By Measuring Elastic Deformation Of A Torque Transmitting Member Patents (Class 73/862.321)
  • Patent number: 11921468
    Abstract: A method for measuring the torque of a balance spring, made, in particular, of micromachinable material. A gripper places the collet on an insertion guide on the vertex of a mock obelisk-shaped arbor for a first centring of the collet, this balance spring is allowed to slide under its own weight along the guide surmounting a frustoconical shank that completes the self-centring of the collet on the tool axis, and for holding this balance spring without stress on the shank, the mock arbor including a drive device cooperating with the inner contour of the collet for the relative driving in rotation thereof without slipping, a holding tool holds the outer coil of the balance spring, to measure the torque of the balance spring by rotating the main tool and/or the holding tool about the axis, without stressing the balance spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Nivarox-FAR S.A.
    Inventors: Nicola Giusto, Joseph Balossi, Francois Fahrni, Davy Cretenet
  • Patent number: 11821472
    Abstract: A power-output torque detection mechanism includes an axle having two ends to which an input assembly and an output assembly drivable by the input assembly are respectively mounted. A torsion coupling assembly is arranged between the input assembly and the output assembly and the torsion coupling assembly is operable to detect a torque value that is transmitted out in a wired manner. As such, it is possible to fulfill fine and precise detection and transmission of a torque value, while avoiding distortion resulting from noise interference to allow subsequent input of assisting power to be more timely and more accurate. Further, the structure is effectively simplified to allow easy production and maintenance for further reducing overall cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Inventor: Li-Ho Yao
  • Patent number: 11654584
    Abstract: An actuator includes a casing, an output disc, a transmission component, a cable, a power source, and a tension adjustment assembly. The output disc and the transmission component are rotatably disposed on the casing. The cable is disposed through the transmission component and connected to the output disc. The power source can drive the transmission component. The tension adjustment assembly includes a lever, an elastic component, and a slidable component. The lever has a first end and a second end opposite to each other. The first end is connected to the cable. The elastic component is connected to the casing and the second end of the lever. The slidable component is in contact with a portion of the lever located between the first end and the second end, and is slidable along the lever to change its position to adjust a tension of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Cheng-Kai Huang, Zhi-Xiang Chen, Chi-Ying Lin, Chien-Ping Wu
  • Patent number: 11621694
    Abstract: A torque sensor chip including a semiconductor substrate, an acoustic reflector formed on the semiconductor substrate, and first and second Lamb wave resonators (LWRs). The first LWR is formed on a side of the acoustic reflector opposite the semiconductor substrate. The first LWR is at a first angle with respect to an axis of the IC. The second LWR also is formed on the side of the acoustic reflector opposite the semiconductor substrate. The second LWR is at a second angle, different than the first angle, with respect to the axis of the IC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeronimo Segovia Fernandez, Peter Smeys
  • Patent number: 11351729
    Abstract: An assembly-type axial drive module includes: a first motor having a gear protruding from a rear side thereof; a first board coupled to the rear side of the first motor; a second board coupled to a rear side of the first board; a third board coupled to a rear side of the second board; a fourth board coupled to a rear side of the third board; a fifth board coupled to a rear side of the fourth board; a sixth board coupled to a rear side of the fifth board; a seventh board coupled to a rear side of the sixth board to provide weight balancing; and a second motor coupled to a rear side of the seventh board and connected to a filament storage unit storing filaments to move the filaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Anatz Inc.
    Inventor: Dongyub Lee
  • Patent number: 11208091
    Abstract: A vehicle control device for a vehicle provides a predetermined control based on the rotational characteristic, the vehicle including a rotation lock mechanism preventing rotation of a coupling portion of the rotating member coupled to the engine on the engine side of the rotating member in at least one direction, the vehicle control device comprising: a characteristic detecting portion detecting the rotational characteristic by applying a torque to the rotating member from the electric motor to measure a twist angle of the rotating member while the rotation of the coupling portion is prevented by the rotation lock mechanism; and a characteristic correspondence control portion setting a control value related to an engine rotation speed based on the rotational characteristic detected by the characteristic detecting portion to provide the predetermined control by using the control value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takayuki Nishida, Kenji Gotoda, Hiroki Kuwamoto, Tomoya Takeuchi, Taku Harada, Akira Nakata, Kenji Miyasaka
  • Patent number: 10989614
    Abstract: Provided is a torque sensor that includes: a bearing that is provided with an inner ring and an outer ring that are supported so as to be relatively movable only in the direction of rotation about a predetermined axis; a connecting member that is provided with fixing sections that are respectively fixed to the inner ring and the outer ring and a strain generation section that connects between the fixing sections; and a strain sensor that is disposed on the connecting member so as to be capable of detecting a strain at least in the circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazutaka Nakayama
  • Patent number: 10507068
    Abstract: A method of verifying torque measurements of a reaction torque transducer of an instrument drive unit includes a controller receiving a verification signal, generating an acceptable range of torques, receiving a torque signal, comparing the torque signal to the acceptable range of torques, and stopping a motor if the torque applied by the motor is outside of the acceptable range of torques. The verification signal is indicative of the current drawn by the motor and the torque signal is indicative of torque applied by the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Brock Kopp, Philip Irka, Mark MacLeod
  • Patent number: 9987094
    Abstract: A reaction torque transducer for mounting a motor of an instrument drive unit includes a motor plate, a mounting plate, and a flex ring. The motor plate is fixed to the motor and the mounting plate is fixed to a fixed structure. The flex ring is positioned between the motor plate and the mounting plate. The flex ring includes a body having a first end and a second end that are moveable relative to one another. The first end of the body is fixed to the motor plate and the second end of the body is fixed to the mounting plate. The body is configured to flex in response to the first and second ends moving with respect to one another. A strain gauge is positioned on the body of the flex ring and is configured to measure flexation of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Robert Allen, Chi Min Seow, Michael Zemlok
  • Patent number: 9850995
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrokinetic torque coupling device for a motor vehicle, comprising a torque input element (11) intended to be coupled to a crankshaft (1), an impeller wheel (3) rotationally coupled to the torque input element (11) and able to hydrokinetically drive a turbine wheel (4) through a reactor (5), a torque output element (8) intended to be coupled to a transmission input shaft (2), clutch means (10) able to rotationally couple the torque input element (11) and the torque output element (8) in an engaged position, through damping means (21, 25) and able to rotationally uncouple the torque input element (11) and the torque output element (8) in a disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Valeo Embrayages
    Inventor: Alexandre Depraete
  • Patent number: 9822862
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrokinetic torque coupling device for a motor vehicle, comprising a torque input element (11) intended to be coupled to a crankshaft (1), an impeller wheel (3) rotationally coupled to the torque input element (11) and able to hydrokinetically drive a turbine wheel (4), a torque output element (8) intended to be coupled to a transmission input shaft (2), clutch means (10) able to rotationally couple the torque input element (11) and the torque output element (8) in an engaged position, through damping means (21, 25) and able to rotationally uncouple the torque input element (11) and the torque output element (8) in a disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Valeo Embrayages
    Inventor: Alexandre Depraete
  • Patent number: 9810593
    Abstract: A torque and power measuring device corresponding to the non-drive side cyclist leg, comprising a hollow shaft connecting the two bicycle crank arms with strain sensors arranged in the shaft surface. These sensors are connected to an electronic control unit housed inside the shaft, to which are also connected other different sensors to measure a plurality of interesting quantities (pedaling cadence, crank arm angular position . . . ). This electronic control unit picks the sensor signals up, stores them and performs pre-programmed software operations to later wirelessly output the result signals towards a receiving device for analysis and/or storage them, by means of an antenna located outside the shaft and anchored to the outer surface of the jointed crank arm with the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignees: Rotor Componentes Tecnologicos S.L., Indra Sistemas, S.A.
    Inventors: Pablo Carrasco Vergara, David Martinez Garcia, Octavio Campos Barroso, Jose Anton Herraiz
  • Patent number: 9810711
    Abstract: An inertial sensor includes a base portion, a weight portion, a connection portion, and a first sensing element unit. The connection portion connects the weight portion and the base portion and is capable of being deformed in accordance with a change in relative position of the weight portion with respect to the position of the base portion. The first sensing element unit is provided on a first portion of the connection portion and includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, and a nonmagnetic first intermediate layer. The nonmagnetic first intermediate layer is provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hideaki Fukuzawa, Michiko Hara, Yoshihiko Fuji, Yoshihiro Higashi, Shiori Kaji, Akio Hori, Tomohiko Nagata, Akiko Yuzawa, Akira Kikitsu
  • Patent number: 9310264
    Abstract: A device, method, and system that allows the easy add on attachment of an applied-power sensor, assuring precise measurements over time, even in vibrating environments such as exercise environments. The device possesses structural qualities such that tightening the wrapping latch around a measured object/part presses a loaded spring between the object/part and the sensor, achieving and maintaining sufficient and constant contact, thus allowing continuously precise measuring. The device also includes a transmitter to transmit the measured data to an external data processing device and may include a processor to process the data before transmitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: WATTEAM LTD
    Inventors: Eliyahu David, Ofir Gal-On
  • Patent number: 9003896
    Abstract: A torque sensor includes a central hub, a fastening ring arranged radially outwardly from and coaxially circumferentially around the central hub, a continuous imperforate flange disc that extends radially between and interconnects the central hub and the fastening ring, and strain gages or other force transducers for measuring a torsional shear strain in the flange disc. The flange disc has blind pocket recesses that are recessed into the flange disc from one or both axial sides thereof. Each pocket recess is bounded at the bottom by a pocket recess floor. Strain transducers are mounted on the inner surfaces of the pocket recess floors in the pocket recesses and/or on the outer back surfaces of the pocket recess floors on the opposite side of the flange disc. The strain transducers measure torsional shear strain in the recess floors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Hottinger Baldwin Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Nold, Juergen Andrae
  • Patent number: 8960020
    Abstract: A non-contacting torque sensor comprises a magnetic flux generating rotor and a magnetic flux detecting probe. The magnetic flux generating rotor is disposed axially between a first stator and a second stator and has a radially outboard surface and plurality of N pole magnets and S pole magnets alternatingly disposed proximate the radially outboard surface. Each stator has a plurality of stator teeth, with each one of said plurality of stator teeth corresponding to a unique one of said plurality of N pole magnets and S pole magnets. The magnetic flux detecting probe is disposed at a distance from the radially outboard surface and configured for detecting variations in magnetic flux produced by the magnetic flux generating rotor to detect a change of a relative twist between the magnetic flux generating rotor and the first stator and second stator. The N pole magnets and S pole magnets are injection molded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Mohammad S. Islam, Mazharul H. Chowdhury
  • Patent number: 8943905
    Abstract: A torsion measurement device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device includes a component having a marked surface and an optical sensor. The marked component and the optical sensor may be attached to a tube or other elongate member and positioned to enable the optical sensor to measure angular deflection of the tube from rotation of the marked component with respect to the optical sensor. The angular deflection may be combined with other data to determine applied torque and torsional stress on the tube or other elongate member. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventors: David H. Theiss, Brian D. Bibighaus
  • Patent number: 8904883
    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: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventors: LaVar Clegg, Lawrence J. Burrow
  • Publication number: 20140318271
    Abstract: A rotation instruction is transmitted to a motor in a state where a workpiece placement table connected to a rotation shaft of the motor is clamped by a clamp mechanism provided in a rotation table, and a clamp torque is measured based on motor torque information in accordance with the rotation instruction and a change in rotation shaft state (a rotation position, a rotation speed, and the like).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: FANUC Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroki TEZUKA
  • Patent number: 8857272
    Abstract: Method for determining torque of an electric motor on a vehicle, a torque being generated by an electric motor rotor and being transmitted from a drivetrain to at least one drive wheel, including: measuring the rotor rotation angle, determining the torque generated by the rotor, the at least one drive wheel driven by the rotor being fixed, the stationary rotor not generating any torque and a first rotation angle of the stationary rotor being measured, subsequently a torque applied by the rotor to the drivetrain, so that the rotor performs rotational movement due to the drivetrain stiffness, and subsequently, in an equilibrium state between the torque generated by the rotor and a counter torque of the drivetrain, a second rotation angle of the rotor being measured, the torque generated by the rotor and/or the total stiffness of the drivetrain being ascertained from the measured values of the rotor rotation angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Gunther Goetting
  • Publication number: 20140137669
    Abstract: A first angle acquiring unit acquires a rotational angle of a characteristic portion in a predetermined region on an inlet side of an insertion member of a linear body extending through the insertion member. From an image of the linear body inserted into a body of a subject, a second angle acquiring unit acquires a direction of a curved portion of the linear body inserted into the body of the subject and then acquires a rotational angle of a distal end of the linear body. A torque calculation unit calculates a torque based on a difference between the rotational angle in the predetermined region acquired by the first angle acquiring unit and the rotational angle of the distal end of the linear body acquired by the second angle acquiring unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Taichi SATO, Yuko TSUSAKA, Yudai FUDABA
  • Patent number: 8707804
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a load bench for applying on the rotary shaft of a device to be tested, such as an actuator or the like, radial loads and variable torques provided by controlled reproduction means. Advantageously, the controlled reproduction means include two identical reproduction modules arranged in parallel and symmetrically relative to the rotary shaft to be tested, each of which comprises a torque motor, a torsion rod, and a connecting rod-crank connection connecting the torsion rod to the rotary shaft of the mechanism to be tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: MBDA France
    Inventor: Rinaldo Jean Costantino Rossi
  • Patent number: 8707805
    Abstract: A transfer apparatus for mounting and transferring a transferred component on a driven means, the transfer apparatus includes: a driving means for rotating a driving side pulley by a rotational driving force of a motor to move a belt wound around the driving side pulley, thereby moving the driven means coupled to the belt in a predetermined direction; and a transfer monitoring means for monitoring a transfer state of the driven means, wherein the transfer monitoring means detects a torque value of the motor required to move the driven means, calculates a torque differential value of the torque value with respect to time based on the detected torque value, and detects the transfer state using the calculated torque differential value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Junnosuke Maki, Mitsuteru Yano, Seiji Nakano, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Yasunori Toyoda, Suguru Enokida, Naruaki Iida, Hiroki Harada
  • Patent number: 8650969
    Abstract: A magnetostrictive torque sensor includes a rotation shaft, a magnetostrictive member, and a plurality of detectors. The rotation shaft is rotationally supported. The magnetostrictive member is disposed on a surface of the rotation shaft and being deformable in accordance with a magnitude of rotation torque applied to the rotation shaft to change magnetic permeability. The plurality of detectors are disposed on a periphery of the rotation shaft. Each of the detectors is configured to detect a change in magnetic permeability of the magnetostrictive member in a form of an electrical change. The detectors are configured to detect different amounts of electrical change from one another if amounts of change in deformation are same throughout the magnetostrictive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Arimura, Yasuo Shimizu, Takeshi Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 8578794
    Abstract: The present invention involves a method and apparatus for canceling the effects of magnetic field noise in a torque sensor by placing three sets of magnetic field sensors around a shaft, the first set of field sensors being placed in the central region of the shaft and the second and third sets of field sensors being placed on the right side and left side of the field sensors placed at the central region, respectively. A torque-induced magnetic field is not cancelled with this arrangement of field sensors but a magnetic near field from a near field source is cancelled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Methode Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Seong-Jae Lee
  • 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: 20130233090
    Abstract: A measuring device for measuring the torque of a torsion spring, includes a base, an electronic scale secured to the base, a supporting plate fixed to the base, and a holding mechanism slidably secured to the supporting plate. The holding mechanism includes a screw slidably secured to the supporting plate, two nuts engaging with the screw and arranged at opposite sides of the screw, and a holding portion for holding the torsion spring. The nuts are operated to adjust the height of the screw relative to the supporting plate, to drive the torsion spring to depress the electronic scale. The electronic scale displays a weight value for calculating the torque of the torsion spring when depressed by the torsion spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: WEI LIU, XUE-DONG TANG
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130074609
    Abstract: Method for determining torque of an electric motor on a vehicle, a torque being generated by an electric motor rotor and being transmitted from a drivetrain to at least one drive wheel, including: measuring the rotor rotation angle, determining the torque generated by the rotor, the at least one drive wheel driven by the rotor being fixed, the stationary rotor not generating any torque and a first rotation angle of the stationary rotor being measured, subsequently a torque applied by the rotor to the drivetrain, so that the rotor performs rotational movement due to the drivetrain stiffness, and subsequently, in an equilibrium state between the torque generated by the rotor and a counter torque of the drivetrain, a second rotation angle of the rotor being measured, the torque generated by the rotor and/or the total stiffness of the drivetrain being ascertained from the measured values of the rotor rotation angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: Gunther Goetting
  • Publication number: 20130000419
    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: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Veeresh Shivaprakash Yagati, Gautham Ramamurthy, Max Jarrell, Sivaprakash Eswaran
  • Patent number: 8292247
    Abstract: A cable anchor utilizes a spring assembly to reduce tensile stresses on a cable over a wide range of tensile forces. Some examples utilize a plurality of springs, with each spring sequentially acting to reduce tensile stresses on the cable as the tensile force increases. Other examples utilize a reel that permits movement of the cable through rotation of the reel to further reduce stress on the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventors: Mark A. Fuller, William F. Lang, IV
  • Patent number: 8250935
    Abstract: The invention relates to a torque measurement device having a torque measurement shaft disposed between two flanges, whereby an intermediate shaft is provided between at least one of the two flanges and the measurement shaft, which intermediate shaft is disposed axially at the same height as the measurement shaft, on a different radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: GIF Gesellschaft fuer Industrieforschung mbH
    Inventor: Herbert Meuter
  • Patent number: 8234937
    Abstract: A torque sensor includes an adjustable platform vertically adjustable to place a sensing module near a rotating target to obtain measurements there from with a sensing element. The apparatus can be configured to include a bottom channel mounted to a base and a PCB tray mounted to a top channel, the PCB tray and top channel vertically adjustable from the base by a rotating shaft. The top and bottom channels are coupled to side bars and side channels in pairs movably connected by joint pins with a rotatable shaft movably connecting said joint pins. The sensing module is movable with respect to the base via rotation of said rotatable shaft causing movement of said pair of side bars and side channels, placing said sensing element nearest a target to obtain rotational movement data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Prem Anand Ramalingam
  • Publication number: 20120173167
    Abstract: There is described a method for determining the torque applied to a pedal axle (210) under load. The method comprises measuring the strain experienced by the pedal axle (210) as a result of the load, determining the orientation of the load from the strain measurement, determining the magnitude of the load from the strain measurement and determining torque from the orientation and the magnitude. There is also described a method for determining the orientation of a pedal axle (210) under load. The method comprises measuring the strain experienced by the pedal axle (210) as a result of the load and determining the orientation of the load from the strain measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: Power Pedals Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Zvonimir Thomas Lukatela
  • Publication number: 20120144933
    Abstract: The invention relates to a torque sensor, which consists of two disc-shaped fastening flanges (1, 2) that lie parallel opposite one another, and that are connected with one another by a radially inner moment or torque transmission element (3). In that regard, one fastening flange (2) is embodied as a measuring flange, which comprises several recesses (5, 5?) on a coaxial encircling area between its outer fastening ring surface (10) and the torque transmission element (3), and shear force transducers (20) are applied on the outer- (19) or base surfaces (15) of the recesses. The invention is characterized in that the recesses (5, 5?) are formed by at least three measuring pockets, which are separated from one another by at least three radial stiffening webs (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: HOTTINGER BALDWIN MESSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Werner Nold, Juergen Andrae
  • Patent number: 8197300
    Abstract: Correction of grinding spindle positions in double-side grinding machines for the simultaneous double-side machining of semiconductor wafers is achieved by torsionally coupling the two grinding spindles, each comprising a grinding disk flange for receiving a grinding disk, and providing a measuring unit with an inclinometer and two sensors for distance measurement, between the two grinding disk flanges such that the grinding spindles are essentially in the position they would have with mounted grinding disks during the grinding process, wherein the coupled grinding spindles are rotated while inclinometer and sensors determine radial and axial correction values of axial alignment to adjust the grinding spindles to a symmetrical orientation. The spindle positions may be corrected under the action of process forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Siltronic AG
    Inventors: Joachim Junge, Robert Weiss
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120074933
    Abstract: The present invention involves a method and apparatus for canceling the effects of magnetic field noise in a torque sensor by placing three sets of magnetic field sensors around a shaft, the first set of field sensors being placed in the central region of the shaft and the second and third sets of field sensors being placed on the right side and left side of the field sensors placed at the central region, respectively. A torque-induced magnetic field is not cancelled with this arrangement of field sensors but a magnetic near field from a near field source is cancelled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: Seong-Jae LEE
  • Publication number: 20120067140
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a load bench for applying on the rotary shaft of a device to be tested, such as an actuator or the like, radial loads and variable torques provided by controlled reproduction means. Advantageously, the controlled reproduction means include two identical reproduction modules arranged in parallel and symmetrically relative to the rotary shaft to be tested, each of which comprises a torque motor, a torsion rod, and a connecting rod-crank connection connecting the torsion rod to the rotary shaft of the mechanism to be tested.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: Rinaldo Jean Costantino Rossi
  • Publication number: 20120048035
    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: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: ROLEX S.A.
    Inventor: Marc CERUTTI
  • Patent number: 8113066
    Abstract: A chuck-integrated force-measuring system for determining cutting forces at the cutting tool tip of a rotating tool, for example a drill or milling cutter having at least one measuring sensor, as well as a measured-value processing station. The at least one measuring sensor is designed as a strain sensor which is placeable on a tool holder of a machine tool. A measuring hub assembly is also provided which is insertable as an adapter piece into the chuck of the machine tool and is designed with its own chuck for receiving the tool, the at least one measuring sensor being integrated in the adapter piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: pro.micron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Eckstein, Guenter Breitkopf, Richard Huber, Thomas Jaeger
  • Patent number: 8087304
    Abstract: The present invention involves a method and apparatus for canceling the effects of magnetic field noise in a torque sensor by placing three sets of magnetic field sensors around a shaft, the first set of field sensors being placed in the central region of the shaft and the second and third sets of field sensors being placed on the right side and left side of the field sensors placed at the central region, respectively. A torque-induced magnetic field is not cancelled with this arrangement of field sensors but a magnetic near field from a near field source is cancelled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventor: Seong-Jae Lee
  • Publication number: 20110252894
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an improved fence jumping detection rod that solves the problem in regard to erroneous alarms caused by unspecified external factors such as approaching animals, strong winds, or the like, and that is capable of quickly restoring to the original state after detection of a fence jumping. To achieve the object, the fence jumping detection rod according to the present invention includes: a support rod having a support portion for supporting a mesh or a line, and a shaft coupling portion extending to the one side of the support portion; a shaft support coupled to the shaft coupling portion via a joint shaft to enable the support rod to move in an arc-like motion; an elastically supported ball allowing the support rod to move in an arc-like motion only when a torque greater than a torque set about the joint shaft is imposed on the shaft coupling portion; and a sensing means for sensing an arc-like motion of the support rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Dae Jong JUNG
  • Patent number: 8024956
    Abstract: An angular position measurement system including a continuous angular position sensor configured to provide a first signal representative of a continuous angular position of a rotating shaft, an incremental angular position sensor configured to provide a second signal representative of incremental angular positions of the rotating shaft, and a controller configured to calibrate the first signal based on the second signal to provide a third signal representative of a calibrated continuous angular position of the rotating shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Dirk Hammerschmidt, Patrick Leteinturier, Wolfgang Granig
  • Patent number: 8020454
    Abstract: A torque detection device has a magnetic flux collecting ring, arranged outside an outer periphery of a magnetic circuit forming member which is provided in a rotating body applied with a torque, for collecting a magnetic flux generated by the magnetic circuit forming member; a detector for detecting the torque applied to the rotating body based on a density of the magnetic flux collected by the magnetic flux collecting ring; and a holding ring for holding the magnetic flux collecting ring and the detector and including an attachment part to be attached to a stationary object on an outer periphery on one side in a radial direction. An attachment-preventing convex part for preventing attachment to the stationary object by contacting the stationary object is formed on one end face in an axis line direction of the holding ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignees: JTEKT Corporation, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiharu Ishihara, Yoshitomo Tokumoto, Sinji Hakamata, Kaname Joushita, Tomoharu Horiuchi, Noriyuki Yahata, Naoki Nakane
  • Patent number: 8006574
    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 chain ring is attached to the spider by a fastener extending through a bushing within an opening of the spider. Sensors may be attached to the spider or the crank arms and may be directly connected to a flexible circuit board. The sensors, the flexible circuit boards and other components of the input torque measuring device may be encapsulated in a protective material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: James Meyer
  • Patent number: 8001848
    Abstract: A torque measurement device associated with a power driven ground engaging device having a power supplying device and a load. The torque measurement device includes a rotatable shaft, a first detectable feature, a second detectable feature, a plurality of sensors and an electrical controller. The rotatable shaft has a longitudinal axis, a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the power supplying device and the second end is connected to the load. The first and second detectable features are respectively associated with a first longitudinal position and a second longitudinal position on the shaft. The plurality of sensors include a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor is proximate to the first detectable feature and the second sensor is proximate to the second detectable feature. The first sensor produces a first signal and the second sensor produces a second signal as the rotatable shaft rotates about the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Robert J. White, Timothy J. Kilworth
  • Patent number: 7975561
    Abstract: A torque sensing arrangement has a set of strain sensors, such as strain gauges, mounted to an adapter that can be mounted to a chain ring of the crank set of a bicycle wheel. The adapter may have an annular body that can be used to retrofit the original crank set of a bicycle to have torque sensing components without having to replace the chain rings or the crank arm of the crank set. Together with angular velocity measurements, the measurements of the strain sensors may be used to calculate the amount of work or power exerted by the cyclist to propel the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Saris Cycling Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse Ambrosina, Harald Quintus-Bosz, Robert M. Shydo, Jr., Clint D. Kolda, Jeffery T. Iverson, Joshua G. Lohr
  • Publication number: 20110094316
    Abstract: A torque-indicating extensive apparatus includes an extensive rod, two sensors and a display unit. The extensive rod includes a first engaging section for engagement with a handle, a second engaging section for engagement with a bit, a middle section extending between the first and second engaging sections, and a waist formed on the middle section. The size of the waist is larger than that of the second engagement section so that stress is not concentrated in the waist when torque is transmitted through the extensive rod. The sensors are attached to the waist. The display unit is electrically connected to the sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: Wei-Ning HSIEH