Stress In Material Measurement Patents (Class 324/209)
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Patent number: 9254863Abstract: There is provided a torque detecting device for providing a highly accurate torque signal, and an electric power steering device using the torque detecting device. A torque sensor is provided with a first coil pair and a second coil pair, which detect a relative displacement between an input shaft and an output shaft by corresponding the relative displacement to a change in impedance. Magnetization signal generating units supply exciting currents with different magnetization frequencies to the first coil pair and a second coil pair, respectively. The magnetization frequency difference is set to 3.5 kHz or higher. Moreover, low-pass filters for intercepting passage of a frequency equivalent to the magnetization frequency difference are deployed in signal processing circuits respectively.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2012Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Masaki Kuwahara, Takayuki Kobayashi, Kazuhiro Yoshida, Toshiyuki Onizuka, Takayoshi Sugawara, Nobuhiko Andou
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Patent number: 9176096Abstract: A device for discovering, identification and monitoring of mechanical flaws in metallic structures is disclosed, based on magneto-graphic/magnetic tomography technique to identify stress-related defects. The device includes registration means that optimized for use with metallic structures of various types, shapes and sizes. Applications include a real-time quality control, monitoring and emergency alarms, as well structural repairs and maintenance work recommendations and planning. Examples of the device implementation include pipes for oil and gas industry monitoring, detection of flaws in rolled products in metallurgical industry, welding quality of heavy duty equipment such as ships, reservoirs. etc. It is especially important for loaded constructions, such as pressured pipes, infrastructure maintenance, nuclear power plant monitoring, bridges, corrosion prevention and environment protection.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2013Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Inventors: Valerian Goroshevskiy, Svetlana Kamaeva, Igor Kolesnikov, Leonid Ivlev
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Patent number: 9134188Abstract: A contactless force measurement sensor for measuring an applied force onto an object is provided. The contactless force measurement sensor includes a first facing orientation which facing orientation defines an orientation pointing towards a surface of the object, a first magnetic field generating unit being adapted for generating a magnetic field towards the facing orientation, a first magnetic field detector unit being adapted for detecting a first magnetic field which field being generated by the first magnetic field generating unit and being influenced by an applied force to be measured, wherein the first magnetic field detector unit is further adapted for outputting a first signal being representative for the detected magnetic field, and an evaluating unit being adapted for evaluating a signal strength of the first signal and determining the applied force based on the first signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2012Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: PolyResearch AGInventor: Lutz May
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Publication number: 20150091555Abstract: An apparatus for detecting magnetic flux leakage signals is provided. The apparatus includes: M three-axis magnetic field sensors configured to detect a three-dimensional magnetic field intensity in M locations respectively to obtain M three-dimensional magnetic field intensity data, in which M is an integer larger than three; a field programmable gate array configured to receive and process the M three-dimensional magnetic field intensity data respectively; a main control chip configured to receive and pack the processed M three-dimensional magnetic field intensity data; and a data output interface configured to output the packed M three-dimensional magnetic field intensity data.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Applicant: TSINGHUA UNIVERSITYInventors: Songling Huang, Wei Zhao, Shen Wang, Qun Liu
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Patent number: 8978464Abstract: An alternate construction and method for a magnetostrictive probe intended to be used as a tank monitoring device. Height determination, either water or fuel, is referenced to an ultrasonic pickup assembly located inside the shaft at the foot of the probe. With this inverse approach, height measurement uses the relative geothermal stability of underground storage tanks, or the temperature stability offered by the thermal mass of the fuel, to facilitate a tank level determination. At that new location, the detection circuit is isolated from the effect of magnetic risers, large temperature swings and other undesirable phenomenon that often affect magnetostrictive probe measurements that are referenced to the canister. Aside from its primary use as referred to by this disclosure, this probe could be adapted for any application necessitating precise knowledge of height or distance measurement in relation to the foot of the probe without using a reference magnet.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2013Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Inventor: Ambroise Prinstil
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Patent number: 8981018Abstract: The condition of internal or hidden material layers or interfaces is monitored and used for control of a process that changes a condition of a material system. The material system has multiple component materials, such as layers or embedded constituents, or can be represented with multiple layers to model spatial distributions in the material properties. The material condition changes as a result of a process performed on the material, such as by cold working, or from functional operation. Sensors placed proximate to the test material surface or embedded between material layers are used to monitor a material property using magnetic, electric, or thermal interrogation fields. The sensor responses are converted into states of the material condition, such as temperature or residual stress, typically with a precomputed database of sensor responses.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2005Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Jentek Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Neil J. Goldfine, Vladimir A. Zilberstein, Ian C. Shay, Christopher A. Craven, David C. Grundy, Volker Weiss, Andrew P. Washabaugh
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Patent number: 8960012Abstract: Yield stress is an important indicator of the strength of a component such as a pipe section. A method and apparatus for measuring yield stress of components made from magnetic materials is provided. The magnetic permeability of the material is recorded at multiple stress levels below yield establishing a permeability-stress relationship. The yield stress is then estimated as a function of the recorded permeability-stress relationship. The permeability stress relationship may be non-linear for a range of stress levels, achieving a peak permeability response for a stress below yield. The yield stress may be estimated as a multiple of the stress at which the peak permeability response is recorded.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2013Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: JENTEK Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Todd M. Dunford, Neil J. Goldfine, Shayan Haque
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Patent number: 8933693Abstract: In various embodiments, apparatus and methods of operating the apparatus are provided to determine existence and location of parasitic stress threes on a rod portion, the rod portion made of a magnetostrictive material and having a hollow tube. The apparatus may include a device comprising an envelope made of a non-magnetic material, a magnetic field source disposed inside the envelope, a motor to set the magnetic field source in rotational motion on the inside of the envelope, and a sensor to measure a value of the magnetic field and to deliver a signal representative of the value of the magnetic field. Operation of the apparatus may include penetration of the envelope into a portion of the hollow tube of the rod portion and translation of the envelope along the portion of the hollow tube. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2012Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Inventors: Jean-Pierre Martin, Phillippe Broun, Jean-Louis Coulomb, Vincent Bongiraud
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Publication number: 20150008908Abstract: An apparatus for measuring material properties of an object of ferromagnetic material, the apparatus including a probe, the probe including an electromagnet core defining two spaced-apart poles for inducing a magnetic field in the object, and a drive coil wound around the electromagnet core, and means to supply an alternating electric current to the drive coil to generate an alternating magnetic field in the electromagnet core and consequently in the object, wherein the probe also includes two sensing coils arranged in the vicinity of each of the poles, for sensing the magnetic flux density that links the core and the object, such sensing coils are significantly more sensitive to changes in material properties than are sensing coils overwound onto the drive coil.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2013Publication date: January 8, 2015Inventor: David John Buttle
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Patent number: 8890516Abstract: A tension measurement apparatus that can carry out tension measurement of superior reproducibility with high sensitivity even for a target object of a stranded wire structure is provided. A cylindrical magnetizer arranged to surround a portion of a long magnetic element that becomes the target object of measurement direct-current magnetizes the magnetic element in the longitudinal direction up to the range of approach to saturation magnetization. Using a Hall element (magnetic sensor) arranged in proximity to the magnetic element at the central region in the longitudinal direction of the magnetic domain, the spatial magnetic field intensity in the neighborhood of the surface of the magnetic element, greatly differing corresponding to stress variation, is detected. Based on the detection value, the tension acting on the magnetic element is measured. Accordingly, a measurement result of superior reproducibility with high sensitivity is obtained.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2009Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignees: Sumitomo (SEI) Steel Wire Corp., Tokyo Rope Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuhiko Tsukada, Ippei Furukawa, Toshiro Kido, Masashi Oikawa
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Patent number: 8829898Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a method for testing. The method includes determining an electrical characteristic of an integrated circuit (IC), subjecting the IC to a stress test, characterizing the electrical characteristic of the IC subsequently to subjecting the IC to the stress test, and determining a quality attribute of the IC based on a comparison of the respective electrical characteristics of the IC before and after subjecting the IC to the stress test.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2011Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Marvell Israel (M.I.S.L) Ltd.Inventors: Yosef Solt, Asaf Idan, Ofer Benjamin, Eli Kurin
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Publication number: 20140197825Abstract: An arrangement for a metal making process for detecting cracks along a strip of a metallic material moving in relation to the arrangement. The arrangement includes a coil arrangement fixedly arranged during crack inspection, having: a first winding portion extending in a first direction for inducing a first current in the first direction; a second winding portion extending in a second direction for inducing a second current in the second direction, the first direction and the second direction intersecting each other; a first receiver coil arranged to detect a magnetic field generated by the first current; and a second receiver coil arranged to detect a magnetic field generated by the second current, the magnetic field generated by the first current and the magnetic field generated by the second current providing a measure of whether a crack is present in the portion of the strip.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2014Publication date: July 17, 2014Inventors: Lennart Thegel, Sten Linder
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Publication number: 20140184210Abstract: A system for sensing stress in a ferromagnetic material is provided. The system includes at least one magnetic flux device configured to induce a conditioning magnetic flux in the ferromagnetic material. The system also includes a sensor positioned proximate to the ferromagnetic material. The sensor includes a core, at least one excitation coil configured to induce a second magnetic flux in the ferromagnetic material, and at least one detector configured to detect changes in the second magnetic flux.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2012Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Lam Arthur Campbell, Pekka Tapani Sipila
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Patent number: 8760154Abstract: A strain sensor element comprises a laminated film which has a magnetic free layer, a spacer layer, and a magnetic reference layer. The free layer has a variable magnetization direction and a out-of-plane magnetization direction. The reference layer has a variable magnetization direction which is pinned more strongly than the magnetization of the free layer. The spacer layer provided between the free layer and the reference layer. A pair of electrodes is provided with a plane of the laminated film. A substrate is provided with either of the pair electrodes and can be strained. The rotation angle of the magnetization of the free layer is different from the rotation angle of the magnetization of the reference layer when the substrate is distorted. Electrical resistance is changed depending on the magnetization angle between the free layer and the reference layer, which allows the element to operate as a strain sensor.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Alexander Devin Giddings, Hideaki Fukuzawa, Yoshihiko Fuji, Hiromi Yuasa, Michiko Hara, Shuichi Murakami
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Patent number: 8749101Abstract: A contact shear horizontal (SH) mode guided-wave magnetostrictive transducer including: a transduction band which is disposed on a surface of an object to be tested and in which electromagnetic acoustic transduction occurs; and radio frequency (RF) coils disposed on the transduction band, wherein the transduction band includes a plate-shaped solenoid including a magnetostrictive strip in which the electromagnetic acoustic transduction for transmitting or receiving SH mode guided waves occurs, and solenoid coil wound in a spiral form along a circumference of the magnetostrictive strip so as to form a bias magnetic field in a lengthwise direction of the magnetostrictive strip, and the RF coils are used to form a dynamic magnetic field in a widthwise direction of the magnetostrictive strip or to detect a change of magnetic flux in the magnetostrictive strip.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2010Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignees: Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, Yeungnam University, Digital Ultrasonics Co. LtdInventors: Myoung Seon Choi, Sung Joon Kim
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Patent number: 8692545Abstract: A magnetostrictive stress sensor (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) includes: a magnetic member {20, (107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112)} having a magnetostriction; a permanent magnet (30, 35, 113) adjacent to the magnetic member; a magnetic sensor (40, 104A, 104B) for detecting a leak magnetic flux on a side opposite to the permanent magnet with respect to the magnetic member, wherein the leak magnetic flux changes according to a stress acting on the magnetic member and the magnetic sensor detects the change of the leak magnetic flux, to thereby detect the stress acting on the magnetic member, and a direction (21, 108A, 109A) of the stress acting on the magnetic member is substantially orthogonal to a magnetizing direction (31, 31, 113A) of the permanent magnet.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2008Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Munekatsu Shimada, Hiroshi Sakurai, Yoshio Kawashita, Kiyohiro Uramoto, Toshimitsu Matsuoka, Masao Aihara, Mitsuaki Fujita, Masaharu Ooshima
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Publication number: 20140084909Abstract: A building structure includes a block of building material and a magnetic circuit buried in the block of building material. The structure also includes a plurality of sensing devices buried in the block of building material. Each sensing device may include a contactless power supplying circuit magnetically coupled with the magnetic circuit to generate a supply voltage when the magnetic circuit is subject to a variable magnetic field.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.Inventor: Alberto PAGANI
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Patent number: 8653810Abstract: A flexible printed circuit board (PCB) magnetostrictive (MS) sensor comprising a first direct current (DC) bias PCB layer comprising a first plurality of conductive traces, a first alternating current (AC) PCB layer disposed on the first DC bias PCB layer, the first AC PCB layer comprising a first AC coil, a pocket PCB layer disposed on the first AC PCB layer, the pocket PCB layer to receive a strip of MS material, a second AC PCB layer disposed on the pocket PCB layer, the second AC PCB layer comprising a second AC coil, and a second DC bias PCB layer disposed on the second AC PCB layer, the second DC bias PCB layer comprising a second plurality of conductive traces. The traces from the first plurality of conductive traces are electrically coupled to traces from the second plurality of conductive traces.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventors: Adam C. Cobb, Jonathan D. Bartlett, Charles E. Duffer
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Patent number: 8565965Abstract: A system for use in monitoring, measuring, recording, computing and transmitting the oxygen levels and identification of oxygen contamination within an aircraft telescopic landing gear strut. An oxygen sensor is mounted in relation to each of the landing gear struts as to monitor, recognize, measure and record the identification of oxygen within the telescopic landing gear struts. The amount of oxygen within each landing gear strut is measured and recorded and downloaded to the responsible aircraft maintenance department. By detecting the amount of oxygen in a strut, steps can be taken to purge the gas from the strut to minimize corrosion of strut components and to prevent internal combustion of the gas and oil in the strut.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2012Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Inventor: C. Kirk Nance
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Publication number: 20130221950Abstract: A method and measurement arrangement are disclosed for measuring mechanical stress in ferromagnetic workpieces, in which a ferromagnetic workpiece impresses a magnetic field and a magnetic field value is measured and analyzed with respect to the mechanical stress. The method includes at least two exciters of the magnetic field arranged along a longitudinal extension of the workpiece such that a section of the workpiece is located between the two exciters of the magnetic field. A direction-dependent magnetic field sensor is arranged at a position along the longitudinal extension of the workpiece, which can be at half the distance between the two exciters of the magnetic field. With the direction-dependent magnetic field sensor, the change in position and/or the direction of a dividing line between the north and south poles of the impressed magnetic field is determined and analyzed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2013Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: Polycontact AGInventor: Polycontact AG
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Patent number: 8432159Abstract: Magnetostrictive transducers for monitoring wall thinning in a pipe, and an apparatus and method for monitoring wall thinning in a pipe using magnetostrictive transducers are provided. The magnetostrictive transducers generate broadband multimode shear horizontal (SH) waves, and allow the generated SH waves to travel along the pipe, thus correctly monitoring a status of the wall thinning of the pipe. The apparatus includes a transmitting transducer which is installed outside of a pipe and generates shear horizontal (SH) waves traveling along the pipe, a receiving transducer which is spaced apart from the transmitting transducer and measures the shear horizontal (SH) waves traveling along the pipe, and a controller for monitoring wall thinning of the pipe by exciting and measuring output signals of the transmitting and receiving transducers.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2009Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Korea Reseach Institute of Standards adn ScinceInventors: Seung Hyun Cho, Hyu Sang Kwon, Bong Young Ahn, Seung Seok Lee
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Patent number: 8415947Abstract: An apparatus for the nondestructive measurement of materials that includes at least two layers of electrical conductors. Within each layer, a meandering primary winding is used to create a magnetic field for interrogating a test material while sense elements or conducting loops within each meander provide a directional measurement of the test material condition. In successive layers extended portions of the meanders are rotated so that the sense elements provide material condition in different orientations without requiring movement of the test circuit or apparatus. Multidirectional permeability measurements are used to assess the stress or torque on a component. These measurements are combined in a manner that removes temperature effects and hysteresis on the property measurements. This can be accomplished through a correction factor that accounts for the temperature dependence.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2012Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Jentek Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Yanko K. Sheiretov, Neil J. Goldfine, Todd M. Dunford, Scott A. Denenberg, David C. Grundy, Darrell E. Schlicker, Andrew P. Washabaugh, Karen E. Walrath
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Publication number: 20130069639Abstract: A flexible printed circuit board (PCB) magnetostrictive (MS) sensor comprising a first direct current (DC) bias PCB layer comprising a first plurality of conductive traces, a first alternating current (AC) PCB layer disposed on the first DC bias PCB layer, the first AC PCB layer comprising a first AC coil, a pocket PCB layer disposed on the first AC PCB layer, the pocket PCB layer to receive a strip of MS material, a second AC PCB layer disposed on the pocket PCB layer, the second AC PCB layer comprising a second AC coil, and a second DC bias PCB layer disposed on the second AC PCB layer, the second DC bias PCB layer comprising a second plurality of conductive traces. The traces from the first plurality of conductive traces are electrically coupled to traces from the second plurality of conductive traces.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2011Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: Southwest Research InstituteInventors: Adam C. COBB, Jonathan D. BARTLETT, Charles E. DUFFER
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Patent number: 8354842Abstract: A segmented magnetostrictive patch array transducer capable of generating a high frequency shear wave in a structure such as a rod or a pipe, a structural fault diagnosing apparatus including the segmented magnetostrictive patch array transducer, and a method of operating the segmented magnetostrictive patch array transducer are shown. The segmented magnetostrictive patch array transducer includes a plurality of magnetostrictive patches attached along a circumference of a rod member; a plurality of insulators that are disposed on the magnetostrictive patches; a plurality of meander coils, each of the meander coils comprising a plurality of coil lines extending along the circumference direction of the rod member on each of the insulators, wherein a current flows through adjacent coil lines in opposite directions to one another; and a plurality of magnets that respectively form a magnetic field along the circumferential direction of the rod member on the magnetostrictive patches.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: SNU R&DB FoundationInventors: Hoe Woong Kim, Young Eui Kwon, Yoon Young Kim
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Publication number: 20120326710Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting the stress to which a part of a magnetic material having a detectable magnetostriction, such as a ferromagnetic material, is submitted, comprising the steps of: a) applying a variable stress to the part b) measuring the magnetic field (B) in the vicinity of the part during the application of the variable stress to the part; and c) comparing the measurement with a reference measurement.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: INSTITUT POLYTECHNIQUE DE GRENOBLEInventors: Laure-Line Rouve, Antoine Viana
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Publication number: 20120313632Abstract: In various embodiments, apparatus and methods of operating the apparatus are provided to determine existence and location of parasitic stress threes on a rod portion, the rod portion made of a magnetostrictive material and having a hollow tube. The apparatus may include a device comprising an envelope made of a non-magnetic material, a magnetic field source disposed inside the envelope, a motor to set the magnetic field source in rotational motion on the inside of the envelope, and a sensor to measure a value of the magnetic field and to deliver a signal representative of the value of the magnetic field. Operation of the apparatus may include penetration of the envelope into a portion of the hollow tube of the rod portion and translation of the envelope along the portion of the hollow tube. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2012Publication date: December 13, 2012Inventors: Jean-Pierre Martin, Phillippe Broun, Jean-Paul Bongiraud, Jean-Louis Coulomb, Vincent Bongiraud
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Patent number: 8316726Abstract: A method of measuring biaxial stress in an object of a ferromagnetic material in which material in a region (10) in the vicinity of a surface of the object is subjected to a conditioning method by application of a conditioning magnetic field that is at least initially at a high field strength. Values of biaxial stress within the said region are measured with an electromagnetic measuring probe (14) in at least two different orientations, the electromagnetic measuring probe (14) using an alternating measuring magnetic field that is at a field strength well below saturation. The conditioning may subject the region (10) to a low frequency alternating magnetic field (38, 58) initially at a high field strength, and gradually reducing the strength to zero over a decay time period at least equal to the time for many cycles of the low frequency magnetic field. Conditioning the material enables the stress to then be measured more accurately, and enables ambiguities in biaxial stress to be resolved.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2008Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Maps Technology LimitedInventors: David John Buttle, John McCarthy
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Magnetostrictive transducer and apparatus and method for monitoring structural health using the same
Patent number: 8305074Abstract: A magnetostrictive transducer that generates a large shear horizontal (SH) wave useful for non-destructive testing of a plate member, and method and apparatus for structural health monitoring by using the magnetostrictive transducer. The magnetostrictive transducer includes: a magnetostrictive patch array comprising a plurality of magnetostrictive patches that have different radii of curvature, and have the same center of curvature when arranged on a plate member and form an overall fan-shape; a static magnetic field forming unit comprising two magnets that are respectively installed on both sides of the magnetostrictive patch so that a magnetic field is formed in parallel to an arc direction of the magnetostrictive patch; and a dynamic magnetic field forming unit comprising a wound coil comprising a plurality of curved portions.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2010Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: SNU R&DB FoundationInventors: Ju Seung Lee, Min Kyung Lee, Heung Son Lee, Yoon Young Kim -
Patent number: 8258783Abstract: In a method for detecting a force bearing value and position of a magnetostrictive body, the magnetostrictive body is stretched or shrunk by changes of passing magnetic fluxes or by the internal stress or external pushing or pulling force, such that the peripheral magnetic field surrounding the force bearing point is varied according to the stretching push or shrinking push, wherein its force bearing value or position is calculated by comparing the magnetic field distribution before and after the force bearing.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2008Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
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Patent number: 8237433Abstract: Described are methods for monitoring of stresses and other material properties. These methods use measurements of effective electrical properties, such as magnetic permeability and electrical conductivity, to infer the state of the test material, such as the stress, temperature, or overload condition. The sensors, which can be single element sensors or sensor arrays, can be used to periodically inspect selected locations, mounted to the test material, or scanned over the test material to generate two-dimensional images of the material properties. Magnetic field or eddy current based inductive and giant magnetoresistive sensors may be used on magnetizable and/or conducting materials, while capacitive sensors can be used for dielectric materials. Methods are also described for the use of state-sensitive layers to determine the state of materials of interest. These methods allow the weight of articles, such as aircraft, to be determined.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2011Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Jentek Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Neil J. Goldfine, Ian C. Shay, Darrell E. Schlicker, Andrew P. Washabaugh, David C. Grundy, Robert J. Lyons, Vladimir A. Zilberstein
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Patent number: 8222897Abstract: An apparatus for the nondestructive measurement of materials that includes at least two layers of electrical conductors. Within each layer, a meandering primary winding is used to create a magnetic field for interrogating a test material while sense elements or conducting loops within each meander provide a directional measurement of the test material condition in different orientations without requiring movement of the test circuit or apparatus. In a bidirectional implementation the meanders are oriented 90° apart while in a quadridirectional implementation the meanders are orientated at ?45, 0, 45, and 90°. Multidirectional permeability measurements are used to assess the stress or torque on a component. These measurements are combined in a manner that removes temperature effects and hysteresis on the property measurements. This can be accomplished through a correction factor that accounts for the temperature dependence.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2008Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: JENTEK Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Yanko K. Sheiretov, Neil J. Goldfine, Todd M. Dunford, Scott A. Denenberg, David C. Grundy, Darrell E. Schlicker, Andrew P. Washabaugh, Karen E. Walrath
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Patent number: 8207730Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for determining the existence and location of parasitic stress-inducing forces on a substantially cylindrical rod portion defined along a first axis and when this rod is made of a magnetostrictive material. The method according to the invention is essentially characterized in that it consists in magnetizing the wall of the rod portion in a pseudo-helix 10 centered on the first axis, in applying a forced stress between the two ends of the rod portion, in measuring, along the rod portion, the magnitude of the magnetic field created by the rod portion after it has been subjected to the forced stress, these measurements being taken in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis, and from these measurements, in deducing the existence and location of the parasitic stress-inducing forces on the rod portion. The invention also relates to a device for implementing this method.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2009Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Jean-Pierre Martin, Phillippe Broun, Jean-Paul Bongiraud, Vincent Bongiraud, legal representative, Jean-Louis Coulomb
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Publication number: 20120098530Abstract: [Object] Disclosed is a highly sensitive piezoelectric/magnetostrictive composite magnetic sensor which has a simple structure and thus can be downsized easily. [Solving Means] Film(s) of magnetostrictive material, which is composed of an Fe alloy containing Pd, Ga, Co and the like, is(are) formed and integrated on at least one surface of a piezoelectric ceramic substrate by a sputtering method. When the magnetostrictive material is deformed by an external magnetic field, a stress is applied to the piezoelectric material that is integrated with the magnetostrictive material. The voltage generated by the change in the polarization within the piezoelectric material, said change being caused by the stress, is sensed as an output of the magnetic sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: NAMIKI SEIMITSU HOUSEKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Chihiro Saito, Motoichi Nakamura, Teiko Okazaki, Yasubumi Furuya
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Publication number: 20110304325Abstract: A magnetic field sensor including a body including a magnetic mechanism capable of forming a torque applied on the body by action of an external magnetic field to be detected; a connector, separated from the body, mechanically connecting the body to an inlay portion of the sensor by at least one pivot link having an axis perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field to be detected; a detector detecting stress applied by the body by action of the torque, separated from the connector and including at least one suspended stress gauge including a first part mechanically connected to the inlay portion, a second part mechanically connected to the body, and a third part provided between the first and second parts and suspended between the inlay portion and the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENE ALTInventors: Arnaud Walther, Philippe Robert, Olivier Redon
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Patent number: 8076940Abstract: The invention concerns the methods for determining, relative to a point Po, the location of a fixing point Pf of a rod T located in an environment Mi wherein prevails a permanent magnetic field Ch. The inventive method is characterized in that it consists in studying the variations of the magnetic flux which passes through the windows F when the rod is and is not subjected to a torque about its axis A, said windows having substantially the same area and being connected to the rod T respectively in different points Px, Px+1, . . . located on the portion of the rod delimited by the assumed site of the fixing point Pf, and including the point Po, and having each a given position relative to the magnetic field lines of force when the rod is not subjected to the torque. The invention also concerns a device for implementing said method. The invention is advantageously applicable to determining the location of the sticking point of a string of hollow drill rods in an oil well.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2009Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Inventors: Jean-Pierre Martin, Phillippe Broun, Jean-Paul D. Bongiraud, Vincent Bongiraud, legal representative, Jean-Louis Coulomb
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Publication number: 20110285388Abstract: A power transmission belt formed with an encoder on its surface, method of manufacturing the power transmission belt, and a load detection system using the power transmission belt. The power transmission belt comprises a band-like magnetic rubber layer provided in a part of a belt layer structure of the power transmission belt which transmits power to an auxiliary machine of an automobile engine along the longitudinal direction of the belt layer structure. The surface of the magnetic rubber layer constitutes a multipolar magnetized surface alternately provided with N-poles and S-poles along the longitudinal direction of the belt layer structure, the surface of the magnetic rubber layer is capable of outputting signals for calculating load applied to the belt layer structure by the auxiliary machine to a plurality of magnetic sensors provided along the longitudinal direction of the belt layer structure, and one of the sensors is provided at a position where the auxiliary machine is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2009Publication date: November 24, 2011Inventors: Masanori Tomioka, Seiji Omura
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Patent number: 8035372Abstract: A magnetostrictive position or elongation sensor of the type in which an elongated magnetorestrictive waveguide is influenced by a magnetic field from a moving magnet has a Villary type transformer at one end and a hermetically sealed housing containing the signal processing circuitry on a plurality of circuit boards. The signal processor can switch the sensor into a programmable mode in which a diagnostic output is obtained recognizing the magnet, the presence of the sensor in the programming mode and voltage values.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2005Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Inventors: Birgit Garneyer, Randolf Hösl, Uwe Viola, Rainer Heuckelbach
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Patent number: 7994779Abstract: Presented is a method for continuously determining the tensile force F in a cable of a parking brake that includes transmitting the tensile force F to a cable grommet coupled to a first end of an expandable intermediate part that includes a magnet and/or a magnetic sensor. The first end of the expandable intermediate part faces away from a drive spindle coupled to a second end of the expandable intermediate part. The method further includes changing the length of the expandable intermediate part in the direction of its longitudinal axis in response to the transmitted tensile force F, moving the magnet and the magnetic sensor relative to each other in response to the change in length, changing the signal voltage of the magnetic sensor in response to the relative movement between the magnet and the magnetic sensor, and determining the tensile force F from the respective signal voltage.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2007Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Johannes Ante, Juergen Ehret
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Patent number: 7913569Abstract: A strain gauge including: a system including a transmission coil, a magnetostrictive material layer and a receiver coil wherein an alternating transmission signal is applied across the transmission coil and an induced signal is induced in the receiver coil, the intensity of the detected signal across the receiver coil being a measurement of strain, wherein frequency of transmission signal is near to a resonance frequency of the system.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2007Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.Inventors: Simon Girshovich, Saeid Shammass, Uri Sol
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Patent number: 7876094Abstract: Described are methods for monitoring of stresses and other material properties. These methods use measurements of effective electrical properties, such as magnetic permeability and electrical conductivity, to infer the state of the test material, such as the stress, temperature, or overload condition. The sensors, which can be single element sensors or sensor arrays, can be used to periodically inspect selected locations, mounted to the test material, or scanned over the test material to generate two-dimensional images of the material properties. Magnetic field or eddy current based inductive and giant magnetoresistive sensors may be used on magnetizable and/or conducting materials, while capacitive sensors can be used for dielectric materials. Methods are also described for the use of state-sensitive layers to determine the state of materials of interest. These methods allow the weight of articles, such as aircraft, to be determined.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2008Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: JENTEK Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Neil J. Goldfine, Ian C. Shay, Darrell E. Schlicker, Andrew P. Washabaugh, David C. Grundy, Robert J. Lyons, Vladimir A. Zilberstein, Vladimir Tsukernik
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Patent number: 7869909Abstract: A rail stress monitoring system is disclosed. This system includes a sensor module that further includes a sensing device that is adapted to be mountable directly on a length of rail. The sensing device further includes a generally flat metal shim and at least one, and typically two or more, sensors mounted on one side of the shim. The sensors are typically strain gauges, which are mounted on the shim in a specific, predetermined configuration. At least one data acquisition module is in electrical communication with the sensing device and a data processing module receives and processes information gathered by data acquisition module.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2006Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Inventor: Harold Harrison
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Publication number: 20110000338Abstract: A detection method for detecting a concavo-convex shape surface defect existing on a ferromagnetic metal object including sensing a signal attributed to strain of the concavo-convex shape surface defect having a size in a range of 0.5 to 6 ?m. The signal is magnetic flux leaking from the ferromagnetic metal to which magnetic flux is applied. A detecting apparatus incorporates a magnetizer for magnetizing a ferromagnetic metal and a plurality of magnetic sensors arranged in the direction perpendicular to a traveling direction of the ferromagnetic metal to sense a signal attributed to strain of a concavo-convex shape surface defect having a size in a range of 0.5 to 6 ?m.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2008Publication date: January 6, 2011Applicant: JFE STEEL CORPORATIONInventors: Takahiro Koshihara, Hiroharu Kato, Akio Nagamune
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MAGNETOSTRICTIVE TRANSDUCER AND APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MONITORING STRUCTURAL HEALTH USING THE SAME
Publication number: 20100321009Abstract: A magnetostrictive transducer that generates a large shear horizontal (SH) wave useful for non-destructive testing of a plate member, and method and apparatus for structural health monitoring by using the magnetostrictive transducer. The magnetostrictive transducer includes: a magnetostrictive patch array comprising a plurality of magnetostrictive patches that have different radii of curvature, and have the same center of curvature when arranged on a plate member and form an overall fan-shape; a static magnetic field forming unit comprising two magnets that are respectively installed on both sides of the magnetostrictive patch so that a magnetic field is formed in parallel to an arc direction of the magnetostrictive patch; and a dynamic magnetic field forming unit comprising a wound coil comprising a plurality of curved portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2010Publication date: December 23, 2010Applicant: SNU R&DB FOUNDATIONInventors: Ju Seung Lee, Min Kyung Lee, Heung Son Lee, Yoon Young Kim -
Publication number: 20100315076Abstract: A tension measurement apparatus that can carry out tension measurement of superior reproducibility with high sensitivity even for a target object of a stranded wire structure is provided. A cylindrical magnetizer arranged to surround a portion of a long magnetic element that becomes the target object of measurement direct-current magnetizes the magnetic element in the longitudinal direction up to the range of approach to saturation magnetization. Using a Hall element (magnetic sensor) arranged in proximity to the magnetic element at the central region in the longitudinal direction of the magnetic domain, the spatial magnetic field intensity in the neighborhood of the surface of the magnetic element, greatly differing corresponding to stress variation, is detected. Based on the detection value, the tension acting on the magnetic element is measured. Accordingly, a measurement result of superior reproducibility with high sensitivity is obtained.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2009Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicants: SUMITOMO (SEI) STEEL WIRE CORP., TOKYO ROPE MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Kazuhiko Tsukada, Ippei Furukawa, Toshiro Kido, Masashi Oikawa
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Publication number: 20100301848Abstract: Presented is a method for continuously determining the tensile force F in a cable of a parking brake that includes transmitting the tensile force F to a cable grommet coupled to a first end of an expandable intermediate part that includes a magnet and/or a magnetic sensor. The first end of the expandable intermediate part faces away from a drive spindle coupled to a second end of the expandable intermediate part. The method further includes changing the length of the expandable intermediate part in the direction of its longitudinal axis in response to the transmitted tensile force F, moving the magnet and the magnetic sensor relative to each other in response to the change in length, changing the signal voltage of the magnetic sensor in response to the relative movement between the magnet and the magnetic sensor, and determining the tensile force F from the respective signal voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2007Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Johannes Ante, Jürgen Ehret
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Patent number: 7818890Abstract: A magnetic field sensor circuit comprises a first magneto-resistive sensor (Rx) which senses a first magnetic field component in a first direction to supply a first sense signal (Vx). A first flipping coil (FC1) applies a first flipping magnetic field with a periodically changing polarity to the first magneto-resistive sensor (Rx) to cause the first sense signal (Vx) to have alternating different levels synchronized with the first flipping magnetic field. A second magneto -resistive sensor (Ry) senses a second magnetic field component in a second direction different than the first direction to supply a second sense signal (Vy). A second flipping coil (FC2) applies a second flipping magnetic field with a periodically changing polarity to the second magneto -resistive sensor (Ry) to cause the second sense signal (Vy) to have an alternating different levels synchronized with the second flipping magnetic field. The first flipping magnetic field and the second flipping magnetic field have a phase shift.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2007Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: NXP B.V.Inventors: Haris Duric, Teunis Jan Ikkink, Hans Marc Bert Boeve
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Patent number: 7812601Abstract: Eddy current sensors and sensor arrays are used for process quality and material condition assessment of conducting materials. In an embodiment, changes in spatially registered high resolution images taken before and after cold work processing reflect the quality of the process, such as intensity and coverage. These images also permit the suppression or removal of local outlier variations. Anisotropy in a material property, such as magnetic permeability or electrical conductivity, can be intentionally introduced and used to assess material condition resulting from an operation, such as a cold work or heat treatment. The anisotropy is determined by sensors that provide directional property measurements. The sensor directionality arises from constructs that use a linear conducting drive segment to impose the magnetic field in a test material. Maintaining the orientation of this drive segment, and associated sense elements, relative to a material edge provides enhanced sensitivity for crack detection at edges.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2009Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: JENTEK Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Neil J. Goldfine, Andrew P. Washabaugh, Yanko K. Sheiretov, Darrell E. Schlicker, Robert J. Lyons, Mark D. Windoloski, Christopher A. Craven, Vladimir B. Tsukernik, David C. Grundy
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Patent number: 7800362Abstract: A pressure distribution detector is less influence by installation environment, that is, a pressure distribution detector that detection sensitivity or detection accuracy is less adversely affected even if the device is fitted not only to a flat surface but also a surface having an arbitrary shape such as a curved surface. The pressure distribution detector comprises a plurality of drive coils (1) provided on a substrate, a plurality of detection coils (2) electromagnetically coupled with the plurality of drive coils in pairs respectively, and a spacer (4) for keeping a constant distance between the plurality of drive coils and the plurality of detection coils, respectively. In order to vary the degree of electromagnetic coupling between the drive coil and the detection coil, a variable electromagnetic coupling (3) formed of a conductor or a magnetic body is provided movably adjacent to the drive coil and/or the detection coil.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2006Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignees: Xiroku, Inc., Newcom, Inc.Inventor: Yasuji Ogawa
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Publication number: 20100231207Abstract: A pressure distribution detector is less influence by installation environment, that is, a pressure distribution detector that detection sensitivity or detection accuracy is less adversely affected even if the device is fitted not only to a flat surface but also a surface having an arbitrary shape such as a curved surface. The pressure distribution detector comprises a plurality of drive coils (1) provided on a substrate, a plurality of detection coils (2) electromagnetically coupled with the plurality of drive coils in pairs respectively, and a spacer (4) for keeping a constant distance between the plurality of drive coils and the plurality of detection coils, respectively. In order to vary the degree of electromagnetic coupling between the drive coil and the detection coil, a variable electromagnetic coupling (3) formed of a conductor or a magnetic body is provided movably adjacent to the drive coil and/or the detection coil.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2006Publication date: September 16, 2010Inventor: Yasuji Ogawa
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Publication number: 20100134123Abstract: A sensor system is provided having an at least partially magnetoelastic deformation element for measuring pressures, caused by a fluid, that are able to be applied to the magnetoelastic deformation element, having a magnetic circuit formed via a magnetic flux feedback and having a sensor unit and an evaluation unit. The sensor unit is positioned at the deformation element and the evaluation unit having an evaluation coil is structurally separated from, yet inductively coupled to the sensor unit. The sensor unit has a sensor coil positioned on the deformation element and the evaluation unit has the evaluation coil that is inductively coupled to the sensor coil, the sensor coil forms a resonant circuit, using its own parasitic capacitance or using an additional capacitance, which is able to be energized by the evaluation coil in free resonance with strong or weak inductive coupling by a magnetic circuit enclosing the two coils.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2009Publication date: June 3, 2010Inventors: Reinhard NOPPER, Denis Gugel, Andreas Arlt, Klaus Walter, Frank Schatz, Janpeter Wolff