Resistance Strain Gage Patents (Class 73/862.338)
  • Patent number: 11787503
    Abstract: An axle assembly for a bicycle includes an axle having an inner wall extending along a length of the axle between a first end and a second end of the axle. The inner wall at least partially defines a first volume and a second volume within the axle. The first volume has a first diameter, and the second volume has a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. The first volume is closer than the second volume to the first end of the axle. The axle assembly also includes a sensor attached to the inner wall of the axle within the second volume of the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Geoff Nichols
  • Patent number: 11701762
    Abstract: A torque wrench (100, 400) may include a body (410), a force detector (420) operably coupled to the body and configured to detect a bending force applied to the body, and a user interface (140) operably coupled to the body and the force detector. The user interface may be configured to include a setting mode in which a variable feature of the torque wrench is adjustable. The user interface may be further configured to, when in the setting mode, adjust the variable feature based on the bending force applied to the body and detected by the force detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Apex Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Minglin Shi, Chenglai Zhang
  • Patent number: 11401002
    Abstract: A bicycle crankarm the bicycle transmission side that has a main body length measured along a length from a crankset's crankarm rotation axis to a pedal axis. The crankarm has at least one stress/strain detector oriented along the length direction at a fixed distance, measured from the center of the stress/strain detector to the rotation axis of the crankarm, such that the ratio of the distance and the length is in the range between 0.45-0.65.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Keith Joseph Wakeham
  • Patent number: 11325673
    Abstract: A power sensing system for bicycles includes a power sensing device and an electronic carrier, wherein the power sensing device includes at least one inertial sensing module, a processing module and a transmission module, such that the inertial sensing module can transfer the digital signal change data measured by the power sensing device installed within the frame or on the surface of the frame of a bicycle to the processing module, and the processing module can calculate data by itself or otherwise transfer the data to the electronic carrier via the transmission module for calculations so as to calculate and analyze the pedaling frequency and the pedaling force during riding and then display and provide the real-time riding information on the electronic carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Inventor: George Wood
  • Patent number: 11291964
    Abstract: A mixer machine assembly having a drive unit with an electric motor, a drive shaft assembly connected to the electric motor, and a propeller. The propeller has a hub, a plurality of blades, and a propeller shaft from the drive shaft assembly. The control unit is operatively connected to the electric motor, and is configured for monitoring and controlling the operation of the mixer machine. The control unit monitors a drive shaft torque about a drive shaft of the drive shaft assembly. The control unit determines an average torque range based on at least one torque range, wherein each torque range is the difference between the highest and the lowest torque value detected during a predetermined angle of rotation of the propeller during operation of the mixer machine assembly. The control unit compares the determined average torque range with a predetermined torque range limit value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Xylem Europe GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Wessman
  • Patent number: 11112322
    Abstract: A bicycle has a spider including a torque input section and at least one torque output section; a crank assembly coupled with the spider through the torque input section and applying an input torque to the spider; a chainring mounted to the spider through the at least one torque output section and receiving an output torque from the spider; a gauge disposed and oriented generally along a tangential direction or a quasi-tangential direction with respect to the torque input section and the at least one torque output section; and a circuitry coupled to the gauge and receiving a signal from the gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: GIANT MANUFACTURING CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Kai Chang, Ching-Yao Lin
  • Patent number: 11077729
    Abstract: A vehicle system comprises a hitch ball mounted on a vehicle and a controller configured to identify a coupler position of a trailer. The controller is further configured to control motion of the vehicle aligning the hitch ball with the coupler position and monitor a height of the coupler relative to the hitch ball. In response to the coupler height being less than a height of the hitch ball, the controller is configured to stop the motion of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chen Zhang, Mark Davison, Yu Ling
  • Patent number: 10788383
    Abstract: A bicycle (10) includes a frame (25) having a bottom bracket (40), a crankset (35) attached to the bottom bracket (40), a pedal (50) coupled to the crankset (35) and operable to propel the bicycle (10) in response to a force acting on the pedal (50). The bicycle further includes a first bicycle component acted upon by the pedal (50) in response to the force, a second bicycle component coupled and responsive to the first bicycle component, and a power vector sensor (85) coupled to and positioned between the first bicycle component and the second bicycle component, and the power vector sensor (85) includes a sensor element (100) to sense a force transferred from the first bicycle component to the second bicycle component and indicative of the force acting on the pedal (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: CHEEVC LTD
    Inventor: Kenneth Hamilton Norton
  • Patent number: 10488298
    Abstract: The present disclosure is an apparatus for testing an idle position of a servo, including: driving mechanism, a transmission unit transmitting torque of a driving servo to a testing servo, and a control circuit electrically connecting to the driving servo and the testing servo to acquire idle position information. The apparatus drives the output shaft of the testing servo to rotate by an external driving mechanism, and measures an amount of rotation of the output shaft by an internal sensor of the testing servo. Therefore, an external sensor may not be provided, and a problem of precision installation of the external sensor can be avoided. Further, a problem caused by poorly install the external sensor and the output shaft can also be avoided, and accuracy of a testing result can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: UBTECH ROBOTICS CORP.
    Inventors: Hongbo Zhu, Lifu Zhang, Youjun Xiong
  • Patent number: 10479445
    Abstract: The bike's crank speed and crank position are sensed via a micro controller, torque sensor, gyro and accelerator disposed on the bike's crank. External power and control signals can be passed to and from the crank micro controller and the e-bike controller through a throttle connector of the e-bike controller via slip rings around the crank hub with and with pogo pin connectors connected to the respective slip rings. Throttle data can also be provided to the e-bike controller wirelessly via a wireless dongle coupled to the throttle connector of e-bike controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: PALTORC, Inc.
    Inventors: Jyh-Ping Johnny Wang, Steve Chih-Ching Chou, Dann Wang
  • Patent number: 10450863
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine and system for measuring torque for a gas turbine engine shaft is provided. The system may include a first sensor module, a second sensor module, a first coupler, a second coupler, and a static antenna. The first and second sensor modules may include strain sensors positioned on the gas turbine engine shaft. The first coupler may be positioned on the gas turbine engine shaft and electrically connected with the first sensor module. The second coupler may be positioned on the gas turbine engine shaft and electrically connected with the second sensor module. The static antenna may include a first band and a second band. The first signal band may be in operable communication with the first sensor module and positioned radially outward from the first coupler. The second signal band may be in operable communication with the second sensor module and positioned radially outward from the second coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Douglas Scott Jacobs, Aaron Jay Knobloch, Robert Edward Goeller, Mudassar Ali Muhammad, Joseph Alfred Iannotti
  • Patent number: 10399636
    Abstract: A drive device for an electric bicycle includes a drive housing rigidly connected to a frame of the electric bicycle and a bottom bracket shaft arranged to rotate in the drive housing. First and second pedal cranks are arranged at respective ends of the bottom bracket shaft. The first and second pedal cranks are arranged to rotate with the bottom bracket shaft. A summing hollow shaft is rotatably supported in the drive housing. The summing hollow shaft is directly connected to the bottom bracket shaft via a cyclist's freewheel and, via a motor freewheel, to a gear driven by an electric motor. The summing hollow shaft is connected to a chain wheel for rotation therewith. A sensor assembly fixedly arranged in the drive housing includes a first torque sensor which cooperates with the bottom bracket shaft, and a second torque sensor which cooperates with the summing hollow shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: AMPRIO GMBH
    Inventors: Dietmar Greven, Thorsten Krill, Alexander Baumann
  • Patent number: 10184859
    Abstract: An arrangement includes a shaft arranged within a housing and sized to project through a housing opening, and a shaft sealing ring arranged between the housing and the shaft in a region of the housing opening. A wirelessly interrogatable SAW system has an interrogation unit, at least one stationary first antenna electrically connected to the interrogation unit, at least one rotating second antenna attached in fixed rotative engagement to the shaft, and at least one wirelessly interrogatable SAW sensor attached in fixed rotative engagement to the shaft and electrically connected to the at least one second antenna. The first and second antennas are arranged to overlap each other in a radial direction. Closing the housing is an annular housing cover to which the first antenna is attached at a distance from the second antenna in an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Flender GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Martin Dinter, Udo Jansen, Thomas Meyer, Jan-Dirk Reimers
  • Patent number: 10058983
    Abstract: A torque sensing device includes an idle wheel disposed between a force input shaft and a force output shaft, the idle wheel receives a tangential force from the force input shaft and the force output shaft to generate a counterforce as a loading, the center of the idle wheel is pivotally disposed on a positioning beam or a basis nearby, the positioning beam has a beam central line where a strain gauge installed. The positioning beam transforms the loading of the idle wheel along the beam central line to a normal force on the cross section of the positioning beam along the beam central line, the positioning beam generates a strain due to the normal force on the cross section of the positioning beam, the strain gauge detects the strain as the torsion sensing value of the output shaft on the region between the force input shaft and the force output shaft. A rotational driving tool is combined with the torque sensing device to improve the detecting precision of the torsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: PRODRIVES & MOTIONS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Sheng Liang, Yuen-Yang Hu, Meng-Jen Chiu, Chu-Hsiang Tseng
  • Patent number: 9280155
    Abstract: A traction control system and method are provided for an aircraft equipped with a ground travel drive system with drive wheels powered by onboard wheel drive means that are capable of translating torque through the aircraft drive wheels and that are automatically controllable to control traction without reliance on the aircraft's brakes to keep the aircraft moving efficiently and autonomously on the ground under a range of environmental conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Borealis Technical Limited
    Inventors: Isaiah W. Cox, Rodney T. Cox, Jan Vana, Jonathan S. Edelson
  • Patent number: 8991267
    Abstract: A system and method of measuring engine torque by interposing a hub 20 between a power source/engine and a driven device such as a propeller 24. The hub 20 is preferably made unitary of a single material and includes a strain gauge 48/49 to measure twisting forces. The gauge output is transmitted 44 to a receiver not part of any rotating component. A housing 50 shields the gauge but is rigidly connected to only one part of the hub and thus does not impact the strain gauge measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Continental Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Miles Kenney, Hussam El-Jobran, Timothy C. Owen
  • Patent number: 8984965
    Abstract: A rotational torsion tester, comprising: a first drive shaft; a second drive shaft; a load applying unit that applies a torsional load to a workpiece; at least one bearing unit including a first bearing unit that supports the load applying unit to be rotatable about a rotation axis; a rotation drive unit having a first electric motor that drives the second drive shaft and the load applying unit to rotate in phase; and a torque sensor that detects the torsional load, wherein the load applying unit comprises: a second electric motor that drives the first drive shaft; the torque sensor is attached to a part at which the first drive shaft is inserted into the shaft part; the torque sensor is disposed between a pair of first bearings; and the torque sensor includes a strain gauge adhered to a narrowed part to detect the torsional load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Kokusai Keisokuki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sigeru Matsumoto, Hiroshi Miyashita, Kazuhiro Murauchi, Masanobu Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 8939038
    Abstract: Disclosed is a torque index sensor, the sensor including a housing, a stator mounted at a space inside the housing, a magnet arranged inside the stator to rotate with a rotation shaft, a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) fixedly mounted inside the housing and mounted with a first magnetic element outputting a magnetization signal in response to rotation of the magnet, at least one or more fixing bosses protrusively formed at the housing, and a collector having a plurality of through holes penetratively formed at a position corresponding to that of the fixing boss and concentrating a magnetic field for guiding a magnetic flux of the magnet, wherein the fixing boss is thermally fused after passing the through hole to tightly fix the collector at an inner surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Myungchul Woo
  • Publication number: 20150008800
    Abstract: A strain gage system for an electric motor actuator is provided. The strain gage system may be coupled to or integrally formed in a housing of the electric motor actuator. In various embodiments, the strain gauge system may comprise one or more principle strain gages. In various embodiments, the strain gage system may comprise one or more transverse strain gages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Freshour
  • Patent number: 8904884
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a torque sensor. The torque sensor includes a cylindrical upper case having one open end and an overload prevention member that is fixed to the upper case to prevent overload. A lower case covers the open end of the upper case and an elastic structure member is disposed on the lower case to detect deformation. Additionally, a silicon structure member is disposed on the elastic structure member to detect deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Dong Gu Kim, Yong Sung Lee, Hi Won Lee
  • 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: 20140346863
    Abstract: A battery apparatus comprises a bicycle crank axle having a first end, a second end, and a hollow portion. The first end of the bicycle crank axle is configured to attach to a first bicycle crank arm, the second end of the bicycle crank axle is configured to attach to a second bicycle crank arm, and a power source is disposed within the hollow portion. The power source is configured to provide operating power to an electrical component disposed in the first bicycle crank arm, and the power source is configured to provide operating power to an electrical component disposed in the second bicycle crank arm. The hollow portion opens through the first end of the bicycle crank axle so that the power source is detachable through the first end of the crank axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Toshio Tetsuka
  • Publication number: 20140331789
    Abstract: A wheel component force detecting apparatus for detecting a component force on a wheel includes a cylindrical axle flange, an electric motor, and a wheel unit. The electric motor includes a stator and an armature. The wheel component force detecting apparatus includes a pair of sensing units each including a cylinder and a bridge circuit. The cylinder is mounted outside the circumferential surface of the axle flange and has a first end fixed to the axle flange and a second end fixed to the stator. The bridge circuit includes a plurality of strain gages disposed on the cylinder. The pair of sensing units is symmetrical in the axial direction of the axle flange with respect to the stator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroshi SHIMOYAMA
  • Patent number: 8806963
    Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device (20) for ascertaining a torque acting on an axis (A2,) and to a robot (1) with a robot arm (2) having a plurality of members which are rotatably mounted in reference to axes (A1-A6). The robot (1) also has the measuring device (20), in order to determine for at least one of the axes (A2) the torque exerted on that axis (A2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: KUKA Roboter GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Langhans
  • Publication number: 20140216173
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for determining torque in a shaft, the apparatus comprising an elongate member with a weakened region partway along its length, and means for securing the member to the shaft either side of the weakened region, preferably adjacent each end of the elongate member. The invention extends to a method of localising the twist a shaft undergoes, comprising securing an elongate member to a shaft, wherein the elongate member comprises a weakened region partway along its length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: ISIS Innovation Limited
    Inventor: Kam S. Chana
  • Publication number: 20140202262
    Abstract: A hub for measuring the driving torque of a cycle wheel, the hub including a central shaft defining an axis of rotation of the wheel, and a hub body mounted to rotate freely about the shaft, the hub body including a central portion bordered on both sides by respective flanges, the flanges fastening at least one connecting element to connect the hub body to a rim of the wheel. The hub includes a system for measuring the driving torque of the wheel including strain gauges fixed on the hub body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: MAVIC S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre MERCAT, Christophe NEYROUD
  • Publication number: 20140165744
    Abstract: A power measurement assembly mounted within an axle. In a specific example, the axle is a spindle that is interconnects the cranks of a bicycle, exercise, bicycle, or other fitness equipment. The power measurement assembly may include strain gauges connected with an appropriate circuit (e.g., Wheatstone bridge) that provides an output of the force on the axle by a rider pedaling the crank. In the case of an axle, the strain gauges measure the torsion due to the applied torque on the crank. The value is converted to a power value by a processor and that value is then wirelessly transmitted for display. The processor and/or the transmitter may be mounted within the axle. A separate power measurement assembly may be mounted on one of the cranks, which may include its own processor and transmitter or may take advantage of the processor and transmitter within the axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Foundation Fitness, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew P. Lull, Patrick A. Warner
  • Publication number: 20140171258
    Abstract: The present invention involves device for measuring the drive torque and/or the driving power delivered on a hub shell by a freewheel body connected to the hub shell by a freewheel mechanism, the device including at least one deformation and/or stress sensor on or integrated to at least one ratchet of said mechanism and a drive torque and/or driving power determination circuit, connected to the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives
    Inventor: Thierry BOUDET
  • Publication number: 20140144252
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a torque sensor. The torque sensor includes a cylindrical upper case having one open end and an overload prevention member that is fixed to the upper case to prevent overload. A lower case covers the open end of the upper case and an elastic structure member is disposed on the lower case to detect deformation. Additionally, a silicon structure member is disposed on the elastic structure member to detect deformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Dong Gu Kim, Yong Sung Lee, Hi Won Lee
  • Patent number: 8727039
    Abstract: A torque measuring device for top drives, which includes plates mounted to a top drive. A torque measuring pin and a hinge pin can be engaged with the plates and a torque slide assembly. Bosses can be connected to the top drive, and can have the torque measuring pin engaged therethrough to restrain vertical and axial movement between the plates. A boss can be connected to the top drive and engaged with the torque measuring pin to bend the torque measuring pin when torque is applied to the top drive. One or more bosses can be connected to the top drive, and can have the hinge pin engaged therethrough to hinge the plates to the top drive. A strain gauge sensor can be engaged with the torque measuring pin. A controller can be in communication with the strain gauge sensor to receive signals therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Larry G. Keast
  • Publication number: 20140083208
    Abstract: An example vane arm testing rig includes a base having a first attachment configured to receive a first end of a vane arm when the vane arm is in an engaged position, and a torque member having a second attachment configured to receive an opposing, second end of the vane arm when the vane arm is in the engaged position. The vane arm extends along a longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end. The first and second attachments are configured to rotate relative to each other about the axis. The first and second attachments are configured to move laterally relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jonathan D. Little
  • Patent number: 8677837
    Abstract: A hub for measuring the driving power of a cycle wheel including a central shaft defining an axis of rotation of the wheel, a hub body mounted to rotate freely about the shaft, a flange mounted to rotate freely about the hub body and axially aligned with the hub body, as well as a torque sensor including a test body which supports at least one strain gauge. The torque sensor is housed in a two-part housing which includes a cutout, arranged in an outer radial surface of the hub body, and a notch, arranged in an outer radial surface of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Mavic S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mercat, Christophe Neyroud
  • Patent number: 8646339
    Abstract: The present device relates to a thread clamping device including a plurality of movable segments with threaded inner surfaces suitable for engaging a threaded rod and including a strain gauge therein for measuring the actual strain on the device, in contrast to conventional thread clamping devices restricted to measuring the torque applied during installation, not the actual strain experienced during service. In addition to measuring the actual strain experienced by the thread clamping device, some embodiments of the present invention also relate to a transmitter for transmitting to a remote receiving station the actual strain measured, typically including a suitable identification code for determining which device is transmitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Ronald A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140033831
    Abstract: A rotational torsion tester, comprising: a first drive shaft; a second drive shaft; a load applying unit that applies a torsional load to a workpiece; at least one bearing unit including a first bearing unit that supports the load applying unit to be rotatable about a rotation axis; a rotation drive unit having a first electric motor that drives the second drive shaft and the load applying unit to rotate in phase; and a torque sensor that detects the torsional load, wherein the load applying unit comprises: a second electric motor that drives the first drive shaft; the torque sensor is attached to a part at which the first drive shaft is inserted into the shaft part; the torque sensor is disposed between a pair of first bearings; and the torque sensor includes a strain gauge adhered to a narrowed part to detect the torsional load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: KOKUSAI KEISOKUKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Sigeru MATSUMOTO, Hiroshi MIYASHITA, Kazuhiro MURAUCHI, Masanobu HASEGAWA
  • Patent number: 8631882
    Abstract: A drilling rig with a top drive having a torque measuring load cell made from a strain gauged bending pin. When the unit torques up, the bending pin can be arranged to bend slightly in proportion to torque, and a strain gauge on the bending pin provides measurement that can be calibrated electronically in foot-lbs of torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Larry G. Keast
  • Publication number: 20140000386
    Abstract: A wireless torque measurement system includes a rotor, a rotor antenna, rotor electronics, a signal processing module, and a single ear antenna. The rotor antenna is attached to the rotor. The rotor electronics are attached to the rotor, and are configured to generate signals that indicate an amount of strain in the rotor and to transmit, via the rotor antenna, digital data representative thereof. The signal processing module is configured to generate signals that provide power and data to the rotor electronics module and process the digital data transmitted by the rotor electronics. The single ear stator is antenna coupled to the signal processing module and is configured to be inductively coupled to the rotor antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Vishal Malhan, Vijay Tippanna Talikoti, Gautham Ramamurthy, Veeresh Shivaprakash Yagati
  • Patent number: 8591059
    Abstract: A nut is disclosed including a body having a visual indicator coupled thereto and integral therewith. The visual indicator provides a visual indication of a stress state of the body of the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Rexnord Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Marlon R. Casey, David B. Fork, Jesse Arthur Nordgren
  • Patent number: 8528423
    Abstract: A portable torque measurement and notification system, including a sensing device having a first end adaptable to connect with a first torque applying device and a second end adaptable to connect with a second torque applying device, the sensing device including one or more sensors in communication with the sensing device to produce load responsive measurements of at least one of the first and second torque applying device; an electronic circuit to receive the one or more load responsive measurements and to transmit wirelessly at least one of the group consisting of the one or more load responsive measurements and one or more torque measurements; at least one power unit; and a wireless device operable to communicate with the sensing device and to produce a notifier based on at least one of the group consisting of the one or more load responsive measurements and one or more torque measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Brock Watson, Greg A. Kliewer, Robert G. Watson, Andrew Ferguson
  • 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: 20130167662
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to techniques for detecting one or more indications of rotational movement of a rotatable member. According to one example, at least one movement sensor is associated with the rotatable member and is configured to detect at least one measurement of rotational motion of the rotatable member. The at least one movement sensor is configured to be powered via at least one photoelectric element secured to the rotatable member. The at least one movement sensor is configured to communicate the at least one indication of the detected at least one measurement from the rotatable member via at least one wireless communications module associated with the rotatable member and powered via the at least one photoelectric element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Vijay Tippanna Talikoti
  • Patent number: 8438938
    Abstract: A load cell in accordance with the present invention comprises an insert defining a hub having a central opening dimensioned to receive a shaft. The insert is removably fixed to the shaft, and a cylindrical sleeve is configured and dimensioned to surround the insert. The sleeve is machined with interior notches. The insert is suspended and rotatably fixed within the sleeve by flanges which are integral with and project from the insert's hub into the sleeve's interior notches. The flanges are configured to respond with deformation to forces applied to the shaft, and strain gauges bonded to the flanges exhibit changes in resistance according to the degree of flange deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Parkinson Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth M Cavanagh
  • Patent number: 8436261
    Abstract: An improved device for the measuring of weight or force is disclosed. This is an apparatus that allows for measurement of weight or force using a cantilever beam that is substantially insensitive to location of the weight or force within certain limits on the beam and is capable of correction for off-level conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Nate John Coleman
  • Patent number: 8413525
    Abstract: A portable torque measurement and notification system, including a torque applying device to apply torque to an object, the torque applying device having a handle and a gripping end, the torque applying device including one or more strain gages disposed on the handle to produce one or more strain measurements of the handle during the application of the torque; an electronic circuit disposed about the handle to receive the one or more strain measurements, to convert the strain measurements to one or more torque measurements, and to transmit the one or more torque measurements by a wireless communications standard; a power unit to power the strain gages and electronic circuit; and a wireless device operable to communicate with the torque applying device, the wireless device having a database to store a target torque value and to receive the transmitted one or more torque measurements, and to produce a notifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Brock Watson, Greg A. Kliewer, Robert G. Watson, Andrew Ferguson
  • Patent number: 8393232
    Abstract: A torque detector includes an output body, an input body adapted to permit a torque to be applied thereto, a torque beam unit, and a detecting unit disposed between the input and output bodies for converting a relative rotation of the input and output bodies into an electric signal. The torque beam unit includes a shaft, at least one flexible first beam extending radially and outwardly from the shaft and having a proximate end portion connected to the shaft, and a distal end portion connected to and co-rotatable with the output body, and at least one second flexible beam extending radially and outwardly from the shaft in a direction different from that of the first beam and having a proximate end portion connected to the shaft, and a distal end portion connected to and co-rotatable with the input body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Automotive Research & Testing Center
    Inventors: Tsung-Hsien Hu, Chau-Chih Yu, Chih-Jung Yeh
  • Publication number: 20130024137
    Abstract: A torque sensor for a human-powered object includes a spindle connecting crank arms of the object. In one embodiment, the object can be a bicycle. The torque sensor further includes at least one strain gauge mounted to the spindle in a shear pattern to measure shear strain perpendicular to a radius of the spindle. In some embodiments, the torque sensor further includes a carrier fixed to a hollow interior of the spindle, where at least one strain gauge is mounted to the spindle via the carrier. Advantageously, the torque sensor provides a low cost method to measure power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Michael J. Grassi
  • Patent number: 8291775
    Abstract: Provided is a torque sensor including a first rotating body, a second rotating body, a strain body, and a detection element. The first rotating body is rotatable around an input shaft. The second rotating body is rotatable around an output shaft. The strain body includes a first engaging portion. The first engaging portion is separated from at least one of the rotating bodies in a first direction parallel to the input shaft, a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a third direction around the input shaft and is capable of engaging to the at least one of the rotating bodies in the third direction. The strain body transmits a rotational torque to the third direction between the first rotating body and the second rotating body. The detection element is provided to the strain body to measure a strain of the strain body due to the rotational torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichiro Nagasaka, Yasunori Kawanami
  • Publication number: 20120234108
    Abstract: An isolated torque sensing device is described having a torque tube that may be configured in an axle of a bicycle or e-bike. A strain gauge is configured on either the inner or outer diameter of the torque tube. The torque sensor system may be configured in a 4-point bending configuration, wherein force from bearings within the axle, apply force to the torque tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: MOTOR EXCELLENCE LLC
    Inventors: Thomas F. Janecek, Daniel S. Cole
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120204658
    Abstract: A hub for measuring the driving power of a cycle wheel including a central shaft defining an axis of rotation of the wheel, a hub body mounted to rotate freely about the shaft, a flange mounted to rotate freely about the hub body and axially aligned with the hub body, as well as a torque sensor including a test body which supports at least one strain gauge. The torque sensor is housed in a two-part housing which includes a cutout, arranged in an outer radial surface of the hub body, and a notch, arranged in an outer radial surface of the flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: MAVIC S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre MERCAT, Christophe NEYROUD
  • 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