Ferrofluid inclinometer

Details Ferrofluid inclinometer Ferrofluid inclinometer

1994-03-14

1995-09-26

Will, Thomas B.

Geometrical instruments

Indicator of direction of force traversing natural media

Level or plumb, terrestrial gravitation responsive

33365, G01C 906

Patent

active

054525209

ABSTRACT:
An inclinometer device containing a magnet surrounded at each pole by a thin, discrete band of ferrofluid; these bands are retained against the magnet by its own magnetic field, and suffice to suspend the magnet within a nonmagnetic housing that may be open or closed to the atmosphere. In a first embodiment, a Hall element senses the axial position of the magnet, and a pair of inductor coils, positioned on opposite sides of the neutral point and configured to generate opposing magnetic fields, counteract the magnet's movement and restore it to the neutral position upon application of an appropriate electric current. The magnitude and direction of this restorative current indicate the extent and orientation of the tilt. In a second embodiment, the axial position of the magnet is sensed by a pair of split capacitors disposed on the housing and spaced apart from one another. A coil centered between the capacitors restores the magnet to its neutral position, and once again the magnitude and direction of the coil current is used to gauge the degree and orientation of incline.

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DeSabata et al., "Inductive Transducers With Magnetic Fluids," 32 Sensors And Actuators A 678 (1992) No Month.

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