By Measuring Reaction Forces Of Transmission Gearing Patents (Class 73/862.31)
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Patent number: 11714014Abstract: A trunnion roller thrust measurement assembly includes a trunnion roller assembly and a thrust measurement assembly. The trunnion roller assembly includes a roller configured to provide rotary support of a rotary drum; a shaft attached to the roller, the shaft being aligned with an axis of rotation of the roller; and a bearing housing configured support an end of the shaft. The thrust measurement assembly includes a bearing housing end cap attachable to an end of the bearing housing; and one or more thrust sensors disposed on the bearing housing end cap. The one or more thrust sensors are configured to sense a thrust force exerted on the bearing housing end cap by an axial displacement of the shaft. An adjustment mechanism is utilized to skew the roller based on the sensed thrust force.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2020Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: ANDRITZ INC.Inventor: William Donald Glass
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Patent number: 11221066Abstract: A gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a fan section including a turbo fan supported on a turbo fan shaft, a turbine section including a turbine shaft, and an epicyclic gear train interconnecting the turbo fan shaft and the turbine shaft. The epicyclic gear train includes a sun gear coupled to the turbine shaft, intermediary gears arranged circumferentially about and meshing with the sun gear, a carrier supporting the intermediary gears, and a ring gear including first and second portions each having an inner periphery with teeth, the first and second portions arranged about and intermeshing with the intermediate gears, the first and second portions abutting one another at a radial interface, the first and second portions including respective flanges extending along the radial interface radially outward from the teeth, and the teeth of the first and second portions being oppositely angled teeth.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2020Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Michael E. McCune, Lawrence E. Portlock
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Patent number: 11054324Abstract: The coupling load measurement method allows to measure load between a first driving shaft and a second driven shaft connected by a hub coupled both with the first shaft and with the second shaft by at least one flexible coupling element coupled to the hub and to the first shaft and/or to the second shaft; the method comprises, during operation of the shafts, a measurement step of measuring a distance variation respect to a reference distance between a first flange of the hub and a second flange of the flexible coupling element and the step of using the measured distance variation for calculating the load.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2015Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Nuovo Pignone SrlInventors: Marco Marrazzo, Daniele Marcucci, Stefano Cioncolini, Filipo Gerbi
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Patent number: 11041542Abstract: A power transmission mechanism equipped with a first shaft including a first double helical gear, a second shaft including a second double helical gear and a third double helical gear arranged in alignment with the second double helical gear in an axial direction, and a third shaft including a fourth double helical gear that meshes with the third double helical gear. The second double helical gear includes a pair of right and left tooth portions whose torsional directions are reverse to each other such that the left tooth portion and the right tooth portion are offset in phase from each other, and the third double helical gear includes a pair of right and left tooth portions whose torsional directions are reverse to each other such that the left tooth portion and the right tooth portion are identical in phase to each other.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2018Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tetsuo Hamajima, Tadashi Takagaki
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Patent number: 11022045Abstract: A mechanical reduction gear is suitable for a turbomachine and, in particular, a turbomachine of an aircraft. The reduction gear includes a sun gear, a ring gear formed by two half-ring gears, planet gears arranged between the sun gear and the ring gear, and at least one shaft rotationally fixed to the ring gear. The reduction gear further includes an annular covering part that extends around the ring gear and is independently fixed by flanges and/or splines to each of the half-ring gears.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2020Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: SAFRAN TRANSMISSION SYSTEMSInventors: Clément Paul René Niepceron, Boris Pierre Marcel Morelli, Marc Dominique Seyfrid, Simon Loïc Clément Lefebvre
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Methods and apparatus for determining health status of electric actuators based on torque trend data
Patent number: 10978940Abstract: An example apparatus includes a controller operatively coupled to an electric actuator via a network. The controller is configured to obtain torque curve data over the network from the electric actuator, the torque curve data being associated with actuation of an electric motor of the electric actuator, the actuation to cause a flow control member of a motor-operated valve to move, the flow control member being mechanically coupled to the electric motor and being movable between an open position and a closed position. The controller is configured to determine an area under a torque curve based on the torque curve data, determine a variance between the area under the torque curve and an area under a reference curve, and generate a first control signal indicating that the electric actuator is healthy when it is determined that the variance does not exceed the variance threshold.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2018Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: BIFFI ITALIA S.R.L.Inventor: Carlo Doglio -
Patent number: 10942043Abstract: A rotary encoder may include a housing having an input-side portion and an output-side portion, and an internal cavity formed therein. The housing and its internal cavity can house a central shaft configured to transfer torque from an output shaft of a motor to an input shaft of a mechanical device such as a winch or a hoist. The housing and its internal cavity can house other components including printed circuit boards, an encoder disc, a ball bearing, and a seal.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2019Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: PACCAR INCInventors: Jesse Teahon, Daryl Toole, DJ Sutterfield, Brian Holdeman
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Patent number: 10648551Abstract: In one embodiment, a split torque gearbox can include a first compound gear and a second compound gear. The compound gears can each include a piston housing with a fluid inlet and a piston received in the piston housing and defining a space within the first piston housing exposed to the fluid inlet. The split torque gearbox can include a fluid line coupled to each of the fluid inlets to supply a fluid to the pistons at a predetermined pressure, the fluid line coupled to the second fluid inlet to supply fluid to the second piston assembly at the predetermined pressure. Pressure developed in the pistons is equal for all gear shafts, and can equalize torque imbalances in the split torque gearbox.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2017Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.Inventor: Ron L. Woods
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Patent number: 9964466Abstract: A device for measuring axial load on a thrust bearing in an engine having an shaft inside a fixed structure comprises: stability platform in contact with the fixed structure and prevented from motion in an axial direction; at least one load tab adjacent to and supported by the stability platform, the at least one load tab oriented perpendicularly to the axial direction, each load tab having a free end opposite the end supported by the stability platform, the free end adjacent the shaft; and deflection sensor attached to the at least one load tab and responsive to the axial load, wherein the axial load is applied to the free end of the at least one load tab. An offset body may be attached between the at least one load tab and the stabilizing body, and plurality of load tabs may be arranged symmetrically on the stability platform.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2016Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: Brian D Nicholson, Jeremy T Nickell
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Patent number: 9856967Abstract: A work machine having a diesel engine driving a plurality of ground movement devices to tow an agricultural implement. A torque estimating system is employed to determine the level of torque in the drive train between the diesel engine and the ground movement devices. The torque estimation device is a sensor determining the axial and radial deflection of an input shaft as a function of the torque transmitted between a pair of adjacent gears in the power train.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2014Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Riccardo Morselli, Garth H. Bulgrien, Stefano Fiorati, Eugenio Faggioli
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Patent number: 9758211Abstract: Described is a transmission 1 for means of transport comprising: a driving shaft 10 suitable for being positioned on the axis (“X”) of a pedals and wheel assembly 100, an intermediate shaft 20 comprising a plurality of first transmission units 200 rotated by a gear wheel 12 fixed on the driving shaft 10, a user shaft 30 comprising a respective plurality of second transmission units 300 and at least one output 32 of the transmission 1, wherein each second transmission unit 300 rotated by a respective first transmission unit 200.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: SIRAL S.R.L.Inventor: Fabrizio Storti
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Patent number: 9212892Abstract: A steering angle sensor for a vehicle including a steering angle sensor housing, a first gear, a rotation transmitting portion, a second gear meshing with the first gear, a third gear meshing with the first gear or the second gear, first and second magnetoresistance effect elements to detect first and second rotation angles as rotation angles of the second and third gears, respectively, and a biasing member disposed in the steering angle sensor housing to bias the first gear toward the second gear, wherein the first and rotation angles are combined to determine an absolute steering angle indicative of an amount of rotation of a steering wheel when the steering wheel is rotated from a neutral position in which a steerable road wheel is oriented to a straight ahead direction of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS STEERING, LTDInventors: Naoki Takayanagi, Tatsuyoshi Maruyama, Kiyotaka Shirakubo, Kohtaro Shiino
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Patent number: 9086269Abstract: A steering angle sensor 17 is provided which can minimize a detection error even when a steering shaft 6 is inclined. In an annular clearance t1 defined between the steering shaft 6 and an inner cylindrical wall of a first gear 24, there is compressed an elastic O-ring 23. Due to provision of the elastic O-ring 23, inclination of the steering shaft 6, which tends to occur during handling of a steering wheel 1, is suitably absorbed by the elastic O-ring 23, and thus, generation of detection error caused by inclination of the first gear 24, which would follow the inclination of the steering shaft 6, is suppressed or at least minimized.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2013Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS STEERING, LTD.Inventors: Naoki Takayanagi, Tatsuyoshi Maruyama, Kiyotaka Shirakubo
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Patent number: 9052011Abstract: A torque sensor system is provided, which comprises a frame supporting a first shaft and a second shaft. The first shaft comprises a first connector that is connected to second connector comprised by the second shaft so that a torque is transmittable via the first and second connectors from the first shaft to the second shaft. The first connector and second connector are formed such that transmitting a torque induces a reaction force to the frame. The frame is provided with at least one load sensor that is adapted to measure the reaction force, such that an output of the load sensor represents the transmitted torque.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2013Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Riccardo Morselli, Stefano Fiorati
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Publication number: 20140345374Abstract: A torque sensor system is provided, which comprises a frame supporting a first shaft and a second shaft. The first shaft comprises a first connector that is connected to second connector comprised by the second shaft so that a torque is transmittable via the first and second connectors from the first shaft to the second shaft. The first connector and second connector are formed such that transmitting a torque induces a reaction force to the frame. The frame is provided with at least one load sensor that is adapted to measure the reaction force, such that an output of the load sensor represents the transmitted torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2013Publication date: November 27, 2014Inventors: Riccardo Morselli, Stefano Fiorati
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Publication number: 20140283621Abstract: A torque measuring system is provided in a vehicle transmission including a clutch assembly having a two part, rotatable torque transmitting member, the two pans of the member being angularly movable relative to one another against the compression of at least one damper spring pack, and an actuator with a non rotatable cylinder for controlling the clutch. A device for radiating and receiving wave energy is arranged to irradiate the damper spring pack in order to receive a reflected modulation signal proportional to the current resonance frequency of the damper spring pack, and where the modulation signal is arranged to be converted to a torque value by a signal processing device, which torque value corresponds to the actual torque over the clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2011Publication date: September 25, 2014Applicant: VOLVO LASTVAGNAR ABInventors: Lars Bråthe, Stefan Jansson
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Patent number: 8689642Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 23, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventors: Li-Ho Yao, Simon Fan
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Patent number: 8607647Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 31, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Saris Cycling Group, Inc.Inventors: Matthew R. Wilson, Joshua G. Lohr, Jeffery T. Iverson
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Patent number: 8485050Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 29, 2011Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Inventors: Li-Ho Yao, Simon Fan
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Publication number: 20130086996Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2011Publication date: April 11, 2013Inventors: Li-Ho Yao, Simon Fan
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Patent number: 8215188Abstract: A torsion angle sensor for measuring the torsion angle of two shafts coupled with one another having two planetary gear sets coupled via a shared planet carrier, with the sun gear of each gear set being connected to one of the two shafts respectively; including an arrangement whereby when a torsion angle is created between the two shafts, a movable internal gear of one of the planetary gear sets is rotated corresponding to the torsion angle, with its outer surface driving a sensor gear, which is connected to a rotational position sensor, the output signal of which is proportional to the torsion angle.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2010Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Bourns, Inc.Inventors: Valeri Klimenko, Michael Röser
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Publication number: 20120067138Abstract: Torque can be detected in a transmission by using at least one vibration sensor to detect at least one vibration signal which is associated with a tooth engagement frequency of intermeshing transmission toothings, and the phase shift of which is dependent on at least one tooth engagement duration of the intermeshing transmission toothings. The tooth engagement duration is torque-dependent as a result of toothing deformations. A torque acting on the transmission is determined from the phase shift of the detected vibration signal and/or of the at least one tooth engagement duration.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: Winergy AGInventors: Arno Klein-Hitpass, Jan-Dirk Reimers
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Publication number: 20120006612Abstract: An electric power assisted steering system comprises a torque sensor, a motor connected to a part of the steering assembly to provide an assistance torque to the steering assembly and a motor controller which is adapted to receive an output signal from the torque sensor and to generate a motor torque demand signal indicative of the torque to be applied by said motor to said steering system. The motor torque demand signal comprises a driver demand component with a value dependent upon the value of said handwheel torque applied by the driver; and a diagnostic component with a value independent of said handwheel torque applied by said driver and which varies in value over time in a predetermined manner. The system further comprises a monitor that correlates the diagnostic component with the output signal and generates a signal indicating that the output signal is faulty if the correlation between the two correlated signals falls outside of a predefined range.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: TRW LIMITEDInventors: Russell Wilson-Jones, Birk Junghanns, Timothy Sworn, Geoffrey Tullener
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Publication number: 20110216633Abstract: The invention concerns a torque measuring device (10) for stopping the strike of a striking mechanism. It is characterized in that it includes a torque measuring lever (1), whose trajectory interferes with that of a strike wheel (11) and which is arranged to be pivoted by said strike wheel, said torque measuring lever (1) being subject to a resistant force of determined value against a drive force exerted by said strike wheel (11) during the rotation thereof, and blocking the rotation of said strike wheel if said drive force is less than said resistant force, and if not allowing said strike wheel to rotate. The invention concerns a striking mechanism including a torque measuring device (10) of this type. The invention concerns a timepiece incorporating a striking mechanism of this type.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2011Publication date: September 8, 2011Applicant: MONTRES BREGUET SAInventor: Jean-François Pesenti
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Publication number: 20110094848Abstract: This invention provides an improvement in a no-back device having a ball screw connected to a variable load of reversible polarity (±L) and having a portion penetrating a housing. The device includes a braking mechanism acting between the housing and the ball screw for producing a force that resists movement of the ball screw in the direction of an “aiding” load, but does not substantially resist movement of the ball screw in the direction of an “opposing” load. The improvement broadly includes: a first spring acting between the housing and the braking mechanism for exerting a first preload force (F1) on the braking mechanism for simulating the application of an external load on the ball screw in one of the directions; whereby the apparent operational integrity of the no-back device may be checked when no external load is applied to the ball screw.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2008Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: MOOG, INC.Inventors: Frank L. Bernhard, David J. Manzanares
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Patent number: 7739923Abstract: A torque measuring method and apparatus for a motor-operated valve including a valve driving mechanism operable to open and close the valve, a worm displacable by driving of the motor to operate the valve driving mechanism, and a spring cartridge having a plurality of belleville springs and disposed coaxially with the worm for compression by the worm. The method comprises obtaining basic data representing a relationship between the amounts of compression of the belleville springs and the torques exerted, measuring a displacement of the worm or the spring cartridge and acquiring, from the thus obtained displacement of the worm or the spring cartridge, a real amount of compression of the belleville springs in which an influence of a play of the spring cartridge has been removed, and substituting the real amount of compression for the amount of compression of the basic data to acquire a real torque corresponding to the real amount of compression.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2005Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Shikoku Research Institute IncorporatedInventors: Takeki Nogami, Shigeya Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 7610819Abstract: A mobile test unit for testing a powertrain component such as a transmission is used in a test cell. A test unit includes a movable, generally horizontal base plate, and a frame spaced from the base plate. A headstock is secured to the frame for supporting the transmission. An adjustable support, which is arranged on each of four corners of the frame in the example embodiment, interconnects the frame to the base plate. The adjustable supports are movable in a vertical direction, in one example, between multiple positions to achieve a desired orientation relative to the base plate. In particular, the orientation of the frame is adjusted to obtain a desired rotational and/or tilt angle that corresponds to a rotational and/or tilt angle of the transmission when installed into a vehicle. The transmission can be installed onto the test unit, and the test unit can be moved into and out of a test cell.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2006Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: AVL North America Inc.Inventors: Ken Barnes, Peter Posch, Wolfgang Kopecky, Walter Orth
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Publication number: 20090126511Abstract: A torque measuring method and apparatus for a motor-operated valve including a valve driving mechanism operable to open and close the valve, a worm displacable by driving of the motor to operate the valve driving mechanism, and a spring cartridge having a plurality of belleville springs and disposed coaxially with the worm for compression by the worm. The method comprises obtaining basic data representing a relationship between the amounts of compression of the belleville springs and the torques exerted, measuring a displacement of the worm or the spring cartridge and acquiring, from the thus obtained displacement of the worm or the spring cartridge, a real amount of compression of the belleville springs in which an influence of a play of the spring cartridge has been removed, and substituting the real amount of compression for the amount of compression of the basic data to acquire a real torque corresponding to the real amount of compression.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2005Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: Shikoku Research Institute IncorporatedInventors: Takeki Nogami, Shigeya Yamaguchi
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Publication number: 20080126889Abstract: A mobile test unit for testing a powertrain component such as a transmission is used in a test cell. A test unit includes a movable, generally horizontal base plate, and a frame spaced from the base plate. A headstock is secured to the frame for supporting the transmission. An adjustable support, which is arranged on each of four corners of the frame in the example embodiment, interconnects the frame to the base plate. The adjustable supports are movable in a vertical direction, in one example, between multiple positions to achieve a desired orientation relative to the base plate. In particular, the orientation of the frame is adjusted to obtain a desired rotational and/or tilt angle that corresponds to a rotational and/or tilt angle of the transmission when installed into a vehicle. The transmission can be installed onto the test unit, and the test unit can be moved into and out of a test cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2006Publication date: May 29, 2008Inventors: Ken Barnes, Peter Posch, Wolfgang Kopecky, Walter Orth
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Patent number: 7231838Abstract: An indicating instrument includes a stepping motor, a speed-reducing gear mechanism, an indicating needle, a stopper mechanism and an initializing unit. A position which the indicating needle indicates when turned by a preset angle relative to a position which the indicating needle indicates when turning of the indicating needle is mechanically stopped with the stopper mechanism is taken as a graduation-starting position. The initializing unit is to drive the stepping motor to turn the indicating needle toward the indicating needle-stopped position; after stoppage of the turning of the needle, to drive the stepping motor to turn the needle away from the needle-stopped place where the turning of the needle is mechanically stopped with the stopper mechanism, thereby to turn the needle beyond the graduation-starting position, and thereafter to drive the stepping motor to turn the needle toward the stopper mechanism; and to return the needle to the graduation-starting position and stop the needle there.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2005Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: Calsonic Kansei CorporationInventor: Kiyoshi Sasaki
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Patent number: 7201069Abstract: An angle sensor includes a first gear configured to be concentrically mounted to a rotor, a second gear configured to mesh with the first gear, and a first rotation angle detector configured to detect a rotation angle of the second gear, wherein the first rotation angle detector outputs absolute angle signals according to the rotation angle of the second gear, generates a first pulse based on rotation of the second gear, generates a second pulse having a different phase compared to the first pulse based on rotation of the second gear, generates a third pulse once per rotation of the second gear based on rotation of the second gear, varies each resolution of rotation angles of the first pulse, the second pulse, and the third pulse, and detects the rotation angle of the second gear in accordance with the resolution.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2004Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Takashi Sakabe
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Patent number: 7066050Abstract: A life counter that calculates and records the life utilized of the flywheel in a flywheel energy storage system and indicates when it should be removed from service, based on operational history instead of monitoring for symptoms of failure. The life counter can effectively monitor and measure any or all of the flywheel energy storage system parameters, such as the flywheel structural life, vacuum system life, bearing system life and electronics life. The life counter ensures safe operation of highly stressed flywheels by indicating when the safety margin for the flywheel is reached so that the flywheel energy storage system can be removal from service prior to encountering a risk of catastrophic failure. In some cases, failures may not be preceded by measurable warning symptoms, so removal from service at a calculated end of life would be desirable.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2002Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Inventors: Christopher W Gabrys, David R. Campbell
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Patent number: 7062980Abstract: A control apparatus is provided that facilitates the operation of a component that is subjected to stress from a stress-inducing component. The apparatus comprises an operation sensing unit that senses when the component should be operated; a stress reducing unit that provides a signal for reducing an amount of stress applied to the component from the stress-inducing component when the operating sensing unit senses that the component should be operated; and a control unit that provides a signal for operating the component a predetermined time after the stress reducing unit provides the signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2004Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Shimano, Inc.Inventors: Ryuichiro Takamoto, Masato Tanida
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Patent number: 7017426Abstract: A drive coupling arrangement for transmitting torque from a drive arrangement to a gear assembly under test has a first coupler portion attached to the gear assembly under test. The coupler has a polygonal cross-sectional configuration and a plurality of substantially planar surfaces that extend parallel to the predetermined length of axis, in the form of an assembly nut of the gear assembly under test at a rotatory terminal thereof. A second coupler portion is coupled to the drive arrangement and has an internal cross-sectional configuration that accommodates the polygonal cross-sectional configuration of the first coupler portion. The second coupler portion has a plurality of engagement portions that communicate exclusively with a predetermined number of the substantially planar surfaces of the first coupler portion, and is axially translatable along the first coupler portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2004Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Veri-Tek International Corp.Inventors: James C. Juranitch, Robert D. Olschefski
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Patent number: 6988420Abstract: An apparatus for testing power transmission components of a locked gear train having two helical gears coupled on a first shaft meshed with two helical pinions coupled on a second shaft, with the two gears arranged to axially translate (while rotating) with respect to the two pinions when a linear force is applied to a thrust bearing at an end of the first shaft. The axial displacement of the two gears causes torsional displacements of the meshed gear and shaft elements, creating a dynamic torque within the locked train assembly. Under rotation, this dynamic torque subjects the components within the locked gear train to a much higher power level for testing.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2003Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Assignee: Lufkin Industries, Inc.Inventors: Christopher E. Peterson, Curtis W. Havard, Robert Guizzetti, Kenneth O. Beckman
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Publication number: 20030233888Abstract: A system and method for determining a torque value within a transmission, whereby an actual torque is determined from an axial force of a torque-transmitting helical gear wheel in the transmission, particularly from a measured bearing force of this gear wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2003Publication date: December 25, 2003Inventor: Armin Gierling
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Publication number: 20010036880Abstract: The angular motion translator is a device with direct mechanical coupling which allows a user to reliably and durably change the angular relationship between two elements in a rotating frame (i.e. two output shafts) by changing the angular relationship between two elements in a static reference frame, whereby the change in the angular relationship of the elements in the rotating frame is proportional to the change in the angular relationship of the elements in the static reference frame. Essentially, the angular motion translator is comprised of two linked identical planetary gear sets facing one another as mirror images. Matching elements in the two planetary gear sets are held static, although one of the static elements may be rotated with respect to the other, matching elements are rigidly attached together so that they rotate as a single unit, and the remaining matching elements are attached to either the input shaft and the inner output shaft or the outer output shaft respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2001Publication date: November 1, 2001Inventor: George Paul Baker