Abstract: The Mini 3D orientation sensor device has convex spherical body structure in a mechanical sensor coupled to logic to manage the reverse touchscreen component, alarm and other functions for the sensor. The spherical housing sensor is comprises a plurality of layers analogous to a touchscreen complete with conducting probes, an unconstrained surface compressing ball dynamic inside the spherical grid position structure that closes a electric circuit upon depressing the inside surface of the sphere housing. The sphere depressed coordinates are mapped to its 3D orientation upon output.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reducing hysteresis in displacement sensors by reducing the resistance to motion between components in the sensing units that move relative to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid multilayer capacitive micro inclinometer, comprising at least two pairs of differential electrodes, each pair positioned in a same plane; at least one common electrode with a portion positioned in the plane of each pair of differential electrodes. The differential electrodes and the common electrode are provided in a sealed chamber, in which an immersing liquid is filled. The shape of the differential electrodes forms a sector of a circular plane. The inclinometer may further integrate a reading circuit. The present invention also discloses preparation method for the invented inclinometer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid capacitive micro inclinometer, comprising a pair of differential electrodes and a common electrode, all formed in the same plane in a sealed chamber. Immersing liquid is filled in the sealed chamber. The shape of the differential electrodes forms a sector of a circular plane. The inclinometer may further integrate a reading circuit. The present invention also discloses preparation method for the invented inclinometer.

Abstract: A tilt-sensing apparatus for sensing whether the tilt of an object exceeds a predetermined level, and to an automatic posture control apparatus using same. An amplifying lever moves along with a tilt lever which rotates in accordance with the level of fluid. in a balanced state, the end of the amplifying lever is spaced apart by a predetermined gap from a contact of a case. when the tilt of the object significantly exceeds a predetermined level, the case fixed at the object is tilted together with the object. the tilt lever in the case keeps the balanced state by the level of fluid, the tilt lever rotates in one direction relative to the case, and the rotational displacement of the tilt lever is amplified by the amplifying lever to enable contact sensors and contacts to be interconnected and turned to the ON state.

Abstract: An orientation sensor includes a measure of ferrofluid that moves as the orientation sensor moves. The movement of the ferrofluid, which lies over a number of coils, alters the magnetic permeability of the flux path around each coil. The orientation sensor determines a change in orientation by measuring a change in the voltage across each coil. The voltage across each coil changes as the inductance changes which, in turn, changes as the magnetic permeability of the flux path changes.

Abstract: A tilt-sensing apparatus for sensing whether the tilt of an object exceeds a predetermined level, and to an automatic posture control apparatus using same. An amplifying lever moves along with a tilt lever which rotates in accordance with the level of fluid. In a balanced state, the end of the amplifying lever is spaced apart by a predetermined gap from a contact of a case. When the tilt of the object significantly exceeds a predetermined level, the case fixed at the object is tilted together with the object. The tilt lever in the case keeps the balanced state by the level of fluid, the tilt lever rotates in one direction relative to the case, and the rotational displacement of the tilt lever is amplified by the amplifying lever to enable contact sensors and contacts to be interconnected and turned to the ON state.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a gas pendulum style level posture sensing chip and its manufacturing method and a level posture sensor. The gas pendulum style level posture sensing chip includes: a semiconductor substrate; two sets of arm thermosensitive fuses formed on the surface of the semiconductor substrate, each set of the thermosensitive fuses including two thermosensitive fuses in parallel to each other, the two sets of thermosensitive fuses being vertical to each other; electrodes formed at the two ends of the thermosensitive fuses. For the level posture sensing chip and sensor provided by the present invention, the parallelism and verticality of the thermosensitive fuses is high in precision such that the more accurate measurement can be implemented.

Abstract: The present technical solution provided allows it to determine true meridian of any movable object. This solution is based on determining true meridian by zero value of linear acceleration induced created by changing the projection of the vector of linear velocity, caused by rotating any heavenly body, in particular, the terrestrial globe. The determination is implemented in compact variant only by the devices located on the movable object without any necessity of using induced radiations, quickly and accurately without any necessity of knowing the coordinates of location and the speed of movement irrespective of weather conditions, transverse accelerations, temperature changes and external magnetic fields influence.

Abstract: The invention relates to construction principles, operating and manufacturing methods for inertial sensors, i.e., sensors for rapidly detecting movement and acceleration in all degrees of freedom in space, and for separately detecting the position with respect to the perpendicular under the action of acceleration due to gravity. Use is made of the knowledge that to maintain a common convection zone of two or more sensor elements, the power fractions supplied to these elements vary with change in position, movement and acceleration.

Abstract: A device adapted to be integrated with a wall hanging for indicating an off-level condition is provided. The device includes a series electrical circuit including a power supply and a signal element connected with the power supply, wherein the signal element is capable of generating a perceptible output (such as a visible light or audible sound). The device also includes a level indicating switch connected between the signal element and electrical ground. The level indicating switch is capable of connecting the signal element with electrical ground only when the device is oriented at least at a selected acute angle relative to a substantially level condition such that the signal element generates the perceptible output only when the wall hanging is oriented in an off-level condition.

Abstract: An angle sensor comprising a housing (1) having horizontal and vertical axes, which housing is adapted to receive a magnetic core (5) such that the core remains in substantially the same plane, e.g. by floating on a liquid (4). The core is provided with two orthogonal windings (8,18). In use, an electric field is applied across the vertical axis of the housing, which electric field induces a voltage in the windings, wherein the magnitude of the induced field is dependent on the angle of the magnetic core to the horizontal winding.

Abstract: An electronic inclination sensor is provided for the determination and display of surface inclination and the direction of such inclination. The information regarding the inclination and direction of inclination can be displayed such that an end user can readily and easily comprehend and use the information without additional interpretation. Further, when the inclination is displayed in decimal values, a large range of inclination angles can be displayed with significant accuracy.

Abstract: An adjustment-free tiltsensor for application in the fields of geodesy, geophysics and geotechnics, with a tilt angle measuring range greater than ±5° to ±10° and an essentially enhanced angular resolution better than 1 microradiant, in which an electrolytic liquid and a gas bubble are present in a closed spirit level, the spirit level is curved over an angle of up to 360°, a plurality of electrode configurations each having a plurality of electrodes are arranged along the spirit level for sensing the position of the gas bubble, the electrodes are in electric contact with the electrolytic liquid, and the electrodes are connected to a first electronic circuit, by means of which the electric quantities between selected electrodes can be measured.

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: 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 orientation sensor includes variable resistance elements within the sensor, the variable resistance elements forming an electric circuit with a conductive ball or drop of conductive material. The resistance of the electric circuit uniquely identifies the orientation of the apparatus. A method of determining the orientation of an apparatus includes measuring the resistance of a circuit completed between two conductive members in the apparatus, and determining the position of a freely movable conductive member in the apparatus from the measured resistance.

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 sensor for detecting a rotational movement or an angular acceleration has at least one heating element and at least one sensor element and a fluid surrounding the heating element and the sensor element, the heating element producing in the fluid a convection flow zone through which an isothermal field is defined. The heating element and the sensor element are arranged with respect to an axis of rotation of the rotational movement or of the angular acceleration to be detected, in such a way that the sensor element is displaced relative to the isothermal field when a rotational movement or an angular acceleration takes place.

Abstract: An electrolytic tilt sensor is disclosed which comprises a containment envelope having a metallic container and a header, the envelope defining a chamber and having at least one pair of apertures, an electrolytic solution partially filling the chamber, and at least one pair of electrodes, each electrode including an electrically active, transverse portion positioned within the chamber in a general horizontal alignment with one another defining a tilt axis, and a lead portion extending to the exterior of the envelope through the respective aperture. The tilt sensor may further include a sealing material disposed in each aperture of the providing a substantial fluid-tight seal about the respective electrode.

Abstract: A meniscus inhibitor for an electrolytic tilt sensor having a metallic containment envelope having at least two apertures formed therein and an interior chamber, an electrolytic solution partially filling the chamber, and at least two electrodes, each electrode having an electrolytically active portion located within the chamber and a lead portion extending to the exterior of the envelope through a corresponding one of the apertures. The meniscus inhibitor is located within the interior chamber and is a nonporous, chemically resistant, high dielectric material which surrounds the electrodes and is in contact with a peripheral wall of the interior chamber.

Abstract: An orientation sensor includes variable resistance elements within the sensor, the variable resistance elements forming an electric circuit with a conductive ball or drop of conductive material. The resistance of the electric circuit uniquely identifies the orientation of the apparatus. A method of determining the orientation of an apparatus includes measuring the resistance of a circuit completed between two conductive members in the apparatus, and determining the position of a freely movable conductive member in the apparatus from the measured resistance.

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: 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 orientation sensor includes variable resistance elements within the sensor, the variable resistance elements forming an electric circuit with a conductive ball or drop of conductive material. The resistance of the electric circuit uniquely identifies the orientation of the apparatus. A method of determining the orientation of an apparatus includes measuring the resistance of a circuit completed between two conductive members in the apparatus, and determining the position of a freely movable conductive member in the apparatus from the measured resistance.

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 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 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 invention relates to a sensor device for measuring attitude, acceleration or gravitational field and its gradient components. The device includes a spherical cavity (3) which contains a sensor substance in the form of a fluid or some other inertial material having fluidic properties. The cavity (3) is provided with measuring sensors or measuring electrodes (−x, +x; −y, +y; −z, +z) for three different coordinate axes x, y, z, all of said sensors responding to said common inertial mass which fills the cavity (3). Such assembled single compact measuring device can be used for determining any of the said quantities 3-dimensionally.

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: 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: Probe for attaching at certain times to the tool spindle of a machine tool, which probe emits by means of a stylus (5) a measuring signal which is transmitted via a transmission channel (8) to a receiving and evaluating device (9) of the machine tool. For power-saving purposes, the transmission channel (8) is kept in the functioning state, by means of an activation system contained in the probe, only during the actual measuring operation. The activation system comprises a switching device (15) and an electronic assembly (13), which is characterized in that, from when it reaches its switching position, a control check is carried out with respect to continuance of the switching position and the activation or deactivation of the transmission channel (8) is only triggered when the switching position continues uninterruptedly for the duration of a certain interrogation time.

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 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: An electrolytic tilt sensor and a method of assembling the tilt sensor. The tilt sensor includes a metallic envelope comprising a metal container and a metal header welded to the enclosure, hermetically sealing the envelope. The envelope defines a chamber that contains an electrolytic solution and a plurality of electrodes. The electrodes extending through the header from outside of the envelope into the chamber. Each electrode is located in a separate aperture within the header and is insulated from the envelope by an insulator located between the electrode and the header. The method of assembling the tilt sensor includes the steps of placing the electrolytic solution into the container through an opening, engaging the header with the opening and welding the container and header to one another to hermetically seal the envelope.

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.