Drivable slope-sensitive unit for measuring curvature and crossfall of ground surfaces
Patent 5440923 Issued on August 15, 1995. Estimated Expiration Date: 
June 10, 2013. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
June 10, 2013. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 3797124 Apparatus mounted on vehicles for detecting road surface conditions Grade and cross fall reference device for highway survey vehicles Method and system for measurement of road profile System for measuring irregularities of road surface Pavement distress survey system Patent #: 4899296 InventorsAssigneeApplicationNo. 074862 filed on 06/10/1993US Classes:73/146, TIRE, TREAD OR ROADWAY33/341, With variable angle indication33/366.13, With compensation of sensed quantity (e.g., acceleration)33/521Earth profile or road grade or shrub or tree trim guideExaminersPrimary: Chilcot, Richard E. Jr.Assistant: Felber, Joseph L. Attorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassG01B 007/00Foreign Application Priority Data1990-12-12 SEAbstractA method and an apparatus for measuring the curvature and the slope of ground surfaces in two different directions are disclosed. Use is made of a drivable slope-sensitive unit which emits electric signals relating to the crossfall, the hilliness, the horizontal curvature, and the covered road stretch and/or the velocity, by means of two electronic angle sensors for measuring the inclination in the vertical direction. According to the invention, the acceleration or deceleration in the direction of travel of the vehicle, the velocity, and the covered road stretch are measured by a pulse means provided in a nondriving wheel of the drivable unit and by a velocity measuring unit, the inclination of the vehicle relative to the plane through its ruts and or relative to the plane of the roadway is measured by laser ranging units, and a continuous zero-point monitoring and calibration, respectively, of the angular-velocity gyro are performed by a compass.Field of SearchTIRE, TREAD OR ROADWAYRailroad Railway track Railway rail spacing and inclination Railway track or railway vehicle part Track type Gyroscopically controlled or stabilized With measurement in plural directions or of shape With variable angle indication Earth profile or road grade or shrub or tree trim guide With conveying wheel support For railway track With recording means | |
