GB1393541A - Inclinometers - Google Patents

Abstract

1393541 Inclinometers STRAWSON HYDRAULICS (CONSULTANTS) Ltd 7 Aug 1972 [14 Jan 1972 13 April 1972 16 May 1972] 1942/72 17095/72 and 22927/72 Heading G1F An inclinometer comprises a convex screen 18 and an indicating arm 20 pivotally mounted about the centre of a low friction part spherical bearing 24. The arm 20 moves under the action of a pendulum 12 so as to indicate by means of a spot of light on the screen 18 the inclination of the body on which the inclinometer is mounted. The arm 20 may have an axial light conducting rod, as shown, of glass, plastics or optical fibre, or a light bulb situated on the end of the arm adjacent the screen. A predetermined maximum tilt may be visibly or audibly signalled by an alarm which may comprise a photo-electric cell 42 which receives light via an optical fibre 44 and an aperture 48 in masking plate 46 until the maximum tilt is achieved, the light cut-off triggering the alarm signal. In a modification, the indicator arm 20 completes an electric circuit with a metallic screen situated immediately below the screen 18 on achieving the maximum tilt. During 'safe tilting', the arm 20 moves within an aperture in the metallic screen. The pendulum 12 and arm 14 may be replaced by gyroscopic means and the apparatus is zeroed by adjusting screws 34.