Patents Examined by Elizabeth Shopbell
  • Apparatus for tensioning V-belt drives
    Patent number: 5156054
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Inventor: Jeff Mikulencak
  • Tensiometer
    Patent number: 5133217
    Abstract: A tensiometer for measuring the tension of a racquet string employs a spring biased plunger which is articulated to a pivoted indicator arm. The racquet string being tested is supported on spaced legs and engaged by the plunger. The tension is indicated on a scale by the angular position of the indicator arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Inventor: Donald J. Jordan
  • Ultra-sensitive force detector employing servo-stabilized tunneling junction
    Patent number: 5103682
    Abstract: A highly sensitive force detector using a tunneling junction as a strain gauge is disclosed. The tunneling junction is connected to a deflection member which receives the force to be measured. The junction is connected in a nulling circuit to a magnetic flux motor which generates a restoring force precisely equal to the force to be measured. The magnetic flux required by the flux motor to do so is measured by a SQUID, the output of which is directly proportional to the flux to be measured. The device has applications in pressure sensing, weighing, gravity measurements, detection of massive objects, and elsewhere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by The Secretary of Commerce
    Inventors: John M. Moreland, William P. Dube
  • Apparatus for determining the effective force applied by an oarsman
    Patent number: 5099689
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining the effective force generated by an athlete acting upon a rowing apparatus are disclosed. A flexural member attached to the rowing apparatus and a footboard hingably attached to the flexural member at its upper end and slidably attached to the rowing apparatus at its lower end are provided. The flexural member is fitted with strain gauges which produce a signal indicative of the strain in the flexural member, this signal can then be converted to a measure of the effective force applied to the oars. Most preferably, apparatus of the present invention substantially eliminates the effects of residual torque friction, thermal deformation and the like by isolating the flexural member from which strain data is taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Nielsen-Kellerman Company
    Inventor: John H. McGinn