By Measuring Axial Force Or Stretch Patents (Class 73/862.392)
  • Patent number: 11761266
    Abstract: A system includes hoisting cables for raising or lowering an oil rig mast, a support, and hoisting sheaves rotatably mounted on the support. The hoisting cables are wound at least in part about the hoisting sheaves during a process of raising or lowering the mast. Also included are measurement devices which measure angular displacement of the hoisting sheaves during a process of raising or lowering the mast with the hoisting cables. Further included is a signaling device which produces a signal if the measured angular displacement of the hoisting sheaves does not correspond to one or more reference values. A related method includes measuring angular displacement of the hoisting sheaves; comparing measured angular displacement of the hoisting sheaves with one or more reference values; and producing a signal if the measured angular displacement of the hoisting sheaves does not correspond to the one or more reference values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: Fathalla Shalouf
  • Patent number: 11518511
    Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) recovery is disclosed. An example apparatus to recover an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a support rail to support a cable. The apparatus also includes a pivot arm to rotate about a pivot, where the cable is suspended between the support rail and the pivot arm, and where the pivot arm is rotated to a first orientation when the UAV contacts the cable and rotated to a second orientation when the UAV is brought to a stop. The apparatus also includes at least one of a friction device or a damper operatively coupled to the cable to resist motion of the cable during rotation of the pivot arm from the first orientation to the second orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: INSITU, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel Lewis Shaw
  • Patent number: 9823148
    Abstract: A force-measuring device is provided for integrating measurement of at least three radial forces acting centrally, in particular for radial presses or collets. The force-measuring device comprises a stretching-element assembly, which is concentric to a measurement axis and which comprises at least one stretching element. The force-measuring device also has at least three pressure elements spaced from each other in a circumferential direction, wherein two spreading elements are connected to the at least one stretching element at ends of the stretching element, the pressure elements are supported, by means of pressure inclines, on corresponding sliding inclines of the spreading elements, a transmitting element is fastened to a first of the two spreading elements, and a measuring sensor acts between the second of the two spreading elements and the transmitting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: UNIFLEX-HYDRAULIK GMBH
    Inventors: Harald Von Waitz, Carsten Baumgartner, Vaclav Hejplik
  • Patent number: 9518882
    Abstract: A force sensor includes a rigid loaded member including a flat plate having a first major side, a second major side opposite the first major side, and a center; wherein the first major side and the second major side are substantially parallel to each other and to a plane including orthogonal X and Y axes, and are substantially perpendicular to the Z axis; at least two optical strain sensors directly secured to at least one of the first major side and the second major side; and an attachment means secured to the first major side substantially at the center; wherein the loaded member is configured to be securable to an associated supporting surface such that the second major side faces the associated supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Inventor: Mike McNeilly
  • Patent number: 9297248
    Abstract: A drill bit is disclosed that in one embodiment includes a bit body having a cutting section, a shank attached to the cutting section and a neck section and at least one sensor in contact with a surface of the shank and wherein the at least one sensor provides a signal in response to a bending moment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Richard Yao
  • Patent number: 9038486
    Abstract: A device and method for measuring the clamping force a machine tool exerts on a tool holder that includes a piston or cylinder body defining a bore that slidably receives a piston. A fluid filled pressure chamber is defined between the piston and the body and a pressure gauge carried by the piston communicates with the pressure chamber such that movement in the piston in at least one direction exerts compressive forces on the fluid in the pressure chamber which is communicated to the pressure gauge. A retention knob is coupled to the piston and is engageable by the machine tool such that the clamping force exerted by the machine tool is transmitted to the piston. Hex-shaped structure on the piston that is received by a complementally formed recess in the cylinder body inhibits relative rotation between the piston and the body and facilitates installation and removal of the retention knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: John Wayne Stoneback
  • Patent number: 8950706
    Abstract: A control system, in particular an aircraft flight control system, having a linkage with a force-transmission link (3), the link having a body (5) having at least one end housing (8) slidably receiving a coupling rod (9) for coupling the link to an adjacent element of the linkage, the housing being closed by an elastically-deformable test member (10) through which the rod passes and that has an inner periphery fastened to the rod and an outer periphery fastened to a wall defining the end housing, and the end housing receiving at least one sensor (11) for sensing relative movement between the rod and the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Sagem Defense Securite
    Inventors: Arnaud Duyck, Bruno Tilly, François Guillot, Jérôme Piaton
  • Patent number: 8943906
    Abstract: A solenoid force measurement system includes: a first plate having an opening for receiving a solenoid; a second plate separated from the first plate by an air-gap; a force detection unit located within the second plate for measuring a force exerted by the solenoid; a height control device coupled to the second plate the height control device configured to adjust the size of the air-gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Sudhindra K. Ayanji, Greg Weyeneth, Jay Venkataraghavan
  • Patent number: 8650968
    Abstract: A load testing device is provided, comprising a main beam and a pair of load testing assemblies operatively connected to the main beam. Each of the load testing assemblies includes a load applying member having a first ball at its terminal end; a spreader plate pivotally attached to the first ball to establish a first ball and socket joint enabling three rotational degrees of freedom about the first ball; a bracket pivotally connected to the spreader plate, wherein the bracket further includes a second ball extending toward the main beam; an adjustment beam pivotally attached to the second ball to establish a second ball and socket joint, and wherein the adjustment beam is slidably disposed relative to the main beam and lockable in one or more predetermined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventors: Shaun Brossette, Arthur Keith McNeilly
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7980144
    Abstract: A pressure device of flexible electronics capable for sensing a large area includes flexible films, electrodes, sensing blocks, and bumps. The flexible films are disposed with intervals and define two spaces. The electrodes and the sensing blocks are disposed on the flexible films and are in a space. The bumps are disposed on the flexible films and are in another space. The air in the spaces maintains a buffer distance of each two adjacent flexible films with the electrodes and the sensing blocks. When the pressure device of flexible electronics is deformed, it is capable of avoiding erroneous signals caused by contact of the sensing block and the electrode or the two sensing blocks disposed on the different flexible films respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Wen-Yang Chang, Heng-Ju Lin, Yu-Tang Shen
  • Patent number: 7827741
    Abstract: A device for anchoring one or more guy wires used to support a transmission tower is provided. The device includes an equalizer plate having a front surface and a back surface, and an anchor rod affixed proximal to a first end thereof such that a flat end surface of the first end of the anchor rod is completely exposed. The equalizer plate of the anchoring device includes a recess for receiving the first end of the anchor rod. The recess comprises a first elongated region having a width approximately equal to the diameter of the anchor rod, and an opening formed at an end of the elongated region. The flat end surface of the first end of the anchor rod preferably extends into the opening beyond the point where the opening meets the elongated region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Electronics Research, Inc.
    Inventors: David Davies, Ernie Jones
  • Patent number: 7823466
    Abstract: A device for setting, adjusting, and measuring a force in a system, including a first portion for measuring a system force at a first end of the device and including a measurement means, a second portion for adjusting or setting the system force at a second end of the device and including an adjustment means, a housing where the first portion corresponds to the first end of the housing and the second portion corresponds to the second end of the housing, a resilient means within the measurement means for generating a resistance force, and a visual means for indicating an amount of the system force that is related to the physical position of the adjustment means and the resistance force created by the resilient means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: David E. Glass
  • Patent number: 7823658
    Abstract: Borehole images obtained with MWD measurements have a mismatch with subsequent images obtained when measurements are repeated over the same depth interval after the drillstring has been raised up. The difference is attributable to stretch of the drillstring. This can be estimated by correlating the two images. The difference can also be estimated by monitoring drilling conditions such as RPM, WOB and torque on reentry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Andreas Hartmann, Christian Fulda, Dmitriy Dashevskiy, Stephan Dankers
  • Patent number: 7819027
    Abstract: A tensile strength testing structure for controlled collapse chip connections (C4) disposed above a substrate includes: a fixture base configured for positioning substrates with C4; a top fixture plate with through hole channels; test pins for insertion through the through hole channels; wherein dimensional tolerances of the substrates are accounted for with openings on at least two sides of the fixture base for positioning the substrates, and during alignment of the top fixture plate through hole channels with the C4 prior to securing the top fixture plate to the fixture base; wherein the test pins are strain hardened metal wires; wherein lower ends of the test pins are joined to the C4 during a solder reflow process; and wherein distal ends of the test pins are pulled in a direction perpendicular to the testing structure to determine the tensile strength of the C4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Virendra R. Jadhav, Vijayeshwar D. Khanna, David C. Long, David L. Questad
  • Patent number: 7752924
    Abstract: A load indicator for a spring loaded tensioning device. The indicator comprises an o-ring displaceable along a spring loaded tensionable shaft in a turnbuckle device. When the turnbuckle is unloaded, the indicator device is placed in a known position relative to an indicating mark. When the turnbuckle is loaded, the load causes the load indicator to be displaced a known distance for a known load on the spring loaded turnbuckle. For camper tie-downs, a displacement of about one-quarter inch is desirable for a load of about 300 pounds tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Jon D. Kay
  • Patent number: 7603919
    Abstract: A force measuring apparatus includes first fixed electrodes disposed in one direction in one plane so as to be distant from each other; second fixed electrodes disposed in the one direction in a plane opposed to the one plane, so as to be distant from each other and opposed to the respective first fixed electrodes; and movable electrodes movable in the one direction. The apparatus further includes a force receiving portion to receive an external force and thereby move the movable electrodes in the one direction so as to change the overlapped area between each first fixed electrode and the corresponding movable electrode and the overlapped area between each second fixed electrode and the corresponding movable electrode. The apparatus measures the magnitude of the force applied to the force receiving portion based on the changes in the capacitance values of the capacitance elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Nitta Corporation
    Inventor: Hideo Morimoto
  • Patent number: 7578467
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for measuring and adjusting tension in pliant tension members, including aircraft recovery lines. A tool for indicating tension in a pliant tension member in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, for example, can include a first support member releasably coupled to a flexible line suspended from a support structure. The first support member is positioned generally parallel to the flexible line. The tool can also include a second support member coupled to the first support member and positioned at an acute angle relative to the first support member. The second support member has a center of gravity at a selected distance from the flexible line. The second support member is generally horizontal when the tension in the flexible line is at a desired value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Insitu, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne Goodrich
  • Patent number: 7523803
    Abstract: Vehicular seat including a weight determining system for obtaining an indication of the weight of an occupying item in the seat includes a seat support structure, a cushion arranged on the seat support structure, the cushion having an upper surface over which the occupying item is situated during occupancy of the seat and being arranged to deflect downward during occupancy of the seat, and a sensor system arranged to sense the downward deflection of the cushion and convert the downward deflection into an indication of the weight of the occupying item. The sensor system may include an elongate cable, a cable support retaining a first end of the cable and a displacement sensor arranged at a second end of the cable for measuring linear variations of the cable which are convertible into the indication of the weight of the occupying item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Automotive Technologies International, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Breed
  • Patent number: 7509711
    Abstract: A stress-indicating rope-tightening apparatus includes a rope-tightening unit and a stress-indicating unit. The rope-tightening unit includes a rotational joint. The stress-indicating unit includes two strain gauges disposed on two opposite sides of the rotational joint for measuring the strain in the rotational joint, a calculator for calculating the stress in the rope based on the strain in the rotational joint and a display for showing the stress in the rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Ching-Fong Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20090000398
    Abstract: The invention relates to a non-destructive method for measuring the elasticity of templates of materials for lining automotive vehicle components, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: applying a tensile pre-load with a predetermined value P1 in a longitudinal direction to a template section (41); applying a tensile load with a predetermined value P2 in a longitudinal direction to said section (41) and measuring the longitudinal deformation produced; removing the load applied to said section (41) and measuring the residual longitudinal deformation produced. The invention also comprises an apparatus (11) for carrying out the method which comprises two fixing elements (15, 17) for fixing the section (41), one of which elements is a fixed element (15) and the other is a moving element (17), a device for applying a tensile load to the moving element (17) connected to a dynamometer (29), and a rule (31) for measuring the longitudinal deformation of said section (41).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Maria Monica Perez Blanco, Jorge Juan Blanco Fernandez, Francisco Fernandez Pintelos
  • Patent number: 7454979
    Abstract: A load sensor includes a housing and a magnet carrier axially movable within the housing. A first and a second magnet are coupled to the magnet carrier in an axially spaced apart arrangement and oriented to provide repelling magnetic fields. The magnet carrier and the first and second magnets are axially movable relative to the magnetic field sensor, and the magnetic field sensor is configured to provide an output that is indicative of the position of the magnetic filed sensor relative to the first and second magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Stoneridge Control Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald I. Frank, Matthew Laplaca, Thomas Kemper, Tom Tran, Steve Strobel
  • Publication number: 20080121170
    Abstract: A wire rope pre-failure indicating device that can be installed at any location along a length of conventional wire rope of the character used in many industrial applications. The indicating device reliably functions to provide a pre-failure warning that the wire rope has been loaded beyond a specified magnitude. The indicating device also provides a pre-failure warning that the swaged fittings, which interconnect the indicator to the wire rope, have undesirably slipped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Stuart Larsen, William Turnbull
  • Publication number: 20080047365
    Abstract: A stress-indicating rope-tightening apparatus includes a rope-tightening unit and a stress-indicating unit. The rope-tightening unit includes a rotational joint. The stress-indicating unit includes two strain gauges disposed on two opposite sides of the rotational joint for measuring the strain in the rotational joint, a calculator for calculating the stress in the rope based on the strain in the rotational joint and a display for showing the stress in the rope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Ching-Fong Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7263906
    Abstract: A seat belt tension sensor for measuring the amount of tension in a vehicle seat belt. The seat belt tension sensor has a housing and an anchor plate. A lever is mounted in the housing. The lever holds a magnet. A sensor is mounted to the housing. The sensor generates an electrical signal in response to relative movement between the magnet and the sensor. The electrical signal changes in proportion to the amount of tension on the seat belt. A spring is mounted in association with the housing and the anchor plate. The spring biases the housing from the anchor plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: CTS Corporation
    Inventors: Murray Kaijala, Joseph Kip Bahr, Michael Wills
  • Patent number: 7249528
    Abstract: A hub unit having a sensor comprises a hub unit 1 having a wheel-side raceway member 4, a body-side raceway member 5 and two rows of rolling bodies 6, and a sensor device 2 provided on the hub unit 1. The body-side raceway member 5 has a cylindrical portion 16 and a flange portion 17 provided with an insertion hole for a bolt for fastening the hub unit 1 to a vehicle body. The sensor device 2 has a magnetic sensor 31 supported by a support member 33 fixed to the flange portion 17 and serving as a displacement sensor for detecting variations in the distance between the sensor and the cylindrical portion 16. A magnetized portion 34 is provided on the cylindrical portion 16 at a location opposed to the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiro Inoue
  • Patent number: 7216553
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of reliably and consistently setting the drag of a fishing reel for a specified strength of fishing line. The invention utilizes a resilient member that can be moved between a resting position and a stressed position. The fishing line is coupled to the resilient member. The resilient member is selected so that the force required to move the resilient member from the resting position to the stressed position is a predetermined fraction of the strength of the fishing line for which the drag is to be set. The invention is also a method of using the apparatus to set the drag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Willaiam Robinson
  • Patent number: 7210361
    Abstract: A device for measuring the tightness of a transmission belt comprises a hilt, an insertion tube, a frame, a retaining piece and an engaging piece. The hilt is provided with a transverse handle, a sleeve and a retractable axle having a section of a screw thread. The insertion tube, connected to the retractable axle by screwing has an inner passage with an upper screw-thread section and a lower screw-thread section. The insertion tube further includes surface graduations for inspection. The frame has a central through hole and two belt-passing slots respectively on two side arms thereof said frame. The retaining piece is connected to the bottom of the frame. The engaging piece is attached to the bottom terminal of the retractable axle. Thereby, a belt will be inserted through the belt-passing slots of the frame and brought into contact with the engaging piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Hsin Fa Kang
  • Publication number: 20070068281
    Abstract: A device for measuring the tightness of a transmission belt comprises a hilt, an insertion tube, a frame, a retaining piece and an engaging piece. The hilt is provided with a transverse handle, a sleeve and a retractable axle having a section of a screw thread. The insertion tube, connected to the retractable axle by screwing has an inner passage with an upper screw-thread section and a lower screw-thread section. The insertion tube further includes surface graduations for inspection. The frame has a central through hole and two belt-passing slots respectively on two side arms thereof said frame. The retaining piece is connected to the bottom of the frame. The engaging piece is attached to the bottom terminal of the retractable axle. Thereby, a belt will be inserted through the belt-passing slots of the frame and brought into contact with the engaging piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventor: Hsin Kang
  • Patent number: 7131340
    Abstract: A device for force measurement in dynamic tensile experiments on material samples is disclosed. The device includes a force measurement cell in which at least one force measurement sensor is integrated. The force measurement cell has at least one one-piece connecting structure, whereby a material sample may be detachably fixed to the force measurement cell by the connecting structure and the at least one force measurement sensor is arranged on the force measurement cell at a distance from the connecting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Bohme, Manfred Hug
  • Patent number: 7066033
    Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring sensor (1) for measuring positive and negative elongations on cylindrical or profiled bodies (6). The measuring sensor (1) consists of more than two parts and is essentially annular and has at least one tensioning element (7, 15). Two segments (2, 3) that can be tensioned are provided with a recess on the longitudinal center on the internal contour (22), the recess being disposed opposite the direction of tensioning (S) and accommodating a protruding elastic element (8) with a measuring element (10). The recesses can be pressed non-positively onto the surface of the body (6). The segments (2, 3) of the multi-part measuring sensor (1) that are diagonally opposite can be tensioned with their both ends by means of exchangeable and/or adjustable lateral guide members (4, 5, 26, 38) for the body to be measured (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Hera Rotterdam, B.V.
    Inventor: Matthias Tanner
  • Publication number: 20060065061
    Abstract: Load-bearing devices, each including an overload indicator of the present invention interconnecting load bearing connectors, preferably elongated load bearing connectors are provided. In preferred embodiments, the load bearing connectors are chains, ropes, wire ropes, cables, straps and the like, preferably chain. The wire form overload indicator preferably includes a modified wire form link, preferably either a modified welded link or a modified quick link, generally having a first thickness and first and second elongated sides. The modified link preferably includes two elongated sides, one of which preferably has a portion having a diminished thickness narrower than the first thickness. The diminished thickness preferably has a generally predetermined load bearing capacity or capability and is calibrated to reduce the load bearing capacity or capability of the overload indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventor: John McCauley
  • Patent number: 7000873
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stand having a pivotable support arm (2) and a balance weight (AG), in which the balance weight (AG) acts via a cable pull (24) for the weight compensation of the load (G), the balance weight (AG) being arranged in the area of the vertical upright column (21) of the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems (Schweiz) AG
    Inventor: Andrzej Metelski
  • Publication number: 20050076721
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel bearing includes a non-rotatable section, a rotatable section, and at least one sensor. The rotatable section is rotatably attached to the non-rotatable section. The at-least-one sensor has an output used for determining at least one component of a force applied to the rotatable section. A method for controlling a vehicle includes attaching at least one sensor to at least one of the non-rotatable and rotatable sections of the vehicle wheel bearing. At least one component of the force applied to the rotatable section is determined from the output of the at-least-one sensor, and the vehicle is controlled based at least in part on the determined at-least-one component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventors: Steven Chinitz, Melissa Conezio, Robert Brown
  • Publication number: 20040074317
    Abstract: In a hub-bearing assembly for the wheel of a motor vehicle, the hub (1) forms integrally or is fixedly secured to a radial flange (7) fixable to a wheel (8). Associated with the assembly is a measuring device (14) mounted to a non-rotating part (12) of the vehicle and operatively facing a radial surface (13) integral with the flange (7). The measuring device (14) detects in real time variations of the axial position of the surface (13) caused by elastic deformation of the flange (7) provoked by forces transmitted from the wheel (8) to the hub flange (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: SKF Industrie S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Colombo, Domenico Bosco, Carlo Maldera, Fulvio Nicastri
  • Patent number: 6647810
    Abstract: The force sensor according to the invention has a support, a first pressure-sensitive layer, arranged on a first side of the support and connected to a first conductor track, a first force-introduction part with a first contact area which is bounded by edges and is connected to the first pressure-sensitive layer in a first bearing region. A second pressure-sensitive layer, connected to a second conductor track, is arranged on a second side of the support, and a second force-introduction part with a second contact surface bounded by edges is connected to the second pressure-sensitive layer in a second bearing region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Van Bergen
  • Patent number: 6647811
    Abstract: A seat belt tension sensor is attached to a seat belt in a vehicle. The seat belt tension sensor includes a housing attached between the vehicle and the seat belt. A limit structure is located in the housing. A sensor is attached to the limit structure for generating an electrical signal in response to the sensor being placed in tension. The electrical signal changes as a function of tension on the seat belt. The limit structure moves between a first position in which the limit structure transfers the seat belt tension to the sensor and a second position in which the limit structure transfers the seat belt tension to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: CTS Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick B. Blakesley, Robert R. Rainey, Murray Kaijala, John T. Lewis, Randall Broome
  • Patent number: 6612189
    Abstract: In order to provide a tensile testing machine of variously cross-sectioned materials which has a very concise structure to make possible more accurate measurement of tensile force, the testing machine is equipped with two roll stands which have gripping rolls available gripping variously cross-sectioned specimens. One or both of the roll stands are hanging. The machine is also equipped with a device for giving a certain initial load to the load cells placed between the roll stands, if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: WE Plan Company
    Inventor: Kunio Miyauchi
  • Patent number: 6588088
    Abstract: A wire tensioning apparatus and method tensions one or more wires by moving the tensioning function from a wire module to an apparatus external to the wire module. Externally to the wire module, a wire is attached to a fixed end and a movable end. Tension is placed on the wire, and the tension in the wire or the vibrational frequency of the wire is detected and compared to a desired value. If the tension in, or the vibrational frequency of, the tensioned wire does not correspond to the desired value, the tension is further adjusted until the desired value is met. Once the desired tension or the vibrational frequency is met, the wire is secured in the wire module in order to maintain the achieved tension and/or vibrational frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Leopold B. Dondiz, Timothy C. Warren, Patricia Moran
  • Patent number: 6533507
    Abstract: A spindle tension testing kit designed to allow mill operators to quickly and easily determine the gripping or holding force of the coupler and drawbar assembly on a spindle against the tool holder used with a milling or other machine using this method of tool retention. In one embodiment, the kit includes a tool holder, an upper frame member, a transfer rod, a clevis member, and a modified pull stud, and a hydraulic piston. The upper frame member threadingly connects to the transfer rod that is longitudinally extended into the central bore formed in the tool holder. The frame member includes a central opening with a lower horizontal member designed to receive a clevis member. The clevis member is a U-shaped member disposed in an inverted, longitudinally aligned position over the lower horizontal member on the frame member so that its legs are adjacent to the top surface of the tool holder when assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Jerome D. Sailing
  • Publication number: 20030037623
    Abstract: A solid weight load testing system is disclosed for testing the load capacity of a crane. The apparatus includes a holder that includes a platform and a post, the post having upper and lower end portions and being structurally connective at its lower end portion to the platform. A plurality of weights are selectively placed upon the holder by a user in order to arrive at a selected capacity. Each weight has a central opening that is sized and shaped to fit the post as the weight is lowered to the platform. A pair of lifting eyes are provided on each plate, the lifting eyes being mounted to the periphery of a weight on a line that intersects the center of the weight opening. An attachment portion on the top of the post enables a connection to be perfected between the holder and a crane to be load tested. A crane lift line is rigged to the attachment portion after a selected plurality of weights have been added to the holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Charles L. Bollinger
  • Patent number: 6460423
    Abstract: The preload in a double row production bearing assembly is ascertained by comparing the deflection produced in that bearing assembly by oppositely directed thrust forces with the deflection produced in a master bearing assembly by equivalent thrust forces likewise applied in opposite directions. The master bearing assembly is similar in configuration and substantially equal in stiffness to the production bearing assembly, but exists in a state of end play. Each thrust force is transferred through the rolling elements of one row and should be sufficient in magnitude to unseat the rolling elements of the other row. The preload in the production bearing assembly equals the end play in the master bearing assembly plus the deflection in the production assembly less the deflection in the master assembly. The endplay in the master bearing assembly is ascertained by extrapolating the deflection to zero thrust force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: The Timken Company
    Inventors: Larry L. Keller, William E. Harbottle, Rahil Hasan
  • Patent number: 6363799
    Abstract: There is disclosed a bearing device in which a double row angular contact ball bearing is mounted to an outer periphery of a hub wheel, a caulking portion is bent diametrically outward and caulked on an end face of an inner ring of a bearing, thereby preventing the bearing from falling out from the bearing device and to applying a pre-load to the bearing. An axially outer edge of the inner ring is chamfered roundly, the caulking portion is provided at its shaft end with a small-diameter portion, and a starting point of the small-diameter portion is located closer to an axially central portion than a chamfer-starting point of the axially outer edge of the inner ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Toda, Tomohiro Ishii, Shinichirou Kashiwagi, Tadashi Mitarai, Makoto Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 6311566
    Abstract: A redundant linkage and sensor assembly which includes a sensor that enables indication of the magnitude and direction of forces applied to the linkage, while maintaining full mechanical strength and function of the linkage. The linkage includes an inner first tube and an outer second tube arranged to move in telescoping fashion, a spring being connected between the outer tube and the inner tube. Within the outer tube the inner tube is connected to a stop assembly also connected to the outer tube, which stop assembly limits movement of the inner tube with respect to the outer tube to a selected range. A position sensor is also connected between the two tubes within the second tube to provide a signal indicative of relative movement. Whereby the axial forces on the linkage are monitored as the signal from the position sensor is related to movement in a known way and movement is related to applied force through the spring in a known way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Kavlico Corporation
    Inventor: J. Philip Ferguson
  • Patent number: 6311570
    Abstract: Method of adjusting a lying or sitting element with a supporting frame and elastic strips running transversely to this with adjustable initial tension which are downwardly deformed to varying extents when a person is placed on them, an ideal contour of the deformed lying or sitting surface and an ideal pressure distribution being individually determined for the user and, while the user is resting on the element, both the deformation of the strips and the bearing pressure being measured and being approximated to the desired value by changing the tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Bartholomäus Niedermühlbichler
  • Patent number: 6223609
    Abstract: An apparatus for advancing a sliver and sensing thickness variations thereof in a fiber processing machine includes a tongue-and-groove roll pair composed of a tongue roll and a groove roll. The groove roll is radially fixedly supported and has a circumferentially extending groove including a groove bottom. The tongue roll projects into the groove and defines, with the groove roll, a nip through which the sliver passes for being compressed and advanced by the tongue-and-groove roll pair. The apparatus further has a sensing device including a biased, movably supported sensor element projecting into the groove of the groove roll and cooperating with the groove bottom upstream of the nip as viewed in a direction of sliver advance for pressing the sliver against the groove bottom and for undergoing excursions in response to thickness variations of the sliver passing between the sensor element and the groove bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Trützschler GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ferdinand Leifeld, Pedro Corrales
  • Patent number: 6216542
    Abstract: The invention relates to an internal parallel motion force sensor containing a rectangular box load body fixedly connected to a measuring transducer and an electronic evaluation unit in a gas and humidity tight manner. The load body has an axal longitudinal bore hole on one of its halves. On the other half it has a hollow bore hole coaxial thereto and which is approximately the same length, leaving a rod-shaped lever. Two identical notches in the middle of the load body are fitted with two flat parallel-moving spiral springs in two opposite lying outer surfaces. A membrane is located between the bore holes, the notches and two other notches. Said membrane acts as an elastic joint for the lever. Deformation of the load body by identical opposing forces is transmitted to the lever by the spiral springs, converted into an electric signal by the measuring transducer on the open end thereof and transmitted by the evaluation unit in digital form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: K-Tron Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Roland Stöckli, Kaspar Saner
  • Patent number: 6170341
    Abstract: A processor implemented stabilization system for load handling equipment monitors at least a portion of the equipment weight load at an equipment support member. Reduction below or increase above predetermined values signals an approaching tip over condition and triggers alarm condition responses for stabilization of the equipment. In a counterbalanced lift truck, the equipment weight load on a rear steer wheel is carried by an outer bearing race of a spindle and is transferred from the race to a load cell which is positioned between the race and a shoulder of a mounting tube. The load cell output is received at a processor which monitors the cell to determine if there is an approaching longitudinal tip over condition (toward or away from the load) as well as a lateral tip over condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Schaeff Incorporated
    Inventor: Isaac Avitan