By Applying A Measured Tensioning Force Patents (Class 73/862.42)
  • Patent number: 11353371
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatuses for estimating tension in post-tensioned rods, such as anchor rods that support structural steel to concrete. A method of estimating tension in a target post-tension rod may include selecting a plurality of post-tensioned rods and modeling tension for the plurality of post-tensioned rods as a function of frequency differences between a first and a second modal frequency and cantilever length of each rod. The method may further include measuring the length of a cantilever of the target post-tensioned rod, determining first and second modal frequencies of the target post-tensioned rod, and determining a frequency difference between the first and second modal frequencies. The method may further include estimating tension in the target post-tensioned rod based on at least the model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: FDH Infrastructure Services, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Scott, Armita Mohammadian, David Milligan
  • Patent number: 10060809
    Abstract: Friction stabilizer pull tester apparatus and method for testing friction stabilizer type rock bolts including a pull tester toolhead comprising a tension rod with a radially expanding collet device inserted and expanded in a friction stabilizer steel tube. A confining collar on the tension rod for restricting longitudinal movement of the expanding device and outward deformation of the friction stabilizer tube at a friction stabilizer ring flange. A pre-tensioning device applies an initial force to seat apparatus and a pulling apparatus applies a greater load force to the tension rod to determine load capacity of the friction stabilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Inventor: Larry C. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 8432290
    Abstract: The present invention provides a force measuring ratchet tie down in the field of goods holding. The force measuring ratchet tie down of the invention addresses the technical problems such has insufficiently tight binding, severe difficulty in control and trouble in adjustment. The force measuring ratchet tie down includes a body assembly, a handle, a teeth stop board, a catch and a scroll. The handle is connected with the body assembly through the scroll. A binding belt having a fixable outer end is connected to the body assembly. Another binding belt having a fixable outer end is rolled on the scroll. A ratchet is fixed on the scroll. The body assembly is movably connected with a teeth stop board the end of which could be embedded among the teeth of the ratchet. The handle is movably connected with a catch the end of which could be embedded among the teeth of the ratchet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Zhejiang Topsun Logistic Control Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Buqin Ruan
  • Patent number: 8347740
    Abstract: A system for measuring the weight of an object while pulling the object upward includes a puller having a frame and a cable having a first end coupled to the object and a second end engaging a second cylinder. At least a portion of the cable engages the outer circumferential surface of a first cylinder and the second cylinder. The apparatus also includes an upper arm and an actuator. A force measurement device is coupled to the first cylinder and to the upper arm and measures the weight of the object. The actuator is operable to lower and raise the weight measurement device and the first cylinder. In some embodiments, the position of the cable with respect to the frame may be adjusted by a dampening system or a bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold Korb
  • Publication number: 20120204655
    Abstract: Chain tension sensing device includes a hollow enclosure, a sensor mounted in a stationary position within enclosure and a member mounted for a reciprocal movement in a substantially linear direction relative to the sensor. The member includes a chain engaging first portion, a second portion mounted for reciprocal movement and a sensor target disposed on a distal end of the second portion. A compressible resilient member is mounted in abutting engagement with at least a rear surface of the first portion. Chain take-up attains tension thereon generating force and moving the member towards the sensor so as to position the sensor target in operative sensing alignment therewith. Chain let-up causes the compressible resilient member to move the member in an opposite direction, removing the sensor target from the operative sensing alignment with the sensor. Sensor generates a control signal in response to sensing or not sensing the sensor target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: WABTEC Holding Corp.
    Inventors: PETER GREGAR, Jonathon Marlow
  • Patent number: 8176800
    Abstract: A method of determining the tension in an elongated rod is described. The method includes impacting the rod and measuring the vibration response of the rod. Further, the method entails generating a theoretical vibration response of the rod based in part at least on the structural properties of the rod. Thereafter, the method entails adjusting the theoretical vibration response to cause the theoretical vibration response to conform with at least a portion of the measured vibration response. Based on the adjusted theoretical vibration response, the tension of the rod is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: FDH Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Cesare, J. Darrin Holt
  • Patent number: 8166831
    Abstract: The present invention provides a force measuring rigid load binder in the field of goods holding. The force measuring rigid load binder of the invention address the problems of conventional force measuring rigid load binders, such as potential damages to goods, adverse affection on goods transportation, increased difficulty in manual control, time and labor consumption and inconsistent tensioning forces of the binding belt. The force measuring rigid load binder of the invention includes a tensioning mechanism having a handle. Each of both ends of the tensioning mechanism is connected with a hook respectively. The tensioning mechanism is made of a rigid material. The distance between two hooks could be adjusted by the tensioning mechanism when the handle is pulled. A sensor is provided at a forced part of the tensioning mechanism, which could generate a signal corresponding to the size of the tensioning force when the load binder is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Zhejiang Topsun Logistic Control Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Buqin Ruan
  • Patent number: 8096195
    Abstract: A method of determining the tension in an elongated rod is described. The method includes impacting the rod and measuring the vibration response of the rod. Further, the method entails generating a theoretical vibration response of the rod based in part at least on the structural properties of the rod. Thereafter, the method entails adjusting the theoretical vibration response to cause the theoretical vibration response to conform with at least a portion of the measured vibration response. Based on the adjusted theoretical vibration response, the tension of the rod is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: FDH Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Cesare, J. Darrin Holt
  • Publication number: 20110036180
    Abstract: A method of determining the tension in an elongated rod is described. The method includes impacting the rod and measuring the vibration response of the rod. Further, the method entails generating a theoretical vibration response of the rod based in part at least on the structural properties of the rod. Thereafter, the method entails adjusting the theoretical vibration response to cause the theoretical vibration response to conform with at least a portion of the measured vibration response. Based on the adjusted theoretical vibration response, the tension of the rod is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: FDH ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: Mark A. Cesare, J. Darrin Holt
  • Patent number: 7878077
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for measuring mechanical quantities, in particular for detecting tensile forces, thrust forces and bending deformations, as well as to a method for measuring mechanical quantities and to the use of a device for measuring mechanical quantities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Nenzing GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Scheidl, Josef Schmid, Axel Burkhardt, Klaus Schneider
  • Publication number: 20110000317
    Abstract: The present invention provides a force measuring rigid load binder in the field of goods holding. The force measuring rigid load binder of the invention address the problems of conventional force measuring rigid load binders, such as potential damages to goods, adverse affection on goods transportation, increased difficulty in manual control, time and labor consumption and inconsistent tensioning forces of the binding belt. The force measuring rigid load binder of the invention includes a tensioning mechanism having a handle. Each of both ends of the tensioning mechanism is connected with a hook respectively. The tensioning mechanism is made of a rigid material. The distance between two hooks could be adjusted by the tensioning mechanism when the handle is pulled. A sensor is provided at a forced part of the tensioning mechanism, which could generate a signal corresponding to the size of the tensioning force when the load binder is in operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Buqin Ruan
  • Publication number: 20110001627
    Abstract: The present invention provides a force measuring ratchet tie down in the field of goods holding. The force measuring ratchet tie down of the invention addresses the technical problems such has insufficiently tight binding, severe difficulty in control and trouble in adjustment. The force measuring ratchet tie down includes a body assembly, a handle, a teeth stop board, a catch and a scroll. The handle is connected with the body assembly through the scroll. A binding belt having a fixable outer end is connected to the body assembly. Another binding belt having a fixable outer end is rolled on the scroll. A ratchet is fixed on the scroll. The body assembly is movably connected with a teeth stop board the end of which could be embedded among the teeth of the ratchet. The handle is movably connected with a catch the end of which could be embedded among the teeth of the ratchet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Buqin Ruan
  • Publication number: 20100242625
    Abstract: A system for measuring the weight of an object while pulling the object upward includes a puller having a frame and a cable having a first end coupled to the object and a second end engaging a second cylinder. At least a portion of the cable engages the outer circumferential surface of a first cylinder and the second cylinder. The apparatus also includes an upper arm and an actuator. A force measurement device is coupled to the first cylinder and to the upper arm and measures the weight of the object. The actuator is operable to lower and raise the weight measurement device and the first cylinder. In some embodiments, the position of the cable with respect to the frame may be adjusted by a dampening system or a bushing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: MEMC ELECTRONIC MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventor: Harold Korb
  • Publication number: 20100242836
    Abstract: Pulling systems are disclosed for measuring the weight of an object coupled to a first end of a cable. The cable is routed over a pulley suspended from a load cell. The force exerted by the cable on the pulley is used to calculate the weight of the object. The second end of the cable is coupled to a drum which when rotated pulls the object by wrapping the cable around the drum. An arm is coupled to the pulley at one end and to a frame at another end. A path traveled by the cable between the pulley and the drum is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the arm. Horizontal force components are transmitted by the arm to the frame and do not affect a force component measured by the load cell, thus increasing the accuracy of the calculated weight of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: MEMC ELECTRONIC MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Harold Korb, Richard J. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20090100941
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for measuring mechanical quantities, in particular for detecting tensile forces, thrust forces and bending deformations, as well as to a method for measuring mechanical quantities and to the use of a device for measuring mechanical quantities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Andreas Scheidl, Joseph Schmid, Axel Burkhardt, Klaus Schneider
  • Patent number: 7509874
    Abstract: The apparatus has an elongate and vertically running carrier (90) for pressure sensors (50), which precedes a group of levers (71 ). The cross section of this carrier (90) is arcuate, so that it has two flanks (93, 94 ). During the testing of a leg garment (80), this carrier (90) simulates the region of the shin. The apparatus has, furthermore, moldings or stays (88) which are carried by the levers and which simulate the rear face of the calf or of the thigh of a leg. The width of these stays corresponds to the width of the calf or of the thigh of a leg. The apparatus also comprises two longitudinally running groups (50) of pressure sensors, one of which is in each case assigned to outside of one of the flanks (93, 94) of the carrier (90). The leg garment (80) to be tested, in order to test it, is slipped over this apparatus in such a way that it lies on the outer faces both of the carrier (90) and of the stays and exerts pressure on the pressure sensors (51).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Salzmann AG
    Inventors: Daniel Kuenzli, Walter Braun, Muck Ruettiger
  • Patent number: 7441464
    Abstract: A strain gauge sensor system and method for measuring the strain in a member, such as a fiber rope, has a sensor target assembly having a plurality of magnets carried spaced apart by individual gauge lengths along the member. Position and trigger sensor devices are configured spaced apart along side a desired path of travel of the member. When the member is fed along the desired path of travel, the trigger sensor device, in response to magnetically sensing a passing magnet, triggers the position sensor device to read the position of an adjacent passing magnet. The strain in the gauge length is determined from the read position. RFID tags placed on the member between the magnets can be identified by an RF reader to identify a particular gauge length being measured. The system can include a deployment device for feeding the member along the desired path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Turnbull, Wenwei Zhang
  • Publication number: 20080115590
    Abstract: The invention pertains to an apparatus to measure a tensile force within at least one material web or at least one material strand or a corresponding force (FM) that is exerted on the apparatus, or a transmitted force (FÜ) resulting therefrom. The apparatus comprises at least one roller barrel (1), at least one bearing (2) to rotatably mount the roller barrel (1), at least one first force transfer element (3) to transfer the transmitted force (FÜ), said element designed to react to this transmitted force (FÜ) with an elongation, compression or other shape change in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation (A) of the at least one roller barrel (1), and at least one sensor (7) that is connected to the at least one first force transfer element (1). According to one aspect of the invention, the apparatus further comprises at least one second force transfer element (4) that extends inside the associated roller barrel (1) and that is connected to the first force transfer element (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: TEXMAG GMBH VERTRIEBSGESELLSCHAFT GMBH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Loenner, Thomas Roessle, Roland Palatzky
  • Patent number: 7343826
    Abstract: A sensing device for a safety belt comprising a tightening unit having a fastening plate; a pulling force recording unit fastening seat of the safety belt; an impact status recording unit; a record indication unit; and a cartridge housing containing these units therein, wherein the pulling force recording unit comprises a clipping frame containing a fastening rim with one end protruded out therefore, and an engaging element capable of changing the resistance value when a pulling force is exerted, the impact status recording unit comprises a pendulum, on a circuit board, which changes the resistance value of the circuit board by the swinging of the pendulum, and the fastening status recording unit comprises an enumerating sensing switch, and the electrical signal and resistance of the units are transferred to the record indication unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventors: Anthony Dean Nugent, Yie-Heh Hsu
  • Patent number: 7313975
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring tension in guy wire systems wherein the lower end of the guy wire has a thimble adjoined by a connection pin to a yoke or clevis of a turnbuckle shackle bolt connected to an earth anchor. A block assembly is removably received beneath the clevis and a thimble-engaging jaw assembly is removably received on the guy wire above the clevis. The block assembly and jaw assembly are connected at one end by a threaded rod assembly that includes a strain sensor connected with an indicator device, and by a threaded rod at their opposed end. The jaw assembly is drawn downward by adjusting nuts on the threaded rods beneath the block assembly to engage the thimble and move it downward transferring the tension to the threaded rod and threaded rod assembly which is sensed by the strain sensor and indicated by the indicator device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventor: Romel Scorteanu
  • Patent number: 6880412
    Abstract: A device and method for testing the tension in a stressed cable of a concrete structure. The device includes a frame and a hydraulic jack mounted onto the frame. The hydraulic jack applies a force to the stressed cable and displaces the stressed cable laterally. A hook or clamp is connected to the hydraulic jack for grasping the stressed cable in order to apply the force thereto, and a dial gauge is mounted onto the frame for measuring the deflection of the stressed cable once the force has been applied. The amount of pre-stress within the stressed cable can be calculated by measuring the amount of deflection caused to the stressed cable by the force of the jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Pawan R. Gupta
  • Publication number: 20040194555
    Abstract: A process for testing the properties of a rubber sample is provided. This process is suitable for use with current rheometers, curemeters, viscometers, and the like, wherein it is common to change test conditions during the duration of the test, when the rubber sample scorches or reaches full cure. This process provides a method for determining an optimal time for changing the test conditions to which the rubber sample is subjected. With this process specifying times for changing test conditions is no longer required prior to starting the test. Rather, the variable test condition is changed at sample-specific times that closely coincide with the actual scorch time or full cure time of the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: TechPro, Inc.
    Inventor: John B. Putman
  • Patent number: 6740866
    Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention is a fiber Bragg grating sensor 1, 25 which is suitable, in particular, for measuring differential pressures and flow rates v1 in oil drill holes. The sensor principle according to the invention is based on using a transducer 1 with two pressure chambers 7a, 7b to convert a hydrostatic pressure difference between two liquid or gaseous media 11a, 11b into a longitudinal fiber elongation or fiber compression and measuring it via the displacement of the Bragg wavelength &Dgr;&lgr;B of at least one fiber Bragg grating 3, 4. Exemplary embodiments are specified which have two fiber Bragg gratings 3, 4 which are sensitive to elongation in opposite senses and which have temperature-compensating transducers 1, and which have a plurality of transducers 1 in a wavelength-division-multiplexing configuration. One embodiment relates to measuring a flow rate v1 with the aid of a venturi tube 23.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventors: Klaus Bohnert, Hubert Brändle
  • Patent number: 6595047
    Abstract: An instrument is provided with several sensing elements to enable several parameters of a processed yarn to be measured or determined. In order to minimize the total sensing element/guide contact with the yarn within the complete process threadline, the yarn is guided through the instrument by contact only with the inlet and outlet guiding elements of the instrument and contact operative sensing elements. One particular instrument consists, in succession, of an interlace sensing device, a tension sensing device and an oil content sensing device. The electrical resistance of the yarn is measured between two pins of the oil content sensing device and in this case, the first pin is also a tension sensing pin of the instrument, and the second pin of the oil content sensing device is also the outlet guide of the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Merlin Partnership
    Inventor: Malcolm Geoffrey Hinchliffe
  • Patent number: 6499356
    Abstract: An apparatus has a jig suitable for receiving an orthesis engaged thereon, the jig having two elongate branches, an expander cooperating with facing ends of the branches to move them apart from each other transversely to their long dimension, control system for controlling the expander and suitable for moving the branches so that they move apart from each other progressively and in a controlled manner, and sensors distributed along the length of at least one of the branches and suitable for measuring the force applied locally to the branch by the orthesis at the locations of the respective sensors in terms of a component perpendicular to the profile of the branch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Innothera Topic International
    Inventors: Patrice Flaud, Jean-Louis Counord
  • Patent number: 6209401
    Abstract: Device for measuring tension force in web and wire without giving any permanent affect on the measured object. In goods transportation it is common to use webs to tie down the load to the load carrier, and it is important that the right pretension force is applied to achieve a safe transport. The device enables this force to be checked before and even during the transport. The device is a hand carried device that can be moved across the measured object from the side, perform the measurement after an activation arm has been pulled, and be removed after deactivation without having any remaining affect on the lashing. Technically, this is done when the activation forces the object to bend over a number of rolls. This bending calls for a force perpendicularly to the measured object that is registered, recalculated and displayed as the searched force in the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Kenneth Lars Bäcklund
  • Patent number: 6199020
    Abstract: In an external measuring apparatus, a past zero signal value V0 is first read out. A subtracted value obtained by subtracting the zero signal value V0 from a read signal value Vin from an angular velocity detector is compared with a preset first threshold value &Dgr;V1. If no angular velocity is being applied, then the read signal value Vin is updated and set to the zero signal value V0 in which a drift component is canceled. In addition, the subtracted value obtained by subtracting the zero signal value V0 from the read signal value Vin is further compared with a second threshold value &Dgr;V2 so as to perform the zero adjustment of the subtracted value. This makes it possible to eliminate the drift component and the random noise component from the detection signal, enabling accurate angular velocity to be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaaki Ando
  • Patent number: 6170325
    Abstract: An instrument is provided with several sensing elements to enable several parameters of a processed yarn to be measured or determined. In order to minimize the total sensing element/guide contact with the yarn within the complete process threadline, the yarn is guided through the instrument by contact only with the inlet and outlet guiding elements of the instrument and contact operative sensing elements. One particular instrument consists, in succession, of an interlace sensing device, a tension sensing device and an oil content sensing device. The electrical resistance of the yarn is measured between two pins of the oil content sensing device and in this case, the first pin is also a tension sensing pin of the instrument, and the second pin of the oil content sensing device is also the outlet guide of the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignees: Fibrevision Limited, The Merlin Partnership
    Inventor: Malcolm Geoffrey Hinchliffe