Abstract: A method of evaluating degradations throughout a MOV (i.e. motor operated valve) by establishing specific interrelationships between a power related parameter from the MOV motor (being, for an AC motor, preferably the motor load; and being, for a DC motor, preferably motor torque or motor torque factor) and actuator torque; then utilizing the established interrelationships to further establish a given percent change in the power related parameter as a warning point; and, then, trending the power related parameter during valve-in-use operation of the valve system to evaluate the condition of the valve system.

Abstract: A fluid speed measurement device includes a pair of ultrasonic transducer T1,T2 spaced in a measuring chamber. A transmitter and receiver system is controlled by a microprocessor 100 which generates pulses which periodically invert and these are switched by switches 140,150 to allow alternate direction of transmission. Reception and detection of signals is effected by blocks 152-168. Time calculation is determined by counter 109 and results are used to calculate flow speed or volume using the microprocessor. A speed increase in the measurement region is effected using a venturi device.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in tensioning the belt on a V-belt drive having a compression gauge and a gauge for measuring the deflection of the belt with regard to a fixed reference simultaneously with the compression. The compression gauge is associated with at least two compression rods which provide the compression at two points on the belt.

Abstract: A force or pressure sensor has a measuring body exposed to the measuring force and a reference body, said bodies both being supported at the housing via force measuring elements. In an evaluating circuit the signals of the force measuring elements, the second time derivatives of said signals and possibly also their first time derivatives are linked in such a manner that a signal representing the measuring force is obtained which is largely independent of the dynamic inherent behavior of the pressure sensor on shocks and vibrations of the housing and on rapid changes of the measuring force.

Abstract: A strain sensing apparatus includes a pair of magnetic layers disposed on a shaft to which an external force is applied to cause strain in it. The magnetic layers have magnetic permeabilities which change in opposite directions in response to the strain in the shaft. A sensing coil is disposed to face the magnetic layers with a spacing disposed between the coil and the magnetic layers. An exciting AC voltage is applied across the sensing coil. A change in self-inductance of the coil caused by the permeability changes of the magnetic layers due to the shaft strain is derived as an electrical signal representative of the magnitude of the shaft strain.

Abstract: The transducers in a transit time clamp-on flowmeter are positioned relative to one another by abutting against pin stops located in selected openings of one or more rows of openings extending longitudinally along the pipe axis. A block or strip of sonic-energy absorbing material is fixed to the conduit surface between the spaced transducers and absorbs sound energy which tends to flow in the pipe wall between the transducers, substantially improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the flowmeter system.

Abstract: An in-line load cell for flexible strength member materials. An aluminum indrical body section houses two steel pins that perpendicularly pass through the longitudinal axis of the body section. Both steel pins extend from either side of the body section to provide four wrapping points for a flexible strength member to be tested. The load cell is placed in the line of action of the strength member and the strength member is wrapped about the four wrapping points. The forces exerted on the wrapping points cause bending moments to occur around the steel pins as tension is applied throughout the strength member. A strain gauge mounted on the body section between the two steel pins measures the tension in the flexible member based on the tensile strain in the body section.

Abstract: A hand tool, having at least one handle which will provide a tactile response at a predetermined adjustable torque value is provided. The handle includes first and second sections telescopingly and pivotally interconnected. Detent means, including a roller journalled on one section and an axial bore in the other section in which the roller normally resides is provided. The roller and other section are translationally movable with respect to each other. The roller is configured in the form of a segment of a sphere and biased into the end of the bore. The other section also includes means to allow but limit pivotal movement of the roller out of the bore such that it will provide a tactile response at a given torque level and return into the bore when torque is released.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for detecting the nature of fluid flow. Specifically, an omnidirectional aerodynamic sensor is disclosed comprising an omnidirectional aerodynamic drag force inducing probe, a force transducer and a signal processor. The force transducer is illustratively an array of strain gauges which detect forces in each of three orthogonal directions. Such forces are initially detected by the probe and then transmitted to the transducer. The transducer outputs electrical signals which the signal processor processes in order to determine, for example, aircraft angle-of-attack and angle-of-sideslip as well as wind speed and direction. The invention is especially useful in the field of aviation.

Abstract: A transit-time flowmeter transmits trains of ultrasonic pulses alternately upstream and downstream through a conduit having liquid flowing therein. Flow speed (fv) is a function of the total liquid travel time (t.sub.L) and the difference (.DELTA.t) between the upstream and downstream travel times. The timer t.sub.L is determined by transmitting a short setup pulse train, for example, 1-3 pulses, from one of the transducers. The time the short pulse train is received by the other transducer is taken to define an overall travel time t.sub.N. The known pulse travel time within the transducers and pipe walls is subtracted from the time t.sub.N, the result being the liquid travel time t.sub.L. To measure .DELTA.t, a longer measurement pulse train (Tx), for example 8-100 pulses, is transmitted alternately upstream and downstream. The phase difference is measured between the received (digitized) pulse train R.sub.D and a reference pulse train f.sub.

Abstract: A free piston shock tube/tunnel having a mechanism for increasing the holding time, without correspondingly increasing viscous losses in which the shock tube/tunnel includes a diaphragm positioned in the area of connection between the compression tube and the shock tube and a selectively replaceable orifice insert positioned near the diaphragm in which the orifice insert has an opening with a diameter less than the internal diameter of the shock tube.

Abstract: The torque meter has a shaft with a reduced diameter intermediate portion with a sleeve that at its axial opposite ends is in fixed axial and rotational relation thereto. The sleeve intermediate portion has circumferentially extending lugs that are joined to the sleeve end portions. The lugs circumferentially opposite their juncture to the sleeve end portion mount an armature. The rotation of the sleeve ends relative to one another axially displaces the armature and changes an electric or magnetic field. At least one coil is in fixed axial and rotational relationship to the sleeve for detecting a change in the field for measuring the torque.

Abstract: A load measuring device for an oleopneumatic load intensifier apparatus which causes a rapid advance of a tool carrying piston rod followed by slow advance of the piston rod at an increased load. the oleopneumatic apparatus has a master cylinder and an actuating cylinder that can assume different positions with respect to the master cylinder while maintaining fluid communication therewith. An enclosed hydraulic system is shared by the master and actuating cylinders. Pneumatic pressure actuates a piston within the master cylinder that causes a rapid advancement of a hydraulic fed piston withihn the actuating cylinder, causing a piston rod and a tool associated therewith to contact a workpiece. The load measuring device monitors the load associated with the pneumatic pressure applied to the piston and associated piston rod, located in the master cylinder and the resultant force applied to the hydraulic fed piston located within the actuating cylinder to precisely determine the load delivered to the workpiece.

Abstract: A convertible web tension transducer and a roll assembly including two such transducers in which each transducer includes a coupling supported by a pair of resilient beams from a support member through a self-aligning bearing permitting pivotal movement of the coupling relative to the support member in any direction normal to a roll axis of the transducer and the roll assembly and being provided with a pivot pin arrangement to prevent relative rotation of the coupling and support member when a stationary shaft supporting a live roll is supported by the couplings of the transducers, the pivot pin arrangement including a pivot pin which may be omitted from the transducer when a live shaft or roll is supported by the couplings of the two transducers with a consequent requirement for relative rotation of the coupling and support member, about the roll axis, to be permitted.

Abstract: A torsion ring transducer has a sensing ring mounted in a ring housing by a first ring web between the housing and the sensing ring and by a second ring web between the sensing ring and a central load application body. The ring housing is secured to a mounting base by an isolation device, for example, a ring cylinder having a defined cylinder wall length in the direction of a central transducer axis and a defined cylinder wall thickness in the radial direction. The ring cylinder prevents mounting effects from reaching the sensing ring.

Abstract: A tightening fixture for tightening a lock nut on a chuck including a torque readout device for measuring the torque applied to tighten the lock nut. The tightening fixture includes a stationary support block having a torque transmitting collar rotatively mounted therein. The torque transmitting collar is designed to receive and hold the chuck so that the chuck is held nonrotatable with respect to the collar. When torque is applied to tighten the lock nut on the chuck, the chuck and collar rotate as a unit. A torque indicator is mounted in the stationary block and is responsive to the rotation of the torque transmitting collar to provide an indication of the torque applied to tighten the lock nut.

Abstract: A torque sensor provides a specific property for a shaft member so as to improve sensitivity and so as to minimize hysteresis in measurement of the torque exerted thereon. The shaft member is provided specific composition achieving the desired level of sensitivity without increasing the hysteresis. In the alternative, the shaft member is processed in order to provide the desired property.

Abstract: In a strain measuring device employing a magnetic permeability detector means to detect an amount of strain in a passive member as changes of magnetic permeability in a magnetostrictive layer, a magnetic shielding layer is formed on the surface of the passive member, and the magnetostrictive layer is formed thereon so as to lessen the adverse effects of the passive member caused by the magnetic characteristics of the passive member in strain measurement, that is, to reduce measurement errors. Alternatively, a magnetostrictive layer is formed on the surface of the passive member, or a magnetic shielding layer is partially formed on the surface of the passive member of a soft magnetic material with high permeability, so as to lessen the influence of the passive member caused by thermal stresses of the passive member in strain measurement, that is, to reduce measurement errors. Further, there is provided a strain measuring device which facilitates formation of the magnetostrictive layer.

Abstract: A torque sensor of noncontact type, by which can be stably measured the torque of a shaft with a sufficient S/N ratio under the influence of external magnetic noise, such as an induction magnetic flux which is produced in an induction motor, and which can be readily disposed in a comparatively small space. When provided on an induction motor, the torque sensor is mounted on the induction motor in noncontacting relationship. The torque sensor detects the torque of the shaft and includes a pair of magnetic material members provided on respective circumferential portions of the peripheral surface of a shaft. A pair of magnetic detectors are disposed at opposite locations at which external magnetic fields having opposite phase exist. The detectors detect the variation of the magnetic characteristics of the magnetic materials, and a signal processing circuit produces a mean value of output signals obtained from the magnetic detectors.

Abstract: The torque imposed on premium thread connections between tubular goods is monitored and plotted as a function of time rather than the number of turns. In this manner, the torque at which "shoulder", either by metal-to-metal sealing contact or otherwise, is achieved during make-up of the premium connection can be detected. Further, torque response of the connection after shoulder may be monitored. In addition, torque conditions during back out or disconnection may be monitored. Data obtained indicate if connections and seals are acceptable or not and often furnish evidence of the reason for certain types of unsatisfactory connections.