Force Or Torque Measurement Patents (Class 702/41)
  • Publication number: 20110178729
    Abstract: A system, device and method are provided to enable low energy firearm shot measurement, including, in some embodiments, an impact sensor adapted to detect a substantial impact event from the firearm, and to generate an analog signal representing the impact event; an electronic circuit supporting a microprocessor to enable processing of digital data representing the analog signal, the electronic circuit also supporting a memory unit to store the data, the microprocessor and the memory being designed to be substantially in a sleep state except for a selected time interval related to the impact event following an identification of the impact event from the firearm; an amplifier, adapted to amplify the analog signals and transmit the signals to the circuit; a power source to support the circuit supported components; and a communications module for enabling communicating of the digital data to an external data receiver, upon demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Asaf Bar-David, Yuval Spector
  • Publication number: 20110178728
    Abstract: A hardness test method includes a measurement step of forming an indent by indenting a surface of a sample with an indenter loaded with a predetermined load and detecting a displacement quantity of the indenter and a test force loaded on the indenter at a time of forming the indent to measure an indentation curve, a work load calculation step of calculating a work load by plastic deformation (Wp) from an area of an indentation curve obtained by the measurement step, and an estimation calculation step of calculating an estimation (HVe) of Vickers hardness by using the work load (Wp), calculated at the work load calculation step, and a previously determined coefficient K in conformity with HVe=(K/Wp)2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takeshi Sawa
  • Publication number: 20110175744
    Abstract: Shoe having at least one pressure sensor provided in the shoe cushioning element, as well as system components for emitting, receiving and evaluating the signals of the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Walter Englert, Oliver Braun, Thorsten Habel, Martin Gierich, Florian Hoeflinger, Mirko Janetzke, Christian Holzer
  • Publication number: 20110172933
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the torque available on the crankshaft of an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle, according to which an adaptation of the motor torque is carried out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventor: Matthias Winkel
  • Publication number: 20110166761
    Abstract: A method for determining a maximum coefficient of friction ?max between a tire and an underlying surface entails empirically determining a reference curve ?ref(S) of a coefficient of friction ?ref as a function of a slip S between the tire and an underlying reference surface, determining a first momentary slip S1 for the tire and a first momentary coefficient of friction ?1 between the tire and the underlying surface at a first instant t1, determining a second momentary slip S2 for the tire and a second momentary coefficient of friction ?2 between the tire and the underlying surface at a second instant t2, computing a slope of the curve ?(S) of the coefficient of friction ? as a function of slip S, and computing the maximum coefficient of friction ?max between the tire and the underlying surface by transforming the reference curve ?ref(S) on the basis of the slope of the curve ?(S).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Stefan Kammann, Lothar Keller
  • Publication number: 20110161015
    Abstract: A detection module includes MEMS force sensors, a processing unit, and a power supply unit. The MEMS force sensors are adapted to detect data values of forces that applied on corresponding measured points and output corresponding digital signals. The processing unit is adapted to receive and process the digital signals from the MEMS force sensors, and the power supply unit provides power to the processing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: HAI LAN, GA-LANE CHEN, TAI-HSU CHOU
  • Patent number: 7970523
    Abstract: A torque estimator is disclosed for estimating torque on a machine. A computer system may include a torque estimator module located on the machine. The torque estimator module may be configured to receive a plurality of engine parameters, receive a drivetrain component parameter, determine an estimated torque value at the drivetrain component based on the plurality of engine parameters and the drivetrain component parameter. The computer system also may include an analysis module located on the machine. The analysis module may be configured to receive the estimated torque value and the drivetrain component parameter, and update a histogram data structure based on the estimated torque value and the drivetrain component parameter. The analysis module may also be configured to evaluate the histogram data structure in order to determine if excessive torque is being applied to a drivetrain component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael James Wallis, Paul Alan Ring, Giles Kent Sorrells, Conrad Gene Grembowicz, Jason Edward Carter
  • Patent number: 7966134
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods to use a measured driving-point response of a nonlinear material to determine one or more elastic properties of the material. The present invention takes advantage of the full information represented by the transient component, the steady-state component, the anharmonic components, and the nonlinear response components of a measured driving-point response of a real nonlinear material, without limitation in the use of large-amplitude forces. The elastic properties are determined by forming and solving a time-domain system of linear equations representing a differential equation model of the driving-point motions of the material. Based on a single, short duration, large-amplitude driving point measurement, both linear and nonlinear properties can be determined; both large-amplitude and near-zero amplitude properties can be determined; and elastic-wave speed and elastic moduli and their variation with depth can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Peter Thomas German
  • Publication number: 20110130975
    Abstract: A method of determining the tension in an elongated rod is described. The method includes impacting the rod and measuring the vibration response of the rod. Further, the method entails generating a theoretical vibration response of the rod based in part at least on the structural properties of the rod. Thereafter, the method entails adjusting the theoretical vibration response to cause the theoretical vibration response to conform with at least a portion of the measured vibration response. Based on the adjusted theoretical vibration response, the tension of the rod is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: FDH ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Cesare, J. Darrin Holt
  • Publication number: 20110130974
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for estimating a road surface friction between a road surface and a tire of a vehicle. The method includes, but is not limited to computing, in a slope estimation step, a slope estimate k_sl for a slope of a linear region of a self aligning torque function that is defined by a self aligning torque as a function of a slip angle. The method further includes, but is not limited to deriving a first estimate ?_sl of a road friction coefficient from the slope estimate k_sl, and deciding, in a linearity estimation step, whether a current slope k_op is within the linear region of the self aligning torque function. If it is decided in the linearity estimation step that the current slope k_op is within the linear region of the self aligning torque function, the first estimate ?_sl of the road friction coefficient is output as a second estimate ?_cont of the road friction coefficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Simon YNGVE, Youssef GHONEIM
  • Patent number: 7953559
    Abstract: Methods and systems for constructing a load history database for a structure is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed that may include detecting a measurable parameter on the structure utilizing a sensor positioned on the structure and determining a value of external loads acting upon the structure based on the detected parameter. Further, the method may include evaluating the value of the external loads against a pre-established factor. Based on the evaluation, the value of the external loads are selectively stored in the load history database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffry Neil Sundermeyer, Nitin R. Patel, Ryan Paul Allgaier, Don Sit, Timothy Allen Vik, Jeffrey Dale Baskett, Hiroko Kyuba, Daniel Kimsey Dunn, III, Byron Edwin Truax, Burton Roland Clarke
  • Publication number: 20110120232
    Abstract: A power sensing arrangement for the rear hub of a bicycle. The power sensing arrangement includes a torque sensing assembly including torque sensing elements configured to measure a user applied torque. The torque sensing elements are in communication with an electronics assembly configured to process the measured data and transmit it to a receiver. The torque sensing elements are interconnected with the free hub assembly of the rear hub, and are operable to detect torque applied to the free hub from the rear cassette.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Todd W. Lassanske
  • Patent number: 7949481
    Abstract: A fluid flux measurement system that includes a heated element fluid flow sensor that is capable of being repositioned relative to a mean fluid flux direction is disclosed. The repositioning may be performed by a motor interconnected to the heated element fluid flow sensor. The heated element fluid flow sensor may be positioned proximate to the measurement region of a sonic anemometer and may be operable to be repositioned relative to the sonic anemometer. The heated element fluid flow sensor may be a three-dimensional hot-film constant temperature anemometer. The fluid flux system may be operable to measure small-scale turbulent fluxes in uncontrolled environments such as remotely located atmospheric monitoring stations. The heated element fluid flow sensor may be calibrated in-situ with data collected by the sonic anemometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
    Inventors: Gregory S. Poulos, Steven R. Semmer, Fox Jack, Militzer John, Gordon Maclean
  • Publication number: 20110118992
    Abstract: A mobile device and method for performing a black box function are provided. Each of a plurality of connection ports of the mobile device are electrically connected to an external entity. When a voltage exceeding a given critical value is applied through the connection port, a detection history recording unit of the mobile device not only checks detection time information, but also checks terminal ID information about the connection port. Then the detection history recording unit records the terminal ID information and the detection time information. Therefore, when any trouble or fault occurs in the mobile device, it is possible to easily find out the cause of such trouble or fault though data recorded in the detection history recording unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Suk Jae YANG
  • Publication number: 20110118993
    Abstract: A Centrifugal Adhesion Balance apparatus for measuring retention forces between a body and a surface. This CAB apparatus decouples the normal and lateral retention forces by allowing any combination of the gravity force and a centrifugal force. This CAB apparatus includes a rotatable arm and an independently rotatable flat surface wherein the angle between the arm and the flat surface is precisely controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: Rafael Tadmor
  • Patent number: 7945429
    Abstract: A transient response of a tire is simulated by using a effective data of a physical amount. The physical amount is set as a rolling condition of the tire and varies in time. The effective data of the physical amount is calculated by a convolution integral of a response function of an introduced first-order lag response and a time gradient of time-series data of the physical amount. In a tire model determining method, a time constant of a response function of the first-order lag response is determined from measured transient response data. In a tire transient response data calculating method, a transient response data is calculated by using the effective data of the physical amount which is calculated by using a desired physical amount and the first-order lag response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoshi Miyashita, Kazuyuki Kabe
  • Publication number: 20110106460
    Abstract: A system and method are presented for qualifying a component. The system includes a receiving station, a control section, a plurality of test/inspection stations, a data storage section and a marking station. The receiving station receives a component. The control section includes a processor. The plurality of test/inspection stations each include equipment to measure one or more of physical, compositional and resistance properties of the component. The processor and the equipment cooperate to compare the measured properties to predefined properties for acceptance of the component, and to determine conformance between the measured properties and the predefined properties to qualify the component for use. The data storage section includes data store that receives and stores the predefined properties, the unique identifier, and the measured properties of the component. The marking station includes marking equipment to mark the component with the unique identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: ALSTOM Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Ronald Konopacki, Nathan Carter
  • Publication number: 20110106458
    Abstract: A road surface friction coefficient estimating device includes a lateral force detecting section for detecting the lateral force of a wheel during traveling, a slip angle detecting section for detecting the slip angle of the wheel during traveling, and a road surface ? calculating section for estimating the relationship between the detected lateral force and the detected slip angle on the basis of the ratio between the detected lateral force and the detected slip angle, the correlation between the lateral force and the slip angle in the case of the reference road surface, and at least either the detected lateral force or the detected slip angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Yuuki Shiozawa, Masaaki Nawano, Hiroshi Mouri
  • Patent number: 7933738
    Abstract: A system for determining at least one point of application of force on a surface element is provided. The system includes a surface element having an effective mass, at least one sensor configured to measure force applied on the surface element at least one acceleration sensor configured to measure acceleration in at least one direction, and a processing unit configured to receive, from the at least one sensor, signals indicating force applied on the surface element, to receive, from the at least one acceleration sensor, signals indicating acceleration, to filter out a disturbing force, determined based on acceleration signals and the effective mass of the surface element, from the signals indicating the force applied on the surface element, and to determine, based on the filtered signals, at least one point of application of force on the surface element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Qitec Technology Group Oy
    Inventor: Johannes Väänänen
  • Publication number: 20110056277
    Abstract: A method for reducing imbalance correction weight usage during a balancing operation of a vehicle wheel assembly. An imbalance of the vehicle wheel assembly is initially determined and utilized together with an established acceptable threshold of imbalance for the vehicle wheel assembly to compute a reduced imbalance value having a magnitude less than the determined imbalance. Using the reduced imbalance value, correction weight amounts and placement locations for application to the vehicle wheel assembly are identified. Determined differences between the identified correction weight amount using the reduced imbalance value and a convention correction weight amount are identified as imbalance correction weight savings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventor: Michael W. Douglas
  • Publication number: 20110060537
    Abstract: A physical evaluation apparatus includes a kinematic data capture device, the kinematic data capture device being configured and disposed to obtain whole body kinematic data from a subject. The kinematic data capture device is further configured to obtain dimensions of at least one body segment. A mass data capture device is configured and disposed to obtain mass data on the subject, the mass data being separable according to body segments of a subject to yield segment mass data. A processor, is configured to calculate the force being generated by a subject of the evaluation apparatus at selectable positions or in a selectable direction. The force is calculated without a force plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: Patrick Moodie
  • Publication number: 20110046856
    Abstract: In a computer-aided detection of the jamming of an object, wherein, when adjusting a component of a motor vehicle using an adjusting drive (6), measurement values related to the adjusting force (F) are compared to a prescribed threshold value (FR), initiating a slowdown, stop, or reversing of the adjusting motion when said value is reached. A spring rate correcting term characterizing the rigidity of the object is determined for correcting the relationship between the adjusting force (F) and the threshold value (FR), and is considered in the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Andreas Egger, Stefan Holzmann, Roman Morawek
  • Publication number: 20110046898
    Abstract: A method of determining face paper properties of wallboard including providing a core strength value of the wallboard, determining a required nail pull value based the wallboard specifications and calculating a face paper stiffness value based on the provided core strength value and the determined nail pull value. The method includes displaying the calculated face paper stiffness value on a display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Alfred C. Li, Arthur Kennedy, Kristin McKeever
  • Patent number: 7895002
    Abstract: Devices comprising sensor arrangements for providing first field information defining at least parts of first fields and for providing second field information defining at least parts of second fields are provided with updaters for updating parameters of the first and/or second fields via criterion-dependent iterations, to become more reliable and user friendly. The fields may be earth gravitational fields and/or earth magnetic fields and/or further fields. The parameters comprise magnitudes of the fields and dot products of the fields. The criterion-dependent iterations comprise magnitude functions and dot product functions. The magnitude functions define new magnitudes being functions of old magnitudes and of updated magnitudes and the dot product functions define new dot products being functions of old dot products and of updated dot products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Teunis J. Ikkink, Hans M. B. Boeve, Gerjan Van De Walle
  • Publication number: 20110035162
    Abstract: A device for investigating a collision between a test body and a physical structure, wherein the device comprises a mounting unit for mounting the test body, an electric drive unit adapted for mechanically driving the mounting unit and the test body mounted thereon, and a control unit adapted for controlling the electric drive unit to accelerate the test body mounted on the mounting unit and for controlling release of the test body from the mounting unit to direct the accelerated test body towards the physical structure for collision, wherein the device is adapted so that the mounting unit and the test body mounted thereon are mechanically driven exclusively by the electric drive unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Klaus Matlschweiger
  • Publication number: 20110029257
    Abstract: A torque sensor includes an adjustable platform vertically adjustable to place a sensing module near a rotating target to obtain measurements there from with a sensing element. The apparatus can be configured to include a bottom channel mounted to a base and a PCB tray mounted to a top channel, the PCB tray and top channel vertically adjustable from the base by a rotating shaft. The top and bottom channels are coupled to side bars and side channels in pairs movably connected by joint pins with a rotatable shaft movably connecting said joint pins. The sensing module is movable with respect to the base via rotation of said rotatable shaft causing movement of said pair of side bars and side channels, placing said sensing element nearest a target to obtain rotational movement data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Prem Anand Ramalingam
  • Publication number: 20110015877
    Abstract: First and second screens are set for a tool path display apparatus for displaying a path of the tip of a tool attached to a machine tool. The first screen displays the three-dimensional path of the tip of the tool obtained by synthesizing the position information of the drive axes of a 5-axis machine tool. The second screen displays the waveforms of the position deviations and current instructions of the drive axes in chronological order. When a part (line segment) of the three-dimensional path of the tip of the tool is selected on the first screen, the display attribute of the corresponding time area is changed on the second screen so that the time area can be identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: FANUC LTD
    Inventors: Tadashi OKITA, Hiroyuki KAWAMURA, Junichi TEZUKA, Kazuyuki SUGIYAMA
  • Publication number: 20110015876
    Abstract: A system for verifying validity of a pressure reading from a transducer on a remote powered system, the system including a comparator subsystem configured to evaluate a pressure reading differential taken between a first transducer that is part of a braking system on a lead powered system and a second transducer that is a part of a braking system on a remote powered system, wherein the pressure reading differential is taken when the lead powered system and the remote powered system are operating in a distributed power application. A method and computer software code, stored on a computer readable media and executable with a processor, are also disclosed for verifying validity of a pressure reading from a transducer on a remote powered system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Eugene A. Smith, David Carroll Teeter, John William Brand
  • Publication number: 20110015878
    Abstract: A device for measuring torque applied through a rotating member. A first torsion reference member is fixedly coupled to the rotating member at a first axial position and a second torsion reference member is fixedly coupled to the rotating member at a second axial position. A first detector detects the passage of the first torsion reference member past the first detector upon each full rotation of the rotating member and to generate a first signal upon each passage of the first torsion reference member. A second detector detects the passage of the second torsion reference member past the second detector upon each full rotation of the rotating member and to generate a second signal upon each passage of the second torsion reference member. A controller calculates a phase difference between the first signal and the second signal relative during rotation of the rotating member under a torsional load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Paul A. LaVigne, Daniel R. Kemppainen, Glen L. Barna
  • Publication number: 20110010109
    Abstract: A vehicle tilt detecting apparatus includes a load sensor provided for detecting a load acts on a supporting portion, a load detecting portion detecting a partial load value of the load placed on the seat on the basis of an output from the load sensor and outputting a detected load value, first interrelating portion indicates a relation between a detected load value of no-load and a front-rear tilt angle of the vehicle, unoccupied seat determining portion determining an unoccupied state, where no-load is placed on the seat, when the detected load value outputted from the load detecting portion is less than an unoccupied seat determining value and front-rear tilt angle calculating portion calculating the front-rear tilt angle corresponding to the detected load value outputted from the load detecting portion, on the basis of the first interrelating portion, when the unoccupied seat determining portion determines the unoccupied state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koji ITO, Muneto Inayoshi, Akira Enomoto, Hiroyuki Fujii
  • Publication number: 20110004361
    Abstract: The device (1) comprises means (11) for summing various hinge moments calculated, and means (13) for dividing this sum by the value of a lever arm in such a way as to obtain an estimate of the forces exerted on the control surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: AIRBUS FRANCE
    Inventors: Philippe Goupil, Christophe Rougelot
  • Publication number: 20100332152
    Abstract: A measurement system for capturing a transit time, phase, or frequency of energy waves propagating through a propagation medium is disclosed. The measurement system comprises a sensing module (200) and an insert dock (202). The sensing module (200) includes a load sensing platform (121), an accelerometer (122), and sensing assemblies (123). In one embodiment, a force or load applied by the muscular-skeletal system is measured. The force or load is applied to the sensing assembly (123). The accelerometer (122) generates motion data. The motion data includes acceleration data. The force or load measured by sensing assembly (123) in combination with the motion data captured by the accelerometer (122) is used to calculate a total force or load. A second accelerometer can be used to provide reference position information. The sensing assemblies (123) comprise a transducer (304), an elastic or compressible propagation structure (305), and a second transducer (314).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: OrthoSensor
    Inventor: Marc Stein
  • Publication number: 20100332151
    Abstract: A method for detecting a mechanical overload condition of an energized linear actuator to prevent commanding an activation signal to the linear actuator that may mechanically overload the linear actuator includes monitoring feedback variation of a movable element associated with the linear actuator including monitoring a present feedback signal of the movable element, monitoring a previous feedback signal of the movable element, comparing the present feedback signal and the previous feedback signal and determining the feedback variation based on the comparing. The feedback variation is compared to a feedback variation threshold. An input signal associated with the activation signal for controlling the linear actuator is monitored and the input signal compared to an input signal threshold. The electrical overload condition is detected when the feedback variation is less than the feedback variation threshold and the input signal is greater than the input signal threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Lei Hao, Xiujie Gao, Sanjeev M. Naik
  • Patent number: 7860665
    Abstract: A rotating shaft has a torsional oscillation frequency that is dependent on the stiffness of the shaft. The torsional oscillation frequency and the stiffness are dependent upon the operating conditions of the shaft. The torque of the rotating shaft is determined by measuring the torsional oscillation frequency of the rotating shaft; measuring the twist induced in the rotating shaft by the torque; and using the measured value of the torsional oscillation frequency and the measured value of the induced twist to determine the torque induced in the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Colin Parrish, James Roberts, Leighton Tipton
  • Patent number: 7859674
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring a quality parameter of a harvested crop are provided. Specifically, the system is adapted to be carried by a harvesting device such that a sensor is enclosed in a controlled environment and such that the sensor is capable of precisely and reliably measuring the quality parameter while the harvesting device is in operation. The system includes a verification device and an actuator device contained within the controlled environment. The actuator device periodically conveys the sensor device to at least one of a verification position relative to the verification device and a measurement position. Thus, the sensor device may be periodically and reliably referenced and/or validated while in use in harsh agricultural environments such that the sensor device is capable of accurately measuring the quality parameter as the crop is harvested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
    Inventors: Wilhelm G. Greten, Carlos Hildebrand, Roland Welle
  • Patent number: 7860588
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for positioning a feeder needle, and to a production line for optical components, in which a feeder needle of an apparatus for portioning fluid material, preferably softened glass, in particular of a needle feeder, has its position relative to a seat for the feeder needle recorded by means of a force-measuring device, and to further apparatuses which realize this method and to objects produced by the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Schott AG
    Inventors: Ralf Bonitz, Peter Duerolf
  • Publication number: 20100324837
    Abstract: An exemplary torque testing system includes a first screwdriver, a second screwdriver, a height measuring device, and a processor. The first screwdriver turns the first structure into the second structure using a maximum torque until the depth of the first structure turned into the second structure equals a predetermined minimum depth or the first structure is unable to be turned by the maximum torque. The second screwdriver turns the first structure into the second structure using a minimum torque until the first structure is unable to be turned by the minimum torque. The height measuring device measures the height of the combined first structure and second structure. The processor determines that the engagement between the first structure and the second structure is satisfactory, if the height of the combined first structure and second structure is in a range from a minimum height to a maximum height thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: HSIANG-HUNG CHEN
  • Publication number: 20100319910
    Abstract: An assembly for monitoring load on a drum during an operation in a well with a well access line deployed from the drum. The assembly may include multiple line detection mechanisms for acquiring real-time information relative to dynamic characteristics of the lone over the course of the operation. The assembly also includes a processor for computing the real-time information in light of pre-stored information relative to physical characteristics of the line and the drum. As a result, real-time monitoring of a load on the drum may be achieved. Thus, the operation may be adjusted in real-time as necessary to avoid over-loading of the drum. Additionally, a drum load history may be recorded so as to better account for the true condition of the drum following successive operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Sebastien Ives, Peter Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 7856340
    Abstract: A multi-functional sensor for deriving information on a recording sheet material comprising an impact-applying unit for applying an external mechanical force onto the recording sheet material, a signal-detecting unit for detecting a signal of response of the recording sheet material to the external mechanical force, a signal-processing unit for processing the signal, and a signal-judging unit for deriving a property of the recording sheet material by comparison of a signal from the signal-detecting unit or the signal processing unit with information memorized preliminarily, wherein the signal-processing unit comprises a separation section for separating the signal from the signal-detecting unit into output signals on the properties of the recording sheet material, and a processing section for deriving, by statistical treatment, a correlation equation showing a correlation between the separated output signal and the properties of the recording sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norio Kaneko, Takehiko Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 7853412
    Abstract: A method of estimating contact forces between the wheels of a railway wagon and a rail track, for use in determining information such as the likelihood of derailment. Accelerations of the body of the wagon are measured using motion sensors located at suitable points on the body. Forces on the side frames of the wagon are calculated based on the accelerations of the body and predetermined parameters of the body. Forces on the wheels of the wagon are calculated based on the accelerations of the body and predetermined parameters of the body. The contact forces between the wheels and the rails are then calculated based on the forces calculated for the side frames and the wheels. The calculations are carried out using an inverse model of the wagon system. Equipment which implements the method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignees: QR Limited, Australian Rail Track Corporation Ltd, Pacific National (Victoria) Ltd, Asciano Services Pty Ltd, TMG Rail Technology Pty Ltd, Rail Corporation NSW, Central Queensland University, University of Wollongong, Monash University, University of South Australia, Queensland University of Technology, The University of Queensland
    Inventors: Fujie Xia, Peter Joseph Wolfs
  • Patent number: 7853413
    Abstract: A method for determining at least one characteristic value, especially of a suspended driven axis of a machine, is provided, the axis being driven by a rotating drive unit and/or by a linear drive unit. A torque or a force corresponding to the torque acting on the drive unit is measured along a predetermined movement path of the axis. The torque or the force is measured in the forward direction and reverse direction. Energy-conserving moments or energy-conserving forces on the one hand and/or friction-dependent moments or friction-dependent forces on the other hand are determined by computational overlaying of associated torque or force values as the at least one direction-independent characteristic value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christian Haberl, Ewald Lehmann, Joachim Ullrich
  • Publication number: 20100312394
    Abstract: A force sensor includes a base unit, an elastic supporting unit, an action unit supported by the elastic supporting unit, and a detection unit that detects at least one of an external force acting on the action unit and a moment acting on the action unit. The detection unit includes a light source, a diffraction grating, a photodetector array that receives an interference image formed by light that has been emitted from the light source and diffracted by the diffraction grating and outputs signals having different phases, and a calculation unit that calculates a displacement of the action unit with respect to the base unit on the basis of the signals and calculates at least one of the external force and the moment acting on the action unit on the basis of the displacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasumichi Arimitsu
  • Patent number: 7844404
    Abstract: A system and method of estimating the torque value of an engine are provided. The method includes generating corrected variable values from engine measured parameters and using a plurality of steady state tables that output corrected engine torque estimates based on various corrected variable values as inputs. In a preferred embodiment, the method also includes a phase compensation technique that converts each steady state table torque estimate into a dynamic torque estimate that closely matches the torque sensor measurements during both transient and steady state engine operations. In addition, also in a preferred embodiment, the method further includes a weighted averaging scheme that combines multiple torque estimates with weighting factors that are optimized based on the accuracy attributes of each torque estimate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Ling, Oswald George Harris, John Rushinsky
  • Publication number: 20100299083
    Abstract: A method and device for monitoring the noise from a sensor and a use of the method in automobiles for determining a frictional value between tyres of a motor vehicle and a road surface, in particular an economical and reliable method for monitoring a sensor noise and a corresponding device for obtaining, amongst other things, system-relevant information may be achieved, wherein an influence on spectral components of the sensor noise signal is determined and compared with set values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Zheng-Yu Jiang, Matthias Kretschmann, Herbert Preis
  • Publication number: 20100299084
    Abstract: A torque detection and display device is provided for a tool, including at least one connection body, at least one tool coupling bar, at least one torque detector, and a torque displaying/processing unit. The connection body has an end connected to the tool coupling bar and the tool coupling bar is connectable to at least one type of tool bit, such as screwdriver, a wrench socket, and a spanner. The connection body is enclosed by at least a tool housing. The torque detector is mounted to the connection body to detect a torque value of the rotation operation of the tool bit in either the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction through strain/deformation or semiconductor detection, and generates a torque detection signal. The torque displaying/processing unit is connected to the torque detector to receive the torque detection signal from the torque detector and display an actual torque value occurring in the rotation operation of the tool bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: LEGEND LIFESTYLE PRODUCTS CORP.
    Inventor: CHIANG KAO CHEN
  • Publication number: 20100280766
    Abstract: A cassette-based power measuring apparatus includes a power sensing arrangement mounted within a cavity defined by a hollow bicycle cassette. The power sensing arrangement includes a torque sensing assembly including torque sensing elements configured to measure a user applied torque. The torque sensing elements are in communication with an electronics assembly configured to process the measured data and transmit it to a receiver. The torque sensing assembly may comprise a torque tube or a series of bending beams secured between a rear plate of the cassette and a freehub. The torque tube or bending beams may include strain gauges bonded thereto for measuring strain induced by application of forces in response to user-applied power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Jordan R. Roessingh, David L. Wendt
  • Patent number: 7822563
    Abstract: A method of calculating a cornering force to be applied to each wheel provided to a vehicle which is cornering, comprising the steps of: obtaining a magnitude of a centrifugal force to the vehicle in a direction substantially orthogonal to a vehicle traveling direction, a contact length of each wheel during the cornering of the vehicle, and an amount of deformation in a wheel width direction at the contact portion of each wheel of the vehicle, calculating a difference between the obtained amount of the deformation and an amount of deformation in the wheel width direction under a straight forward travel condition of the vehicle for each wheel, and calculating a cornering force for each wheel based on the magnitude of the centrifugal force, the contact length, and the difference between amounts of deformation in the wheel width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Matsuda, Tsuyoshi Kitazaki, Naoshi Miyashita
  • Publication number: 20100256929
    Abstract: A torque wrench comprises a handle, a wrench head having a ratcheting workpiece engaging portion, and a tensor beam defining a longitudinal axis and having a rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A first strain gauge is coupled to one side of the tensor beam, and a second strain gauge is coupled to another side orthogonal to the one side. A processor coupled to the first and second strain gauges converts an output signal from one of the strain gauges into an equivalent torque value. The tensor beam is intermediate the handle and the wrench head and is rotatably coupled to the wrench head and is rotatable, with respect to the tensor beam, between a first position in which the processor processes an output signal from the first strain gauge and a second position in which the processor processes an output signal from the second strain gauge assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: EASCO HAND TOOLS, INC.
    Inventor: Awad Aly Gharib
  • Patent number: 7808395
    Abstract: A method of and a system for detecting a person occupying a vehicle seat or a corresponding underlay whereby the underlay is provided with a single dynamic sensor and whereby the measurement signal is compared with a reference signal in comparing means, wherein the system comprises first measuring means for measuring a first measurement signal in a first frequency band representing a signal for human presence, and second measuring means for measuring the reference signal as a second measurement signal in a second frequency band representing a signal for background noise, comparing means for indicating an occupancy, wherein the signal strength in the first measurement signal in the first frequency band of human presence signal domination is compared to the signal strength in the reference signal in the second frequency band where essentially only background noise exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Emfit Oy
    Inventors: Heikki Raisanen, Tomi Virtanen
  • Publication number: 20100250153
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for determining the admissible load capacity of a crane, in which the load capacity is determined in dependence on at least one first and one second parameter and which comprises a first step, in which the load capacity for the value of the first parameter with different values of the second parameter is determined by calculation or by interpolation or extrapolation on the basis of known values of the load capacity with specific values of the first parameter, and which comprises a second step, in which the determination of the load capacity for the second parameter is performed on the basis of the values of the load capacity determined in the first step for different values of the second parameter by calculation or by interpolation or extrapolation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: LIEBHERR-WERK EHINGEN GMBH
    Inventors: Peter Abel, Helmut Spaeth