Strand Or Chain Test Patents (Class 73/828)
  • Patent number: 11939012
    Abstract: Provided are a system and method for monitoring tension of a track. The track tension monitoring method of determining whether tension of tracks constituting an undercarriage module, which is an undercarriage of caterpillar track equipment, is abnormal includes, when tracks are in a dynamic state, entering an abnormality determination mode for determining whether the tracks are in excessive tension or low tension, and determining, in the abnormality determination mode, whether track tension is abnormal by measuring the track tension when the tracks make a turn, when the tracks are impacted, or when the caterpillar track equipment operates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: DRB INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD
    Inventors: Cheol Hyun Cho, Eui Jae Cho
  • Patent number: 10377605
    Abstract: Modern elevators involve a plurality of ropes and wheels for ropes in a variety of different functions related to the operation and security of an elevator. The wearing of a rope and a wheel may be inspected by scanning a profile of a wheel or ropes on a wheel. When a rope or a wheel is worn the profile will be lower than in the normal situation. Depending on the difference to the normal situation an appropriate action may be taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mikko Puranen, Pentti Alasentie
  • Patent number: 10294038
    Abstract: Provided is a conveyor belt monitoring system that determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the conveyor belt by successively detecting elongation of a running conveyor belt using an elongation detection mechanism, by successively detecting tension acting on a core layer forming the conveyor belt using a tension detection mechanism, and, on the basis of data obtained therefrom, monitoring the presence/absence of the abnormality in the conveyor belt using a control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Gang Hou
  • Patent number: 9932203
    Abstract: A deterioration state of load bearing capacity in an elevator suspension member having a plurality of electrically conductive cords is detected by: providing a multi-phase alternating current circuitry including electrically conductive legs; applying at least one phase of a multi-phase alternating current to at least one of the cords electrically connected to one of the legs; applying at least another phase of the current to at least another cord and at least one resistor electrically connected to at least another leg; measuring an electric indicator current being at least one of a net sum of all phases of the current and an electric bypass current through a neutral wire being connected in parallel to the circuitry, wherein a peak current in each phase is shifted by a phase angle with respect to a peak current in another phase; and determining the deterioration state based on the measured indicator electric current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: INVENTIO AG
    Inventor: Vincent Robibero
  • Patent number: 9869620
    Abstract: A measurement device for measuring dynamometric features of elongated textile samples of the yarns, threads, tapes type and the like, such a device comprises a first clamp and a second clamp that is substantially aligned and relatively movable with respect to the first clamp along a first translation direction, each of the first clamp and the second clamp including a fixed jaw and a movable jaw in relation to the respective fixed jaw along a second translation direction substantially orthogonal to the first translation direction and the movable jaw is movable between a resting position and an operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: MESDAN S.p.A.
    Inventors: Paolo Righettini, Andrea Ginammi
  • Patent number: 9846249
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for using tension feedback from steerable deflectors. In one example, a method may comprise: towing sensors streamers in a body of water from a survey vessel, wherein each of the sensor streamers comprises geophysical sensors at spaced apart locations; towing steerable deflectors in the body of water from the survey vessel, wherein the steerable deflectors are used to provide a lateral component of force to the sensors streamers as the steerable deflectors are towed through the body of water; turning the survey vessel; measuring tension at the steerable deflectors during the step of turning the survey vessel; and in response to the step of measuring tension, determining at least one of a reduced vessel operating speed, an increased vessel operating speed, a reduced angle of attack for at least one of the steerable deflectors, an increased angle of attack for at least one of the steerable, an increased vessel turn radius, or a decreased vessel turn radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: PGS Geophysical AS
    Inventors: Jan Erik Stokkeland, Mattias Dan Christian Oscarsson, Rune Tønnessen
  • Patent number: 9841363
    Abstract: Modular equipment for automatically determining features of elongated textile samples is provided. The equipment includes a housing on which a loading module for loading inlet ends of textile samples to be tested is mounted, a measurement module for measuring at least feature of the textile samples, a handling device for handling the textile samples between the loading module and the measurement module, and a central unit of the programmable type for controlling and managing the loading module, the measurement module, and the handling means. The loading module includes gripping members that are arranged aligned to one another along a loading direction, a carriage that is driven in a movable manner in both translation senses along a translation direction parallel to the loading direction, and a motor associated with the carriage for operating the carriage moving along the translation direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: MESDAN S.p.A.
    Inventors: Paolo Righettini, Andrea Ginammi
  • Patent number: 9149937
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a patient side-system is provided that includes a column with a rail and a counterbalance subsystem. The patient side-system may further include a braking subsystem. The counterbalance subsystem includes a spring assembly coupled at one end to the column with a spring member, and a housing movably coupled to the rail. The housing includes a drum to receive the spring member and a plurality of roller elements to guide a movement of the spring member winding or unwinding on the drum. If present, the braking subsystem includes a first pulley rotatably coupled to the column, a second pulley with a locking mechanism spaced apart from the first pulley and rotatably coupled to the column, and at least one brake cable wrapped around the first pulley and the second pulley with ends coupled to the housing. The locking mechanism can set a position of the housing along the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS INC.
    Inventors: Randal P. Goldberg, Henry Hazebrouck, Dean Hoornaert, David Lidgey
  • Publication number: 20150122047
    Abstract: Described are various exemplary embodiments of a cable track monitoring system and method. In one embodiment, a monitoring system for a cable track is operatively mounted between an anchoring unit and a mobile unit in designating a deployable cabling path therebetween as the mobile unit travels relative to the anchoring unit. The system comprises a monitoring cable to be run within the cable track along the cabling path; and a sensor fixedly mountable relative to one of the anchoring unit and the mobile unit and operatively coupleable to the monitoring cable in sensing a tension variation therein as the mobile unit travels relative to the anchoring unit. The sensor is operable to monitor the tension variation during operation of the cable track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Mike RIDDALL
  • Patent number: 9003893
    Abstract: A chain link tester and method of use is disclosed herein. The chain link tester may contain a tapered lever and may be adapted to operatively connect to a torque metering device. The chain link tester may be used to test chain links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventor: Timothy Tilley
  • Patent number: 8991263
    Abstract: A device, assembly and method for clamping single fibers that utilizes snubbing surfaces simultaneously with magnetic gripping action are described. The device can be fabricated at miniature sizes with very low mass and volume, which are desirable requirements for testing of small fibers in highly sensitive force-transducing load frames. Advantageously, the combined use of snubbing surfaces and magnetic gripping greatly reduces the probability of slippage or fiber failure at the grip during testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Eric D. Wetzel
  • Publication number: 20150075291
    Abstract: Tension meter (82) for measuring a mechanical tension (F1) along a longitudinal direction (L) between a first element (84) and a second element (80) deployed in a well containing a fluid (50) having a fluid pressure, the tension meter comprising:—a bar (108) comprising a first portion (152), a second portion (154), and a measurement portion (156), and—a hollow member (110) defining a first chamber (169) surrounding the measurement portion, the bar being free to expand within the hollow member under the mechanical tension (F1) to be measured. The measurement portion includes at least one strain gauge (172). The tension meter includes first sealing elements for keeping the first chamber at a first chamber pressure, the measurement portion being subject to a compression force (F2) due to a difference between the fluid pressure and the first chamber pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Christophe Michaud, Vincent Chatelet
  • Publication number: 20150068318
    Abstract: A wireless-enabled tension meter is disclosed. The wireless-enabled tension meter can include a pulley arrangement through which a portion of a guiding member is routed for use during a pull of conductor through a conduit network. A tension force is exerted on the guiding member during the pull as the guiding member is pulled through the pulley arrangement. The wireless-enabled tension meter can also include a sensor for measuring the tension force, a wireless network interface, and a control module for performing operations. The operations performed by the control module can include capturing data corresponding to the tension force and causing the wireless network interface to send the data to a wireless communication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Southwire Company, LLC
    Inventors: Tim R. Bardin, Chad Garrish, Allan Wayne Daniel, James Phil Tuggle, Richard Temblador
  • Publication number: 20150059489
    Abstract: A large deformation tensile testing system, for use in testing a large deformation tensile of an anchor rod or an anchor rode, comprising a main machine frame (1), a rear collet component (2) arranged at a first position on the longitudinal direction of the main machine frame (1), a front collet component (3) movably arranged at a second position on the longitudinal direction of the main machine frame (1), a telescoping apparatus (4), a measurement and control apparatus, where a sensor module thereof senses the displacement and real-time tensile of the telescoping apparatus to form real-time data to be transmitted to an analysis module and a control module, the control module that controls, on the basis of a set measurement and control scheme and of an input of the sensor module, a testing process to proceed according to a set testing condition, the analysis module for analyzing the input of the sensor module to form a test result, and an output module for outputting same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Manchao He, Xiaojie Yang, Yi Zhang
  • Patent number: 8955398
    Abstract: An individual tension meter (1) for measuring tension in a racquet string (9), includes a graspable body (10) and a stress member (2) for stressing the string (9) that are movable relative to each other by pivoting, elastically deformable return elements (3) configured to urge the graspable body (10) and the stress member (2) relative to each other back into a neutral angular position, measurement elements for measuring a magnitude representative of the relative pivoting between the graspable body (10) and the stress member (2), and computation elements for computing the tension of the string as a function of the measured magnitude. The graspable body (10) and the stress member (2) have a first possibility of pivoting relative to each other in a first direction and a second possibility of pivoting relative to each other in a second direction opposite from the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: Eric Loreau
  • Patent number: 8931350
    Abstract: A cable test bench for testing a test cable to establish service life, replacement age, number of flex cycles, and/or winding behavior, has a deflection system including at least one deflector roll to deflect the test cable, one test cable drive to wind and unwind the test cable via the deflection system, and one test load to load the test cable. The cable test stand has an additional cable test drive for winding and unwinding a safety cable and/or the named test cable, and a control device for controlling the additional cable drive and/or the test cable drive in a manner wherein the two are adjusted to each other, in such a manner that the load of the test cable can be adjusted differently for different test cable segments and/or different winding directions and/or different winding cycles and/or different phases of a winding cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Liebherr-Components Biberach GmbH
    Inventors: Ilaka Mupdende, Norbert Stanger
  • Patent number: 8833176
    Abstract: A device detecting tension in synthetic rigging in a sailboat. A deadeye used in rigging has an opening therein containing a strain gauge module. The strain gauge module is positioned between one end of the deadeye and lashing eyelets. Different strain gauge module substrate configurations are used. A transmitter module is coupled to the strain gauge module for wirelessly transmitting signals representative of the rigging load or tension. The strain gauge module is easily removable for repair or replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel Shapiro, Neal Wostbrock
  • Patent number: 8813574
    Abstract: A method and device for testing the tensile stress in tension elements of a tension element cord utilizes a measuring gage which is clamped between two tension elements of the tension element cord. The gage establishes a reference point relative to a fixed point stationary with respect to the tension element cord. The gage extends horizontally between two vertically extending length portions of the two tension elements. Then it is determined whether the reference point of the measuring gage is shifted with respect to the fixed point in the horizontal direction, wherein such a shift is dependent on a difference in the tension stresses in the two tension elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Daniel Fischer
  • Publication number: 20140208862
    Abstract: A device, assembly and method for clamping single fibers that utilizes snubbing surfaces simultaneously with magnetic gripping action are described. The device can be fabricated at miniature sizes with very low mass and volume, which are desirable requirements for testing of small fibers in highly sensitive force-transducing load frames. Advantageously, the combined use of snubbing surfaces and magnetic gripping greatly reduces the probability of slippage or fiber failure at the grip during testing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicants: United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army, U.S. Army Research Laboratory ATTN: RDRL-LOC-I
    Inventor: ERIC D. WETZEL
  • Patent number: 8770039
    Abstract: An arrangement for measuring tension in mooring chains 38 connected to a floating structure 6. The arrangement includes a chain stopper 12 having a first portion 16 and a second portion 18. The first portion 16 has a first load bearing surface 42 and the second portion 18 has a second load bearing surface 50. The arrangement further includes at least one pin 14 arranged and designed for measuring shear loads and laterally traversing the chain stopper 12 between the first and second load bearing surfaces 50, 42, whereby, upon application of a load to the chainstopper assembly 12, the at least one pin 14 is positioned in the load path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: SOFEC, Inc.
    Inventors: Quoc Anh Dang, David Seaman
  • Publication number: 20140174194
    Abstract: A multifunction gauge includes a checking bar adapted to check wear of a roller chain, and a flexible checking member adapted to check wear of a sprocket and connected to the checking bar. The checking bar has a bar body that has opposite first and second end portions respectively having opposite first and second terminating ends. The checking bar further has spaced-apart first and second checking projections that project transversely from one side of the bar body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: KMC CHAIN INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Daniel WU
  • Publication number: 20140102212
    Abstract: An apparatus (2) with a chain (1) that is arranged endlessly circulateable in the apparatus (2) includes a measuring apparatus (3) for measuring the stretching or elongation of the chain (1), with a first signal pick-up (4) and with a second signal pick-up (5), which are arranged at a spacing distance (D) relative to one another, which extends in the running direction over several chain links (6) of the chain (1). A first element for signal generation (7) is arranged on a first chain link (6.1) in such a manner so that with a circulating chain (1) a signal is produced upon running past the first signal pick-up (4). Several further elements for signal generation (8) are arranged on a second chain link (6.2) in such a manner so that with a circulating chain (1) a further signal is generated with each one of these further elements (8) upon running past the second signal pick-up (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: LINDAUER DORNIER GMBH
    Inventor: Kai Urbanzyk
  • Publication number: 20140027401
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to lifting gear such as cranes which use high-strength fiber ropes instead of steel ropes. In this respect, the invention in particular relates to an apparatus for recognizing the discard state of a high-strength fiber rope in use at such lifting gear comprising a detection device for detecting at least one rope parameter as well as comprising an evaluation unit for evaluating the rope parameter and for providing a discard signal in dependence on the rope parameter evaluation. In accordance with the invention, the detection device of the apparatus for recognizing the discard state comprises a plurality of differently configured detection means for a magnetic, mechanical, optical and/or electronic detection of a plurality of different rope parameters which can be evaluated by the evaluation unit individually and/or in combination with one another for recognizing the discard state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: LIEBHERR-COMPONENTS BIBERACH GMBH
    Inventors: Mupende ILAKA, Horst ZERZA
  • Publication number: 20130319130
    Abstract: A device for indirectly sensing tension of a chain in a railroad handbrake includes an elongated bore formed through a holding pawl of the handbrake, sensor target attached to the holding pawl and a sensor mounted in close proximity to an upper end of the housing so as to sense the sensor target. The ratchet wheel of the handbrake positions the sensor target for operative sensing alignment with the sensor during at least partial handbrake application. A biasing member moves the sensor target away from the operative sensing alignment during handbrake release.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: PETER GREGAR
  • Publication number: 20130312649
    Abstract: An apparatus for gripping a chain including a body which allows passage of the chain is disclosed. The body has first and second chain gripping devices, both adapted to grip the chain to restrict or prevent movement of the chain relative to the body. These first and second gripping devices are arranged in the body in respective first and second angular orientations which are offset with respect to one another, whereby the first and second chain gripping devices are adapted to grip respective links of the chain having different angular orientations. An associated method is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: Julek Romuald Tomas
  • Publication number: 20130239649
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a tension meter arranged to measure the tension in a mooring line of a marine asset is described. The method comprises the step of determining at least one characteristic of the catenary trajectory formed by the mooring line, and determining the tension in the mooring line based on the at least one characteristic. The characteristic may be, for example, shape of the catenary trajectory or elastic response of the mooring line. The determined tension is compared with a corresponding tension measurement from the tension meter to allow the tension meter to be calibrated. The method may be carried out during normal operations of the marine asset, such as drilling or hydrocarbon production. Computer implemented methods are described, as are methods of deriving a position map of the mooring lines. The invention may be implemented in a real-time monitoring system which forms a long-term or permanent feature of the marine asset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: CATENARY TESTING LIMITED
    Inventor: Angus Jamieson
  • Publication number: 20130098165
    Abstract: A mobile anchor tester for testing an earth anchor or a deadman or any other suitable assembly. A mobile system is provided for testing in-ground anchors, the system including a mobile platform, such as a trailer or the bed of a pickup truck having a horizontal support surface spaced above the ground. A pair of adjustable leg assemblies are provided engaging the rear end of the mobile anchor tester. The legs are adjustable, typically having hydraulic cylinders engaged therewith. The adjustable leg assemblies will extend from the back or rear end of the mobile platform to the ground. An anchor testing assembly engaged with the horizontal support surface on the mobile platform has a cable at the removed end thereof. The cable includes a hook to engage the in-ground anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: Wallace Bruce
  • Publication number: 20120312101
    Abstract: An individual tension meter (1) for measuring tension in a racquet string (9), includes a graspable body (10) and a stress member (2) for stressing the string (9) that are movable relative to each other by pivoting, elastically deformable return elements (3) configured to urge the graspable body (10) and the stress member (2) relative to each other back into a neutral angular position, measurement elements for measuring a magnitude representative of the relative pivoting between the graspable body (10) and the stress member (2), and computation elements for computing the tension of the string as a function of the measured magnitude. The graspable body (10) and the stress member (2) have a first possibility of pivoting relative to each other in a first direction and a second possibility of pivoting relative to each other in a second direction opposite from the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Eric Loreau
  • Publication number: 20120297890
    Abstract: An arrangement for measuring tension in mooring chains 38 connected to a floating structure 6. The arrangement includes a chain stopper 12 having a first portion 16 and a second portion 18. The first portion 16 has a first load bearing surface 42 and the second portion 18 has a second load bearing surface 50. The arrangement further includes at least one pin 14 arranged and designed for measuring shear loads and laterally traversing the chain stopper 12 between the first and second load bearing surfaces 50, 42, whereby, upon application of a load to the chainstopper assembly 12, the at least one pin 14 is positioned in the load path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: QUOC ANH DANG, DAVID SEAMAN
  • Patent number: 8285494
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the wear of a moving conveyor chain includes a first detector for detecting a leading end of a first link of the chain and providing a first signal corresponding thereto, a second detector for detecting a trailing end of the first link and providing a second signal corresponding thereto, and a third detector for detecting a leading end of a third link of the chain and providing a third signal corresponding thereto. The system processes the signal so as to determine a first distance D1 which is the distance between the leading end and trailing end of the first link, a second distance D2 which is the distance between the trailing end of the first link and the leading end of the third link, and a third distance D3 which is the distance between the leading end of the first link and the leading end of the third link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Tibor Vozner
  • Publication number: 20120227509
    Abstract: A device, assembly and method for clamping single fibers that utilizes snubbing surfaces simultaneously with magnetic gripping action are described. The device can be fabricated at miniature sizes with very low mass and volume, which are desirable requirements for testing of small fibers in highly sensitive force-transducing load frames. Advantageously, the combined use of snubbing surfaces and magnetic gripping greatly reduces the probability of slippage or fiber failure at the grip during testing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: United States Goverment as Presented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: ERIC D. WETZEL
  • Publication number: 20120222490
    Abstract: A method and device for testing the tensile stress in tension elements of a tension element cord utilizes a measuring gage which is clamped between two tension elements of the tension element cord. The gage establishes a reference point relative to a fixed point stationary with respect to the tension element cord. The gage extends horizontally between two vertically extending length portions of the two tension elements. Then it is determined whether the reference point of the measuring gage is shifted with respect to the fixed point in the horizontal direction, wherein such a shift is dependent on a difference in the tension stresses in the two tension elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel Fischer
  • Patent number: 8156821
    Abstract: An apparatus for testing the break-through strength of a tissue product is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a dose addition assembly having an opening and a sample holder. The sample holder comprises a lower platen and an upper platen disposed in a fact to face relationship and each having coextensive openings disposed therein. The opening of the dose addition assembly is disposed proximate to one of the openings disposed within the upper and lower platens. A substance is disposed within the dose addition assembly and is capable of being expectorated from the opening of the dose addition assembly through one of the openings disposed within the upper and lower platens onto a tissue product disposed between the upper and lower platens and within the openings disposed within the upper and lower platens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Michael Scott Prodoehl, LaTisha Evette Salaam, Thomas Alan Wilker
  • Publication number: 20110209557
    Abstract: A fibrous assembly includes two components. The first component provides a visual indication of when a pre-determined tensile load is applied to the assembly or when the fibres of the assembly have been over-extended. The first and second components are movable relative to each other, the visual indication being provided by the first component being substantially concealed by the second component and becoming at least partially exposed when the pre-determined tensile load is applied to the assembly or when the fibres have been over-extended. The first component comprises auxetic yarn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF EXETER
    Inventors: Michael Kenneth Burns, Julian Roger Wright, Kenneth Ernest Evans
  • Patent number: 8001846
    Abstract: A mobile testing device is adjustable to perform different types of tension tests. The measuring device can conduct tests on components located on the ground or on elevated components. The measuring device can also carry out tensile strength tests on wire cables, slings, and other components. The measuring device can also be used to calibrate weight-indicating devices and instruments that indicate tensile strength. The positioning and movement of the gantry is achieved by using an assembly of hydraulic cylinders. Different working positions can thus be obtained and more than a trivial amount of physical effort is not required to operate the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Petroil S.R.L.
    Inventor: Victor Berra
  • Patent number: 7992449
    Abstract: A method for determining the condition assessment and residual life span of bridge cables based on a parametric statistical model. The method includes random sampling of individual cable wires, mechanically testing the sampled wires, determining the probability of broken and cracked wires and the ultimate strength of cracked wires using fracture toughness and imputing the above data to simulate stress-strain curves for each wire in the cable, applying strain increments until reaching ultimate elongation. Assessing remaining service life of the cable by determining the rate of change of broken wires detected over a time frame, measuring the rate of change of fracture toughness over said time frame, and applying the rates of change to a time-dependent degradation prediction model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Khaled M. Mahmoud
  • Patent number: 7984565
    Abstract: A measuring instrument includes a ruler unit including an elongated plank portion extending along a first direction, two spaced apart positioning members disposed fixedly on the elongated plank portion, and a first measuring portion extending from the elongated plank portion along a second direction. A movable seat is movably mounted on the elongated plank portion and is movable relative to the elongated plank portion along the first direction between a reset position, where the movable seat abuts against one of the positioning members, and a normal position, where the movable seat abuts against the other one of the positioning members. The movable seat has a second measuring portion. A resilient member is mounted between the movable seat and the ruler unit, and biases the movable seat toward the normal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: KMC Chain Industrial, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel Wu
  • Publication number: 20110154908
    Abstract: A well access line monitor. The monitor may be employed to directly interface and establish the current yield strength of a plastically deformable line such as coiled tubing or slickline. Such interfacing may take place in advance of, or during an application. Thus, the fitness of the line for the application may be established in real-time. Further, with comparison to a reference log of projected yield strength for the line over the course of multiple bend cycles, the remaining life of the line may also be established.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: L. Michael Mckee, Robert Michael Ramsey, Hifzi Ardic
  • Patent number: 7886613
    Abstract: A method for detecting the strain applied to a transmission chain includes positioning a strain gauge on an inwardly-facing surface of a first of a pair of opposed outer link plates, spacing the inwardly-facing surface of the first outer link plate from an outwardly-facing surface of a first of a pair of opposed inner link plates facing the first outer link plate, connecting the strain gauge into a bridge network and an electric circuit, and using an output of the electric circuit to determine the strain applied to the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Renold PLC
    Inventors: Christopher James Lodge, Eduardo Abanses Enguita
  • Patent number: 7886896
    Abstract: A method of monitoring the tension of a continuous endless drive elongate member mounted to be moved over a closed-loop path and having a slack run along which it forms undulations, said method consisting in placing a sensor along said slack run for detecting undulations going past in the slack run, and in counting the number of undulations detected, said number serving as a magnitude for measuring the tension of the drive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Solystic
    Inventors: Stephane Marisy, Bruno Leopold, Dominique Decharran, Alain Danjaume
  • Publication number: 20100313671
    Abstract: An apparatus for testing the break-through strength of a tissue product is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a dose addition assembly having an opening and a sample holder. The sample holder comprises a lower platen and an upper platen disposed in a fact to face relationship and each having coextensive openings disposed therein. The opening of the dose addition assembly is disposed proximate to one of the openings disposed within the upper and lower platens. A substance is disposed within the dose addition assembly and is capable of being expectorated from the opening of the dose addition assembly through one of the openings disposed within the upper and lower platens onto a tissue product disposed between the upper and lower platens and within the openings disposed within the upper and lower platens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Scott Prodoehl, LaTisha Evette Salaam, Thomas Alan Wilker
  • Patent number: 7814800
    Abstract: A method is described for measuring the chain force (FK) in a drive chain (26) engaging on a body (20) that is rotatable around an axle (21) which is fixed in a frame (10) at least two connecting points (22, 23). The method comprises the steps of: measuring the reaction force (FL) between axle (21) and frame (10) at a first connecting point (22); measuring the reaction force (FL) between axle (21) and frame (10) at a second connecting point (23); and adding the two measured reaction forces (FL; FR).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: IDBIKE C.V.
    Inventors: Gijsbertus Cornelis Franciscus Roovers, Bastiaan Andreas D'Herripon
  • Patent number: 7685885
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a test head weight compensation device includes at least one constant force spring connected between a test head assembly of the automated test equipment system and a test head supporting structure to apply a constant supportive force to the test head assembly. The at least one constant force spring is mounted to the test head supporting structure with a distal end of the constant force spring is attached to the test head assembly. Alternately, the constant force spring is mounted to the test head assembly with the distal end of the constant force spring connected to the test head supporting structure. The test weight compensation device may include pulleys attached to the supporting structure or the test head assembly with the constant force spring passed through the pulley to multiply the force of the constant force spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Teradyne, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce L. Cowgill
  • Publication number: 20100005899
    Abstract: A method for detecting the strain applied to a transmission chain includes positioning a strain gauge on an inwardly-facing surface of a first of a pair of opposed outer link plates, spacing the inwardly-facing surface of the first outer link plate from an outwardly-facing surface of a first of a pair of opposed inner link plates facing the first outer link plate, connecting the strain gauge into a bridge network and an electric circuit, and using an output of the electric circuit to determine the strain applied to the chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Christopher James Lodge, Eduardo Abanses Enguita
  • Patent number: 7634949
    Abstract: A transmission chain comprises has a data collection device mounted on at least one of the links. A strain gauge sensor is mounted on the inwardly facing surface of an outer link plate symmetrically about a centre link thereof and measures the strain on the link plate. The measurements are compared to a threshold and a visual indicator mounted on the chain is activated if the threshold is exceeded. The data collection device can be controlled by a first controller device that simply switches it between a quiescent state to an overload detecting state or a second controller type can be used for data-logging and analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Renold PLC
    Inventors: Christopher James Lodge, Eduardo Abanses Enguita
  • Patent number: 7614482
    Abstract: In an elevator apparatus, a pulley is provided in a hoistway. A rope that moves together with the movement of a car is wound around the pulley. Further, the pulley is provided with a pulley sensor for generating a signal according to the rotation of the pulley. The car is provided with a car speed sensor for directly detecting the speed of the car. A control panel is provided with: a first speed detecting portion for obtaining the speed of the car based on information from the pulley sensor; a second car speed detecting portion for obtaining the speed of the car based on information from the car speed sensor; and a determination portion for determining the presence/absence of slippage between the rope and the pulley by comparing the speeds of the car as respectively obtained by the first and second speed detecting portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Shikai, Akihide Shiratsuki, Tatsuo Matsuoka
  • Publication number: 20090272197
    Abstract: The inventions relates to a torsion and/or tension and/or pressure textile sensor. The textile sensor is a resistive-type sensor consisting of: at least one base layer of fabric (1) comprising any composition and/or mixture and produced using any technique; optionally a surface treatment (2) in order to render the surface of the fabric (1) more uniform; a single conductive layer (3) having tracks distributed geometrically such as to define areas (31) sensitive to stresses from conductive fluids and an encapsulation and protective layer (4) on the conductive layer (3); optionally an upper fabric layer (5); and at least one signal converter (7) which is connected to the tracks, such that when one of the above-mentioned areas (31) is subjected to pressure, tensions or torsion a large variation in the resistance of said track is produced, which can be detected by the converter (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Miguel Ridao Granado, David Garcia Usle, Juan Escudero Garcia, Thais Castells I Sanabra, Pius Camprubi Jamila
  • Patent number: 7578373
    Abstract: In an elevator apparatus, a pulley is provided in a hoistway. A rope that moves together with the movement of a car is wound around the pulley. Further, the pulley is provided with a pulley sensor for generating a signal according to the rotation of the pulley. A rope sensor for measuring the movement speed of the rope is provided in the hoistway. A control panel is provided with: a first speed detecting portion for obtaining the speed of the car based on information from the pulley sensor; a second speed detecting portion for obtaining the speed of the car based on information from the rope sensor; and a determination portion for determining the presence/absence of slippage between the rope and the pulley by comparing the speeds of the car as respectively obtained by the first and second speed detecting portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihide Shiratsuki, Masahiro Shikai, Tatsuo Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 7559261
    Abstract: A device for measuring a molecule, wherein a gel substrate material (200) comprises a gel (220) containing a solvent in the network structure thereof and a molecular chain (210), and a cantilever (100) is bound with the molecular chain (210) by a covalent bonding or a physical bonding and pulls up the molecular chain (210) through the above bonding, and wherein the force loaded when the cantilever (100) pull up the molecular chain (210) is measured and the interaction between polymer chains acting between the gel (200) and the molecular chain (210) is detected. The above device can be used for measuring the interaction between molecules, and in particular, can construct an experiment system for measuring the non-covalent bonding interaction between polymer chains at a molecular level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: National University Corporation Hakkaido University
    Inventors: Takaharu Okajima, Hiroshi Tokumoto
  • Publication number: 20090145241
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a test head weight compensation device includes at least one constant force spring connected between a test head assembly of the automated test equipment system and a test head supporting structure to apply a constant supportive force to the test head assembly. The at least one constant force spring is mounted to the test head supporting structure with a distal end of the constant force spring is attached to the test head assembly. Alternately, the constant force spring is mounted to the test head assembly with the distal end of the constant force spring connected to the test head supporting structure. The test weight compensation device may include pulleys attached to the supporting structure or the test head assembly with the constant force spring passed through the pulley to multiply the force of the constant force spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Bruce L. Cowgill