Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a deflecting force on a structural assembly where only one end of the assemblage is readily accessible to the application of the force. An inner torque bearing member is co-axially positioned within the outer torque bearing member and affixed at one end to the outer torque bearing member. A sense element is coupled to the structural assembly to measure the stress resulting from the force applied to the structural assembly.

Abstract: A magnetoelastic torque sensor for measuring the magnitude of torque applied to a member, comprising a magnetoelastic element which is disposed on and encircles the member, an outer flux guide extending across the magnetoelastic element in an axial direction and adjacent to the opposite end regions thereof, and an inner flux guide located between the first and second end regions, wherein the inner and outer flux guides provides a magnetic path to an axial component of the magnetic field produced by the magnetoelastic element in response to a non-zero value of torque. The inner flux guide is formed by cutting or etching an amorphous metal foil in a flat annular configuration with symmetrically projecting coil core tabs. The one-piece inner flux guide is supported by a support assembly comprising base and cover pieces. When assembled, the coil core tabs are sandwiched between two complementary semi-cylindrical mandrel portions projecting from the cover and base pieces, around which sense coil wires are wound.

Abstract: A magnetoelastic torque sensor for measuring the magnitude of torque applied to a member, comprising a magnetoelastic element which is disposed on and encircles the member, an outer flux guide extending across the magnetoelastic element in an axial direction and adjacent to the opposite end regions thereof, and an inner flux guide located between the first and second end regions, wherein the inner and outer flux guides provides a magnetic path to an axial component of the magnetic field produced by the magnetoelastic element in response to a non-zero value of torque. The inner flux guide is formed by cutting or etching an amorphous metal foil in a flat annular configuration with symmetrically projecting coil core tabs. The one-piece inner flux guide is supported by a support assembly comprising base and cover pieces. When assembled, the coil core tabs are sandwiched between two complementary semi-cylindrical mandrel portions projecting from the cover and base pieces, around which sense coil wires are wound.

Abstract: A magnetoelastic torque sensor for measuring the magnitude of torque applied to a member, comprising a magnetoelastic element which is disposed on and encircles the member, an outer flux guide extending across the magnetoelastic element in an axial direction and adjacent to the opposite end regions thereof, and an inner flux guide located between the first and second end regions, wherein the inner and outer flux guides provides a magnetic path to an axial component of the magnetic field produced by the magnetoelastic element in response to a non-zero value of torque. The inner flux guide is formed by cutting or etching an amorphous metal foil in a flat annular configuration with symmetrically projecting coil core tabs. The one-piece inner flux guide is supported by a support assembly comprising base and cover pieces. When assembled, the coil core tabs are sandwiched between two complementary semi-cylindrical mandrel portions projecting from the cover and base pieces, around which sense coil wires are wound.

Abstract: A circuit assembly is made by overmolding, with an electrically insulating material, a unitary framework of electrically conductive material forming coplanar conductors which are connected to each other by an integral structural member. The overmolded material secures the conductors relative to each other and enables portions of the structural member to be severed, electrically isolating the conductors from each other. The overmolded material also positions electrical components having leads that are electrically connected to the conductors. Ends of the conductors are formed into terminals which extend out of a hinge formed in the overmolded material. The hinge enables the terminals to be oriented in a different plane than the conductors.

Abstract: A circuit assembly is made by overmolding, with an electrically insulating material, a unitary framework of electrically conductive material forming coplanar conductors which are connected to each other by an integral structural member. The overmolded material secures the conductors relative to each other and enables portions of the structural member to be severed, electrically isolating the conductors from each other. The overmolded material also positions electrical components having leads that are electrically connected to the conductors. Ends of the conductors are formed into terminals which extend out of a hinge formed in the overmolded material. The hinge enables the terminals to be oriented in a different plane than the conductors.

Abstract: A steering column assembly including a clock spring connector having a groove formed on a movable member for receiving a ridge formed on an engaging member of a steering wheel. The engagement of the ridge and the groove provides a reduced-noise operation of the steering column apparatus. A resilient clip is provided between the groove and the ridge to further reduce operating noise. A pair of flanges are formed on an outer wall of the clock spring connector to secure the clock spring connector to a lock fixture. A short forked locking finger is provided on a back surface of the clock spring connector for preventing damage during assembly.

Abstract: A pulse generator employs a Wiegand wire module within two soft iron ferro-magnetic elements. Four magnets having appropriate polarities are positioned on faces of the ferro-magnetic elements to provide first and second magnetic circuits. The flux in these two magnetic circuits is collected, conducted and guided by the ferro-magnetic elements toward an air gap between the two guide elements. The center portion of the Wiegand wire is at the air gap. Cylindrical cavities in these two guide elements shield the ends of the Wiegand wire to minimize the incidence of external flux from the Wiegand wire. Saturation of the flux at the air gap between the two guide elements causes leakage flux to be incident on the Wiegand wire.The two magnetic circuits created by the magnets are approximately equal in magnitude and opposite in direction at the Wiegand wire. As a consequence, in the normal state, these two magnetic circuits do not affect the state of the Wiegand wire.

Abstract: A pulse generating unit in which a Wiegand wire module is contained within two soft iron ferromagnetic members which act as shunts in that they collect, conduct and guide flux incident on the pulse generating unit toward an air gap between the two shunt elements. the air gap is approximately at the center of the Wiegand wire module. Cylindrical cavities in these two shunt elements shield the ends of the Wiegand wire thereby minimizing the incidence of external flux on the Wiegand wire. Saturation of the flux at the air gap between the two shunts causes leakage of flux to be available to switch the state of the Wiegand wire.

Abstract: A read head for a Wiegand wire has an E-core with a pick-up coil for the "1" bit wound on one outer leg and a separate pick-up coil for the "0" bit wound on a second outer leg. The E-core is composed of a relatively thin ferromagnetic E-laminae spaced from a relatively thick E-laminae. Between thin and thick laminae in each leg there is an appropriately polarized magnet. The result is to establish a first field across the face of the read head between the center leg and a first outer leg. This first field reads the one bits. Similarly, a second field between the center leg and the other outer leg reads the zero bits. Each one bit wire is on one side of the code strip and each zero bit wire is on the other side of the code strip so that the one bit and zero bit wires are passed respectively across the first and second reading fields provided by the read head.

Abstract: A Wiegand wire module is excited by a non-uniform field, which may vary in time either symmetrically or asymmetrically, to provide a switch in state of the Wiegand wire thereby inducing a pulse in the pickup coil of the module. The non-uniform field has a maximum value in an axial direction at a center portion of the wire and a minimum value in an axial direction at end portions of the wire. As the amplitude of the field is varied to switch the wire, the end portions of the wire remain in a field having a low axial magnitude. The result is an output pulse substantially greater than obtained through symmetric exitation using a uniform field.