted on the disk's surface. The instrument includes a speech generator having a memory in which a plurality of audible messages corresponding to respective angular inclinations are stored. The instrument includes logic circuitry for determining an appropriate message to be generated according to the sensed position of the disk. This message is emitted through a speaker. The instrument further includes visual indicators relative to the angular inclination of the frame.

Abstract: A tilt switch includes a housing body with a modular concavity, light emitting and receiving units disposed in the housing body, a modular insert body inserted into the concavity and having an entry hole for admitting entry of only a portion of a light beam emitting from the emitting unit so as to form a narrower beam of incident light that travels in a light path, and an accommodation chamber with a transit route which extends to intersect the light path at an intersection, a ball member received in the chamber and rollable across the intersection when the housing is tilted, an optoelectronic sensor member that shifts the state of the switch when the ball member is lurched as a result of tilting for interrupting or restoring the transmission of the light beam, and a modular cover disposed to cover the concavity.

Abstract: An electro-optical level includes a bubble level having a tube with a liquid therein and a bubble formed by the liquid in the tube. A substantially linear light source is directed toward and through the tube. A linear lens array focuses light passing through the bubble tube onto a linear lens array for producing an image of the bubble in the bubble level. The lens array employs the focused light to identify precisely end points of the bubble in the tube and then employs locational data for the end points to assess levelness. The electro-optical level further includes an out put display that is pivotally mounted into an optimal alignment for easy viewing by a user.

Abstract: Electronic spirit level for measurement of inclination from 0 to 360 degrees. Upon the housing in form of a circular tube, curved in a ring and partially filled with electrically conducting liquid, electrically separated plates of capacitors are placed along the whole length. Because of the difference in relative dielectric constant between air and liquid it can be precisely ascertained, by successive measurements in all condensers, where at the moment the air bubble is placed. The position of the air bubble is recorded in form of a number on a screen. Into a tube along the whole circumference a resistor in the form of a wire is placed which is wound in a spiral shape, where the step of coil is uniformly increasing or multi-layer resistor of the wire, where the cross-section is uniformly changing. By using very thin wires, the resistors are divided in two or several segments.

Abstract: A tilt sensing device and method for its operation, the device being of the type comprising a) a housing, b) a radiation transmitter and a radiation receiver arranged in or at the housing to form a beam path therebetween, c) a radiation obstructing or deflecting body movable in relation to the beam path and d) a rest surface for the body defining at least two possible rest positions for the body relative the beam path between which rest positions the body can move by gravity at defined tilt angles for the device and which rest positions are selected to give a detectable output difference from the radiation receiver depending on which of the rest positions is occupied by the body. The size of the movable body, expressed as the diameter of a sphere of corresponding volume, is less than 10 mm. Operation of the device includes monitoring the output from the receiver to obtain an amplitude versus time function and processing data from the function to obtain a modified signal.

Abstract: Tilt sensor and method for forming the sensor with a piezoresistive membrane having a weight affixed proximate its center for detecting the tilt of a body. The membrane may include four piezoresistors placed proximate the edges of the membrane at the points of maximum stress when the membrane is subject to a uniform applied pressure. The piezoresistors may form a Wheatstone bridge circuit to generate an output voltage in response to changes in resistance of the piezoresistors under the uniform applied pressure. The output voltage may be indicative of the angle of inclination of a body. The membrane may be fabricated from a silicon wafer using known photolithography and etching processes. The membrane may be connected with a voltage source and secured within an appropriate housing to be placed in an operational environment.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrolytic tilt sensor comprises the steps of: a) forming first and second sensing electrodes on a generally planar surface of a dielectric substrate; b) forming a reference electrode on the generally planar surface; c) mounting a housing to the dielectric substrate so that the first and second sensing electrodes and the reference electrode are contiguous to a volume defined between the housing and the dielectric substrate; d) forming a fluid tight seal between the housing and the dielectric substrate; e) injecting an electrolytic fluid into the volume; f) sealing the electrolytic fluid in the volume; and g) forming an electrical circuit on the dielectric substrate for generating an output signal representing an angular position of the dielectric substrate with respect to a gravitational field.

Abstract: The transmitter for projecting a beam of laser light includes a source of a beam of laser light, and a projection arrangement for directing the beam of laser light at a selected grade. The transmitter further includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of said transmitter, and a temperature correction circuit, including a look-up table, responsive to said temperature sensor, for adjusting said projection arrangement in dependence upon offset grade values that are stored in said look-up table for a plurality of transmitter temperature ranges. These offset grade values are separately determined on an empirical basis for each transmitter, such that temperature induced errors in the direction of the beam of laser light are compensated.

Abstract: An orientation sensor capable of generating at least one output signal indicative of a particular orientation parameter is described. The orientation sensor comprises a sensor housing defining a closed internal chamber including a first internal surface. The first internal surface supports a first electrically conductive pattern which itself forms part of a sensing arrangement. The first electrically conductive pattern includes an arrangement of electrically isolated segments in a predetermined configuration. A flowable material is contained within the internal chamber, which flowable material contacts a portion of the first internal surface dependent upon the value of the particular orientation parameter. An electrical property is measurable between the segments such that the orientation parameter can be determined using the output signal based only on the electrical property and, therefore, only on the portion of the first internal surface contacted by the flowable material.

Abstract: The transmitter for projecting a beam of laser light includes a source of a beam of laser light, and a projection arrangement for directing the beam of laser light at a selected grade. The transmitter further includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of said transmitter, and a temperature correction circuit, including a look-up table, responsive to said temperature sensor, for adjusting said projection arrangement in dependence upon offset grade values that are stored in said look-up table for a plurality of transmitter temperatures. These offset grade values are separately determined on an empirical basis for each transmitter, such that temperatures induced errors in the direction of the beam of laser light are compensated.

Abstract: An orientation sensor capable of generating at least one output signal indicative of a particular orientation parameter is described. The orientation sensor comprises a sensor housing defining a closed internal chamber including a first internal surface. The first internal surface supports a first electrically conductive pattern which itself forms part of a sensing arrangement. The first electrically conductive pattern includes an arrangement of electrically isolated segments in a predetermined configuration. A flowable material is contained within the internal chamber, which flowable material contacts a portion of the first internal surface dependent upon the value of the particular orientation parameter. An electrical property is measurable between the segments such that the orientation parameter can be determined using the output signal based only on the electrical property and, therefore, only on the portion of the first internal surface contacted by the flowable material.

Abstract: An electronic level (10) has a rigid flat disk (12). An electronic level sensor (14) is attached to the rigid flat disk (12). An electronic display (20) is electrically connected to the electronic level sensor (14).

Abstract: A digital inclinometer detects an inclination angle by sensing varying conductive current of various electrodes. When the inclinometer is rotated through an inclination angle, various segments of the sensing electrodes become immersed in a conductive fluid causing varying conductive currents to these sensing electrodes. A driving signal is applied to driving of electrode and the sensing side of electrodes is kept at a constant voltage by connecting them to an analog ground or to current sensing amplifier which maintains virtual ground during measurement to achieve an equipotential at both sides of the sensor plates. An Analog to Digital converter, microprocessor, and LCD display achieves a digital readout. Novel methods allow 360-degree precise measurements, while overcoming traditional limitations and errors due to fringe effects, non-linearity, and various environmental changes.

Abstract: An inclinometer comprising a spherical mass, a spherical shell having a reference axis and surrounding said spherical mass and a plurality of electrodes mounted on the spherical inner surface of said spherical shell, said inclinometer applied to detect the inclination angle of said reference axis by the output signal of said electrodes.

Abstract: A mass moves within a bore defined in a body. During normal operation the axis of the bore is approximately vertical, so that the mass rests at the bottom. A magnet is positioned adjacent the top of the bore and imparts an upwards force on the mass that is less than the downwards force on the mass upwards force on the mass that is less than the downwards force on the mass from gravity. A coil is positioned adjacent the bottom of the bore. When the body is dropped, or tilted beyond a critical angle from vertical, the force from the magnet causes the mass to move upwards in the bore. The upwards movement is sensed as a change in the coil's inductance.

Abstract: A thermocouple tilt sensing device comprises a container being substantially gas-tight, a first sensing wire having a first and a second end, and a second sensing wire, having a first and a second end. The first end of the first sensing element is electrically connected to the first end of the second sensing wire thereby forming a thermocouple junction. A heater wire is disposed adjacent the thermocouple junction and is connected to an AC or DC power source. The heater wire provides thermal energy which induces a DC output voltage in the thermocouple. The first sensing wire, second sensing wire and the heater wire are disposed within the sealed container. An angle of a device provided with a thermocouple tilt sensing device is determined by measuring the output voltage from the thermocouple junction and comparing it to a known output voltage curve associated with the thermocouple tilt sensing device.

Abstract: An electronic inclinometer and a centrally controlled network of inclinometers are disclosed. A resistive or capacitive inclinometer sensor measures inclination in two orthogonal axes. Measuring electrodes can be provided on the exterior of a dielectric sensor cell isolated from a sensor fluid. In another embodiment, measuring electrodes comprise pins partially immersed in a cell fluid contained in a metal housing and reference electrodes are provided to compensate for temperature and electrochemical changes in the sensor. Sensor signals are converted to frequency signals that are processed by a microprocessor having a unique logical address and preferably having an external solid state memory. A plurality of inclinometers can be arranged in multiple logical branches to be centrally controlled. The controller operates the network in real time or in a programmable timed autonomous mode. Network data can be presented in a graphical 3D format using software provided on the controller.

Abstract: A tilt angle sensor is disclosed that is capable of detecting whether a tilt angle of a reference plane exceeds a predetermined value by means of only one threshold value. Although only one threshold value is used, the tilt angle can be measured with respect to either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction from the untilted state. A pair of differential electrodes electrically independent of each other are formed in a shape symmetric with respect to upper and lower sections of a printed circuit board. A common electrode plate is mounted opposed to the pair of differential electrodes with a predetermined gap therebetween. The pair of differential electrodes and the common electrode is stored in a closed space formed by the printed circuit board and an oil case. A dielectric liquid is filled into the closed space in such a way that the level of the liquid varies according to the tilt of the reference plane.

Abstract: An orientation sensor especially suitable for use in an underground device is disclosed herein. This orientation sensor includes a sensor housing defining a closed internal chamber, an arrangement of electrically conductive members in a predetermined positional relationship to one another within the chamber and a flowable material contained within the housing chamber and through which electrical connections between the electrically conductive members are made such that a comparison between an electrical property, specifically voltage, of a first combination of conductive members to the corresponding electrical property of a second combination of conductive members can be used to determine a particular orientation parameter, specifically pitch or roll of the sensor.

Abstract: A tilt sensing device and method for its operation, the device being of the type comprising (a) a housing, (b) a radiation transmitter and a radiation receiver arranged in or at the housing to form a beam path therebetween, (c) a radiation obstructing or deflecting body movable in relation to the beam path and (d) a rest surface for the body defining at least two possible rest positions for the body can move by gravity at defined tilt angles for the device and which rest positions are selected to give a detectable output difference from the radiation receiver depending on which of the rest positions is occupied by the body. The size of the movable body, expressed as the diameter of a sphere of corresponding volume, is less than 10 mm. Operation of the device includes monitoring the output from the receiver to obtain an amplitude versus time function and processing data from the function to obtain a modified signal.

Abstract: Position detectors, welding system position detectors, methods of detecting various positions, and methods of providing position detectors are described. In one embodiment, a welding system positional detector includes a base that is configured to engage and be moved along a curved surface of a welding work piece. At least one position detection apparatus is provided and is connected with the base and configured to measure angular position of the detector relative to a reference vector. In another embodiment, a welding system positional detector includes a weld head and at least one inclinometer mounted on the weld head. The one inclinometer is configured to develop positional data relative to a reference vector and the position of the weld head on a non-planar weldable work piece.

Abstract: An orientation sensor capable of generating at least one output signal indicative of a particular orientation parameter is described. The orientation sensor comprises a sensor housing defining a closed internal chamber including a first internal surface. The first internal surface supports a first electrically conductive pattern which itself forms part of a sensing arrangement The first electrically conductive pattern includes an arrangement of electrically isolated segments in a predetermined configuration. A flowable material is contained within the internal chamber, which flowable material contacts a portion of the first internal surface dependent upon the value of the particular orientation parameter. An electrical property is measurable between the segments such that the orientation parameter can be determined using the output signal based only on the electrical property and, therefore, only on the portion of the first internal surface contacted by the flowable material.

Abstract: A tilt sensor capable of sensing tilt in two axes includes an outer shell, a magnet at a fixed position inside the shell, and a reference element movable within the shell in response to gravity. Magnetic flux follows a plurality of paths from a pole of the magnet, around the shell, through the reference element, to the opposite pole of the magnet. Magnetic sensors detect changes in reluctance of the flux paths resulting from the movement of the reference element within the shell, from which the angle of tilt can be determined.

Abstract: A three-axis gravity switch having a curved chamber to retain a gravity responsive member such as a ball of liquid mercury, the chamber having a three-dimensional pathway defined on at least one of its walls, where the gravity responsive member and pathway are conductive, either electrically or optically, such that a circuit is completed when the gravity responsive member contacts the pathway, where the switch can be rotated, inverted and translated in three dimensions such that the pathway defines an acceptable three dimensional course of rotation for the switch.

Abstract: The closed container for an clinometric sensor is assembled of a tube-like member with a circular cross section, and a pair of side boards shaped like a disc and closing both opening ends of the tube-like member. On the inside flat plane of one side board, a pair of first electrodes are formed with a gap passing the central axis of the tube-like member and trending in the radial direction of the tube-like member. On the other hand, on the inside flat plane of the other side board, a second electrode is formed through the approximately whole area thereof. In the closed container, an electrolytic solution of approximately a half of the volume thereof is injected.

Abstract: A scoop has a handle attached thereto by a neck. The neck has a built in strain gauge supporting the scoop which measures weight in the scoop. An analog-digital converter converts the strain gauge output to a digital signal, which displays the weight as a readout (either metric or avoirdupois) on a panel in the handle. Control switches built into the handle or panel control the functions of the scoop, while indicator/annunciator lights indicate status. A level indicator is provided having a ball bearing resting freely on a conducting bottom plate forming a spherical sector of predetermined angle and a cylindrical sidewall having therein conducting elements. When the ball bearing contacts a sidewall conducting element it closes a circuit which switches off a level indicator/annunciator light, which when on shows that the scoop is level. The position of the ball bearing is visible to the operator, allowing correction of tilt.