Patents Assigned to Kistler Holding AG
  • Patent number: 7784336
    Abstract: A load cell detects wheel forces and/or moments at tire test stands in the laboratory and on mobile test vehicles based on the piezoelectric measurement principle. The load cell comprises a base plate and a cover plate facing the base plate as well as a plate-shaped quartz sensor, arranged between the plates in a laminar manner. The base plate and cover plate are designed in an elongated shape and include two or more of the plate-shaped quartz sensors there between. The plate-shaped quartz sensors are arranged in an array with respect to the longitudinal orientation of the plates and are preloaded by the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Kistler Holding AG
    Inventors: Martin Ammann, Frank Furter
  • Patent number: 7783446
    Abstract: A measuring system includes a piezoelectric sensor, two or more charge amplifiers that are provided with different amplification settings and one respective output, and a signal splitter which is disposed between the sensor and the amplifiers. A charge signal received by the piezoelectric sensor is subdivided into two or more partial signals on the signal splitter during a measurement, and each of two or more partial signals is fed to one of the charge amplifiers, is processed therein, and is finally fed to the outputs. The signal splitter preferably encompasses two or more capacitors. The inventive measuring system is used above all for measuring forces, pressures, extensions/expansions, moments, or accelerations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Kistler Holding, AG
    Inventors: Leo Amstutz, Max P. Waser, Paul Engeler
  • Patent number: 7743663
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor unit for measuring a measurable variable, especially in an aggressive medium. Said sensor unit comprises a sensor which is disposed in a sensor casing and is provided with a sensor zone located on a base. In order to detect the measurable variable in the sensor zone, a measuring hole which allows the medium to advance directly to the sensor zone is provided in the sensor casing. A side of the sensor zone that faces away from the measuring hole is equipped with a measuring surface which encompasses measuring electronics. An electrical feeder is provided on the sensor in order to transmit a sensor signal generated by the measuring electronics. The sensor is sealingly arranged on a sealing surface located on the sensor casing in such a way that the measuring surface is isolated from the medium. A mechanism is provided by means of a which the sensor can be disconnected from thermally and/or mechanically induced changes in the sensor casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Kistler Holding, AG
    Inventors: Jochen Von Berg, Christof Sonderegger, Claudio Cavalloni, René Tanner, Marco Gnielka
  • Publication number: 20100132528
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tool comprising a tool element which rotates in operation with at least one geometrically defined blade, in particular a material cutting tool element, said tool element being subject to an operating parameter in the operating condition. A measuring device is provided for determination and conversion of the operation parameter into a measured signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: KISTLER HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Georges Schaffner, Josef Stirnimann, Andreas Kirchheim, Drazen Veselovac, René Schmitz
  • Patent number: 7696679
    Abstract: A spark plug has an optical window for sensing combustion processes in an Otto engine. The optical window is located in the central electrode of the spark plug and has at least one lens exposed to the combustion chamber, as well as at least one flexible optical fiber which can conduct light through the spark plug from the lens to an analysis system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Kistler Holding, AG
    Inventors: Dieter Karst, Kurt Vollenweider, Paul Furter
  • Patent number: 7694577
    Abstract: A strain gauge measures elongation and compression at a surface of a component. The strain gauge comprise a housing having a fixation configured to attach the strain gauge to the surface to be measured, a connector for contacting a measuring cable, at least two support surfaces at the housing for securely bearing on the surface to be measured. At least one of the support surfaces is provided with a transduction element and with a measuring element for measuring shearing forces. The measuring element is connected by an internally disposed cable to the connector and to a module that comprises that at least one support surface provided with the measuring element pre-assembled together with the transduction element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Kistler Holding, AG
    Inventors: Paul Engeler, Andreas Kirchheim, Daniel Otter, Georges Schaffner, Reinhard Staub, Andreas Ullrich
  • Publication number: 20100065013
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adapter for pressure sensors for monitoring long-term cylinder pressures in internal combustion engines, said adapter comprising a housing 1 with a gas duct 2, a connection 3 to a cylinder cover of an internal combustion engine, a rear opening 11 of the gas duct 2 from the housing 1 with an apparatus 12 for closing this rear opening 11 in a gastight manner, and a connection 4 for inserting a pressure sensor 5 with a sensor membrane 6. The idea underlying the invention is that the transition line 8 of the opening 7 in the gas duct 2, which is reached by the sensor membrane 6 in the inserted state in order to be exposed to the gas pressure in the gas duct 2, is on a plane. The transition line 8 forms the transition from the contour of the gas duct 2 to the connection to the sensor 5. This enables a continuous transition from the sensor membrane 6 to the contour of the gas duct 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Kistler Holding AG
    Inventors: Alex Weber, Ulrich Staiger, Paul Engeler
  • Publication number: 20100064785
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical pressure sensor based on light intensity measurements and comprises at least one membrane and two parallel optical fibers. At lest one first fiber has a fiber end and a light emission surface for emitting light in the direction of the membrane. At least one second fiber has a fiber end having a light admission surface for receiving the light reflected from the membrane and transmitting that reflected light. The light emission surface and the light admission surface of the two fibers are disposed facing away from each other. This changes the optical path of the light during use such that the light portion received by the at least one second fiber is very sensitive to the position of the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: KISTLER HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Adrian Kummer, Marco Gnielka, Axel Bertholds
  • Publication number: 20100062095
    Abstract: A coupling for a plastics injection molding machine which connects a drive shaft to a screw comprises at least one force sensor with a measuring element for the indirect determination of the nozzle pressure. The coupling comprises a first connection which has torsional strength and does not transfer axial force. The coupling comprises a second connection, which is mechanically uncoupled from the first connection and is compression proof and does not transfer torque between the drive shaft and the feed screw. The measuring element is arranged in the force path A of the second compression proof connection but is not also in the force path T of the first connection. Thus, during operation, measurements in the measuring element are not falsified by torsional forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: KISTLER HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Thomas Cadonau, Max Waser
  • Publication number: 20100050775
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure sensor for measurements in hot, dynamic processes. The pressure sensor comprises a cylindrical housing in which a measuring element is located, and a round or annular membrane having at least one outer support. The outer support is arranged on the housing, offset behind a housing extension. The measuring element is adapted to acquire measurement data as a result of an axial displacement of the membrane. The housing extension is provided with a heat shield which is arranged, except on its edges, interspaced behind a gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Kistler Holding AG
    Inventor: Josef Glaser
  • Publication number: 20100018494
    Abstract: A sensor unit for measuring a measurement variable in a medium, in particular in an aggressive liquid or gaseous medium, comprises a sensor that is arranged in a sensor capsule and has a sensor region that is arranged on a base body. In order to detect the measurement variable in the sensor region, a measurement opening is provided in the sensor capsule. On a side facing the measurement opening, the sensor region has a measurement surface that is provided with measurement electronics. An electrical supply line is provided on the sensor for the purpose of transmitting a sensor signal that is generated by the measurement electronics. A plated-through hole is provided in the base body. The plated-through hole is used to connect the measurement electronics to the electrical supply line via signals through the base body, on a base side of the sensor that faces away from the measurement opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: KISTLER HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Ernst Obermeier, Biswajit Mukhopadhyay, Jochen Von Berg, Ulrich Albicker, Marco Gnielka, Claudio Cavalloni
  • Publication number: 20100005639
    Abstract: A joining unit contains a spindle drive in the form of a hollow shaft motor that encloses a spindle. The hollow shaft motor serves to achieve a linear movement of a joining tool for the execution of a joining process. The joining unit contains instruments for the presetting and/or determination of the forces exerted and/or the movement of the joining tool during the joining process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Kistler Holding AG
    Inventor: Alexander Müller
  • Publication number: 20090272182
    Abstract: A load cell detects wheel forces and/or moments at tire test stands in the laboratory and on mobile test vehicles based on the piezoelectric measurement principle. The load cell comprises a base plate and a cover plate facing the base plate as well as a plate-shaped quartz sensor, arranged between the plates in a laminar manner. The base plate and cover plate are designed in an elongated shape and include two or more of the plate-shaped quartz sensors there between. The plate-shaped quartz sensors are arranged in an array with respect to the longitudinal orientation of the plates and are preloaded by the plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: KISTLER HOLDING AG
    Inventors: MARTIN AMMANN, FRANK FURTER
  • Publication number: 20090260434
    Abstract: The invention describes membrane protections for a sensor having a membrane, which membrane protection does not increase the external diameter of a sensor and can be easily removed from a hole in which the sensor is installed. The membrane protection can be fastened to an inner surface of a front region of a sensor using a clip system and thus forms a unit with the sensor. The membrane protection for a sensor which can be screwed into a hole of an installation part and is provided with a membrane in the front region. The membrane protection has a clip system in order to be internally fastened in the front region of such a sensor. The sensor has a membrane protection which is internally fitted to the front region of the sensor using a clip system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: Kistler Holding AG
    Inventors: Stefan Brechbuhl, Peter Wolfer
  • Publication number: 20090235762
    Abstract: A piezoelectric sensor for bending moment measurements has measuring elements separating at their axes and electrically connecting both halves with their opposing directions of polarization. Such a sensor, mounted with its axis on the neutral bending axis of a machine structure, thus measures concurrently both tension and compression of the machine on both sides of the axis thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: Kistler Holding AG
    Inventors: Georges Schaffner, Andreas Kirchheim, Andri Lehmann
  • Publication number: 20090217768
    Abstract: A piezoelectric measuring element comprises at least one bar with transverse effect which can be used with two conductor technology. Poles comprising the metallisations, electrodes and lines in the measuring element are embodied with one or more piezoelectric bars with transverse effect such that the electric capacitances thereof with respect to the housing are identical. There can be a completely symmetrical design of the poles. A capacitor from one pole to the housing can correspond to the difference in capacitance of both poles to the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: KISTLER HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Ulrich Staiger, Paul Engeler, Claudio Cavalloni
  • Patent number: 7576469
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor (4) comprising a surface wave component (2) containing information relating to the sensitivity of the sensor. Said information can be consulted by means of a conventional measuring line (6) between an evaluation appliance (7) and the sensor (4). As said component (2) only comprises a small amount of information, for example three figures, it (2) can be very small, such that it can be integrated into a small sensor (4). The read sensor sensitivity can be automatically adjusted in the evaluation appliance (7). The information can be encoded on the surface wave component (2) by means of various reflectors (11) that can be frequency-selective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Kistler Holding AG
    Inventor: Reto Peter
  • Patent number: 7548012
    Abstract: A piezoelectric measuring element (9) consists of at least two piezoelectric crystals (1) showing a transversal effect for the measurement of axially acting forces and/or pressures as well as to a pressure or force sensor comprising said element. The crystals (1) with transversal effect having an opposite polarization (4) to each other are attached to each other by means of a lateral electrode (12). In this manner, if n crystals (1) are attached to each other, a single multi-layer measuring element (9) is obtained with a stability under load which is n-times that of an individual crystal. Preferably, the electrodes extend alternately into the two force-absorbing end faces (3) of the crystals. Such measuring elements can be fabricated from wafers (15) in a cost-effective manner. A compact multi-layer measuring element prepared in this way can be easily mounted in a sensor, particularly a force or pressure sensor, without the risk of inclination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Kistler Holding, AG
    Inventors: Claudio Cavalloni, Kurt Vollenweider, Roland Sommer
  • Patent number: 7546774
    Abstract: An acceleration-compensated pressure pick-up, for example for the measurement of dynamic processes in gaseous or liquid media, comprises an external housing and a pre-assembled inner part having a flange at its assembly end. The inner part is securely fixed to the housing only at the flange. A first mass is connected via a first resilient connection to the flange, and a second mass is connected to the flange via a second resilient connection. A first measurement crystal is inserted under pre-tension between the two masses. A third mass and a compensation crystal are arranged between the first measurement crystal and the second mass, and the compensation crystal is electrically connected in opposition to the first measurement crystal. The two rigidities of the resilient connections and the three masses are matched so that the measurement values which can be determined at the crystals due to an axial acceleration acting on the housing compensate each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Kistler Holding, AG
    Inventors: Claudio Cavalloni, Dieter Karst, Peter Wolfer, Stefan Brechbühl
  • Publication number: 20090145238
    Abstract: A strain gauge measures elongation and compression at a surface of a component. The strain gauge comprise a housing having a fixation configured to attach the strain gauge to the surface to be measured, a connector for contacting a measuring cable, at least two support surfaces at the housing for securely bearing on the surface to be measured. At least one of the support surfaces is provided with a transduction element and with a measuring element for measuring shearing forces. The measuring element is connected by means of an internally disposed cable to the connector and to a module that comprises that at least one support surface provided with the measuring element pre-assembled together with the transduction element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: Kistler Holding AG
    Inventors: Paul Engeler, Andreas Kirchheim, Daniel Otter, Georges Schaffner, Reinhard Staub, Andreas Ullrich