With Electrical Sensor And Indicator Patents (Class 73/462)
  • Patent number: 11867186
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement is for monitoring a circulation pump system (1) which includes at least one pump (3). The sensor arrangement includes a first vibration sensor (5) installed at a first pump part (11) of one of the at least one pump (3) and a second vibration sensor (7) installed at a second pump part (13) of the pump (3) and an evaluation module (9). The first pump part (11) and the second pump part (29) have a distance to each other. The evaluation module (9), is configured to discriminate between at least two of k?2 different types of faults based on comparing first signals received from the first vibration sensor (5) and second signals received from the second vibration sensor (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: GRUNDFOS HOLDING A/S
    Inventors: Michael Helbo Nygaard, Flemming Munk, Søren Kjeldsen
  • Patent number: 11815426
    Abstract: A vibration monitoring system includes a plurality of encoders and an analyzer. The encoders are configured to generate multiple pulse train signals for multiple wheels. Each encoder is coupled to a respective one of the multiple wheels and generates a single one of the pulse train signals. The analyzer is coupled to the encoders and is configured to generate multiple pulse per revolution signals and multiple angular velocity signals for the wheels in response to the pulse train signals. Each pulse per revolution signal conveys a single pulse per rotation of the respective wheel. The analyzer is further configured to generate an input phasor array representative of the pulse per revolution signals, generate a response phasor array in response to the angular velocity signals for the wheels, and generate a report that identifies at least one vibrating wheel in response to the input phasor array and the response phasor array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Anushya Viraliur Ponnuswami, Joseph K Moore, Halit Zengin, Eungkil Lee, Mansoor Alghooneh
  • Patent number: 11781943
    Abstract: An arrangement for monitoring an antifriction bearing of a rotating shaft of a rotating electric machine. The arrangement includes: one or more capacitor electrodes to measure a capacitive shaft displacement parameter; one or more of the following additional measurement sensors; a microphone to measure a bearing noise parameter, a voltage sensor to measure a bearing current parameter, and/or an optical pyrometer to measure a shaft heat parameter; and one or more processors configured to evaluate a condition of the antifriction bearing based on the capacitive shaft displacement parameter and one or more of the following: the bearing noise parameter, the bearing current parameter, and/or the shaft heat parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Jari Jäppinen, Olli Liukkonen, Timo Holopainen, Markku Niemelä, Ville Särkimäki
  • Patent number: 11700917
    Abstract: A manufacturing process involving a series of discrete operations can be modified by adding, removing, or reordering operations, without design changes to the equipment. The manufacturing process uses a frame comprising one or more alignment tabs. Each alignment tab comprises an alignment element. The alignment element interacts with a corresponding alignment element at a manufacturing station to identify to the manufacturing station the position and orientation of the frame. The frame supports a material in a known position and orientation relative to the frame, allowing the manufacturing station to infer the position and orientation of the pliable material on the frame from the interaction of the alignment elements on the frame and the manufacturing station. The operations at any particular manufacturing station can therefore be positioned independent of what operations, if any, have come before, or in what order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel B. DeHaven, Bruce J. Kilgore
  • Patent number: 11608742
    Abstract: The method of assembling the rotor assembly can include obtaining geometrical reference values about the individual rotor components, based on the geometrical reference values, determining a combination of relative circumferential positions of the individual rotor components associated to a bow shape configuration of the centers of mass along the axially-extending sequence; and assembling the rotor components to one another in said determined combination of relative circumferential positions, into the rotor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Patrice Remy, Pierre Gaudet, Jiemin Wang
  • Patent number: 11585718
    Abstract: A device (10) and method for sensor diagnostic monitoring and detection of an imbalance of a rotating machine (1) has steps of (a) detecting acceleration signals (Sb) of the housing (2) or of a non-rotating component of the rotating machine (1) by a sensor (20); (b) detecting signals (Sd) for the determination of the rotation speed of the rotating machine (1) by a second sensor; and (c) supplying and evaluating of sensor signals (Sb, Sd) by an evaluation unit (40, 50, 60). An acceleration component that is acquired occurs with the rotation speed of the rotating machine. This component is compared with a predetermined limit value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: ebm-papst Mulfingen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Frederik Nöth, Pattrick Peppel, Ralph Wystup, Robert Druschel, Michael Hopf
  • Patent number: 11499428
    Abstract: A rotor balancing method for a gas turbine having a rotor with a first correction plane and a second correction plane, wherein a first balancing weight is attached to the first correction plane. The method includes performing a first influence run wherein first balancing weight remains fitted for the subsequent second influence run; fitting a first calibration weight to the second correction plane using a reference influence vector; performing a second influence run; removing the first calibration weight from the rotor and calculating an influence vector of the second correction plane using a first set of vibration measurements and a second set of vibration measurements taken during the first influence run and the second influence run, respectively; and carrying out balancing of the rotor by fitting a final balancing weight to the first correction plane and a second balancing weight to the second correction plane using the calculated influence vectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Siemens Energy Global GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Zhiqiang Meng
  • Patent number: 11449035
    Abstract: An information processing device is connected to a measurement device provided in the vicinity of a machine tool for machining a workpiece using a tool and a numerical control device configured to control the machine tool. The information processing device includes: a display unit configured to display information; a first acquisition unit configured to acquire, from the measurement device, measurement information measured by the measurement device; a second acquisition unit configured to acquire, from the numerical control device, state information indicating a state of the machine tool; and a display control unit configured to cause the display unit to display the measurement information and the state information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sichen Liu
  • Patent number: 11401996
    Abstract: The present invention provides an internal combustion engine comprising a crankshaft, the crankshaft comprising main bearing journals and cranks for connecting the crankshaft to piston rods of the engine, wherein the crankshaft is provided with counterweights, wherein at least a first counterweight is formed as a separate element and connected to the crankshaft. The present invention is characterized in that at least a second counterweight is formed integrally with the crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Liebherr-Components Colmar SAS
    Inventors: Bechir Mokdad, Yves-Antoine Rogard
  • Patent number: 11385121
    Abstract: Provided is a method to acquire the unbalance of a rotor and a balancing machine, in which, the method to acquire the unbalance of a rotor includes the following procedures: install angle sensor at first position on balancing machine, measure the unbalance of rotor, first unbalance in measuring plane 1 and first unbalance in measuring plane 2 can be measured. Move angle sensor on balancing machine from first position to second position, measure the unbalance of the rotor again, second unbalance in measuring plane 1 and second unbalance in measuring plane 2 can be measured. In the above mentioned two measurements, the unbalance amount of rotor has no change, but the unbalance angle relative to angle reference point on rotor is changed by an angle which equals the angle of the sensor being moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Inventors: Weijian Guo, Xiaowen Guo
  • Patent number: 11359936
    Abstract: A system is provided with a magnetic field sensor being positioned in a magnetic field of a magnet that is coupled to a rotatable driving shaft. The magnetic field sensor is configured to sense a rotation of the magnetic field in response to a rotation of the rotatable driving shaft, and generate an angle sensor signal based on an orientation angle of the magnetic field. The angle sensor signal includes angular values that represent an absolute orientation angle of the rotatable driving shaft. The system includes a memory storing a mapping of values of a patterned signal to the angular values, electronic circuitry configured to generate, based on the angular values and the stored mapping, the patterned signal, and a signal generator circuit configured to generate a signal representing the absolute orientation angle of the rotatable driving shaft based on the angle sensor signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventors: Dietmar Spitzer, Peter Slama, Harald Witschnig, Leo Aichriedler, Friedrich Rasbornig
  • Patent number: 11341788
    Abstract: A mobile communication device to provide tuning assistance for a motorcycle. The mobile communication device includes a plurality of sensing devices and a processor. The processor controls the plurality of sensing devices to capture a first signal over a period of time based on a trigger input. The first signal corresponds to at least one component of the motorcycle in a first operational state of the motorcycle. The processor further detects a deviation between one or more parameters of the captured first signal and baseline information corresponding to the first operational state of the motorcycle. The baseline information indicates a range of baseline values. The processor further output tuning information based on a determination that the detected deviation is out of the range of baseline values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Rahul Khanna
  • Patent number: 11255801
    Abstract: A method is for correcting an imbalance in a computed tomography system, in which a supporting structure includes a radiation source is fitted on a fixed mounting frame. The supporting structure rotates together with the radiation source about a measurement space, in which is fixed in place a measurement object having a known attenuation response for the radiation emitted by the radiation source. The method includes detecting first measurement data of the radiation while the supporting structure rotates about the measurement object, determining an imbalance arising during the rotation of the supporting structure on the basis of the acquired first measurement data of the radiation, and determining a position and a weight of at least one counterweight on the supporting structure in order to reduce the determined imbalance, or determining correction data, which is used to correct the imbalance in software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBH
    Inventors: Hans-Juergen Mueller, Michael Grasruck, Matthias Berner, Florian Kiessling
  • Patent number: 11226266
    Abstract: The present invention includes a shaft that protrudes further toward a lower spindle side than an upper rim and includes a plurality of engagement grooves arranged in an up-down direction at an outer periphery of a lower end accommodated in a hollow portion of the lower spindle; a shaft support part that rotatably supports an upper end of the shaft; an engagement part that is accommodated within the hollow portion and is engaged with any one engagement groove of the plurality of engagement grooves; a first elevating part that is configured to integrally move the upper spindle, the shaft, and the shaft support part in the up-down direction; and a second elevating part that adjusts the length of the shaft protruding below the upper rim by changing the distance between the shaft support part and the upper spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignees: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES MACHINERY SYSTEMS, LTD., BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tatsuya Ueda, Jiro Agawa, Makoto Tachibana
  • Patent number: 11215452
    Abstract: A simulation hub includes an end plate, a clamping portion and a measuring disc, in which the clamping portion and the measuring disc are both detachably fixed to the end plate; the clamping portion includes a first positioning hole for positioning and clamping, the first positioning hole is a cylindrical hole, and the cylindricity of the first positioning hole is smaller than a preset value; the outer circumference of the measuring disc includes at least a measuring cylindrical surface having a preset axial length and a bus parallel to an axis of the first positioning hole, and circular runout test values of the measuring cylindrical surface are preset first or second harmonic runout values; and the outer diameter of the measuring cylindrical surface is adapted to the inner diameter of the first positioning hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: CITIC Dicastal CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jinqi Lyu, Zhigao Yin, Hanbao Sun
  • Patent number: 11187624
    Abstract: The present invention includes a shaft that protrudes further toward a lower spindle side than an upper rim and includes a plurality of engagement grooves arranged in an up-down direction at an outer periphery of a lower end accommodated in a hollow portion of the lower spindle; a shaft support part that rotatably supports an upper end of the shaft; an engagement part that is accommodated within the hollow portion and is engaged with any one engagement groove of the plurality of engagement grooves; a first elevating part that is configured to integrally move the upper spindle, the shaft, and the shaft support part in the up-down direction; and a second elevating part that adjusts the length of the shaft protruding below the upper rim by changing the distance between the shaft support part and the upper spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignees: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES MACHINERY SYSTEMS, LTD., BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tatsuya Ueda, Jiro Agawa, Makoto Tachibana
  • Patent number: 11015920
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for use with a vehicle wheel balancing system (100) to obtain non-contact measurements of dimensions on a wheel assembly (200) secured on a spindle shaft (104), together with identification of, and distances to, operator-selected locations on various surfaces of a wheel assembly 200.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: William B. Feero, Joel A. Clasquin
  • Patent number: 10948057
    Abstract: A ball screw drive having a threaded spindle and a spindle nut which coaxially encloses it at least partially. The spindle nut receives a ball deflector and therefore has an imbalance caused thereby. A force transmission element is positively connected to the spindle nut. The outer surface of the spindle nut has a recess which is dimensioned and arranged to serve as a stop or groove for the force transmission element and also contributes to the imbalance compensation of the spindle nut. An imbalance compensation method is also provided by fixing the action surface as a surface recess such that the smallest width of the recess is at least 3 times as large as the maximum radial indentation thereof. The filling up of at least parts of the recess by the force transmission element is accounted for and the recess is lengthened along the spindle nut for imbalance reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: SFS intec Holding AG
    Inventors: Edi Peric, Stefan Frei, Andre Schadlich, Marijo Zach
  • Patent number: 10724931
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a materials testing device wherein an algorithmic approach is used to implement outer loop control software algorithm for control of a plurality of motors imparting different forces on a materials testing specimen. In particular, a torsion motor is controlled by an outer loop control software to control the rotational force applied to the materials testing sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Christopher William Demos Jackson
  • Patent number: 10564006
    Abstract: A sensor, and method of using the sensor, includes a primary resolver circuit and a static reference resolver circuit. The primary resolver circuit is configured to provide first and second primary analog outputs. The primary analog outputs are indicative of a sensed condition of the sensor. The static reference resolver circuit includes a transformer and is configured to generate first and second reference analog outputs indicative of a reference condition of the sensor. The first and second reference analog outputs match the first and second primary analog outputs when the sensed condition is equivalent to the reference condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.
    Inventor: Jason T. Osterman
  • Patent number: 10556286
    Abstract: A method and a system of balancing a shaft for an axle assembly. The method may include using an electrical resistance welder to weld a balance weight to a shaft proximate an imbalance location using an insert or brazing material. The insert material may have a lower liquidus temperature than a liquidus temperatures of the shaft and balancing weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Yang Zhai, Richard A. Dlouhy
  • Patent number: 10495540
    Abstract: A wheel balancer incorporates tire bead manipulating tools under control of a processing system to apply a clamping pressure to tire sidewall surfaces of a wheel assembly secured to a spindle shaft, facilitating the proper seating of tire beads to the wheel rim. The spindle shaft is operatively coupled to a drive motor and transmission system under control of the processing system, capable of operating in both a high speed, low torque regime and a low speed, high torque regime to rotate the wheel assembly during either an imbalance measurement procedure or a tire bead adjustment procedure. A load roller assembly, under control of the processing system, is disposed to selectively apply a radial force at a tire circumferential tread surface as the wheel assembly is rotated about the spindle axis, further facilitating the proper seating of the tire beads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Joel A. Clasquin, Michael Olsen, Charles Polster
  • Patent number: 10378991
    Abstract: An angle-measuring device includes a housing and a position sensor configured to generate angle values indicating an angular position of a shaft with respect to a reference position. An interface is configured to communicate with subsequent electronics via a data channel. At least one imbalance sensor is configured to generate an imbalance signal from imbalance-induced excursions of the shaft. An imbalance analyzer is configured to generate imbalance values from the imbalance signal. A signal processor is configured to generate imbalance information from the angle values and the imbalance values. The imbalance information is transmittable through the interface to the subsequent electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
    Inventors: Ingo Joachimsthaler, Thomas Geisler
  • Patent number: 10302518
    Abstract: A wheel balancing device for balancing spoked wheels, includes a rotatable holding device that is configured to receive and rotatably support a spoked wheel to be balanced, as well as at least one spoke sensor that is configured to detect the spokes of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Beissbarth GmbH
    Inventor: Marco Montanari
  • Patent number: 10267703
    Abstract: A procedure defining a balancing strategy includes: providing a computer model which predicts the vibration amplitude at a given axial position along the spool when the spool is rotated at a given rotational speed; using the model to predict respective vibration amplitudes at the given axial position for different axial positions of a unit unbalance applied to the spool; plotting the predicted vibration amplitudes as data points on a graph of vibration amplitude against axial position of the applied unit unbalance; using the graph to identify axial positions which are more or less likely to contribute to flexing of the spool at the given rotational speed when mass is added or removed from the first rotor module to reduce imbalances at the axial positions; and defining a balancing strategy based on the identification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Andrew I J Rix
  • Patent number: 10197467
    Abstract: A calibration rotor for a horizontal balancer, configured to be driven by a driver. The calibration rotor includes a main barrel that has a longitudinal axis and the periphery of which includes points for attaching balance weights that are evenly distributed in an axial and angular manner about the axis. A rotation guide is arranged at each end of the main barrel. The rotor is modular, and the rotation guide includes adapters (40, 42) which are capable of being configured to be attached to the ends of the barrel. The guide is of a first type, suitable for rotatably guiding the barrel on rollers, or of a second type, suitable for rotatably guiding the half-shell barrel. Each type of adapter has the same predetermined moment of inertia and is interchangeable on the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventors: Alain Roland Luinaud, Alain Decocq, Christophe Guengant
  • Patent number: 10059158
    Abstract: A tire-changing machine for motor vehicles, comprising a bearing frame, at least a tire-changing device associated with the frame, having at least a support element of a wheel that can be driven in rotation around a first axis substantially vertical and at least a tool movable with respect to the support element to allow the removal of the tire from the wheel, a wheel balancing device associated with the frame, and where balancing device comprises at least a base element associated with the frame and at least a shaft supported in rotation by the base element around a second axis substantially horizontal and able to receive the wheel to be balanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: M&B Engineering S.r.l.
    Inventor: Franco Magnani
  • Patent number: 10041556
    Abstract: Method to determine a deterioration state of a brake disk of a braking system of a vehicle. The method comprises the steps of: emitting, by means of a light emitting head, a beam of light towards a face of the brake disk so as to trace on the face at least one light line, and determine a deterioration state of the brake disk on the basis of the traced light line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: TEXA S.P.A.
    Inventor: Manuele Cavalli
  • Patent number: 10024763
    Abstract: Methods and systems for improving the uniformity of a tire by determining one or more high speed uniformity parameters of the tire are provided. The high speed uniformity parameters can be determined by continuously acquiring uniformity data while ramping the tire to and from high speeds. For instance, measured uniformity data can be continuously collected for the tire as the tire is increased to high rotational speeds and decreased from high rotational speeds. The measured uniformity data can then be analyzed to determine one or more high speed uniformity parameters for the tire. For instance, the measured uniformity data can be corrected for non-high speed uniformity contributions to the uniformity measurements, such as contributions resulting from non-uniformity of a road wheel use to load the tire during uniformity testing, contributions resulting from mass unbalance of the tire, and contributions from low speed uniformity parameters of the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Verner Steve Nicholson, James Michael Traylor
  • Patent number: 9880185
    Abstract: A method includes generating motion data by receiving a gyroscope data from a gyroscope sensor, performing integration using the gyroscope data and generating an integrated gyroscope data using a first processor. The method further includes receiving a data from one or more sensors, other than the gyroscope sensor, and performing sensor fusion using the integrated gyroscope data and the data to generate motion data using a second processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.
    Inventors: William Kerry Keal, James B. Lim, Sinan Karahan
  • Patent number: 9829407
    Abstract: The present invention relates to measuring unit for measuring forces generated by unbalance of rotor mounted on measuring shaft, particularly of vehicle wheel mounted on measuring shaft of wheel balancing machine, the measuring unit comprising stationary frame, first bearing for receiving measuring shaft rotatably about its shaft axis (Z), second bearing pivotally supporting first bearing about pivot axis (Y) which intersects shaft axis (Z) and being supported on stationary frame, first force sensor for measuring forces generated by unbalance of rotating rotor and acting on measuring shaft about pivot axis (Y), and second force sensor for measuring forces generated by unbalance of rotating rotor and acting on measuring shaft and on second bearing in direction intersecting shaft axis (Z), wherein second bearing and stationary frame are integrally formed of single element as support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: SNAP-ON EQUIPMENT SRL A UNICO SOCIO
    Inventors: Lillo Gucciardino, Emilio Ribecco, Paolo Sotgiu
  • Patent number: 9733146
    Abstract: An imbalance measurement machine for determining tire imbalance has a hollow shaft rotatably driven relative to a fixed hollow axle. A tubular air feed for filling the tire with air is centered within and rotates with the shaft to rotate the tire for determining imbalance. An air hose is connected to a rotational coupling disposed at an air feed end that faces away from the tire. Force transducers between the axle and a machine bed measure forces that occur there during operation. The air hose is attached not only to the rotational coupling but also to the axle, at a distance from the rotational coupling. An alternative embodiment omits the rotational coupling and fills the tire in the resting state of the shaft, via the air hose and the non-rotating air feed. Subsequently, the air hose is separated from the air feed, and the tire retains the supplied air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Seichter GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Meinen, Max Seichter
  • Patent number: 9725287
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus for a vehicle wheel comprising a wheel support which is selectively movable in order to lift or lower a vehicle wheel which is positioned thereon. An actuator group is connected to the wheel support in order to actuate the lifting and lowering thereof. A control unit is operationally connected to the actuator group in order to control the actuation. A lifting sensor member is provided to detect the height of the wheel support. At least one actuation instruction brings about the actuation of the actuator group in order to lift the wheel support from a lowered rest position to a predetermined lifting position, which is detected by the lifting sensor member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Snap-On Equipment S.R.L.
    Inventors: Francesco Braghiroli, Gianluca Cavalli, Paolo Sotgiu, Marco Tralli
  • Patent number: 9718465
    Abstract: Methods, devices and apparatuses pertaining to stability control of a bicycle. A method may involve a control system associated with a bicycle monitoring one or more parameters related to a movement of the bicycle. The method may also involve the control system detecting an impending occurrence of an event based on the monitoring. The method may further involve the control system adjusting one or more operations related to the movement of the bicycle, including braking of the bicycle, to prevent the occurrence of the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jamel Seagraves, Darioush Aghai-yazdi
  • Patent number: 9702790
    Abstract: A wheel service machine and a method for servicing a wheel, such as a tire changer or a wheel balancer for a vehicle wheel, comprises a rotary mounting including a shaft to which the wheel is mounted, a frame work for carrying at least the rotary mounting, and a sensing device mounted to the frame work, for determining geometrical dimensions of the wheel, or parts of the wheel. The sensing device comprises a carrier element and a first sensing unit for sensing the wheel and a computing device for determining the geometrical dimensions of the wheel based on the data received from the sensing device, the first sensing unit being mounted on the carrier element. The wheel service machine further comprises a drive element for enabling a pivotal movement of the sensing device, wherein the drive element is a micro stepper motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: SNAP-ON EQUIPMENT SRL A UNICO SOCIO
    Inventors: Gianluca Cavalli, Francesco Braghiroli, Marco Tralli
  • Patent number: 9587512
    Abstract: A method for balancing rotating machinery, such as gas turbine engines, to minimize vibrations. The method involves operation of the engine for a period of time at varying power levels and ranges of other operational parameters representative of the system operating envelope to obtain vibration data (amplitude and phase) for the full range of dynamic responses of interest. This usually includes time at elevated power settings until the engine reaches thermal stability, altitude variation, etc. as well as the full engine operating range. The full set of vibration data measured during the engine run is analyzed to generate unique unbalance states. The unique unbalance states are then analyzed and the mean unbalance state is identified. Balancing masses can then be installed or removed in accordance with a balance solution that is equal and opposite to the mean unbalance state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Timothy L. Skilton, Kevin J. Pittenger
  • Patent number: 9467082
    Abstract: The present invention relates a wind turbine generator with an electrical generator, a dump load unit, for dissipating power, a wind turbine power controller and a damping controller both arranged to control wind turbine components based on a damping reference signal, the damping reference signal is a combined signal, and comprises a first reference signal and a second reference signal, the second reference signal is an oscillating part, the wind turbine power controller is controlling the power from the electrical generator according to the first reference signal and the damping controller is controlling the dump load unit to dissipate power according to the second reference signal. The invention also relates to a method for damping oscillations with wind turbine generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Jorge Martinez Garcia
  • Patent number: 9429498
    Abstract: A tire uniformity testing machine includes an upper spindle including an upper rim portion, a lower spindle including a lower rim portion, and a spindle actuator such as a servo actuator adapted to vary a distance between the upper and lower spindles along a y axis. The tire testing machine also includes a conveyor adapted to move an associated tire to be tested along an x axis in a conveying direction. The conveyor is driven by a conveyor actuator said as a servo actuator. A motion controller is provided and receives x axis position feedback indicating a conveying distance moved by the conveyor along said x axis and that uses the x axis position feedback to control the spindle actuator to vary the distance between the upper and lower spindles along the y axis according to a function y=F(x) for coordinated synchronous variation of the distance between the upper and lower spindles along the y axis in response to movement of the conveyor along the x axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Dale A. Vernyi, Glen R. Thompson
  • Patent number: 9417119
    Abstract: A Mobile Device to detect concealed items in an automobile by measuring vibration. The mathematical formula frequency of vibration uses the mass M which affects the vibration. As mass of solid surface changes, so does the vibration. If difference in the vibration is detected between the inspected vehicle and empty vehicle that is the Baseline Frequency, it may indicate concealed items. The Mobile Device contains components needed to implement this invention. An accelerometer. A vibrator or speaker. A touch screen display. A computer operating system. A computer database. A computer network connection to the internet using a wireless network. A sensor to provide the latitude and longitude location of the device during testing, through GPS, GLONASS, or NETWORK. The device also provides an electrical power source using the device battery, wall outlet electricity, or automobile charging cable connected to an automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: ABION LLC
    Inventor: Michael George Workman
  • Patent number: 9410864
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the static unbalance of a body (30) provided with a locating surface (31) by means of a center-of-gravity weighing scale (10), the method including measuring the position of the locating surface (31) of the body (30) with respect to its mount by means of electric displacement sensors (16), computing from the measurement signals of the displacement sensors (16) the eccentricity of the locating surface (31) of the body (30) with respect to the reference point of the scale (10) by means of an electric evaluating circuit, weighing the body (30) and recording mass and position of the center of gravity of the body (30) with respect to the reference point of the scale (10), and computing the unbalance of the body (30) from the measurement signals of the scale (10) and the eccentricity of the locating surface (31) of the body (30) with respect to the reference point of the scale (10) by means of the evaluating circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Schenek RoTec GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Breitwieser, Stephan Frese, Matthias Hartnagel, Thomas Wanke
  • Patent number: 9267860
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tire balance measuring device capable of minimizing the influence exerted on a measured value due to an inclination of a lock shaft even when the lock shaft (fitted shaft) is inclined in a random direction at an angle created by a gap corresponding to a fitting allowance every time a tire is supplied with gas. The tire balance measuring device of this invention comprises a sensor for measuring the inclination of the lock shaft, and a computing unit for computing an amount of change in a unbalance of the tire from an output value received from the sensor after the tire is supplied with gas, and correcting a result of measuring a balance of the tire using the computed amount of change in the unbalance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naofumi Kanei, Maiko Nakayama, Michiya Kurohashi
  • Patent number: 9243982
    Abstract: Provided is a measuring apparatus and method of train wheel wear, the apparatus including a speed measuring unit measuring speed of a train, a position measuring unit measuring a position of the train, and a calculation unit calculating abrasiveness of a train wheel on a train based on the measured speed and position of the train, whereby status of the train wheel can be accurately learned to minimize the number of devices that may be additionally installed, and to quickly measure abrasiveness of the train wheel as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: LSIS Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Woo Seok Lee, Yong Gee Cho
  • Patent number: 9188429
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for determining rotary angle related measurement data of a body mounted rotatable about an axis of rotation, the body being a vehicle wheel or a part of a vehicle wheel, in particular a tire or a rim, the method comprising the steps of obtaining measurement data comprising a plurality of measurement data elements of the rotating body together with respective measuring times, determining at least one rotational speed or revolution period of the body for at least one point in time, and associating the obtained measurement data elements to respective rotary angles of the body based on the respective measuring times and the at least one rotational speed or revolution period of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: SNAP-ON EQUIPMENT SRL A UNICO SOCIO
    Inventor: Francesco Braghiroli
  • Patent number: 9187163
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a Magnus rotor comprising a guide roller which is arranged at the lower outer periphery of the Magnus rotor and which bears against the Magnus rotor in play-free relationship, a walkway surface arranged beneath the guide roller, and a cover which covers the guide roller and the walkway surface. In an opened condition the cover exposes the guide roller and the walkway surface so that a person on the walkway surface can perform working operations at the guide roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbH
    Inventor: Rolf Rohden
  • Patent number: 9146171
    Abstract: A method of calibrating an electronic wheel balancer includes mounting a calibration wheel on the balancer shaft, the calibration wheel including mounting pins configured to engage mounting holes on a face plate. The balancer emits a visible towards the calibration wheel, the beam indicating a home position for an inner plane calibration weight on the calibration wheel. The calibration wheel is rotated to the home position and an inner weight plane calibration weight is attached to the calibration wheel. The balancer shaft is automatically rotated to obtain sensor data from force transducers on the balancer. Using the sensor data, the balancer automatically calculates and stores inner weight plane reference data. The motor shaft is stopped and the inner plane calibration weight is moved to an outer weight plane position on the calibration wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Inventors: Scott Ye, James Marler, Craig Bond
  • Patent number: 9132814
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for mitigating vibration in a vehicle. The apparatus can include a first sensor that generates a first signal that indicates a first phase angle of a first wheel of the vehicle and a second sensor that generates a second signal that indicates a second phase angle of a second wheel of the vehicle. The apparatus can further include a control module that based on the first signal and the second signal outputs a third signal to adjust at least one of the first phase angle and the second phase angle when the vehicle is experiencing a vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIOND LLC
    Inventor: Marvin J. Zurek, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9122268
    Abstract: When a rotation speed is fluctuated, a fluctuation diagram showing the relationship between a fluctuation amplitude and a fluctuation period of the rotation speed is displayed on a monitor. In addition to a current setting value, a settable range of the fluctuation amplitude and the fluctuation period is displayed on the fluctuation diagram. At least one of an optimal fluctuation period PO based on Equation (1) below and an optimal range Pl of the fluctuation period based on Equation (2) below is also displayed on the fluctuation diagram, wherein T is a rotation period of a rotary shaft, and a, amin, amax are preset coefficients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Okuma Corporation
    Inventors: Kohei Nishimura, Kiyoshi Yoshino, Hajimu Ishii
  • Patent number: 9109931
    Abstract: A fluid flow meter, including a fluid flow path and rotor. The rotor has at least one blade positioned in the fluid flow path. A ring is positioned upstream from, and adjacent to the rotor. The ring is adapted to condition the flow at the leading edge of the rotor blade over a range of operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Elster Metering Limited
    Inventors: Ross James Bardon, Ronald Desmond Claridge, Alam Rashid, Ivor Thomas Rogers, William David Stockill, Douglas Richard Wright
  • Patent number: 9057650
    Abstract: Using a force-measuring balancing machine (1), the empirically determined permanent calibration is corrected in that the resonant frequencies (?1) of the rotor (2) to be balanced are calculated, in a translatory direction and (?2) in a rotational direction, from the mass (mR) of a rotor (2) to be balanced, which is mounted in the balancing machine (1), the co-oscillating mass (Ms) of the bearing supports (3), the rigidity (c) of the bearing supports (3) and the spacing (L) of the rotor bearings, and a frequency response calculated from the resonant frequencies (?1, ?2) and the frequency (?) of the rotor (2) is introduced to the permanent calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Schenck RoTec GmbH
    Inventor: Kai Trukenmueller
  • Patent number: 9037381
    Abstract: This invention relates to the operation of gas turbine engines, and in particular to determining deterioration of components during operation. In a specific embodiment, the invention is concerned with determining the actions to be taken when a foreign body impact has been detected, for example on a fan blade. Accordingly, the invention provides a method to take one or more FOD detection apparatus, analyse the likely (probabilistic) outcome, and provide a system to determine subsequent action that assures safety whilst minimising operational disruption. This invention provides a method and apparatus to identify FOD or bird impact to gas turbine fan blades, assessing the damage that may have occurred whist still in flight and determining post impact actions, including replacement parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Ian Colin Deuchar Care