Using An Electrical Sensor Patents (Class 73/862.325)
  • Publication number: 20130312539
    Abstract: A torque sensor includes: a torsion bar; a multi-pole magnet; a pair of yokes on an outside of the multi-pole magnet in a radial direction and providing a magnetic circuit in a magnetic field generated by the multi-pole magnet; and a pair of magnetic sensors arranged along a circumferential direction. Each magnetic sensor includes a magnetism sensing part for detecting a magnetic flux density generated in the magnetic circuit, and outputs a detection signal to an external computing device. The magnetic sensors output the detection signals to the external computing device such that the computing device calculates a sum of outputs or a difference of outputs of the magnetic sensors so as to cancel a variation of the outputs produced by a magnetic flux generated from the multi-pole magnet and directly reaching the magnetism sensing parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Osamu SHIMOMURA, Yoshiki TAKAHASHI, Kenji TAKEDA, Shigetoshi FUKAYA
  • Publication number: 20130312540
    Abstract: A torque detecting apparatus detects a torque applied to a first shaft, based on a relative rotational displacement between the first shaft and a second shaft caused by torsion in a coupling shaft which couples the first shaft and the second shaft. The torque detecting apparatus includes: first and second magnets which are coupled to the first shaft and the second shaft so as to rotate together with the first shaft and second shaft, respectively; and a plurality of magnetic sensors which are disposed between the first magnet and the second magnet and which detect a rotational angle of the first shaft and a rotational angle of the second shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasunobu Tomizawa, Hideki Higashira, Seiji Uematsu, Takeshi Ueda, Yoshinobu Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20130305843
    Abstract: A torque angle sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a torque sensor unit and an angle sensor unit at a housing centrally arranged with a rotation shaft, the torque sensor unit including a stator installed inside the housing, a torque magnet rotatably installed at a center of the stator in conjunction with rotary operation of the rotation shaft, a collector installed at the housing to transmit a magnetic field of the torque magnet, a magnetic device module formed with an individually operating first magnetic device and a second magnetic device in one package to detect the magnetic field transmitted by the collector, and a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) mounted with the magnetic device module, wherein the PCB is arranged to a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the rotation shaft and installed at a distal end with the magnetic device module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang Hwan LEE, Young Wuk LEE, Myung Chul WOO
  • Publication number: 20130298698
    Abstract: A torque sensor which detects a deflection angle between an input and an output shaft which are aligned with a shaft axis. An annular sine ring, annular cosine ring, and annular flux return ring, each constructed of a ferromagnetic material, are coaxially disposed around the shaft axis. A sine spoke has one end attached to the output shaft and its other end closely adjacent the sine ring and, similarly, a cosine spoke is secured to the output shaft at one end and is positioned closely adjacent the cosine ring at its other end. A pair of flux return spokes are also secured to the output shaft, each diametrically opposed from the sine or cosine spoke, and have their outer ends closely adjacent the return ring. A magnetic flux bridge is formed between the return flux ring and the sine ring as well as the cosine ring while magnetic sensors determine the magnitude of the flux across each bridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: KSR Technologies Co.
    Inventor: Ryan W. Elliott
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130276551
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rotor for a torque sensor configured to improve a mechanical coupling force with respect to a jig in a process of adjusting a torque center, thus enabling a fine adjustment, the rotor including a rotor body having a sleeve coupled to a rotating shaft and a yoke protruding from an outer circumference of the sleeve, a ring-shaped magnet coupled to an outer circumference of the yoke, and an anti-slip structure formed on the rotor body and partially coming into contact with a jig during a rotating process for adjusting a torque center, thus inhibiting slipping between the rotor body and the jig when a rotating force is transmitted, so that slipping between the jig and the rotor body is inhibited to enable precise transmission of the rotating force whereby accuracy is improved during fine adjustment of the torque center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Changhwan LEE
  • Publication number: 20130255401
    Abstract: A torque detection device includes a yoke unit. The yoke unit includes a first magnetic yoke and a second magnetic yoke. The first magnetic yoke and the second magnetic yoke each are formed of a strip-shaped soft magnetic plate. The first magnetic yoke has yoke proximity portions and yoke distant portions that are formed by bending the soft magnetic plate. The second magnetic yoke has yoke proximity portions and yoke distant portion that are formed by bending the soft magnetic plate. The distance between each of the yoke proximity portions and a permanent magnet is shorter than the distance between each of the yoke distant portions and the permanent magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yutaro ISHIMOTO
  • Patent number: 8539810
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a method for calibrating a torque measurement for a rotatable object is disclosed, wherein the method includes coupling the rotatable object to a structure, the structure including a member extending along a length of a surface of the rotatable object, coupling the rotatable object to an adapter and applying a known torque to the rotatable object via the adapter. The method also includes measuring a first rotational displacement via a first sensor coupled to the member at a first axial location of the rotatable object, measuring a second rotational displacement via a second sensor coupled to the member at a second axial location of the rotatable object and determining first and second angular displacements of the rotatable object based on the first and second rotational displacements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Peter Ping-Liang Sue, Lawrence Brown Farr, II, Derek Ray Wilson
  • Patent number: 8511166
    Abstract: A strain sensor apparatus for a rotatable shaft including an emitter/receiver, a vibration element attached to the shaft and arranged for receiving and reflecting signals to and from the emitter/receiver wherein the vibration element includes asymmetric stiffness properties between a radial and axial and/or circumferential directions relative to a rotational axis of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: Werner Schiffers, John R. Webster
  • Patent number: 8505393
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: James Isaac Meyer
  • Publication number: 20130192390
    Abstract: A torque detection device includes: a magnetic flux collecting unit, and a sensor housing. The magnetic flux collecting unit includes a holder, first and second magnetic flux collecting rings, and a magnetic shield. The holder has upper and lower through-holes. The first and second magnetic flux collecting rings are fitted to an inner periphery of the holder. The magnetic shield is fitted to an outer periphery of the holder so as to cover the through-holes. The sensor housing is formed integrally with the magnetic flux collecting unit by supplying resin onto an outer periphery of the magnetic flux collecting unit. The holder has a resin flow passage in its outer periphery. Resin that is supplied at the time of forming the sensor housing flows into the through-holes through the resin flow passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventor: JTEKT CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8468898
    Abstract: Magnetically encoded shafts for use in detecting forces exerted on the shaft during operation. Magnetically encoded regions, arranged in tracks or bands, encircle the shaft and are formed within or affixed to the shaft. The magnetically encoded regions define force-sensitive regions therebetween. Magnetic fields surround the force-sensitive regions and are altered by force vectors passing through the force sensitive region. These magnetic fields are sensed by magnetic field sensors to determine various shaft parameters including, for example: shaft rotational speed, shaft rotational position, and forces exerted on the shaft, e.g., torque, bending forces, stress forces and strain forces. To provide continuous detection of shaft operational parameters and forces, dead zones between magnetically encoded regions are aligned with force sensitive regions associated with magnetically encoded regions in other bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Marko Baller, Christof Sihler
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130125668
    Abstract: Disclosed are a stator assembly and a torque assembly device. The stator assembly includes a. stator holder, a first stator which includes a first body making contact with an upper end of the stator holder and a plurality of first teeth extending from the first body so as to be disposed inside the stator holder, a second stator which includes a second body making contact with a lower end of the stator holder and a plurality of second teeth extending from the second body so to be alternately aligned with the first teeth inside the stator holder, and a fusion-welded. material that is fusion-welded to the stator holder and the first and second bodies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8438937
    Abstract: Sensors for outputting signals indicative of a rate of change of torque experienced by a magnetized member in response to a change in torque experienced by the member are described. Such sensors include at least one sense element capable of detecting a change in a magnetic parameter of a magnetized region of the member positioned proximate to the sense element in response to a change in torque applied to the member. Devices for detecting and/or measuring rates of changes in or of torque that employ one or more of these sensors are also described, as are various applications for such devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventors: Ivan J. Garshelis, Ryan J. Kari, Stijn P. L. Tollens
  • Publication number: 20130113410
    Abstract: A torque detection device includes: a torsion bar that couples a first shaft to a second shaft; a magnet that is fixed to the first shaft; and a pair of magnetic yokes that are fixed to the second shaft and that are arranged to face each other in an axial direction. Each of the magnetic yokes includes a yoke ring and a plurality of lugs that are arranged in a circumferential direction on the corresponding yoke ring. Each yoke ring includes an extending portion that extends radially outward from base portions of the lugs, and a bent portion that is bent in the axial direction from a radially outer end portion of the extending portion. The outer size of the pair of magnetic yokes in the axial direction is larger than or equal to the length of the magnet in the axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventor: JTEKT CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8418570
    Abstract: A torque sensor detects a torque acting on a torsion bar provided between a first shaft and a second shaft on the basis of a magnetic flux density led to a rotating magnetic circuit portion from a magnetism generating portion. The magnetism generating portion includes a back yoke and a ring magnet. The back yoke includes a fitting portion fitted onto the first shaft, a joint portion to which the ring magnet is joined, and a stress reduction cutout that suppresses a transmission of a deformation stress generated in a radial direction of the fitting portion to the joint portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Maehara
  • 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: 8286507
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement for measurement of a torque acting on a shaft, wherein the shaft has a first shaft section and a second shaft section and these two shaft sections can rotate with respect to one another, having at least one magnetic encoder which is arranged on the first shaft section and having a stator which is arranged on the second shaft section, wherein the stator has two stator elements each having projecting fingers, and a flux concentrator is associated with each of the stator elements and directly or indirectly supplies to a magnetic field sensor element the magnetic field which is to be detected and is produced by the magnetic encoder, wherein the at least one flux concentrator includes a ring or ring sector, is arranged essentially in the radial outer area with respect to at least one stator element and is magnetically coupled thereto via an air gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Markus Bastian, Manfred Goll
  • Publication number: 20120227514
    Abstract: A rotor includes a cylindrical magnet having a plurality of magnetic pole pairs. There are two types of the magnitude of magnetic force in the magnetic pole pairs, that is, a relatively large first magnetic force and a second magnetic force that is smaller than the first magnetic force. Three magnetic sensors are arranged around the rotor. A rotation angle computing device detects the peak values of output signals of the respective magnetic sensors. Then, the rotation angle computing device identifies the magnetic pole pair, sensed by the first magnetic sensor, based on a combination of the local maximum values of the three output signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takeshi UEDA
  • Publication number: 20120205931
    Abstract: A force sensor of the present invention corrects the output voltages of Hall elements without using a temperature sensor in response to changes in the characteristics of a magnet and the Hall elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomoichiro Ohta
  • 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: 20120191308
    Abstract: A torque sensor system for a transmission and other powertrain components in a motor vehicle includes a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver is operable to induce and detect a signal from the transmitter that is indicative of a torque load on the transmitter. The receiver is cylindrical and has an outer surface with a maximum, constant diameter. The outer surface defines one or more fluid transfer grooves and a docking port for an electrical connection. The fluid transfer groove and the docking port do not extend beyond the maximum outer diameter of the outer surface. Therefore, the receiver is capable of being press-fit within a component and is capable of routing fluid flow. An electrical connector is fed through an access hole and connects with the receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Fredrick R. Poskie, Carlos E. Marin, Daryl A. Wilton
  • Publication number: 20120186364
    Abstract: A torque sensor system for a transmission and other powertrain components in a motor vehicle includes a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver is operable to induce and detect a signal from the transmitter that is indicative of a torque load on the transmitter. The receiver is cylindrical and has an outer surface with a maximum, constant diameter. The outer surface defines one or more fluid transfer grooves and a docking port for an electrical connection. The fluid transfer groove and the docking port do not extend beyond the maximum outer diameter of the outer surface. Therefore, the receiver is capable of being press-fit within a component and is capable of routing fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Carlos E. Marin, Fredrick R. Poskie, Daryl A. Wilton
  • Patent number: 8215188
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Bourns, Inc.
    Inventors: Valeri Klimenko, Michael Röser
  • Patent number: 8203334
    Abstract: A magnetically spirally encoded shaft and magnetic field detecting system includes first, second, third and fourth magnetically encoded bands spirally encircling a circumference of the shaft. Each band includes first magnetically encoded regions having a first magnetic polarity alternating with second magnetically encoded regions having a second magnetic polarity. Dead zones are defined in each band between successive first and second magnetically encoded regions. The shaft is for use with a first fixed magnetic field sensor for detecting magnetic fields in the force-sensitive regions, wherein one or more of rotational speed, shaft rotational position, bending forces, torque forces, stress forces and strain forces can be determined responsive to detected magnetic fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Marko Baller, Christof Sihler
  • Publication number: 20120125138
    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: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Mohammad S. Islam, Mohammed Rakibul Islam, Matthew Mielke, Christian E. Ross, Scott Blehm
  • Patent number: 8181538
    Abstract: A magnestostrictive torque sensor detects rotating torque applied to a rod-shaped rotating shaft to work around the rotating shaft based on a change in magnetic characteristics of a magnetostrictive film formed on a surface the rotating shaft so as to extend around a full circumference thereof in a circumferential direction. The magnetostrictive film is formed continuously in an axial direction at a portion on the rotating shaft in the axial direction thereof. The magnetostrictive film has on the continuously formed area a first magnetostrictive film portion and a second magnetostrictive film portion having magnetic anisotropies which are opposite to each other and a third magnetostrictive film portion which is formed between the first and second magnetostrictive film portions. A first detection coil, a second detection coil and a third detection coil are provided for the first magnetostrictive film portion, the second magnetostrictive film portion and the third magnetostrictive film portion, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuya Yamamura, Yuichi Fukuda, Nobuhiko Yoshimoto, Yukiya Kashimura
  • Publication number: 20120103111
    Abstract: Magnetically encoded shafts for use in detecting forces exerted on the shaft during operation. Magnetically encoded regions, arranged in tracks or bands, encircle the shaft and are formed within or affixed to the shaft. The magnetically encoded regions define force-sensitive regions therebetween. Magnetic fields surround the force-sensitive regions and are altered by force vectors passing through the force sensitive region. These magnetic fields are sensed by magnetic field sensors to determine various shaft parameters including, for example: shaft rotational speed, shaft rotational position, and forces exerted on the shaft, e.g., torque, bending forces, stress forces and strain forces. To provide continuous detection of shaft operational parameters and forces, dead zones between magnetically encoded regions are aligned with force sensitive regions associated with magnetically encoded regions in other bands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Marko Baller, Christof Sihler
  • Patent number: 8140222
    Abstract: A control unit estimates reverse transfer torque transferred from tires to a steering wheel and calculates an assist gain based on the reverse transfer torque. The control unit calculates basic assist torque demand by multiplying torsion torque detected by a torque sensor by the assist gain. The control unit further calculates assist torque command by adding compensation for stabilization. Since the assist gain is determined based on the reverse transfer torque, actual assist torque is generated in accordance with the force transferred from the road surface. Thus, a driver can operate the steering wheel while feeling the force from the road surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Daiji Watanabe, Tomoyuki Hori, Motoaki Kataoka, Shuji Kuramitsu, Takehito Fujii
  • Publication number: 20120061167
    Abstract: A torque sensing system, a torque sensor, a method for determining an amount of torque, and a steering system are provided. The method includes generating a first output signal utilizing a first plurality of piezo-electric transducers disposed between a first plurality of tooth portions of a first hub portion and a second plurality of tooth portions of a second hub portion when the first hub portion is rotated in a first direction relative to the second hub portion. The transducers are electrically coupled in series with one another. The method further includes filtering the first output signal to obtain a first filtered signal and amplifying the first filtered signal to obtain a first amplified signal. The method further includes determining a first torque value indicative of a first amount of torque applied to an input shaft based on the first amplified signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Roger C. Henry, Brian Maust
  • Patent number: 8096523
    Abstract: Non-contact torque, thrust, strain, and other data sensing of a valve actuator or valve is disclosed. A sensor may include a surface acoustic wave device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Flowserve Management Company
    Inventors: William T. Dolenti, Byron A. Fleury
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8087306
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement for measuring a torque acting on a shaft, wherein the shaft has a first shaft section and a second shaft section and these two shaft sections can be rotated relative to one another, including at least one magnetic encoder arranged on the first shaft section, and a stator arranged on the second shaft section, wherein the stator has two stator elements, each with protruding fingers, and the stator elements are assigned respectively or jointly a flux concentrator which leads the magnetic field to be detected, generated by the magnetic encoder, directly or indirectly to at least one magnetic field sensor element, wherein the at least one flux concentrator is fixed to a carrier element embodied in elastic fashion at least in part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Manfred Goll, Markus Bastian
  • Patent number: 8072343
    Abstract: A local logic solver that operates with a local smart valve controller to control, test and monitor performance characteristics of a local field-mounted emergency isolation valve device, outputting a local indication of trouble on the device, which is mounted in the field away from the facility's central control panel for the process. The local logic solver includes a recording function and memory for retrieval of detected faults that are time-stamped and recorded locally to generate documentation and to track the elapsed time, starting when the degraded state of the device was detected and first signaled as a problem; other performance data is also recorded. Accordingly, the operation of the overall system is simplified by eliminating the need for an external computer to diagnose any problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Patrick S. Flanders
  • Patent number: 8069736
    Abstract: The present invention aims at detecting torque with a high degree of precision, by suppressing influences such as disturbance and rotation dependency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Ono Sokki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiko Sakai
  • Patent number: 8065926
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: James Isaac Meyer
  • Publication number: 20110267045
    Abstract: Magnetically encoded shafts for use in detecting forces exerted on the shaft during operation. Magnetically encoded regions arranged in tracks or bands, encircle the shaft and are formed within or affixed to the shaft. The magnetically encoded regions define force-sensitive regions therebetween. Magnetic fields surround the force-sensitive regions and are altered by force vectors passing through the force sensitive region. These magnetic fields are sensed by magnetic field sensors to determine various shaft parameters including, for example: shaft rotational speed, shaft rotational position, and forces exerted on the shaft, e.g., torque, bending forces, stress forces and strain forces. To provide continuous detection of shaft operational parameters and forces, dead zones between magnetically encoded regions are aligned with force sensitive regions associated with magnetically encoded regions in other bands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Marko Baller, Christof Sihler
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110252916
    Abstract: A sensor device for measuring torque in steering systems of vehicles comprises a magnet that is disposed on a shaft in a rotationally fixed manner, and a magnetic field sensor. The magnet is held by a magnet holder, which is to be connected to the shaft, wherein the magnet holder comprises a receiving region disposed at a radial distance from the shaft and the magnet is disposed on the inside of the receiving region facing the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Wolfgang Abele
  • Patent number: 8040130
    Abstract: A device for detecting torque features of an electric screwer comprises a clutch for coupling with the electric screwer and a clutch for applying a resisting torque. The two clutches (11, 13) are connected to one another by a shaft (14) on which there are arranged extensometers (15) for measuring the torque transmitted by the shaft. On the shaft there is splined a disc (18) that bears on at least one face circular tracks (19, 20, 21, 22) that are coaxial to the shaft and to which the extensometers are electrically connected. Sliding contacts (23, 24, 25, 26) rest elastically on said circular tracks in a direction that is substantially parallel to the axis of the shaft to pick up the electric signals from the extensometers. An encoder (17) is provided to detect shaft rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Atlas Copco BLM S.r.l
    Inventor: Angelo Chiapuzzi
  • Publication number: 20110239785
    Abstract: A method for processing a ring type piezoelectric device comprises: providing a ring type piezoelectric embryo; printing at least a pair of electrodes to divide the ring type piezoelectric embryo into a plurality of equal sections; and immersing the divided ring type piezoelectric embryo into high temperature silicon oil with high voltage for polarization so as to make the polarization of the ring type piezoelectric device perpendicular to a cross-section thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Yung TING, Sheuan-Perng Lin
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110214515
    Abstract: Provided is a complex sensing apparatus for a steering system. In the complex sensing apparatus in accordance, since an insertion projections of a first PCB are inserted into a through-holes of a second PCB to be press-fitted to each other, the first PCB is securely coupled to the second PCB. In addition, since a support member configured to surround and support an edge of the first PCB is coupled to the second PCB, the first PCB is more securely coupled to the second PCB. Accordingly, since there is no probability of separating the first PCB from the second PCB and there is no probability of occurrence of cracks in a soldered part between the first and second PCBs, reliability of products can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong Chul Kim, Chang Hwan Lee
  • Publication number: 20110214514
    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: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Terrill G. Power, David Everett Russ, David G. Hill
  • Patent number: 8011255
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present patent application is a method of monitoring a rotating part. The method includes providing a shaft, a sensor, a processor, an energy storage device, and a transmitter. The method further includes mounting the sensor directly on the shaft and mounting said processor, said energy storage device, and said transmitter to rotate with said shaft. The method further includes rotating the shaft and waking the processor for a period of time and drawing energy to the processor from the energy storage device to provide the processor in an active mode during the period of time. The method also includes sampling the sensor during the period of time. It also includes returning the processor to sleep mode. The method also includes transmitting data derived from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Microstrain, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Arms, Christopher P Townsend, David L. Churchill, Michael J. Hamel
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110167928
    Abstract: A torque sensor detects a torque acting on a torsion bar provided between a first shaft and a second shaft on the basis of a magnetic flux density led to a rotating magnetic circuit portion from a magnetism generating portion. The magnetism generating portion includes a back yoke and a ring magnet. The back yoke includes a fitting portion fitted onto the first shaft, a joint portion to which the ring magnet is joined, and a stress reduction cutout that suppresses a transmission of a deformation stress generated in a radial direction of the fitting portion to the joint portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: KAYABA INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hideo Maehara
  • Publication number: 20110056309
    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: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: Turbomeca
    Inventors: Yannick Cazaux, Gerald Senger
  • Publication number: 20110036182
    Abstract: There is provided a rotary torque detecting device in which a first magnetic body and a second magnetic body are formed in substantially band shapes and third magnetic bodies are formed in substantially rectangular shapes, respectively, by forming the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body in the substantially band shapes and arranging the plurality of substantially rectangular third magnetic bodies at predetermined intervals between the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body, and the magnets. With this structure, in the rotary torque detecting device mainly used for detection of rotary torque of a steering of an automobile, it is possible to reliably detect the rotary torque at low cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Kiyotaka Sasanouchi, Shinji Hirose, Kenji Niho