Patent ID: 6903560
Filing Date: 2005-06-07
Classification: G01C

Abstract:
1. A pitch sensor capable of generating an output voltage indicative of fluid displacement within the pitch sensor in a number of specific operating modes, comprising: (a) a pitch sensor housing defining a closed, elongated internal chamber which itself defines a central elongation axis; (b) a predetermined number of electrically conductive members, the number members of which is dependent upon the number of operating modes the pitch sensor is intended to operate in, said conductive members being disposed at different predetermined spaced apart locations within said chamber and along said elongation axis; and (c) a flowable material contained within said housing chamber and through which electrical connections between said electrically conductive members are made such that, in each different mode of operation of the pitch sensor, a ratio between an electrical property of one of the members and a second member to the corresponding electrical property of a third member and the second member is indicative of displacement of said flowable material within said housing chamber, wherein all of the modes of operation of the pitch sensor utilize different combinations of the conductive members, whereby the pitch sensor is capable of generating an output voltage indicative of such material displacement for each mode of operation.