Metal Chain Patents (Class 324/516)
  • Patent number: 10533929
    Abstract: A method of using a sensor device for tire inspection is provided. Signals are received from multiples rows of sensors separated by a predetermined distance. The sensors are positioned next to the inner surface of the tire for inspection. Signals from the different rows of sensors are used to identify e.g., breaks in the reinforcements of the tire and also used to identify undesirable signals generated from vibration or jarring of the sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin
    Inventors: Bradley D. Schober, Frank E. Gramling, David A. Judd
  • Patent number: 9927326
    Abstract: A device is provided for placing one or more sensors along the inside surface of a tire. The device can accommodate tires of different shapes and sizes as well as projecting features along the inside surface of the tire. In one embodiment, sensors can be inserted into the interior of the tire and simultaneously deployed along the inside surface of both sidewalls. This embodiment of the device allows for repeated insertion and withdrawal of the sensors over a range of tire sizes so as to automate steps in the inspection process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventor: Bradley D. Schober
  • Patent number: 8138767
    Abstract: A method for monitoring transmissivity of an energy transmission element for a protective earth conductor and an electrical machine with such transmissivity monitoring are provided. For a cost-effective solution for transmissivity monitoring, the protective earth conductor of a first circuit is connected on a first side of the energy transmission element via a connecting line to a ground of a second circuit wherein a potential-free voltage supply is connected between the protective earth conductor and ground on a second side of the energy transmission element. A current flows through the energy transmission element and the connecting line that is produced by the potential-free voltage supply. The transmissivity of the energy transmission element is monitored using the current flow by a monitoring element which is arranged between the protective earth conductor and ground on the second side of the energy transmission element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Günter Schwesig
  • Patent number: 7489140
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems improve spark testing of insulated cables. According to embodiments described herein, a spark tester includes a conductive housing having an entryway, an exit, and a test chamber therebetween. The spark tester utilizes spring electrodes connected to an adjustment ring at one end of the housing and to a fixed structure at the opposite end of the housing. The adjustment ring is rotated such that the spring electrodes wrap around the test cable, contacting the test cable on all sides throughout the test chamber. The housing also includes an electrical contact for receiving and distributing a voltage across the housing and the spring electrodes. As the test cable is drawn through the spring electrodes, the grounded conductors within the test cable are monitored for a voltage spike, indicating an insulation defect that allowed a discharge from the spring electrodes to a test cable conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: Cyrus Scott Butterworth, Wilber Freeman Powers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6600326
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting flaws in a tire. The apparatus may contain a frame sized to be placed in the interior of the tire, at least one device operably connected to the frame so that upon rotation of the tire the frame travels around the interior of the tire, where the frame is substantially supported by the tire, and at least one pin attached to the frame, where the at least one pin is adapted to be connected to a voltage generator to create an electric field near the surface of the tire when in use so that an electric arc is produced upon the presence of a flaw in the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Arnold A. Weiss
  • Patent number: 6538450
    Abstract: Method for locating an insulation fault (Rd) in the screen (SCR) of a cable relative to the ground, the screen being electrically accessible at least at one point of origin (Po) and at one terminal point (Pe). A current is injected between the point of origin (Po) and the terminal point (Pe) of the screen (SCR), by a current or voltage generator (21) that is insulated from the ground, a first electric voltage (U1) is measured at the point of origin (Po), in reference to the ground, and a second electric voltage (U, U2) is measured at the terminal point (Pe). The ratio between the first (U1) and the second (U, U2) voltages measured is representative of the relative position (Pdr) of the insulation fault between the point of origin (Po) and the terminal point (Pe).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Socrat
    Inventor: Jean Bussinger
  • Patent number: 6304090
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting flaws in a tire. The apparatus may contain a frame sized to be placed in the interior of the tire, at least one device operably connected to the frame so that upon rotation of the tire the frame travels around the interior of the tire, wherein the frame is substantially supported by the tire, and at least one pin attached to the frame, wherein the at least one pin is adapted to be connected to a voltage generator to create an electric field therein and near the surface of the tire when in use so that an electric arc is produced upon the presence of a flaw in the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Arnold A. Weiss