Patent ID: 6244113
Filing Date: 2001-06-12
Classification: G01P

Abstract:
An apparatus for measuring microgravity acceleration, comprising:an elongate flow chamber having a first end and a second end;a liquid contained within said flow chamber;a first plug member engaging said first end and operatively positioned to block flow of said liquid through said first end, said first plug member capable of being maintained at a known first temperature;a second plug member engaging said second end and operatively positioned to block flow of said liquid through said second end, said second plug member capable of being maintained at a known second temperature, said second temperature being different from said first temperature;a first temperature sensor immersed in said liquid; anda second temperature sensor immersed in said liquid, wherein said first temperature sensor and said second temperature sensor are spaced apart along a line intersecting the thermal axis of the flow chamber at a point of intersection and normal to the thermal axis, and wherein one temperature sensor is positioned on either side of the point of intersection of said line and said thermal axis.