Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Electrostatic capacitors – Variable
Patent
1991-02-25
1992-11-17
Griffin, Donald A.
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Electrostatic capacitors
Variable
73304C, G01F 7326
Patent
active
051650843
ABSTRACT:
A system for determining changes in sea level based on the measurement of distance between capacitive elements. The system includes an electrically conductive sphere 17, 117 mounted on an electrically non-conductive buoy 13, 113, positioned a predetermined distance above sea level with the sphere and the sea (earth) acting as capacitive elements separated by the predetermined distance. The system also includes an ion source 25 for imparting charge to the sphere 17, a clock 23, an electrometer 21 for detecting (measuring) the voltage on the sphere at selected clock times. In an alternative embodiment, the ion source and electrometer are replaced with a swept frequency voltage generator 121, an inductor 127, and an ammeter 125. The inductor 127 and the sphere 117 form an LC component. In response to voltages of various frequencies applied to the sphere 117 by the generator 121, the ammeter 125 at each clock time, detects (measures) the current at the resonant frequency of the LC component. The measured voltages (or currents) are then averaged over time to compensate for wave motion (bobbing) of the buoy and dimensional changes in the buoy due to thermal (solar) effects. From each averaged voltage (or current) capacitance and sea level are calculated, and the change in sea level noted.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2768368 (1956-10-01), Crane et al.
patent: 2817234 (1957-12-01), Campbell
patent: 3873050 (1975-03-01), Hill
patent: 4194395 (1980-03-01), Wood
patent: 5077696 (1991-12-01), McEachern et al.
Denson-Low Wanda K.
Griffin Donald A.
Hughes Aircraft Company
Sales Michael W.
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