Abstract: An easily inspected shaft assembly is provided and includes a shaft, a sleeve receptive of a portion of the shaft and an optically activatable layer including first and second sections disposed on respective exterior surfaces of the shaft and the sleeve, respectively, such that the first and second sections move relative to one another as the shaft and the sleeve move relative to one another.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to an anisotropic magneto-resistive (AMR) angle sensor die. The die comprises a plurality of AMR angle sensors, each of the plurality of AMR angle sensors comprising a first Wheatstone bridge and a second Wheatstone bridge, wherein an angle position output of the sensor die includes a combination of angle position outputs of each of the plurality of AMR angle sensors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a calibration adapter (1) for drilling resistance measuring devices (10) which have at least one drilling needle receptacle which is coupled to a drive, a drilling needle (15), a guide sleeve (12) with a drilling needle outlet opening and an apparatus for drilling resistance detection and output. The invention further provides a calibration apparatus and a drilling resistance measuring apparatus, and also a method for calibrated drilling resistance measurement. The calibration adapter (1) has a main body (3) which has a coupling apparatus (5) in order to be releasably fastened to the drilling resistance measuring device (10) upstream of the drilling needle outlet opening and a drilling needle passage channel (33) which extends through the main body (3) and which is designed in such a way that it is aligned with the drilling needle outlet opening in a fastening arrangement of the calibration adapter (1) to the drilling resistance measuring device (10).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electronic torque tool, a calibration fixture, and a method for calibrating the electronic torque tool. The calibration includes applying a torque to the torque wrench and releasing the applied torque once the applied torque reaches a full scale calibration torque. The calibration fixture holds and displays a peak value of the applied torque and the torque wrench holds and displays a measured peak value of the applied torque. The measured peak value on the torque wrench may then be adjusted, by incrementing or decrementing the displayed value, to match the peak value displayed on the calibration fixture.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electronic torque tool, a calibration fixture, and a method for calibrating the electronic torque tool. The calibration includes applying a torque to the torque wrench and releasing the applied torque once the applied torque reaches a full scale calibration torque. The calibration fixture holds and displays a peak value of the applied torque and the torque wrench holds and displays a measured peak value of the applied torque. The measured peak value on the torque wrench may then be adjusted, by incrementing or decrementing the displayed value, to match the peak value displayed on the calibration fixture.

Abstract: A supporting apparatus includes a supporting assembly including a fixed member, a mounting member fixed to the fixed member and a lifting assembly. The mounting member includes a mounting portion having a first side, a second side opposite and parallel to the first side, and a top side coupling the first side with the second side. The lifting assembly includes a support member slidably attached to the first side of the mounting portion, a lifting member slidably attached to the second side of the mounting portion, at least one fixed pulley attached to the top side of the mounting portion, a connecting member arranged on the at least one fixed pulley, and coupling the support member with the lifting member, and one or more weight elements attachable to the lifting member.

Abstract: An electronic torque wrench is disclosed that instantaneously logs data in real time from a torqueing operation and can later transfer the data to an external device, such as a computer, for further analysis. For example, the computer can create a graph that can be analyzed to determine relevant parameters of the torqueing profile. The parameters of the graph can be analyzed to determine whether the torqueing operation was performed properly for a particular work piece or job task, or to assist users in future torqueing operations.

Abstract: A torque testing machine includes a testing head and a calculating device connecting to the testing head to calculate a torque transmitted to the testing head. A first drive device includes a first connecting head being cooperative with the testing head. The first connecting head and the testing head oppose to each other. The first connecting head is rotatable about an axis. A second drive device includes a second connecting head being cooperative with the testing head. The second connecting head offsets a distance from the axis and is movable tangentially to the distance.

Abstract: A multi-articulated link knee joint capable of detecting a bending angle of a knee section without causing problems of an installation space and wiring of a sensor is provided. A four-link knee joint includes a knee section of a four-link mechanism, a fluid cylinder that restrains an action of the knee section, a position detecting device that detects a position of a piston rod with respect to a cylinder tube as an extension and contraction amount of the cylinder, and a computer that acquires a bending angle of the knee section by converting the position detected by the position detecting device.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided, which includes a dust detector, a voltage source, and a controller. The dust detector includes two opposing surfaces and a conductive dust sensor. The two opposing surfaces are disposed in spaced, opposing relation to allow for the passage of airflow between the surfaces, and the conductive dust sensor is disposed at a surface of the two opposing surfaces. The voltage source is configured and controlled to establish an electrostatic field at least partially between the two opposing surfaces to facilitate directing conductive particles in the airflow passing between the two opposing surfaces towards the dust sensor. The controller monitors for a leakage current within the conductive dust sensor and determines whether the leakage current exceeds a predetermined trigger level indicative of the presence of conductive dust, and if so, automatically indicates a conductive dust warning.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a method for calibrating a torque measurement for a rotatable object is disclosed, wherein the method includes coupling the rotatable object to a structure, the structure including a member extending along a length of a surface of the rotatable object, coupling the rotatable object to an adapter and applying a known torque to the rotatable object via the adapter. The method also includes measuring a first rotational displacement via a first sensor coupled to the member at a first axial location of the rotatable object, measuring a second rotational displacement via a second sensor coupled to the member at a second axial location of the rotatable object and determining first and second angular displacements of the rotatable object based on the first and second rotational displacements.

Abstract: Provided are apparatus and methods for compensation of mechanical imbalance in a measurement apparatus, that provides options for increased accuracy and/or less expensive manufacture of a torsion balance. Orientation measurements are taken and an imbalance torque about the torsion spring's axis of rotation is determined, and used to calculate a compensation. The measurement apparatus of one embodiment includes a test body and a set of magnets for generating a first disturbing force on the test body in response to a paramagnetic gas. A conductor element in the magnetic field receives an electrical current that generates a second opposing force to the test body, under feedback control that varies the current until the test body achieves a balanced null position. The control signal required to achieve the fixed null position is measured.

Abstract: An electronic torque wrench calibration method includes providing test rod for simulating wrench body and support plate for simulating hand grip wherein on either side of the support plate there are provided at least two test points and an intermediate reference point; securing sensor to a stress gauge; placing two weights on the reference points and setting a count to one; recording torque as standard value; placing a weight on a respective one of the test points; recording torque as test value; comparing the test value with the standard value and obtaining an error; increasing bores of the adjustment holes if the error is greater than one prior to looping back to weight placing step; and ending the method by determining whether a predetermined count has been reached, and otherwise placing the weight on another respective one of the test points prior to looping back to test value recordation step.

Abstract: An operating device for testing torque wrenches is formed with a carrier for fixing a torque wrench to be tested. A transducer is coupled to the head portion of the torque wrench. A grip holder is provided for fixing the grip of the torque wrench and a deflecting mechanism is adapted for generating a torque to the head portion of the torque wrench to be tested. Further on a sliding mechanism is provided for sliding the grip in the grip holder without friction.

Abstract: An angular position measurement system including a continuous angular position sensor configured to provide a first signal representative of a continuous angular position of a rotating shaft, an incremental angular position sensor configured to provide a second signal representative of incremental angular positions of the rotating shaft, and a controller configured to calibrate the first signal based on the second signal to provide a third signal representative of a calibrated continuous angular position of the rotating shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides an attachment angle measuring device and an attachment angle measuring method which realize accurate measurement of attachment angle between an axle carrier and an absorber. An attachment angle measuring device measures an attachment angle ? between an axle carrier and an absorber as in the following. A slit light is projected to a first reflection position on an outer peripheral surface of an absorber rod and a reflected light from the first reflection position is received. A slit light is projected to a second reflection position on the outer peripheral surface of the absorber rod different from the first reflection position and a reflected light from the second reflection position is received. A first optical path distance between a projection start position of the slit light and the first reflection position is calculated based on the reflected light.

Abstract: An angular position measurement system including a continuous angular position sensor configured to provide a first signal representative of a continuous angular position of a rotating shaft, an incremental angular position sensor configured to provide a second signal representative of incremental angular positions of the rotating shaft, and a controller configured to calibrate the first signal based on the second signal to provide a third signal representative of a calibrated continuous angular position of the rotating shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for temperature compensating a torque sensor. One apparatus includes a shaft temperature detector and a temperature compensation circuit configured to alter tensile and compression voltages representative of tensile and compression stresss, respectively, due to a torque being applied to the shaft based on shaft temperature. A system includes a sensor configured to generate tensile and compression voltages representative of tensile and compression stresss, respectively, due to a torque being applied to a shaft, a shaft temperature detector, and a junction box. The junction box is configured to alter the tensile and compression voltages based on shaft temperature.

Abstract: This invention is device and method for electronic measurements of the force and torque applied to a work piece. The measured values are visually displayed, audibly indicated, and/or transferred in electronic formats to other controlling devices. The values could be displayed in different physical measuring units, and as an average or peak. The device produces different output signals when the torque applied equals or exceeds predetermined values. This device and method provide an automatic, accurate, and easy calibration, which could be self-calibration or in-the-field calibration. It has protection from accidental activation of the switches, and provides a permanent record of the incidents in which the device was operated at conditions beyond its specifications. It provides a manual and/or automatic scale selection to improve the accuracy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a torque sensor for calibrating screwing tools such as dynamometric keys or impact screw drivers. A torque sensor for calibrating screwing tools has an inner body defining an axis with respect to which a torque is to be measured. The inner body has a seat for engaugement of a screwing tool to be calibrated. An outer annular body is held stationary. This outer annular body is coaxial with the inner body and is connected therewith through radial webs of a first type and through radial webs of a second type. The first type webs have relatively large widths circumferentially but have relatively small axial dimensions. The second type webs are relatively narrow circumferentially but have relatively large axial dimensions. The torque sensor further comprises torsion measuring elements attached to said first type webs for measuring torsional deformation due to torques exerted on said inner body.

Abstract: In an electric power steering system, during initial processing after an ignition switch is turned on, when a main CPU completes calculation of an offset voltage, it sends an offset voltage calculation request signal to a sub CPU. When the time from sending the offset voltage calculation request signal until the main CPU receives an offset voltage calculation completion signal from the sub CPU is within a predetermined period of time, it is determined that a communication function between the main CPU and the sub CPU and an offset voltage calculation function of the sub CPU are normal, and at the same time it is possible to maintain synchronism of the offset voltage calculation in the main CPU with the offset voltage calculation in the sub CPU. Thus, it is possible to carry out in a short time a check of the communication function between the main CPU and the sub CPU, while maintaining the synchronism in the offset voltage calculations by the two CPUs when calculating an actual motor current.

Abstract: A full Wheatstone bridge sensor has conditioning electronics of an ASIC connected thereto. Two independently controlled diagnostic switches (S1, S2) in the ASIC are commonly connected to one of the bridge output nodes. The first diagnostic switch connects first resistor between the bridge output node and bridge supply voltage and the second diagnostic switch connects a second resistor between the bridge output and bridge ground. The first diagnostic switch closes during a first diagnostic waveform phase and opens during all other phases of operation. The second diagnostic switch closes during a second and third waveform phase and opens during all other phases of operation. The diagnostic waveforms are used to test major signal conditioning and fault reporting paths of the ASIC.

Abstract: A test apparatus includes a torque sensor that outputs an indication of torque when rotated by a tool to be tested, and an angle potentiometer that outputs an indication of the rotation angle. A rotatable arm is connected to the torque sensor. A stop prevents the arm from rotating past a rest position. At least one of the group consisting of the arm and the stop includes a magnet. The magnet causes a magnetic force that attracts the arm toward the rest position when the arm is at or near the rest position, simulating static friction. At least one elastic member, which may be a spring, urges the arm toward the rest position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a neutral point voltage adjuster of a torque sensor which comprises: a pair of coils having inductances changing mutually in a reverse direction in accordance with a torque; and a differential amplifier means inputting first and second sub-voltages based on each inductance change of both coils, and amplifying a difference between the first and second sub-voltages so as to output it as a main voltage, and which uses a neutral point where no torque is inputted as a boundary between right and left directions, and detects each torsional torque in the right and left direction, comprising: a neutral point voltage setter for displacing a main voltage of an output from the differential amplifier on the basis of an adjusting signal so as to set a neutral point voltage; a memory for storing a neutral point voltage setting state by the neutral point voltage setter; and a neutral point voltage adjuster for storing a neutral point voltage used as a reference of a main voltage, and inputting

Abstract: A device for calibrating drag test drives comprises a disk drive unit, a non conductive, non magnetic disk, and a magnet placed substantially planar to the non magnetic disk wherein the disk can spin in the disk drive through a magnetic field produced by the magnet. The device also comprises a current measuring device wherein the device measures the amount of current the disk drive motor draws while spinning the disk.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calculating a torque constant, Kt, of an actuator for a computer disk drive by passing the actuator through a magnetic field and measuring the induced change in potential. A stepper motor moves the coil through a magnetic field (either by rotation or linear movement), and a fluxmeter measures changes in flux. The measurements are synchronized using an encoder which commands a digital multimeter to sample the fluxmeter. By passing the actuator in both a forward and a reverse direction, the contribution based on voltage integrator drift is reduced. This method and system are not influenced by the torque from mechanical effects such as friction or torque from the current carrying leads.