Responsive To Torque Patents (Class 73/862.08)
  • Patent number: 8726742
    Abstract: A torque sensing system having a torque sensor, and a steering system, are provided. The torque sensor includes a first rotor having apertures extending therethrough and bar magnets disposed in the apertures. The torque sensor further includes a second rotor defining an interior region with the first rotor being disposed in the interior region. The second rotor has tooth members extending toward the first rotor. The torque sensor further includes first and second Hall effect sensors disposed in an open region of the second rotor proximate to the first rotor. The first and second Hall effect sensors generate first and second signals, respectively, indicative of an amount of torque applied between the first rotor and the second rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Mohammad S. Islam, Mohammed Rakibul Islam, Matthew Mielke, Christian E. Ross, Scott Blehm
  • Patent number: 8714024
    Abstract: A device for axial load measurement on a mechanical control device having a rotating shaft may be used to derive a torque measurement. A mechanical control device may comprise a valve actuator for fluid flow control devices. The load measurement device may include a beam operatively connected to a rotatable shaft and configured to deform under axial displacement of the shaft. A sensor may be coupled with the at least one beam and configured to produce an output signal related to the axial displacement of the shaft. The beam may be retained between two bearings on the rotatable shaft at a first end, and fixed to a housing of the mechanical control device at a second end. The first end of the beam may displace axially with the rotatable shaft. The beam may comprise a discrete segment of a uniform width and thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Flowserve Management Company
    Inventors: Byron A. Fleury, Daniel J. Morris, William C. Hooss
  • Patent number: 8707803
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring torque in a rotary encoder between the encoder body and encoder shaft. The apparatus includes a rotary stage for mounting and rotating the body of the rotary encoder, a probe arm having a first end for engaging the shaft of the rotary encoder in a stationary position, and a force sensor mourned on an adjustable assembly. The adjustable assembly enables the force sensor to be placed in contact with a second end of the probe arm, such that the plane of the force sensor is parallel to a plane defined by the vertical center plane of the probe arm passing through an axis of rotation of the shaft of the rotary encoder. By rotating the encoder body at a constant speed in clockwise and counterclockwise directions and measuring torque at regular time intervals, the range of torque, torque grittiness, and torque hysteresis may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Avid Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Hsiao-hwa Chao, Douglas A. Peterson, James J. McTigue, Edward L. Ludwick, II
  • Patent number: 8701498
    Abstract: A device for determining material properties includes a bottom panel extending from a first end to a second end of the device, for supporting a material to be tested. A closed loop flexible wall extends upwardly from the panel and is in operational engagement with a flexible wall idle means towards the first end of the device and a flexible wall driving means in spaced relation with the flexible wall idle means. The flexible wall driving means causes movement of the closed loop flexible wall along a predetermined closed loop path. The flexible wall driving means and the means of driving it are arranged at a position outside of a material containment area of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: The University of Sydney
    Inventors: Itai Einav, Pierre Rognon, Thomas Miller
  • Patent number: 8689642
    Abstract: A torque sensor has an envelope tube, a middle cylinder mounted in the envelope tube, a inner cylinder mounted through the middle cylinder, a resilient element connected to the middle cylinder and the inner cylinder, a first disc and a second disc respectively attached to the inner cylinder and the middle cylinder, and a detection unit detecting a displacement angle of the second disc and the first disc to calculate a torque applied to the inner cylinder. The torque sensor has a simple structure, fast, sensitive and accurate torque sensing ability, and can be used on all kinds of mechanisms that rotate when a force is applied thereon to calculate and quantify amounts of energy and work of the exerciser according to the torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventors: Li-Ho Yao, Simon Fan
  • Patent number: 8683876
    Abstract: A load sensor assembly for measuring an amount of torque transmitted through a torque establishing element includes a core mounted on a transmission housing and a load sensor mounted on the core. The load sensor is positioned against a portion of the torque establishing element whereby a portion of the amount of torque transmitted through the torque establishing element travels through the load sensor and is measured. A cable is connected to the load sensor for transmitting a signal representative of the amount of torque to a transmission controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yuji Fujii, Ted D. Snyder, Gregory Michael Pietron, James William Loch McCallum, Mohamed Redissi, David Popejoy, Jau-wen Tseng, Seung-hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 8671781
    Abstract: A method for detecting a developing torque for a hybrid drive, the hybrid drive having a first drive unit, in particular an electric motor, and a second drive unit, in particular an internal combustion engine, the drive units being coupleable with the aid of a separating clutch, wherein the separating clutch is brought into a predefined engaged position, the torque of the first drive unit is changed, and the developing torque is detected at the predefined engaged position as a function of the change in the torque of the first drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Kazumasa Sakuta
  • Publication number: 20140013861
    Abstract: A torque sensing apparatus has a torque adjusting assembly and a non-contact sensing assembly. The torque adjusting assembly has a fitting unit, a regulating rod and a regulating seat. The non-contact sensing assembly has a first device and a second device. The regulating rod is rotatably mounted through the fitting unit. The regulating seat is movably mounted on the regulating rod and located outside the fixed plate of the fitting unit. The first device is mounted on the fixed plate. The second device is mounted on the regulating seat and kept from contacting the first device. The non-contact sensing assembly detects a change of the distance between the first device and the second device and generates a signal to a controller, and the controller gauges a torsional value of the torque adjusting assembly. Therefore, the non-contact sensing assembly is not abraded and increases the precision of the torque sensing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: Mu-Chuan WU
  • Patent number: 8607647
    Abstract: A bicycle power sensing system includes an electronics module that can be separated from a power-measuring hub assembly. The power-measuring hub assembly includes onboard electronics that cooperates with the electronics module when the electronics module is attached to the power-measuring hub assembly. The onboard electronics includes a memory module that stores a calibration value for a torque tube of the power-measuring hub assembly so that the torque tube does not have to be recalibrated after the electronics module is removed from the power-measuring hub assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Saris Cycling Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew R. Wilson, Joshua G. Lohr, Jeffery T. Iverson
  • Patent number: 8590401
    Abstract: Make-up speed for a tongs drive system is monitored and controlled to maintain the speed within a limited target range either throughout the make-up process or during the final portion of the make-up process, thereby improving make-up consistency and allowing for improved evaluation or torque during the make-up process. An encoder generates speed and position data during the make-up process. The speed data is compared to a target speed, which is based on rod and/or tongs characteristics. If the speed does not match the target speed or is not within a range of the target speed, a signal is transmitted to the tongs drive to adjust the speed accordingly. Furthermore, position data from the encoder, or other position sensors, provide position data for the rod during the make-up process to limit or vary the speed control parameters during different portions of the make-up process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Key Energy Services, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Conquergood, David Lord
  • Publication number: 20130305840
    Abstract: A method and system for correcting for the inertial error of a transducer as a function of frequency by applying a delay to a leading signal of the transducer to provide phase compensation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Byron Saari, Mark Schletty
  • Patent number: 8567261
    Abstract: A device for checking the seal-tightness of closure caps on medical hollow bodies has a drive, a retaining element for the hollow body, and a retaining device for the closure cap. The retaining device is pivotably supported relative to the retaining element. The device further includes a sensor for the relative rotation of the retaining device with respect to the retaining element. A torque may be applied to the closure cap by the drive, the retaining element, and the retaining device. A hollow body and a closure cap are gripped by the retaining device and the retaining element from the same side, as viewed along the longitudinal axis of a hollow body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Arzneimittel GmbH Apotheker Vetter & Co. Ravensburg
    Inventors: Thomas Fischer, Manfred Simader, Günter Kavallar
  • Publication number: 20130269444
    Abstract: A device for determining material properties includes a bottom panel extending from a first end to a second end of the device, for supporting a material to be tested. A closed loop flexible wall extends upwardly from the panel and is in operational engagement with a flexible wall idle means towards the first end of the device and a flexible wall driving means in spaced relation with the flexible wall idle means. The flexible wall driving means causes movement of the closed loop flexible wall along a predetermined closed loop path. The flexible wall driving means and the means of driving it are arranged at a position outside of a material containment area of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: The University of Sydney
    Inventors: Itai Einav, Pierre Rognon, Thomas Miller
  • Patent number: 8544313
    Abstract: A rotary-angle and rotary-torque sensing device includes a first rotator rotating together with a steering shaft, a second rotator rigidly mounted to the first rotator, a rotary torque sensor for sensing rotary torque generated between the first rotator and the second rotator, a first sensor rotating together with the first rotator, a second sensor rotating together with the second rotator, a rotary angle sensor for sensing rotary angles of the first sensor and the second sensor, and a controller for detecting rotary torque by using the rotary torque sensor and the rotary angle sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Hirose, Kiyotaka Sasanouchi
  • Patent number: 8528421
    Abstract: A device for measuring the torque of a hairspring for a balance wheel-hairspring oscillator includes an arbor on which a seat is arranged, a benchmark element, pivoting means for pivoting the arbor, means for keeping the outer end of the hairspring fixed relative to the arbor during measurement, elastic elements provided on a portion of the seat, and means for acting on the elastic elements. The inner end of said hairspring is secured to a collet, the diameter of the seat of the arbor is of a dimension to allow a driving connection by friction with the wall of an axial aperture of the collet, and the elastic elements are formed to bring, under the action of the action means, the section of the portion of the seat forming the driving connection from a greater dimension to a smaller dimension than that of the axial aperture of the collet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Rolex S.A.
    Inventor: Marc Cerutti
  • Patent number: 8516903
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for adjusting the position of an electronic module along a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis, in which the first, second, and third axes are all perpendicular to each other, includes a first adjustment block, a second adjustment block, and a third adjustment block. The first adjustment block is movable along the first axis and the second axis and is mounted against movement along the third axis. The second adjustment block is coupled to the first adjustment block, is movable along the second axis, and is mounted against movement along the first and third axes. The third adjustment block is disposed between the first adjustment block and the second adjustment block, is movable along the second and third axes, and is mounted against movement along the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Veeresh Shivaprakash Yagati, Gautham Ramamurthy, Max Jarrell, Sivaprakash Eswaran
  • Patent number: 8490503
    Abstract: A torque-adjusting machine includes a securing fixture, a torque-detecting mechanism, a driving device and an adjusting mechanism. The securing fixture is capable of retaining a first bracket of a hinge. The driving device is capable of retaining a second bracket of the hinge. The torque-detecting mechanism is connected to the securing fixture and capable of detecting torque of the hinge through rotating the first bracket of the hinge relative to the second bracket of the hinge. The adjusting mechanism includes an adjusting pole. The adjusting pole is capable of moving from a first position, where the adjusting pole is capable of engaging with the hinge and adjusting the torque of the hinge by rotation, to a second position, where the adjusting pole is capable of being disengaged from the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teng-Tsung Huang, Guo-Jun Yu, Yong-Bing Hu, Zhan Shang
  • Patent number: 8485048
    Abstract: A torque transfer coupling includes a shaft and a first second set of hydraulic devices. Each hydraulic device of the first set of hydraulic devices has a first end operably connected to a first end of the shaft, wherein the hydraulic devices of the first set of hydraulic devices are disposed about an axis of the shaft. Each hydraulic device of the second set of hydraulic devices has a first end operably connected to a second end of the shaft, and wherein the hydraulic devices of the second set of hydraulic devices are disposed about the axis of the shaft. Each hydraulic device can include a piston and cylinder assembly wherein extension and retraction of each piston of each hydraulic device is generally tangential to a portion of a circle encircling the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Bushey, Martin M. Gram, Jay S. Warner, Zdenek Mestenhauser, Robert J. Orange
  • Patent number: 8485050
    Abstract: A torque sensor assembly for a power-assisted bicycle has a torque sensor, a one-way bearing, a chainwheel, two cranks and two pedals. The torque sensor has an envelope tube, a middle tube, a transmission axle, a resilient element connected to the middle tube and the transmission axle, a first disc and a second disc respectively attached to the transmission axle and the middle tube, and a detection unit detecting displacement angles of the second disc and the first disc to calculate torques applied to the transmission axle and to drive the power-assisted bicycle according to the torque. The torque sensor assembly has a simple structure, fast, sensitive and accurate torque sensing ability, and can easily be assembled to all kinds of power-assisted bicycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventors: Li-Ho Yao, Simon Fan
  • Patent number: 8464598
    Abstract: A torque measurement device including: a power shaft transmitting rotary torque about the axis of the power shaft; a first wheel carrying angle marks, the wheel being secured to the power shaft; a reference shaft including a second wheel carrying angle marks; and a sensor placed facing at least one of the wheels to determine the torque transmitted by the power shaft. The first wheel includes first and second series of angle marks and the second wheel includes third and fourth series of angle marks. The marks of the first and third series are mutually parallel, while the marks of the second and fourth series are mutually parallel and are inclined relative to a first axial plane containing the axis, the marks of the first series being inclined relative to the marks of the second series, whereby the signal supplied by the sensor is representative of temperature of the power shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Turbomeca
    Inventors: Yannick Cazaux, Gerald Senger
  • Patent number: 8453519
    Abstract: A torque testing device includes a base, a clamping device for clamping a fastener, a holing cylinder mounted on the base, a mounting beam mounted on the holding cylinder, a moving component, a rotation component, and a torque wrench. The mounting beam defines a nesting hole. The moving component includes a tubular member received in the nesting hole and a driving component mounted on the mounting beam for driving the tubular member towards the fastener. The rotation component includes a rotation shaft and at least one rotation element positioned between the rotation shaft and the tubular member. The rotation shaft is moved with the tubular member towards the fastener. The rotation shaft is capable of being rotated about the tubular member through the rotation element. The torque wrench is connected to the rotation shaft for applying torque to the rotation shaft and revealing the value of the torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bing-Jun Zhang
  • Patent number: 8453518
    Abstract: An inductive torque sensor for a motor vehicle is provided that has an excitation coil, an oscillator circuit which is coupled with the excitation coil and which generates a periodic alternating voltage signal and couples it with the excitation coil during operation, a stator circuit board with first receiver means and second receiver means with each having a number of periodically repeated receiver structures, at least two rotors which can be rotated relative to one another and relative to the stator circuit board and which influence the strength of the inductive coupling between the excitation coil and the receiver means, and evaluation means suitable for evaluation of the signals induced in the receiver means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Hella KGAA Hueck & Co.
    Inventors: Jörg Diekmann, Roman Schamne
  • Publication number: 20130118273
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor arrangement including a torque sensor for measuring the torque acting on a first shaft and including a rotational angle index unit. The first shaft is supported by at least one bearing, the seal of the bearing including a magnetic index encoder that is detected by at least one magnetic sensor element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL TEVES & CO. OHG
    Inventor: Henrik Antoni
  • Patent number: 8418568
    Abstract: A flexible member test apparatus comprising a driver member having a first diameter and a second diameter, the first diameter is not equal to the second diameter, a first driven member coupled by a first flexible member to the driver member through contact of the first flexible member with a first diameter surface, a second driven member coupled by a second flexible member to the driver member through contact of the second flexible member with a second diameter surface, the first driven member rotationally coupled to a magnetic particle clutch, and the second driven member rotationally coupled to the magnetic particle clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Dean Schneider, Alexander Serkh, Imtiaz Ali, Peter Ward
  • Publication number: 20130086995
    Abstract: A torque sensor has an envelope tube, a middle cylinder mounted in the envelope tube, a inner cylinder mounted through the middle cylinder, a resilient element connected to the middle cylinder and the inner cylinder, a first disc and a second disc respectively attached to the inner cylinder and the middle cylinder, and a detection unit detecting a displacement angle of the second disc and the first disc to calculate a torque applied to the inner cylinder. The torque sensor has a simple structure, fast, sensitive and accurate torque sensing ability, and can be used on all kinds of mechanisms that rotate when a force is applied thereon to calculate and quantify amounts of energy and work of the exerciser according to the torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventors: Li-Ho YAO, Simon Fan
  • Publication number: 20130079693
    Abstract: A method of constructing a sensor includes depositing a first material in a predetermined arrangement to form a structure. The depositing results in at least one void occurring within the structure. The method further includes depositing a second material within the voids. The second material may have electrical properties that vary according to deformation of the second material. The method also includes providing electrical access to the second material to enable observation of the one or more electrical properties. A sensor includes a structure that has one or more voids distributed within the structure. The sensor also includes a material deposited within the one or more voids. The material may be characterized by one or more electrical properties such as piezoresistivity. The sensor includes a first contact electrically coupled to a first location on the material, and a second contact electrically coupled to a second location on the material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
  • Patent number: 8397588
    Abstract: Disclosed is a torque angle sensor and an electronic power steering apparatus having the torque angle sensor, which includes an upper case, an upper side of which is assembled with a sensor housing, a rotor assembled with an inside of the upper case, the rotor fitted around an outer surface of the output shaft extending through the rotor and assembled with an inside of the upper case, a lower case, a lower side of which is assembled with a spacer cover, and a middle case assembled between the upper case and the lower case. The upper case includes holding parts opposed to each other and formed on an upper surface of the upper case, which is assembled with the sensor housing, and a seating spring protruding downward with inclination from an end of one of the holding parts and elastically bent when the upper case is assembled with the sensor housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventor: Rae-cheong Kang
  • Patent number: 8393232
    Abstract: A torque detector includes an output body, an input body adapted to permit a torque to be applied thereto, a torque beam unit, and a detecting unit disposed between the input and output bodies for converting a relative rotation of the input and output bodies into an electric signal. The torque beam unit includes a shaft, at least one flexible first beam extending radially and outwardly from the shaft and having a proximate end portion connected to the shaft, and a distal end portion connected to and co-rotatable with the output body, and at least one second flexible beam extending radially and outwardly from the shaft in a direction different from that of the first beam and having a proximate end portion connected to the shaft, and a distal end portion connected to and co-rotatable with the input body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Automotive Research & Testing Center
    Inventors: Tsung-Hsien Hu, Chau-Chih Yu, Chih-Jung Yeh
  • Publication number: 20130055828
    Abstract: An improved structure for a torque sensor assembly adapted for use in a vehicle steering system and method for producing the same. According to one embodiment, the torque sensor assembly includes a housing formed from a suitable material having a cavity; at least one flux concentrator and at least one hall effect IC disposed in the cavity of the housing; and a cover secured to the housing to close the cavity in the housing in a permanent and fluid-tight manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: TRW AUTOMOTIVE U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Engelbert Lu, Jeremy Gonyou
  • Publication number: 20130049860
    Abstract: A bicycle-use measuring apparatus includes a sensor, a signal amplifying section and a gain control section. The sensor is configured to be installed on a bicycle having a rotating part. The signal amplifying section amplifies an output of the sensor. The gain control section adjusts a gain of the signal amplifying section in accordance with changes in a rotational state of the rotating part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Satoshi KITAMURA
  • Patent number: 8375809
    Abstract: A method for determining a load on a driven component of a rotating or stationary electromechanical system includes locating a rotationally flexible shaft portion in operable communication with a driving component having a drive rotor rotable about an axis and the driven component. The shaft portion is operably connected thereto. Angular positions of the drive rotor and the driven component are determined. A magnitude of a load on the driven component is calculated based on a difference in angular position of the drive rotor and the driven component and a known torsional rigidity of the shaft portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Terrill G. Power, David Everett Russ, David G. Hill
  • Patent number: 8371178
    Abstract: A turbopump for a rocket engine includes a rotor shaft with a turbine connected to drive the rotor and a centrifugal impeller connected to be driven by the rotor. An electromagnetic powered motor is formed as part of the turbopump and is powered to drive the rotor at a low speed in order to test for an amount of torque required to drive the rotor at the low speed. A load cell is connected to the motor that rotates the rotor shaft. From the use of a load cell the amount of torque required to rotate the rotor can be determined and compared to a known value in order to determine if the turbopump is damaged and requires repairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew P Wall
  • Patent number: 8352149
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for verifying proper operation of a gas turbine engine output torque sensor using a speed sensor, and using the speed sensor as a backup torque sensor. Gas turbine engine output torque is sensed using a reference torque sensor, and gas turbine engine output shaft rotational speed is sensed. Gas turbine engine output torque is calculated from the sensed gas turbine engine output shaft rotational speed. The sensed gas turbine engine output torque is compared to the calculated gas turbine engine output torque to determine if the reference torque sensor is operating properly. The gas turbine engine is controlled at least partially based on the sensed gas turbine engine output torque if the reference torque sensor is determined to be operating properly, and is controlled at least partially based on the calculated output torque if the reference torque sensor is determined to be not operating properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Walter L. Meacham
  • Publication number: 20120297894
    Abstract: A torque sensor comprises a freewheel with a first rotating element for transferring a torque to be determined to a second rotating element which is coaxial to the first rotating element, the transfer occurring in one rotational direction, and devices for determining a rotation of the first rotating element relative to the second rotating element in said rotational direction and for determining the torque using the determined relative rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Rolf STROTHMANN
  • Publication number: 20120266693
    Abstract: A torque testing device includes a base, a clamping device for clamping a fastener, a holing cylinder mounted on the base, a mounting beam mounted on the holding cylinder, a moving component, a rotation component, and a torque wrench. The mounting beam defines a nesting hole. The moving component includes a tubular member received in the nesting hole and a driving component mounted on the mounting beam for driving the tubular member towards the fastener. The rotation component includes a rotation shaft and at least one rotation element positioned between the rotation shaft and the tubular member. The rotation shaft is moved with the tubular member towards the fastener. The rotation shaft is capable of being rotated about the tubular member through the rotation element. The torque wrench is connected to the rotation shaft for applying torque to the rotation shaft and revealing the value of the torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD .
    Inventor: BING-JUN ZHANG
  • Patent number: 8286508
    Abstract: A system for monitoring landing gear position. An example rotation position sensor includes a hub mount that locks within a shaft of a joint, a first sensor attached to the hub mount, and a second sensor attached to the rotatably attached part that does not rotate. The hub mount includes a nut that has a partially tapered surface and a threaded cavity. The nut is secured within the shaft. The hub mount also includes a mounting unit that has a partially tapered surface that is in opposition to the partially tapered surface of the nut. A fastener secures the hub mount to the nut. In one example, the first sensor includes a magnetometer and the second sensor includes magnet(s). In another example, the first sensor includes inductor sensor(s) and the second sensor includes device(s) that causes a change in an inductance value of the inductor sensor(s) as the joint rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Odd Harald Steen Eriksen, Shuwen Guo, Yosief Abraha
  • Publication number: 20120160037
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gear mechanism comprising at least one drive shaft and at least one output shaft, which enter a gear mechanism housing through a respective opening. The drive shaft and/or the output shaft comprise a magnetically or optically coded section in the region of the respective opening. The coding in said section may be changed by the effect of a torque or a force on the drive shaft or output shaft. Moreover, at least one gear wheel connected to the drive shaft and at least one gear wheel connected to the output shaft are provided that are directly or indirectly engaged with one another. In addition, the gear mechanism according to the invention comprises at least one scanning unit for detecting the magnetic or optical coding of the drive shaft or output shaft in a contact free fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: WINERGY AG
    Inventor: Ralf Martin Dinter
  • Patent number: 8181539
    Abstract: A fluid parameter measuring instrument relies upon a torque transmitting member comprising an integrally joined and substantially concentric shaft within a tube to transfer torsional stress across a pressure differential barrier without a penetration aperture seal. On one environmental side of the barrier, a pair of thin wall beams having strain gauges secured thereto are secured proximate of the beam mid-points to the torque transmitting member and the opposite ends to barrier structure. The strain gauges are connected in an electrical balance circuit to measure torque as a function of stress on the beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Leroy C. Delatorre
  • Patent number: 8161828
    Abstract: A load cell structure for receiving strain gages to monitor applied torsional forces wherein the opposing force-receiving ends have a plurality of sensing beams spaced about an axis of rotation. Limit posts located between the ends each have a discontinuity therein that includes a U-shaped gap to limit relative rotation about the axis and thereby providing overload protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Lavar Clegg, Lawrence J. Burrow
  • Patent number: 8161613
    Abstract: The invention is based on a method for producing a screw connection by means of a cutout screwdriver (10) that terminates a screw driving operation when a predetermined torque is achieved. According to the invention, data relating to an operation are detected in the cutout screwdriver (10) and transmitted to an external monitoring unit (20). The invention also discloses a device for executing the method as well as a cutout screwdriver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Schuele, Mike Voigt
  • Patent number: 8156824
    Abstract: An orthopedic simulator is provided with a mechanism with a plurality of sub-mechanisms that generate relative motions between the portions of orthopedic devices, such as spinal disc implants. The sub-mechanisms are configured to be nested so as to place the sub-mechanism with the highest required performance closest to the specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley D. Schulz, Paul J. Leska, Sr., Dennis J. Willis, Harold F. Fahrendorff
  • Publication number: 20120067077
    Abstract: A torque estimating device of a compressor for an ejector-type refrigerant cycle device includes a high pressure detector disposed to detect a physical amount having a relation with a high-pressure side refrigerant pressure of a refrigerant cycle, an evaporation pressure detector disposed to detect a physical amount having a relation with a refrigerant evaporation pressure in a suction side evaporator, a pressurizing estimating portion for estimating a pressurizing amount in a pressure increasing portion of an ejector to be increased in accordance with an increase of a pressure difference between the high-pressure side refrigerant pressure and the refrigerant evaporation pressure, and a suction pressure estimating portion for estimating a suction refrigerant pressure of the compressor by using the pressurizing amount estimated by the pressurizing estimating portion. Thus, a drive torque of the compressor can be accurately estimated in the ejector-type refrigerant cycle device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenta Kayano, Takeshi Wakisaka, Takekazu Kanou, Yoshikatsu Sawada
  • Patent number: 8132473
    Abstract: A gobo wheel with automatic detection system that automatically detects a rotational position of the gobo. The rotational position can be detected by a magnetic marking system. Each of the gobos can be randomly placed within the holder. The position of the gobos can be automatically determined during a start up routine for example, and then those positions can be stored and used for later determination of a position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Production Resource Group, LLC
    Inventor: James Bornhorst
  • Publication number: 20120031201
    Abstract: A method for detecting a developing torque for a hybrid drive, the hybrid drive having a first drive unit, in particular an electric motor, and a second drive unit, in particular an internal combustion engine, the drive units being coupleable with the aid of a separating clutch, wherein the separating clutch is brought into a predefined engaged position, the torque of the first drive unit is changed, and the developing torque is detected at the predefined engaged position as a function of the change in the torque of the first drive unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Kazumasa Sakuta
  • Patent number: 8109156
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a torque sensor comprising a torsion spring having first and second sides which are rotated with respect to one another by a torque applied to the torque sensor, wherein a mechanical coupling apparatus is provided between the first and second sides of the torsion spring and includes a movement element which is moved in the axial direction by a rotation of the first side with respect to the second side. In addition, a measuring apparatus is provided for the measurement of the axial movement of the movement element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Liebnerr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH
    Inventors: Katy Schmeisser, Stefan Hauzenberger, Fred Bassett
  • Publication number: 20120017701
    Abstract: The present application relates to an input torque measuring device for a drive train of a bicycle. The drive train includes a first crank arm and a second crank arm. An inboard end of each crank arm is rotatably mounted to the bicycle at a bottom bracket of the bicycle. At least one chain ring is configured to rotate a driven wheel of the bicycle. A spider is connected to the first crank arm adjacent the bottom bracket and extends out to the at least one chain ring. The spider is configured to transmit force applied to the crank arms directly to the at least one chain ring. The spider may include a plurality of sensors configured to respond to the force applied by the spider to the at least one chain ring. The sensors produce an electronic signal relative to the force transmitted by the spider to the at least one chain ring and a processor configured to receive the electronic signals from each sensor of the spider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: SRAM. LLC
    Inventor: James Isaac Meyer
  • Publication number: 20120006968
    Abstract: A valve tester suspension assembly for allowing one person to perform the tasks necessary to test underground valves includes an articulated arm attached to a mobile base such as a vehicle. The articulated arm may be biased such that the biasing assists in supporting the weight of a rotating assembly positioned at a distal end of the articulated arm. The articulated arm is pivoted to permit positioning of the rotating device in a substantially horizontal orientation at a desired position within a three dimensional space adjacent to the base to which the articulated arm is attached. A method of use is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: LYNDON J. HURLEY
  • Patent number: 8079273
    Abstract: A device for detecting power for exercise equipment has a wheel driven by a person exercising, a speedometer for determining the speed of rotation of the wheel and a brake jaw supported by a mounting device and applicable against the wheel. The mounting device is connected to the frame of the exercise equipment and has a moving part which supports the brake jaw and which, under the action of the braking force, is applicable against a resilient shoulder. The shoulder has a strain gauge for measuring elastic deformations in the shoulder and thereby also indirectly the size of the braking force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: Tomas Svenberg
  • Patent number: 8074527
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the continuous torque monitoring of a hybrid drive composed of an internal combustion engine with an engine control unit and an inherently safe electric drive with a control unit, wherein a permissible total torque is compared with the sum of an actual torque of the electric drive and an actual torque of the internal combustion engine. If the permissible total torque is reduced by the actual torque of the electric motor and is formed by a permissible torque of the internal combustion engine, it is largely possible by means of this method for existing software to be utilized further, and said software need not be amended. In the engine controller, it is largely possible for calculations to be carried out with torques which are normalized to the maximum torque of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Niemann, Thorsten Juenemann
  • Publication number: 20110239815
    Abstract: A drive device for a machine, which has a drive shaft that can be rotated about an axis, and two driving cranks which are connected to the shaft in an angularly rigid manner in relation to the axis thereof. In order to determine the torque applied to the drive shaft in a simple and economical manner, the drive device has at least one magnetostrictive body connected to the driving cranks in a fixed manner, and a magnetic field sensor for measuring the magnetic stray field of the magnetostrictive body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Harald Grab, Michael Pausch