Responsive To Torque Patents (Class 73/862.08)
  • Publication number: 20080277609
    Abstract: Non-contact torque, thrust, strain, and other data sensing of a valve actuator or valve is disclosed. A sensor may include a surface acoustic wave device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: Flowserve Management Company
    Inventors: William T. Dolenti, Byron A. Fleury
  • Patent number: 7437955
    Abstract: Nowadays position pickup units are commonly used in order to measure the rotation position of a shaft for operating a landing flap or landing slat or a brake flap in an aircraft. In the case of failure of such a position pickup unit (PPU) the corresponding drive motor of the shaft has to be switched off because position data is no longer present. According to one embodiment of the present invention a device for determining the rotation angle of a shaft in an aircraft is stated, with said device comprising a shaft and a motor, wherein rotation of the shaft is measured by way of the motor. This measuring data can be evaluated together with the data of the PPU. In this way improved system availability is ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Joern Rennhack
  • Publication number: 20080223151
    Abstract: A device and a method for measuring and indicating the static torque of a tapered roller bearing under varying axially applied loads. The device includes a base having a surface for supporting the cone of a tapered roller bearing, a fixture for engaging the cup of the tapered roller bearing when it is located on the base supporting surface. The fixture is mounted for linear movement with the cup relative to the cone to apply a static load to the cup. A variable static load applying mechanism such as an air cylinder is operatively connected to the fixture. A thrust applying frame which supports a thrust bearing connects the air cylinder and the fixture to uniformly transfer axial loads to the tapered roller bearing being tested. An indicating torque wrench is used to rotate the fixture and the engaged cup of the tapered roller bearing relative to the cone of the bearing under variable axial loads to determine and indicate the torque required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Lou Lu Lai
  • Patent number: 7421909
    Abstract: A rotation detector having a Hall IC in a case-shape housing includes a wiring extending therefrom in a direction of a bent portion of a detector body in accordance with one of plural predetermined directions of a position pin defined by pin receivers when the detector body is molded by using a mold having the position pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Tsuge
  • Patent number: 7415897
    Abstract: An electronic torque wrench includes a head portion, a handle portion connected to the head portion and having a receiving space, a strain sensor unit disposed in the head portion, and an indicator unit disposed in the receiving space and having a moving unit. The handle portion further has a tubular wall with a through hole communicated with the receiving space. The moving unit has a touching member aligned with the through hole and movable between first and second positions, where the touching member protrudes outwardly of and retracts into the through hole, respectively. A controlling unit is connected electrically to the strain sensor unit and the moving unit, and actuates the touching member when the strain sensor unit detects a torque that is larger than a reference torque level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Hsuan-Sen Shiao
  • Patent number: 7412906
    Abstract: A sensor apparatus for a power steering system on a vehicle, where the apparatus includes an input shaft for receiving a steering input and for rotating about a rotational axis. An output shaft is provided for transmitting the steering input from the input shaft to a steered wheel assembly of the vehicle. A torque transmitting member connects between the input shaft and the output shaft for transmitting a torque from the input shaft to the output shaft. A sensor provides an analog output voltage in response to a sensed magnetic field. A magnet is located adjacent and in radially spaced relation to the sensor, and a magnetic field varying member is positioned in a magnetic field of the magnet, where the magnetic field varying member is movable in a longitudinal direction generally parallel to the rotational axis to vary a magnetic flux between the magnet and the sensor in response to relative movement between the input shaft and the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Globe Motors, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Louis Ponziani
  • Publication number: 20080190183
    Abstract: In order to make it possible to also mount an original exhaust system (10) substantially leading away from the internal combustion engine (2) below the output axle (7) parallel to the extension thereof in a test rig for internal combustion engines (2), the driving engine or load generator (4) is mounted in a suspended manner at a certain vertical distance front the pedestal (1) on a support arrangement (6) mounted thereon, with the-input axle (8) being substantially aligned with the output axle (7) of the internal combustion engine (2) that is to be tested, whereby the space from below the interference contour (9) of the driving engine or load generator (4) to the pedestal remains free for the passage or the exhaust system (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: AVL LIST GMBH
    Inventors: Hans Erlach, Peter M. Ziegler, Roland Rathner, Helmut Schneiderbeck, Harald Nonn, Martin Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7409877
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of dynamometer drive adapters. In particular, the invention relates to dynamometer drive adapters for motorcycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Red Rackhams Treasure Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Howard Wayne Askey
  • Patent number: 7398699
    Abstract: A rotational angle detecting sensor has a cylindrical housing including an end wall at a first end thereof. A covering member covers the second open end of the housing. A rotary shaft extends through the end wall of the housing and includes a large-diameter portion having a shoulder surface and rotatably received in the housing. A rotational angle detector is disposed between the inner surface of the covering member and the end surface of the large-diameter portion of the rotary shaft. An actuate groove is formed in the inner surface of the end wall of the housing concentrically with the rotary shaft. A stopper pin is attached to the shoulder surface of the large-diameter portion of the rotary shaft so as to be movable in the groove. The stopper pin abuts against the circumferential ends of the groove, thereby limiting the rotational range of the stopper pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventor: Shoji Itomi
  • Publication number: 20080164698
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device to measure reliably and accurately a set of data needed to test, operate and monitor the performance of turbines. The invention proposes to determine the performance parameters of a turbine applicable to its entire operating envelope and for a condition when it is producing net output power, by merely measuring its characteristic performance parameters only in the mode of no net output-power production. In the method the performance response of a turbine under no-load conditions and/or no-speed conditions is measured when subject to known values of input for flow, head, hydraulic energy and fluid properties. From this the condition and the performance of the turbine can be determined. Furthermore it is possible to determine best efficiency point for operating the turbine from the recorded no-load and no-speed characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Gilbert Habets
  • Patent number: 7370539
    Abstract: An electronic torque wrench for engaging a workpiece includes a wrench body having a first end and a second end. A wrench head is disposed on the first end of the wrench body and is configured to engage the workpiece. A grip handle is disposed on the second end of the wrench head. A user interface is carried by the wrench body and includes a housing, a digital display, and an input device for inputting a preset torque value. A torque sensing element is carried by the wrench head and is electrically connected to the display device. A detent extends outwardly from one of the wrench body, the wrench head, and the user interface and a plurality of recesses is formed in another of the wrench body, the wrench head, and the user interface, each of the recesses being configured to releasably receive the detent. The display device is rotatable relative to the wrench head so that the detent is received by one of the recesses for retaining the display device in a desired angular position with regard to the wrench head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Easco Hand Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Awad Aly Gharib, Steve Booher, Bruce Dexter
  • Patent number: 7347106
    Abstract: Torque sensing methods and systems are disclosed. In general, a sensing element and a sensor housing can be provided for maintaining the sensing element. A plurality of wirebond posts can be assembled perpendicular to a plane of the sensing element. The sensing element can then be wire bonded to the plurality of wirebond posts, such that the sensing element, the sensor housing and the plurality of wirebond posts form a sensor housing assembly thereof for torque sensing applications thereof. The sensor housing assembly is then connected to a shaft to form a hermetic seal thereof. The sensor housing assembly can also be electrically attached to an antenna for wirelessly communicating data to and from the sensing element. The sensing element can be configured, for example, as a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Randall J. Hasken
  • Publication number: 20080066561
    Abstract: A torque driver that includes a regulator circuit for mitigating zero-g discontinuity effects and deadbanding is presented. An accelerometer may comprise the torque driver and the torque driver may be arranged to receive a control signal from a control circuit that is coupled to deflection sensing circuitry. When the accelerometer undergoes an acceleration the deflection sensing circuitry generates an acceleration signal that is communicated to the control circuit. The control circuit responsively generates a control signal, which the torque driver users to balance a proof mass beam within the accelerometer. The regulator circuit mitigates zero-g discontinuity effects and deadbanding by preventing the torque signal from producing torque signals that simultaneously track the control signal. To do this, the regulator circuit may include a rectifying buffer and/or a modulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Paul M. Werking
  • Patent number: 7340968
    Abstract: A motor torque measurement system includes a motor in communication with a gyro, a centrifuge rotor connected to the gyro, a housing surrounding the rotor and motor, and a controller in communication with the motor. The controller is connected to a back EMF measurement device, which measures the back EMF of the motor, and is also configured to measure motor rotational speed. The back EMF coefficient (Ke) and motor torque constant (Kt) can be calculated therefrom and the actual motor performance thereby determined. Motor magnet temperature may also be calculated. Back EMF and motor rotational speed measurements may be taken with the motor coasting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) LLC
    Inventors: Harvey Schneider, David Michael Carson
  • Publication number: 20080053244
    Abstract: An adapter apparatus and method includes using an adapter body that includes a threaded opening. A torque indicating assembly is used in applying a force upon a packaged device received in a cavity of the adapter body. The torque indicating assembly includes a threaded interface member and a torque indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: Ironwood Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ilavarasan Palaniappa, Mickiel P. Fedde, Ranjit Raghunath Patil, Meghann Fedde, Sultan Mahmood Faiz
  • Publication number: 20080053245
    Abstract: Systems and/or methods for detecting a rotating wheel's speed and/or acceleration are provided. A sensor is attached to the rotating wheel. The sensor includes a circuit (e.g. a Wheatstone bridge circuit) having a plurality of resistors (e.g. 4 resistors). Each resistor includes a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) element and has a resistance changeable based at least in part on a change in magnetic field intensity with respect to an external magnetic field. The sensor generates a signal based at least in part on the resistors' resistances. A processor is operable to calculate the rotating wheel's speed and/or acceleration based at least in part on the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: SAE Magnetics (H.K.) Ltd.
    Inventor: MingGao Yao
  • Patent number: 7337679
    Abstract: A rotation sensor includes a rotation detector mounted on a holder which is in turn inserted in a casing through its opening. A cover is formed by molding a resin so as to cover the opening of the casing and the portion of the holder protruding from the opening of the casing. A pair of relay terminals extend through a base portion of the holder and a gap defined in the holder, are fixed to a support wall, and connected to respective lead pieces of the detector. A resin cover is formed by molding a resin. When forming the cover, pressure is applied to the holder, thereby causing the holder to bulge axially in the holder. This in turn pushes the relay terminals in the axial direction. But since the relay terminals are fixed to the support wall, the support wall will absorb such pushing force, thereby preventing such pushing from being transmitted to the detector. In order to more effectively absorb such pushing force, the relay terminals may be provided with bent portions in the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Sumiden Electronics, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Hattori, Masashi Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 7331247
    Abstract: First and second shafts (1, 2) are interconnected via a torsion bar (3) for torsional (or rotational) movement relative to each other, and first and second magnetic body sections (10, 20) are provided to rotate in interlocked relation to the rotation of the first and second shafts, respectively. The first and second magnetic body sections form at least two ring-shaped variable magnetic coupling sections opposed to each other via a gap, magnetic coupling in each of the boundary sections varies in response to variation of a relative rotational position between the first and second shafts, and variation of the magnetic coupling differs in phase between the boundary sections. Coil section (30) includes magnetic-coupling detecting coils (L1-L4) provided in corresponding relation to the boundary sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Amiteq Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsutoshi Goto, Kazuya Sakamoto, Hiroshi Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 7322252
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the location and annular orientation of pipe inverts and other features in manholes. An elongate, telescoping rod is supported centrally in the manhole opening by a pivot assembly that permits the rod to both rotate in the horizontal plane and pivot in the vertical plane. A laterally-extending foot member on the lower end of the telescoping rod is inserted into the openings of the inverts for measurement. Electronic angle sensors record the length and orientation of the rod member at each measurement point, from which the location and angular orientation of the invert opening or other feature is then calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Matthew E. Rodgers
  • Patent number: 7308833
    Abstract: In a torque sensor having lead pins connected to a wire harness, the wire harness includes: a plurality of lead wires; a plurality of connection terminals each having a sleeve mounted around each of the lead pins and a connection portion extended from an outer periphery of the sleeve to be connected with one end of the lead wire; and an electrically insulating terminal holder for holding the plural connection terminals. The terminal holder includes: a sleeve holder portion for holding the sleeves in mutually spaced relation in order to prevent the sleeves from contacting each other; and a connection-portion holder portion for holding the connection portions in mutually spaced relation in order to prevent the connection portions from bending to contact each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignees: Favess Co., Ltd., Koyo Seiko Co. Ltd., Hitachi Cable Ltd, Toyoda Koki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takahiro Sanada, Yoshirou Sakai, Satoshi Mizushima, Masaaki Nagai, Daisuke Kimoto
  • Patent number: 7296485
    Abstract: A load cell reacts to an applied force by displacing a physical component of the load cell. An electrical component of the load cell produces an electromagnetic (EM) field in response to an applied radio frequency signal. The physical component is located in proximity to the EM field, and perturbs the EM field without physically contacting said electrical component structure. A displacement of the physical component results in a change to the perturbation of the EM field. A monitoring circuit of the load monitors an output signal that is affected by change to the perturbation of the EM field, and thereby detects the applied load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventor: Aron Kain
  • Patent number: 7293472
    Abstract: In a torque detecting apparatus, in each of two flux concentrating rings, a portion along a circumferential direction is raised outward in a radial direction so that a flux concentrating section is provided that has a plate shape extending on one side in an axial direction. These flux concentrating rings are fixedly arranged such that the flux concentrating sections should oppose to each other in the circumferential direction with a predetermined gap in between. Leakage flux between opposing surfaces of the flux concentrating sections is detected by magnetic sensors aligned in an axial direction between these opposing surfaces. This improves the utilization of materials for the flux concentrating rings including the flux concentrating sections, and hence reduces the product cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitomo Tokumoto, Toshiharu Ishihara, Naoki Nakane
  • Patent number: 7287439
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for measuring torque of a torque tool by using an indirect structure arranged on one side of the torque tool, in which the apparatus comprises a microstructure part connected with a side surface of the torque tool. The microstructure part further comprises a sensing structure for sensing the strain or displacement generated by a force exerted on the torque tool and converting the strain or displacement into an electrical signal. The electrical signal is then properly calibrated and processed for transforming units by a System-on-Chip (SoC), and converted into the torque value exerted by the user and the value is displayed on a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chiu-Wang Chen, Tai-Kang Shing, Yung-Feng Nien, Shyuan-Yueh Lin
  • Patent number: 7267015
    Abstract: A system and method for direct measurement of torque is disclosed herein. The system includes a torque transducer and a contact arm, wherein the torque transducer, contact arm, and pivot point of the device being measured are positioned along a rotational axis of the pivot point of the device. A cartridge door of a tape cartridge may be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Quantum Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen J. Stamm, William E. Faulkner, Gregory P. Argys
  • Patent number: 7263905
    Abstract: A Hall-Effect sensor assembly for a rotating electric machine comprises a thin, removable tubular substrate with Hall-Effect sensors and associated connection wiring mounted on it that slips underneath the wound stator end turns of the stator for the rotating electric machine to make the assembly easily removable for installation and repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: George H. Seffernick, Mahesh J. Shah, James K. Kersting
  • Publication number: 20070169566
    Abstract: An orthopedic simulator is provided with an integral central manifold that provides internal routing of pressurized hydraulic fluid, compressed air, or electrical power to the actuators of the orthopedic simulator. The integral manifold is structurally coupled to support elements and resist and transfer bending and shear forces to the support elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Inventors: Bradley D. Schulz, Paul J. Leska, Dennis J. Willis, Harold F. Fahrendorff
  • Publication number: 20070169565
    Abstract: An orthopedic simulator is provided with a temperature control arrangement for controlling the temperature of a plurality of baths of test stations that are configured to contain a sample under test within a specimen bath. The temperature control arrangement includes fluid circulation tubing that carries temperature control fluid to the baths to control the temperature of the baths through heat exchange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Inventors: Bradley D. Schulz, Harold F. Fahrendorff
  • Publication number: 20070169567
    Abstract: An orthopedic simulator is provided with a mechanism configured to apply motions and forces to a test specimen, such as a spinal implant, and a controller configured to control the mechanism to selectively apply the motions and forces in accordance with sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal curves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Inventors: Bradley D. Schulz, Luther Elling Johnson
  • Patent number: 7246531
    Abstract: A first shaft and a second shaft are connected coaxially. A torsion bar converts a torque applied between two shafts into a torsion displacement. A multipolar magnet is fixed to the first shaft. One set of magnetic yokes is fixed to the second shaft and disposed in a magnetic field generated by the multipolar magnet. The magnetic yokes are opposed to each other via an air gap in an axial direction. A magnetic sensor is provided for detecting the density of magnetic flux generated in the air gap. A non-magnetic spacer is disposed between the magnetic yokes as a means for positioning the magnetic yokes. The spacer and the magnetic yokes are integrated by resin molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, NIPPON SOKEN, INC.
    Inventors: Naoki Nakane, Shigetoshi Fukaya
  • Patent number: 7234364
    Abstract: An angular rate sensor includes: a circuit board; a package including an angular rate sensor chip and a connection terminal; and a conductive member. The angular rate sensor chip is accommodated in the package. The package is disposed on the circuit board through the conductive member. The package further includes a first electrode disposed on a bottom of the package, the first electrode connecting to the connection terminal. The circuit board includes a second electrode disposed on a top of the circuit board. The angular rate sensor chip in the package is electrically connected to the circuit board through the connection terminal, the first and the second electrodes and the conductive member. The circuit board and the package are electrically and elastically connected by the conductive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventor: Tameharu Ohta
  • Patent number: 7222543
    Abstract: A modular encoder includes an encoder housing and a printed circuit board mounted in the encoder housing. The modular encoder also includes a mounting bracket adapted to electrically couple to the printed circuit board and a mounting screw adapted to couple the encoder housing to a motor and to electrically couple the mounting bracket to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Gary Rhodes, Mamoru Yamashita, Johann Mitterreiter, Mathias Tresenreiter, Yoshiyuki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7213449
    Abstract: A chassis dynamometer for use with a test vehicle such as a snowmobile is provided. First and second spaced apart rolls support the test vehicle. A belt is arranged around the first and second rolls and rotationally couples the rolls to one another. The belt includes an outer surface on a test side of the belt for supporting the test vehicle. The belt reduces slipping of the track on the dynamometer. The belt receives inputs from the test vehicle. A processor quantifies the inputs from the test vehicle. A platform is arranged between the first and second rolls beneath the belt to maintain engagement of the track with the belt. The platform includes a load cell for detecting a longitudinal load imparted to the platform by the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignees: AVL North America Inc., AVL Zoellner GmbH
    Inventors: Ken Barnes, Juergen Neugebauer
  • Patent number: 7206719
    Abstract: This invention is a method to determine the condition of rotating equipment, namely drive spindles, to enable the timely maintenance or replacement of same. The method uses an electrical signal from a vibration sensor mounted on part of the drive train to measure the level of vibration energy when the equipment is rotating under loaded and unloaded conditions. The relative vibration under the loaded and unloaded conditions is used as an indicator of equipment condition. Typically there is more vibration under load when the equipment is in good condition. When the level of vibration under the no-load condition matches or exceeds that seen under load, the equipment needs to be serviced or replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Dofasco Inc.
    Inventors: William Lindsay, Kevin G Hunt, James F Stulen
  • Patent number: 7174794
    Abstract: A coupling includes a first coupling member, a second coupling member, and a third coupling member being located in between the first coupling member and the second coupling member. The third coupling member has formed thereon a first pair of connecting elements diametrically opposed to one another and defining a first axis, and further has formed thereon a second pair of connecting elements diametrically opposed to one another and defining a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The first coupling member has formed thereon a third pair of connecting elements configured to conform to the first pair of connecting elements of the third coupling member. Formed on the second coupling member is a fourth pair of connecting elements configured to conform to the second pair of connecting elements of the third coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoshi Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 7155984
    Abstract: A rotational sensor includes a detection element accommodated in a case and detecting a rotational motion of a rotor located outside the case to output a rotational signal, a terminal physically and electrically connected to the detection element, a connecting member electrically connected to the terminal to output the rotational signal from the terminal outside the rotational sensor and an elastic body fitted into the case by press-fitting and through which the terminal is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noriaki Fujita, Kazuyoshi Tsuruta, Toshiyuki Matsuo
  • Patent number: 7124648
    Abstract: When a knob is turned by a predetermined turning angle ? and this angle is detected by a rotary encoder, an electromagnetic brake is activated by a controller and the rotation of the knob is locked. Then, while the knob is locked by the electromagnetic brake, the controller determines whether an operating force was applied to the knob in direction A in which the turning angle of the knob is increased. If the controller determines that the operating force was not applied to the knob in direction A (if the operating force was applied in direction B), the locking of the knob is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: ALPS Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ken Shibazaki, Ayumu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7095198
    Abstract: A power sensor module suitable for automotive and other high volume applications combines speed sensing and torque sensing operations into a single unit. A magnetic speed sensor is utilized for speed sensing. A power measurement can be derived from torque and speed. Combining torque sensing and speed sensing within a single module instead of using separate modules for each allows for reducing redundancies and lowering cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Gary O'Brien
  • Patent number: 7093504
    Abstract: The invention provides a method/system for measuring torque. The method/system includes providing a first rotating disk having a target pattern and providing a second rotating disk having a target pattern. The method/system includes providing a first set of at least three sensors, comprised of a first disk first sensor, a first disk second sensor, and a first disk third sensor, the first set of at least three sensors for sensing the first rotating disk target pattern with the first set of at least three sensors fixed around and encompassing the first rotating disk. The method/system includes providing a second set of at least three sensors, comprised of a second disk first sensor, a second disk second sensor, and a second disk third sensor, the second set of at least three sensors for sensing the second rotating disk target pattern, with the second set of at least three sensors fixed around and encompassing the second rotating disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: LORD Corporation
    Inventor: Steve C. Southward
  • Patent number: 7089808
    Abstract: A torque sensor for a vehicle steering system includes a voltage boosting circuit, an oscillator, an offset voltage circuit part and a current amplifier. The torque sensor further includes a phase inversion part that outputs an offset voltage and a phase-inverted alternating current voltage which is in-phase with the voltage outputted from said oscillator, a waveform selecting part that rectifies the voltages outputted from said current amplifier and said phase inversion part, and first and second coils that are in series each other and connected at each end thereof to an output terminal of said waveform selecting part and an output terminal of said offset voltage circuit part, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung-Ho Paek
  • Patent number: 7089806
    Abstract: A device for measuring torque on an electric motor, which has a first motor portion and a second motor portion, which are rotatable in relation to each other, is proposed, the device comprising a rotatable holding plate for receiving the first motor portion, by means of which plate a rotational movement of the first motor portion in relation to the second motor portion can be driven, and a holding device for the second motor portion for holding the second motor portion in a rotationally fixed manner, the holding plate being disposed and formed in such a way that, when external forces are exerted on the electric motor via the holding device, the electric motor can position itself in relation to the holding device in such a way that external forces influencing the torque measurement are minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hermann Flammer, Hubert Hauser, Norbert Irmer, Guido Schmid
  • Patent number: 7055398
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring an operating front end accessory belt tension using a hubload transducer and a torque transducer. The hubload transducer comprises concentric rings with a strainable member disposed in a coplanar fashion between an inner and outer ring. The hubload transducer is used with a non-torque transmitting idler pulley. The torque transducer comprises a strainable cylindrical member connected to a belt bearing surface and a rotating shaft. The torque transducer will transmit a torque to a driven accessory. It is used on accessories such as an air conditioner compressor or power steering pump. Signals from the hubload transducer and torque transducer as used to calculate a drive efficiency as well as belt span tensions between the driver and driven accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Jing Yuan, Imtiaz Ali, Joel Patrick Musyj
  • Patent number: 7007559
    Abstract: A method of setting pre-stressing, by which blades (11) of a granulating head carried by a shaft (12) which is driven by a motor (21) and which is displaceable in the axial direction of a granulating device abut against the perforated plate (8), makes use of the torque of the motor (21) for the said setting. To this end, the shaft (12) is adjusted at a constant speed in both axial directions in succession, the pattern of the torque M of the motor (21) being recorded over the displacement path x of the shaft (12) for both directions. The differential dM/dx is formed from this and the position x0 of the shaft is then determined for dM/dx =0. Starting from the said position x0 a position x=x0+xz of the shaft (12) is set, in which xz represents the desired advance of the shaft (12) in the direction towards the perforated plate (8). The device for carrying out this method provides for a sensing device (66) for the time pattern of the torque M of the motor (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: EREMA Engineering Recycling Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Günther Klammer, Norbert Reitinger
  • Patent number: 6986291
    Abstract: A torque detector includes: a monolithic tubular housing for supporting a rotating shaft, including an opening at one end in a longitudinal direction; a sensor holding hole for holding a sensor part detecting a rotating torque exerted on the rotating shaft, which is provided inside the housing and communicates with the opening; a board chamber for accommodating a circuit board outputting a signal corresponding to the detected rotating torque, which is provided inside the housing and communicates with the opening; a partition wall between the sensor holding hole and the board chamber; and a lead hole passing through the partition wall, into which a lead connecting the sensor part to the circuit board is inserted and which communicates with the opening. The housing is formed by drawing a sheet material in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Terukazu Nakajima, Suzo Hirakushi
  • Patent number: 6952635
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a road condition estimation apparatus for estimating a road condition for use in a vehicle having a steering control unit for actuating a device mechanically independent of a manually operated steering member to steer at least a wheel of front and rear wheels. The apparatus includes an actuating signal detection unit for detecting an actuating signal for actuating the device of the steering control unit, an aligning torque estimation unit for estimating an aligning torque produced on the wheel on the basis of the actuating signal detected by the actuating signal detection unit, and a vehicle state variable detection unit for detecting a state variable of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyoda Koki Kabushiki Kaisha, Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Yasui, Eiichi Ono, Yuji Muragishi, Shinji Takeuchi, Minekazu Momiyama, Hiroaki Kato, Kenji Asano
  • Patent number: 6945126
    Abstract: A rotation sensor functioning as both a rotation-angle sensor and a torque sensor is provided which, when applied to a steering sensor for an automobile, for example, permits reduction in the number of components and thus in the weight of the automobile and contributes to conservation of global environment. The rotation sensor has slip rings covered with conductive synthetic resin having small coefficient of friction, allowing the contact pressure of brushes disposed in sliding contact with the slip rings to be kept low and the life duration of the slip rings to be prolonged. Further, no metal powder is produced when the brushes slide on the respective slip rings, and it is therefore possible to prevent the formation of unwanted insulating film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoaki Toratani, Toshiro Yamamoto, Hiroshi Morimoto, Kyutaro Abe, Masahiro Hasegawa, Akira Noguchi, Kosuke Yamawaki
  • Patent number: 6941822
    Abstract: A method and system for sensing angular displacement is provided. More specifically, the system includes a brushless DC motor, three Hall effect sensors, an angular displacement signal processor, and an output state observer. The Hall effect sensors provide three electrical angles of the motor rotor which are used in an angular displacement signal processor that is implemented in hardware and software. The angular displacement signal processor provides an improved resolution angular displacement output. Based on the angular displacement output from angular displacement signal processor and the motor control command signal from the motor drive, an output state observer is applied to generate a high resolution angular displacement signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Yixin Yao
  • Patent number: 6843140
    Abstract: A multifunction handheld tool machine having an at least partially axially percussive tool receptacle (7), a safety coupling (8) disposed in the power line between the tool receptacle and an electrical motor (6), a hand-guided housing and an ATC safety module (1) with a rotational sensor (3) sensitive to an angular displacement. The ATC safety module (1) is connected to an axial displacement sensor (4) and, in the event of exceeding an axial limit value (13b), the binary control signal (5) is suppressed by the axial displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Claus Osselmann, Stefan Groer, Peter Hellmann
  • Patent number: 6834558
    Abstract: A method of using a magnetic fluid clutch for torque measurement comprises steps of modulating electric current through a coil of the magnetic fluid clutch to maintain a steady-state quasi-solid phase of a magnetic fluid medium contained within the magnetic fluid clutch when the magnetic fluid clutch is clutched to transmit torque from a torque input end of the clutch to a torque output end of the clutch, thereby ensuring that the torque output end rotates in response to the rotation of the torque input end without relative rotational slippage therebetween; and measuring a deflection value associated with the magnetic fluid clutch. The clutch is thereby used as a combined torque measurement and clutch apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventor: Stephen Arthur Anderson
  • Publication number: 20040231434
    Abstract: When a knob is turned by a predetermined turning angle &agr; and this angle is detected by a rotary encoder, an electromagnetic brake is activated by a controller and the rotation of the knob is locked. Then, while the knob is locked by the electromagnetic brake, the controller determines whether an operating force was applied to the knob in direction A in which the turning angle of the knob is increased. If the controller determines that the operating force was not applied to the knob in direction A (if the operating force was applied in direction B), the locking of the knob is released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD
    Inventors: Ken Shibazaki, Ayumu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6820503
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to achieve more high-speed rotation of a rotor to which a test object is stored, extending the duration of high-speed rotation, and temperature control of a rotor at the time of high-speed rotation. A high-speed rotation testing apparatus of the present invention comprises: a rotor having a hollow for a test object, to which a predetermined test object is stored; a spindle connected to the rotor; a torque applying device for applying a predetermined torque to the spindle, and a casing for sealing the rotor. The casing comprises a decompressing device and a holder for holding the spindle. The holder has a bushing for supporting the spindle and a bushing supporting member for supporting the bushing by inserting thereto. By forming the inner diameter of at least one of the bushing supporting member larger than the outer diameter of the bushing, the bushing supporting member supports the bushing to be rotatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignees: Maruwa Electronic Inc.
    Inventors: Masanori Sueyoshi, Akira Tezuka, Koji Shibasaki, Xinsheng Huang, Toyotaka Osakabe, Masao Ono, Tsutomu Mashimo