Using An Electrical Sensor Patents (Class 73/862.325)
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Patent number: 7886863Abstract: A driveshaft assembly that includes a first shaft member, a second shaft member, a bearing assembly and a sensor. The first shaft member has a magnetically encoded zone with a magnetic field that varies as a function of the torque that is transmitted through the first shaft member. The second shaft member is coupled for rotation with the first shaft member. The bearing assembly comprises a bearing support, which is configured to be coupled to a vehicle structure, and a bearing that is housed in the bearing support. The bearing journally supports the first shaft member for rotation about a first axis. The sensor is coupled to the bearing assembly. The sensor is arranged to sense the magnetic field of the magnetically encoded zone and responsively produce an electrical signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2009Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Gregory A Marsh, Glen C Steyer
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Publication number: 20100319466Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2008Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventors: Sung Kyu Bae, Chang Hwan Lee
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Publication number: 20100313681Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2007Publication date: December 16, 2010Inventors: Manfred Goll, Markus Bastian
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Patent number: 7832289Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 5, 2008Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Inventors: Ivan J. Garshelis, Ryan J. Kari, Stijn P. L. Tollens
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Publication number: 20100200325Abstract: A driveshaft assembly that includes a first shaft member, a second shaft member, a bearing assembly and a sensor. The first shaft member has a magnetically encoded zone with a magnetic field that varies as a function of the torque that is transmitted through the first shaft member. The second shaft member is coupled for rotation with the first shaft member. The bearing assembly comprises a bearing support, which is configured to be coupled to a vehicle structure, and a bearing that is housed in the bearing support. The bearing journally supports the first shaft member for rotation about a first axis. The sensor is coupled to the bearing assembly. The sensor is arranged to sense the magnetic field of the magnetically encoded zone and responsively produce an electrical signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2009Publication date: August 12, 2010Inventors: Gregory A. Marsh, Glen C. Steyer
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Patent number: 7752923Abstract: A magnetostrictive torque sensor for detecting a torque includes an operating shaft, magnetically insulating layers, and magnetostrictive films. The operating shaft is adapted to be applied with an external torque. The magnetically insulating layers are formed of a nonmagnetic material and provided on an outer peripheral surface of the operating shaft. The magnetostrictive films are provided on outer peripheral surfaces of the magnetically insulating layers.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2008Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasuo Shimizu
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Patent number: 7752922Abstract: A magnetostrictive torque sensor for detecting a torque comprises an operating shaft, a first hollow shaft, a second hollow shaft, a first magnetostrictive film, and a second magnetostrictive film. Torque acts on the operating shaft from the outside. The first and second hollow shafts are fitted and fixed separately on the operating shaft. The first magnetostrictive film is formed on an external peripheral surface of the first hollow shaft while the second magnetostrictive film is formed on an external peripheral surface of the second hollow shaft.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2008Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasuo Shimizu
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Publication number: 20100139419Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2007Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHGInventors: Markus Bastian, Manfred Goll
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Publication number: 20100116067Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2008Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: ATLAS COPCO BLM S.R.L.Inventor: Angelo Chiapuzzi
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Patent number: 7681463Abstract: In an electric power assisting system for a vehicle, a control unit receives an input shaft rotation angle detected by an input shaft rotation angle sensor and an output shaft rotation angle detected by an output shaft rotation angle sensor. The control unit controls rotation of a motor based on the detected two rotation angles. The control unit differently controls the rotation of the motor whether torque is applied from a steering wheel side or from a road surface side.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2008Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Daiji Watanabe, Motoaki Kataoka, Kunihiko Chiba, Tomoyuki Hori
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Publication number: 20100050785Abstract: A cassette-based power measuring apparatus includes a power sensing arrangement mounted within a cavity defined by a hollow bicycle cassette. The power sensing arrangement includes a torque sensing assembly including torque sensing elements configured to measure a user applied torque. The torque sensing elements are in communication with an electronics assembly configured to process the measured data and transmit it to a receiver. The torque sensing assembly may comprise a torque tube or a series of bending beams secured between a rear plate of the cassette and a freehub. The torque tube or bending beams may include strain gauges bonded thereto for measuring strain induced by application of forces in response to user-applied power.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Inventors: Jordan R. Roessingh, David L. Wendt
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Publication number: 20100005909Abstract: A sensor arrangement with relatively low disturbance susceptibility 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 which each have projecting fingers, wherein at least one additional, second stator, likewise having two stator elements which each have projecting fingers, is arranged on the second shaft section, and these stators are associated with the magnetic encoder.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2008Publication date: January 14, 2010Applicant: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHGInventors: Henrik Antoni, Klaus Rink
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Publication number: 20090255349Abstract: In an electric power steering apparatus equipped with a torque sensor that detects torque, the torque sensor has a coil yoke, a coil disposed within the coil yoke, a base section, and a yoke retainer which covers the coil yoke and fixes the coil yoke to the base section.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2006Publication date: October 15, 2009Applicant: NSK LTD.Inventor: Toru Segawa
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Publication number: 20090249892Abstract: A torque measuring device for measuring the torque of a rotatable shaft. A sensing unit senses the torque on the rotatable shaft. The sensing unit is disposed on the outer surface of the rotatable shaft. A reporting unit is configured to report the torque applied to the rotatable shaft to a central control unit. The reporting unit is mounted at an end of the rotatable shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2008Publication date: October 8, 2009Inventors: Steve Raymond, Douglas Baker
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Patent number: 7594446Abstract: An operating device for testing torque wrenches is formed with a carrier for fixing a torque wrench to be tested. A transducer is coupled to the head portion of the torque wrench. A grip holder is provided for fixing the grip of the torque wrench. A deflecting mechanism is adapted for the generation of a torque on the head portion of the torque wrench to be tested.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2007Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Eduard Wille GmbH CoKGInventor: Rainer Schwafertz
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Patent number: 7574926Abstract: A shaft angle sensing arrangement for an implement steerable axle includes a shaft rotatable about a shaft axis within shaft mounting structure, a cam ring with a cam surface mounted over the shaft, and a threaded aperture in the axle housing adjacent the cam surface. As the cam ring rotates with the shaft, the distance between the cam surface and the support area varies. A displacement transducer threaded into the aperture includes a contact member engaging the cam surface so that rotation of the shaft causes the contact member to move dependent on the angular position of the shaft to provide a shaft position feedback signal to an automatic position controller or readout device.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2006Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Jack Conan Anderson
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Patent number: 7562590Abstract: A yoke assembly is constructed by retaining integrally a yoke ring having positioning holes aligned with pole claws arranged equally on the inner circumference and a yoke ring having positioning holes aligned with the space between pole claws arranged equally on the inner circumference by a retaining cylinder made of a resin. The retaining cylinder has a pin hole remaining after pulling out a common positioning pin inserted into the positioning holes during molding.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2007Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignees: JTEKT Corporation, Nakanishi Metal Works, Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshitomo Tokumoto, Masashi Hashiya, Tadashi Kitahata
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Patent number: 7513571Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat element constituting a component of the seat structure of a motor vehicle seat, a tubular drive element connected pivotably around its longitudinal axis to the seat element that constitutes a component of a displacement arrangement for an adjustable seat part, for example, for a height adjustable seat cushion, as well as a preferably electrically operated weight sensor for the detection of seat occupancy using the weight of a person sitting in the corresponding motor vehicle seat. Through the detection of seat occupancy, it is possible to control various functional groups of a motor vehicle as a function of seat occupancy, such as, for example, automatic occupancy- and/or weight-dependent adjustment of certain seat components as well as the occupancy- and/or weight-dependent deployment of an airbag module.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2004Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co.KG, CoburgInventors: Jochen Hofmann, Bernhard Schrimpl, Andreas Schmid, Martin Schwarz
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Patent number: 7509883Abstract: A detecting unit for detecting a torque applied to a rotor according to rotation of the rotor having an input shaft and an output shaft connected with each other by a torsion bar and a detection circuit board connected with the detecting unit are molded with synthetic resin material to form a mold member. The installation of the mold member into a housing, which has a cylinder portion to surround the rotor and a retainer having an opening formed at the peripheral wall of the cylinder portion, is achieved by inserting the mold member into the retainer from the radial direction through the opening of the retainer.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2005Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignees: JTEKT Corporation, Denso CorporationInventors: Tetsuya Murakami, Takeshi Izumi, Yoshitomo Tokumoto, Takashi Kaoku, Norio Nakatani, Toshiharu Ishihara, Naoki Nakane
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Publication number: 20090012689Abstract: A method of estimating the available grip margin of a tire of a vehicle rolling on a ground involves: estimating a quantity Rslip ca, i.e., the ratio of the slip contact area and the total contact area of the tire on the ground; determining, in a signal processing unit, the grip potential used P?,used and/or the available grip margin of the tire P?,avail from the quantity and pre-established data corresponding to the type of the tire, where P?,avail=1?P?,used; and recording in a memory the grip potential used and/or the available grip margin of the tire.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2008Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.Inventor: Frederic Spetler
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Patent number: 7469603Abstract: An angular velocity detector using a vibrator made of an annular thin film. The detector also has electrodes arranged ingeniously to have high detection sensitivity for angular velocities. The detector can detect angular velocities in two axial directions simultaneously. The detector has support portions (1105), (1106) which are formed over a first substrate (1123) and poised above the surface of the first substrate (1100) at a certain spacing therefrom. Resilient support bodies are supported to the support portions and include outer springs (1102) and inner springs (1103). A vibrator (1101) is mounted via the resilient support. An exciting means consisting of a magnet (1124) and an exciting electrode (1108) excites the vibrator to vibrate in a certain direction of vibrations.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2004Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Masaya Nagata, Hiroshi Nishitake, Koji Fukumoto, Kazuhiro Matsuhisa, Atsuhito Yasui
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Patent number: 7428847Abstract: An inventive torque detection device includes: a magnetic circuit forming member provided at a rotating body to which a torque is applied; a magnetic flux collecting ring for collecting a generated magnetic flux; a detection part for detecting, based on the density of the collected magnetic flux, the torque applied to the rotating body; a holding ring, having a flange, for holding the magnetic flux collecting ring and the detection part; and a sealing ring for sealing between the flange and a housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2007Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignees: JTEKT Corporation, DENSO CorporationInventors: Akio Osuka, Toshiharu Ishihara, Naoki Nakane
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Patent number: 7412906Abstract: A sensor apparatus for a power steering system on a vehicle, where the apparatus includes an input shaft for receiving a steering input and for rotating about a rotational axis. An output shaft is provided for transmitting the steering input from the input shaft to a steered wheel assembly of the vehicle. A torque transmitting member connects between the input shaft and the output shaft for transmitting a torque from the input shaft to the output shaft. A sensor provides an analog output voltage in response to a sensed magnetic field. A magnet is located adjacent and in radially spaced relation to the sensor, and a magnetic field varying member is positioned in a magnetic field of the magnet, where the magnetic field varying member is movable in a longitudinal direction generally parallel to the rotational axis to vary a magnetic flux between the magnet and the sensor in response to relative movement between the input shaft and the output shaft.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2006Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Globe Motors, Inc.Inventor: Richard Louis Ponziani
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Patent number: 7398701Abstract: A device is described for determining the torque which is applied to a turbine shaft (10), the determination device having at least one system for contactless measurement of the integral torsion of the turbine shaft (10) and a unit for contactless measurement of the restoring constant of the turbine shaft (10). Furthermore, a method is described for determining the torque which is applied to the low-pressure turbine shaft (10) of a turbine engine, which is distinguished in that, to determine the torque, the integral torsion of the turbine shaft is measured by a contactless method and the restoring constant of the turbine shaft is measured.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2005Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbHInventor: Michael Zielinski
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Publication number: 20080141790Abstract: An operating device for testing torque wrenches is formed with a carrier for fixing a torque wrench to be tested. A transducer is coupled to the head portion of the torque wrench. A grip holder is provided for fixing the grip of the torque wrench. A deflecting mechanism is adapted for the generation of a torque on the head portion of the torque wrench to be tested.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2007Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventor: Rainer Schwafertz
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Publication number: 20080134802Abstract: A torque sensor is disclosed. The sensor has a support member for mounting to a rotatable shaft and a flexible electro-conductive member pre-tensioned and mounted to the support. An electrical coil is positioned in electrical communication with the support member and electro-conductive member. A magnetizing system is positioned adjacent the support member. The sensor is passive and operates on energy received from its rotation relative to the stationary magnetizing means. A receiver remotely detects electrical changes from the movement of the flexible member from torque experienced by the rotatable shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: Turbo Trac Systems ULCInventor: Paul D. Okulov
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Publication number: 20080127750Abstract: An apparatus is provided to reduce strain transferred from a body, such as a shaft, to a strain sensor, such as a SAW device. The strain sensor is capable of measuring a maximum amount of strain. A strain absorber has the strain sensor mounted thereon and is arranged to mount the strain sensor to the body. The strain absorber is arranged to transfer a reduced amount of strain from the body to the strain sensor so that the strain on the strain sensor is no greater that the maximum amount of strain.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2006Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventors: Palani Thanigachalam, Raja Narayanasamy, Raghavendra Muniraju
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Patent number: 7363825Abstract: A sensors casing supports torque sensors and the position sensors and segment magneto-sensitive elements to detect the relative rotation between an input shaft and an output shaft and the angular position of the shaftsin a steering column housing. The sensor casing is removeably attached to the support housing by a mounting flange for detaching the electrical components from the steering column housing assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Sanian Feng, Christian Ross
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Patent number: 7312615Abstract: A Force/Torque (FT) sensor includes memory for storing calibration data associated with the FT sensor. Force and torque analog signals are output to a data acquisition (DAQ) system. The digital calibration data is output to the DAQ system as a digital bitstream comprising a series of predetermined voltage levels driven for predetermined durations. The DAQ system interprets the series of voltage levels on the calibration input as a digital bitstream, receives and quantizes the force/torque signals, and calibrates the force/torque signals using the calibration data. Alternatively, the calibration signals may be routed to a standard serial port on the DAQ system. For small form factor FT sensors, the calibration data may be stored in an associated power supply unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2003Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: ATI Industrial Automation, Inc.Inventor: Dwayne Perry
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Patent number: 7293472Abstract: In a torque detecting apparatus, in each of two flux concentrating rings, a portion along a circumferential direction is raised outward in a radial direction so that a flux concentrating section is provided that has a plate shape extending on one side in an axial direction. These flux concentrating rings are fixedly arranged such that the flux concentrating sections should oppose to each other in the circumferential direction with a predetermined gap in between. Leakage flux between opposing surfaces of the flux concentrating sections is detected by magnetic sensors aligned in an axial direction between these opposing surfaces. This improves the utilization of materials for the flux concentrating rings including the flux concentrating sections, and hence reduces the product cost.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2006Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: JTEKT CorporationInventors: Yoshitomo Tokumoto, Toshiharu Ishihara, Naoki Nakane
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Patent number: 7279654Abstract: A current sensor for installation on a conductor without breaking the conductor may include an insulating base having a conductor supporting portion and a conductive coil disposed within an outer surface of the insulating base. A magnetically permeable conductor retaining member includes a portion that passes through the coil and is secured to the insulating base. The retaining member defines a conductor receiving aperture portion with the aperture portion being disposed adjacent the conductor supporting portion of the insulating base. With a conductor positioned within the aperture portion, the conductor is secured by the retaining member to the conductor receiving portion of the insulating base and a substantially continuous permeable path is formed by the conductor retaining member about the conductor.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2006Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: S&C Electric Co.Inventors: Michael G. Ennis, Thomas J. Tobin
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Patent number: 7267016Abstract: A sensitizing ring for sensors having a reduced manufacturing cost and an improved profile shape manufacture with a diameter of 120 mm or less. The sensitizing ring of the present invention is used to measure the rate of rotation and position of a rotating element. The sensitizing ring of the present invention is usable in more applications, especially in the automotive industry. The sensitizing ring comprises a body, a plurality of teeth provided on an outer periphery thereof, and a plurality of gaps interposed between the teeth. The body is made of a polymeric material interspersed with a ferromagnetic material. Alternately, the body is made of a polymeric material having a coating layer of ferromagnetic material. In a further embodiment, the body includes ferromagnetic material in the polymeric material forming the teeth but does not include ferromagnetic material in the polymeric material forming the gaps.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2005Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Sabo Industria e Comercio LtdaInventor: Orlando Da Mota Pavan
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Patent number: 7263905Abstract: A Hall-Effect sensor assembly for a rotating electric machine comprises a thin, removable tubular substrate with Hall-Effect sensors and associated connection wiring mounted on it that slips underneath the wound stator end turns of the stator for the rotating electric machine to make the assembly easily removable for installation and repair.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2005Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: George H. Seffernick, Mahesh J. Shah, James K. Kersting
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Patent number: 7237444Abstract: A torque detection system is provided for detecting torque applied to a rotary shaft. A spring element is connected to an input and output shaft. As torque is applied to the shaft system, the input shaft is rotationally offset from the output shaft and a sensing system is provided for sensing the amount of rotational offset which is then correlated to a rotational torque level.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Freudenberg-Nok General PartnershipInventors: Alexander Berdichevsky, Vahidin Alajbegovic
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Patent number: 7191668Abstract: A torque measuring device for a rotating body comprises: a rotary section including first and second flanges provided respectively at driving and driven sides, and a hollow cylinder provided between the first and second flanges; light emitting elements provided at an outer circumference of the rotary section, and adapted to emit light based on output from each of torque detectors provided at an inner surface of the hollow cylinder thereby sending an optical signal; a light conductive member to receive the optical signal at a light receiving surface thereof, and to guide the optical signal along its longitudinal directions; and a torque calculator to calculate torque of the rotary section based on the optical signal guided by the light conductive member, wherein the light conductive member has an optical path converting means formed at either the light receiving surface or a surface thereof opposite to the light receiving surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2005Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Minebea Co.,, Ltd.Inventors: Atsushi Kitamura, Shigeyuki Adachi, Sawa Tanabe
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Patent number: 7155985Abstract: A torque sensor for a vehicle steering system includes a voltage boosting circuit that boosts a voltage supplied from a power source, an oscillator, a current amplifier, an inverting current amplifier, first and second coils, first and second resistors, a differential amplifier, a sampling pulse generator that generates a sampling pulse, a synchronous wave detector that detects the AC voltage output from the first differential amplifier, a first sample-and-hold circuit section that samples and holds the voltage output from the first synchronous wave detector, and a voltage-current converter that converts the voltage output from the first sample-and-hold circuit section into current and outputs the current as a torque signal Ts, thereby stably supplying power to the torque sensor for a steering system.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2005Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.Inventor: Seung-Ho Paek
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Patent number: 7152491Abstract: A vehicle seat weight sensing system includes a plurality of sensors mounted below a seating surface of a vehicle seat. Each sensor includes a tubular inner wall about which are coiled an activation coil and a detection coil. All of the weight of the seating surface is borne by the inner walls of the sensors. The activation coil induces a current in the tubular inner wall which is detected by the detection coil. Stress in the inner wall alters the signal detected by the detection coil. Analysis of the wave form of the signal indicates the amount of stress applied to the tubular inner wall and the weight upon the vehicle seating surface. A fastener connecting to vehicle seat components passes through the tubular inner wall and retains the sensors in the vehicle seat.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2005Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Tony Gloutsos, Edward W. Clancy, Robert Janiszewski, Jason Doering, Hossam Almasri
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Patent number: 7146866Abstract: A magnetostrictive strain sensor (10) includes a magnetostrictive core (12) comprising a magnetostrictive material, such as a nickel-iron alloy, able to conduct a magnetic flux and whose permeability is alterable by application of a strain. A conductive coil (14) is proximate the magnetostrictive core (12) to generate the magnetic flux when electrically excited. A shell (16) surrounds the conductive coil (14) and the magnetostrictive core (12) for providing a conductive return path for the magnetic flux. An excitation source (18) is electrically connected to the conductive coil (14) for electrically exciting the conductive coil (14) with an alternating current having a constant magnitude. An in-phase voltage circuit (22) is electrically connected across the conductive coil (14). The in-phase voltage circuit (22) senses an in-phase voltage that is in-phase with the alternating current. The in-phase voltage varies correspondingly to the strain subjected to the magnetostrictive core (12).Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2004Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Donald T. Morelli, Bruno Lequesne, Larry M. Oberdier, Thomas A. Baudendistel
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Patent number: 7134329Abstract: The present invention provides a torque detecting apparatus that includes a drive plate that is elastically deformable in response to an applied torque, strain gauges, and a torque detecting circuit, and the torque detecting apparatus can accurately detect torque transmitted from an engine output element of a vehicle having an automatic transmission to a torque converter input element.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2005Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Kyoung Pyo Ha
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Publication number: 20060207347Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for the torque measurement of rotating machine parts with a strain measuring bridge (2) arranged on the rotor, which bridge consists of circuit-connected strain gages. The output signals of the strain measuring bridge (2) are amplified with an amplifier circuit (3) and are converted into frequency-proportional signals in a subsequent or downstream voltage-frequency converter (4). The invention is characterized in that the voltage-frequency converter is embodied as a so-called synchronous voltage-frequency converter (4), which is fed with a quartz-controlled frequency. For the suppression of the so-called frequency jitter, a follow-up synchronization circuit (PLL) (6) is provided after the synchronous voltage-frequency converter (4), which circuit suppresses the alternating frequency of the synchronous voltage-frequency converter (4), so that a frequency signal that is proportional to the analog strain measurement signal is produced at the output.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2005Publication date: September 21, 2006Inventor: Manfred Kreuzer
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Patent number: 7107861Abstract: An encoder includes an encoder body adapted to detect the rotation of an object to be measured, a cover that covers a rear part of the encoder body, and a connector that connects an inner circuit of the encoder body to an outer circuit. The connector is mounted on the cover by a change direction adaptor, which makes it possible to change the connection direction of the connector with a single cover.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2004Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbHInventor: Yoshiyuki Nakamura
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Publication number: 20060185445Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for measuring multiple operating parameters of a rotating shaft with a sensor. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises a sensor in close proximity to a matched pair of thumbnail depressions on the surface of a rotating shaft body. The thumbnail depressions enable the sensor to detect axial displacement and rotational speed of the shaft in addition to detecting radial displacement of the shaft body. Signal processing circuitry analyzes the sensor output data and computes separate values for the axial displacement, speed and radial displacement parameters. Additional filtering and signal processing techniques can be used to ascertain peak axial displacement, to reduce noise, and to compute other parameters, such as acceleration and power spectral density.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2005Publication date: August 24, 2006Inventors: Ray Delcher, Mohsen Khoshnevisan, Aaron Schwartzbart, Ira Goldberg
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Patent number: 7089808Abstract: A torque sensor for a vehicle steering system includes a voltage boosting circuit, an oscillator, an offset voltage circuit part and a current amplifier. The torque sensor further includes a phase inversion part that outputs an offset voltage and a phase-inverted alternating current voltage which is in-phase with the voltage outputted from said oscillator, a waveform selecting part that rectifies the voltages outputted from said current amplifier and said phase inversion part, and first and second coils that are in series each other and connected at each end thereof to an output terminal of said waveform selecting part and an output terminal of said offset voltage circuit part, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2005Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.Inventor: Seung-Ho Paek
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Patent number: 7086295Abstract: A sensor coil 10 serving as a sensor unit fitted and retained in a sensor retaining hole 32 of a sensor housing 3 and a circuit board 5 stored in a board chamber 30 provided inside the sensor housing 3 are integrated by coating the outer surface of a lead 13 and the circuit board 5 with a resin layer 17 formed by resin molding performed under the condition in which the sensor coil 10 and the circuit board 5 are connected with the lead 13. As a result, mounting of the sensor unit and the circuit board of a torque detecting apparatus in the housing is facilitated, the reliability of the connection part of the sensor unit and the circuit board is increased, and occurrence of connection defects due to the function of external force is prevented.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2004Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takeshi Izumi
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Patent number: 7080565Abstract: A dynamic load fixture (DLF) for testing a unit under test (UUT) includes a lateral load system that applies a time-varying lateral load profile to the UUT drive shaft and an encoder that measures its angular rotation. An isolation stage suitably constrains the encoder from rotating about the axis while allowing it to move in other directions in which the application of the lateral force induces motion. The lateral load system includes a load bearing around the drive shaft, an actuator that applies a lateral force to the load bearing, a force sensor for measuring the applied lateral force, and a lateral controller for adjusting a command signal to the actuator to implement a lateral load profile. The DLF may also include a torsion load system that applies a time-varying torsion load profile to the drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Charles M. Delair, Russell B. Cline, Christopher P. Owan, Jason M. Bain, Shane P. Stilson, Donald E. Croft
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Patent number: 7066035Abstract: A torque measuring device for a rotating body comprises: a rotary section composed of first and second flanges to be joined respectively to driving and driven shafts, and a hollow cylinder having the first and second flanges formed respectively on both edges thereof; torque detectors provided at an inner circumference of the cylinder; light emitting elements provided at an outer circumference of the rotary section and adapted to emit light according to an output from the torque detectors thereby generating an optical signal; a light receiving fiber disposed outside the rotary section and adapted to receive the optical signal from the light emitting elements; and a rotary transformer composed of a primary coil constituted by an annulus with two-part separable structure disposed outside the rotary section and a secondary coil provided at the outer circumference of the rotary section, and adapted to supply electrical power to the rotary section.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2003Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tooru Arai
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Publication number: 20060081070Abstract: A sensor assembly having an angular position sensor unit and a torque sensor unit enclosed in a single package. The angular position sensor unit generates a first multi-bit output indicative of a degree of rotation of a shaft assembly having a first shaft and a second shaft. The first and second shafts are substantially co-axial to each other and coupled to each other via a torsion rod. The torque sensor unit generates a second multi-bit output indicative of a torque exerted between the first shaft and the second shaft. The second multi-bit output may be linearized and temperature compensated using the first multi-bit output and measured temperature to generate a linearized and temperature compensated torque sensor output.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2004Publication date: April 20, 2006Inventors: Asad Madni, Jim Vuong
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Publication number: 20060070461Abstract: A dynamic load fixture (DLF) for testing a unit under test (UUT) includes a lateral load system that applies a time-varying lateral load profile to the UUT drive shaft and an encoder that measures its angular rotation. An isolation stage suitably constrains the encoder from rotating about the axis while allowing it to move in other directions in which the application of the lateral force induces motion. The lateral load system includes a load bearing around the drive shaft, an actuator that applies a lateral force to the load bearing, a force sensor for measuring the applied lateral force, and a lateral controller for adjusting a command signal to the actuator to implement a lateral load profile. The DLF may also include a torsion load system that applies a time-varying torsion load profile to the drive shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2004Publication date: April 6, 2006Inventors: Charles Delair, R. Cline, Christopher Owan, Jason Bain, Shane Stilson, Donald Croft
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Publication number: 20050279180Abstract: A continuous winding method is applied to a multi-resolver including m resolver units (m is an integer not less than 2) joined together. Each resolver unit is composed of a stator and a rotor. The stator includes a stator yoke having a plurality of magnetic poles projecting from the stator yoke where the number of the magnetic poles corresponds to a shaft angle multiplier n (n is an integer not less than 1) and coils for predetermined uses wound around selected magnetic poles. The rotor has n salient poles. A coil for each use is independently and continuously wound around selected stator magnetic poles of the m resolver units.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2005Publication date: December 22, 2005Inventors: Nao Aokii, Hiroyuki Kujirai
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Patent number: 6968748Abstract: A rotation sensor includes a detecting element housed in a sensor casing. In an assembled state on a vehicle body member, the detecting element detects a rotation of a rotating object. An antistatic layer composed of an antistatic agent is formed at least at a part of the sensor casing around the detecting element. The antistatic layer is grounded by being connected to the vehicle body member in the assembled state.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2004Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Hitachi Inisia Automotive, Ltd.Inventors: Yuhide Aoki, Koichi Fujiwara