Arthur P Lawrence

US Patent:

40430448, Aug 23, 1977

Filed:

Nov 24, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/634576

Inventors:

Jan Valgene Whitehead - Montclair CA
Frederick J. Reininger - Ontario CA
Arthur Lawrence - Upland CA

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy - Washington DC

International Classification:

G01B 322
G01B 500

US Classification:

33172E

Abstract:

Presently available transducer systems provide analog electrical outputs portional to the linear displacement of an active element from the surface being measured. However, use requires that all or part of the surface be conductive. The present cartridge permits use of these transducers on any surface, conductive or not. It includes a tubular casing receiving both an active element portion of the transducer and a plunger formed of a conductive material. The plunger is reciprocally mounted with a compression spring normally urging it outwardly so that its tip end can contact and follow the surface to be measured. A set screw arrangement limits the plunger reciprocation. The length of the received portion of the transducer is precisely adjustable so that its active element can be disposed a precise spaced distance from the plunger when it is spring-pressed to its limit. As the plunger tip rides the surface being sensed its inward motion is limited by contact with the transducer end wall. The limited stroke covers a distance representing the full range of the transducer itself so that the system can be calibrated for the range of the transducer to assure reliable transducer read-outs.