Patent ID: 6400159
Filing Date: 2002-06-04
Classification: G01C

Abstract:
A pitch sensor capable of generating an output voltage indicative of fluid displacement within the pitch sensor, comprising:(a) a pitch sensor housing defining a closed, elongated internal chamber which itself defines a central elongation axis; (b) first, second and third electrically conductive members disposed at first, second and third spaced apart locations, respectively, within said chamber and along said elongation axis such that said second member is disposed between said first and third members; (c) a flowable material contained within said chamber and through which electrical connections between said electrically conductive members are made by said flowable material contacting portions of said first, second and third electrically conductive members such that a first ratio of an electrical property between the first member and the second member to the corresponding electrical property between the third member and the second member is indicative of displacement of said flowable material within said chamber and the pitch sensor uses said first ratio to generate the output voltage indicative of such material displacement; and (d) means for adjusting to a limited extent the positional relationship between said first, second and third members along said elongation axis, whereby to calibrate the output voltage of the pitch sensor with respect to displacement of said flowable material within said chamber.