To Determine Axial Thrust On A Rotating Machine Element Patents (Class 73/862.49)
  • Patent number: 11959519
    Abstract: A preload inspection method for a bearing device for a vehicle wheel comprises: a first bearing preload value calculation step for calculating a first bearing preload value; a first rotating torque measurement step for measuring a first rotating torque; a caulking step for swaging the small-diameter stepped part to the inner ring; a second bearing preload value calculation step for calculating a second bearing preload value; a second rotational torque measurement step for measuring a second rotational torque; a third bearing preload value calculation step for calculating a third bearing preload value by adding, to the first bearing preload value, a preload change amount based on a differential torque between the first rotating torque and the second rotating torque; and a determination step for determining the suitability of the preload from the second bearing preload value and the third bearing preload value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takayasu Takubo, Takayuki Owada, Akihiko Katayama
  • Patent number: 11692888
    Abstract: Bearing unit providing a housing and at least one bearing mounted in the housing. The bearing unit includes at least one load sensing element and at least one vibration sensing element fixed on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Wolfgang Glaentz, Sebastian Ziegler
  • Patent number: 11656150
    Abstract: The rolling bearing provides a first ring, a second ring and at least one row of rolling elements arranged therebetween. Each of the first and second rings include an inner bore having an outer surface and at least one raceway for the row of rolling elements formed on one of the inner bore and outer surface. The first ring provides at least one part ring delimiting the raceway, and at least one sleeve secured to the part ring and delimiting at least partly the other of the inner bore and outer surface of the first ring. The rolling bearing further provides at least one optical fiber sensor mounted inside at least one circumferential groove formed on the first ring and passing through at least one optical fiber sensor passage opening into the circumferential groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Yves-André Liverato, Alexander Mocnik, Olivier Verbe, Matthias Zauner
  • Patent number: 11536274
    Abstract: An arrangement for monitoring a centrifugal pump is provided. receiving the residual axial thrust of a centrifugal pump. The arrangement includes a load-relieving device configured to receive the residual axial thrust developed during pump operation, an axial bearing, and a sensor ring is associated with the axial bearing. The ring (10) is divided into segments having sensors at the segment dividing regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: KSB SE & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Ralph Kraemer, Kai Molitor
  • Patent number: 10955034
    Abstract: A rolling guide apparatus having a first member 1, a second member 2, and a rolling body unit 5, the apparatus including a guide path G of the rolling body unit 5 including a rolling path R configured to have a rolling groove 1a and a rolling groove 3a, and a circulation path C allowing communication between a start point and an end point of the rolling path R, the rolling body unit 5 being configured to have a plurality of first rolling bodies 5a and a plurality of second rolling bodies 5b each composed of an elastic material, at least one second rolling body 5b being always positioned in the circulation path C. The rolling guide apparatus is easy to be assembled and is capable of performing stable operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Matsumoto, Keisuke Matsumura
  • Patent number: 10801549
    Abstract: An axial load management system for a turbomachine including a rotating drivetrain, a thrust bearing assembly, a sensor, and a valve supply line. The rotating drivetrain includes a compressor section and an expander section fluidly coupled together by a closed flowpath. The thrust bearing assembly includes a thrust runner, a thrust bearing housing, and a gas thrust bearing extending between the thrust runner and the thrust bearing housing. Further, the gas thrust bearing supports the rotating drivetrain. The sensor is attached to at least one of the thrust bearing housing or the gas thrust bearing. The valve supply line is fluidly coupled to the closed flowpath. A valve positioned within the valve supply line selectively allows a working fluid to flow between the closed flowpath and a thrust chamber defined by a rotating surface and a fixed surface to modify an axial load on the rotating drivetrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bugra Han Ertas, Douglas Carl Hofer, Younkoo Jeong
  • Patent number: 10570777
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention disclosed herein generally provide a heat engine system, a turbopump system, and methods for lubricating a turbopump while generating energy. The systems and methods provide proper lubrication and cooling to turbomachinery components by controlling pressures applied to a thrust bearing in the turbopump. The applied pressure on the thrust bearing may be controlled by a turbopump back-pressure regulator valve adjusted to maintain proper pressures within bearing pockets disposed on two opposing surfaces of the thrust bearing. Pocket pressure ratios, such as a turbine-side pocket pressure ratio (P1) and a pump-side pocket pressure ratio (P2), may be monitored and adjusted by a process control system. In order to prevent damage to the thrust bearing, the systems and methods may utilize advanced control theory of sliding mode, the multi-variables of the pocket pressure ratios P1 and P2, and regulating the bearing fluid to maintain a supercritical state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: ECHOGEN POWER SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventor: Brett Bowan
  • Patent number: 10179386
    Abstract: Proposed is a torque measurement tester for testing hole-treating rotary tools used on hole treating operations such as drilling, tapping, reaming, countersinking, or the like under real operation conditions for determining the most optimal operations parameters. The torque measurement unit consists of a package of three sensor units, in which the first unit is connected to the frame of the tester via pressure sensors for measuring a thrust force acting in the Z-axis direction, the second sensor unit measures forces acting on the tool in the direction of the X-axis, and the third sensor unit measures forces acting in the Y-axis direction. All measurements are carried out irrespective of each other without mutual effect on the measurement data. The third unit resiliently supports the rotary tool relative to the second unit, while the second unit is connected to the first sensor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Inventors: Vishal Khosla, Nick Doe, Jun Xiao, Ming Chan, Gautam Char
  • Patent number: 10180367
    Abstract: Proposed is a method of determining optimal operation conditions for treating holes with a rotary tool by performing a hole treatment operation on a tester under various treatment conditions which are similar to the use of the tool in the industrial production on a real manufacturing equipment. The method consists of changing the treatment conditions and determining those operation parameters at which the treated hole is most optimally satisfies the given technical requirements. A criterion for evaluation of these optimal conditions is equality of pair forces acting on the rotary tool in the X- and Y-axis directions since such a situation prevents sidewise deviation of the tool from the direction of the thrust force applied in the Z-axis direction. The above condition is provided by the specific structure of the tester used for carrying out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Inventors: Vishal Khosla, Nick Doe, Jun Xiao, Ming Chan, Gautam Char
  • Patent number: 10151342
    Abstract: Rolling bearing arrangements are disclosed. The bearing may include an outer ring, an inner ring, and a strain sensor device having an annular main body. The strain sensor device may be connected to the outer ring and configured to measure axial loads acting on the rolling bearing. A circle segment-shaped force introduction element may extend in a circumferential direction and connect to the annular main body via a web-shaped coupling element. The strain sensor device may have, on an outer end facing away from the rolling bearing, a recess for accommodating a strain sensor. The recess may extend over the force introduction element at least in the circumferential direction and the coupling element may have a smaller extent in a radial direction than the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Jens Heim, Andreas Frühwald, Jörg-Oliver Hestermann
  • Patent number: 10101241
    Abstract: A kit including a plurality of modules which can be integrated in a bearing installation space is disclosed. The modules include a plurality of supply management modules for supplying bearing components, a plurality of functional modules for measuring bearing state variables and/or for triggering and/or activating specified events under specified conditions, and a plurality of infrastructure modules for implementing communication tasks and/or for saving and processing specified and/or recorded data. A bearing arrangement having a bearing and a plurality of modules which can be connected to a common connection medium is also disclosed, wherein the modules are components of the kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Martin Kram, Jens Heim
  • Patent number: 9868227
    Abstract: The relative displacement in the axial direction between an outer ring fixing member or casing and an inner ring fixing member or rotor is determined, said outer ring fixing member being a member for affixing an outer ring of a bearing on one side, and said inner ring fixing member being a member for affixing an inner ring of the bearing on the one end side. When calculating a thrust load acting on the rotor by multiplying the determined relative displacement by a conversion coefficient, an axial force measuring bolt is used as a tightening bolt for affixing the bearing on the one end side, said axial force measuring bolt enabling measurement of a load acting in the axial direction. The axial force measured by the axial force measuring bolt and the relative displacement during measurement of the axial force are used to calibrate the conversion coefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Okada, Yusuke Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9751238
    Abstract: A device for measuring a thrust load acting on a rotor of a hermetically sealed kneader includes displacement sensors (19) and a load-calculating member. The displacement sensors (19) are configured to measure relative displacement along the axial direction of an outer ring-fixing member (17), which is for fixing the outer ring (16) of one end of a bearing (6), or a casing (18) with respect to an inner ring-fixing member (20), which is for fixing the inner ring (13) of the one end of the bearing (6), or the rotor (5). The load-calculating unit calculates the thrust load acting on the rotor (5) by multiplying the relative displacement measured by the displacement sensors (19) by a conversion coefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Okada, Yusuke Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9733153
    Abstract: A measurement bearing is provided. The measurement bearing has a rolling bearing, at least one force-introducing ring and a space for at least one sensor layer, the space being surrounded by the at least one force-introducing ring and at least one other adjacent component of the measurement bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ralf Weippert, Jens Heim, Jurgen Gierl
  • Patent number: 8887581
    Abstract: A bearing unit (20) for measuring forces exerted on the bearing unit, comprising an inner member (3) concentrically arranged around an outer member (2), at least one rolling element bearing (4, 5) and at least one load measuring device (8, 9) with a cylindrical bore. The load measuring device (8, 9) is mounted to one of the members (3) and supports the rolling element bearing (4, 5) relatively to this member (3). The rolling element bearing (4, 5) is mounted to the other of the members (2) and supports this member (2) relatively to the load measuring device (8, 9). Thus, a force acting on the bearing unit is transferred from one of the inner and outer members (2, 3) to the other of the inner and outer members (2, 3) via the at least one load measuring device (8, 9). According to the invention, the at least one load measuring device (8, 9) and the at least one rolling element bearing (4, 5) are arranged laterally to each other in a radial gap between the inner and outer members (2, 3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Erik Zaaijer, Cornelius Petrus Antonius Vissers
  • Patent number: 8825279
    Abstract: A bicycle power sensing apparatus is basically provided with a power sensing device, a calibration signal generating device and a controller. The controller is operatively arranged to receive a calibration signal from the calibration signal generating device. The controller calibrates the power sensing device upon receiving the calibration signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Satoshi Kitamura, Michihiro Kodama
  • Patent number: 8776617
    Abstract: Submersible pump and motor performance testing. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: coupling a torque meter between an electric motor and a pump; and submersing the torque meter, electric motor, and pump in water. During periods of time when the torque meter, electric motor and pump are submerged in the water, the method comprises: operating the pump and the electric motor; measuring pump performance; and simultaneously measuring electric motor performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Gicon Pump & Equipment, Ltd.
    Inventors: R. Mark Durham, Ronald K. Hensley, M. Bryan Sherrod, Betty L. Grant
  • Publication number: 20140191627
    Abstract: A magnetic load sensor unit (1) is provided which can detect the magnitude of an axial load applied by a linear motion actuator (14) to a friction pad (22). The magnetic load sensor unit (1) includes a magnetic target (4) which generates a magnetic field, and a magnetic sensor (5) designed to move relative to the magnetic target (4) corresponding to the axial load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventors: Toru Takahashi, Makoto Yasui, Yui Masuda
  • Publication number: 20140102216
    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: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Flowserve Management Company
    Inventors: William T. Dolenti, Byron A. Fleury
  • Patent number: 8650972
    Abstract: A bicycle hub apparatus comprises an axle, a hub member supported for rotation around the hub axle, an intermediate drive member supported for rotation around the hub axle and having a first portion and a second portion, a sensor shaft supported for rotation around the hub axle and having a first portion and a second portion, and a force sensor unit disposed on the sensor shaft. The first portion of the intermediate drive member is structured to receive an external rotational driving force, the first portion of the sensor shaft is coupled to the second portion of the intermediate drive member to receive the rotational driving force, and the second portion of the sensor shaft is coupled to the hub member for communicating the rotational driving force to the hub member. The intermediate drive member and the sensor shaft are coupled to each other within the hub member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Satoshi Kitamura, Michihiro Kodama
  • Publication number: 20140033830
    Abstract: A grinding abnormality monitoring method and device for grinding a plurality of works of the same type are proposed which can improve the accuracy of judgment whether an abnormality is generated or not by properly setting a threshold value. According to the method or the device, by setting at least one of upper and lower limit values of a trial grinding load detected at the trial grinding of at least one of the works, an occurrence of grinding abnormality is judged when an actual grinding load detected at the actual grinding of work exceeds at least one of the upper and lower limit values thereof which varies depending on the time elapsed from the start of the actual grinding or a position of work relative to a grinding wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Kasuga, Atsushi Saito, Takayuki Yoshimi, Masao Ikeda
  • Patent number: 8640554
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for bearing thrust monitoring allows measurable detection of tilt of a support bearing a roller which rotatably supports a rotating body. A tilt meter adapted to measurably detect a tilt of the support bearing is coupled to the support bearing, where the tilt is defined as an angular difference in bearing orientation between a first bearing position and a second subsequent bearing position that is cause by an axial thrust on the rotary body. Once tilt is detected, the bearing orientation of the support bearing can be adjusted to return the support bearing to substantially the first bearing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: FLSmidth Sioux City, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter M. Gebhart
  • Patent number: 8555917
    Abstract: A motor operated valve diagnostic data acquisition system including: a motor operated valve assembly; a transmitter, the transmitter being permanently connected in a housing of a motor operated valve assembly; a receiver, the transmitter transmitting signals to the receiver via motor operated valve cables, the cables being existing motor operated valve cables; and electronic circuitry connected to the receiver, the electronic circuitry processing the signals received by the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Areva NP Inc
    Inventors: Vedat T. Ataman, Lew McKeague
  • Publication number: 20130247687
    Abstract: A system and method for reducing roller skew, which involve ascertaining first and second thrust load properties applied to a roller while a rotary body rotates in opposing rotational directions, and adjusting an orientation of at least one bearing assembly for the roller until an amplitude difference between the first and second thrust load properties is below a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Phillips Kiln Services Ltd.
    Inventor: Walter M. Gebhart
  • Patent number: 8539842
    Abstract: A system for use in measuring an end play of a wheel hub assembly includes a follower configured to extend through an opening in a cover connected to a wheel hub. The cover covers the wheel hub such that the cover inhibits access to an end of a shaft of the wheel hub assembly, and the follower is configured to contact the end through the opening. The follower is received in a holder engageable with the cover such that the follower is movable relative to the cover and the holder to allow the follower to extend from the holder to contact the end of the shaft. A frame has a cavity receiving a measurement probe extending outwardly from the cavity. The probe contacts the follower and is configured to measure movement of the follower to determine endplay of the bearing assembly on the shaft. The frame includes a plurality of legs extending from the frame to a hub mounted on the shaft and coupled to the bearing to support the frame relative to the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: John E. Rode
  • Publication number: 20130233223
    Abstract: The invention concerns a ship, in particular a cargo ship, comprising at least one Magnus rotor for driving the ship, which has a stationary carrier. The invention concerns in particular a ship in which arranged on the carrier is a measuring device for determining a flexural loading on the carrier. The invention further concerns a method of determining the thrust of a Magnus rotor, a Magnus rotor and a carrier for mounting a Magnus rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: WOBBEN PROPERTIES GMBH
    Inventor: Rolf Rohden
  • Patent number: 8485052
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for bearing thrust monitoring allows measurable detection of tilt of a support bearing a roller which rotatably supports a rotating body. A tilt meter adapted to measurably detect a tilt of the support bearing is coupled to the support bearing, where the tilt is defined as an angular difference in bearing orientation between a first bearing position and a second subsequent bearing position that is cause by an axial thrust on the rotary body. Once tilt is detected, the bearing orientation of the support bearing can be adjusted to return the support bearing to substantially the first bearing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: FLSmidth Sioux City, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter M. Gebhart
  • Patent number: 8453521
    Abstract: A bicycle force sensing device is basically provided with an attachment member, a translation detecting structure and an orientation detector. The attachment member is configured to be mounted to a bicycle bottom bracket hanger and is configured to receive and rotatably support a crank axle. The translation detecting structure is coupled to the attachment member such that the translation detecting structure senses strain on the attachment member in a first strain measurement direction and in a second strain measurement direction that is nonparallel to the first strain measurement direction. The orientation detector is coupled to the attachment member such that the orientation detector detects an orientation of the attachment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Bungo Sasaki
  • Patent number: 8407896
    Abstract: A system and method for reducing roller skew, which involve ascertaining first and second thrust load properties applied to a roller while a rotary body rotates in opposing rotational directions, and adjusting an orientation of at least one bearing assembly for the roller until an amplitude difference between the first and second thrust load properties is below a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Phillips Kiln Services Ltd.
    Inventor: Walter M. Gebhart
  • Patent number: 8359936
    Abstract: A system for use in measuring an end play of a wheel hub assembly includes a follower configured to extend through an opening in a cover connected to a wheel hub. The cover covers the wheel hub such that the cover inhibits access to an end of a shaft of the wheel hub assembly, and the follower is configured to contact the end through the opening. The follower is received in a holder engageable with the cover such that the follower is movable relative to the cover and the holder to allow the follower to extend from the holder to contact the end of the shaft. A frame has a cavity receiving a measurement probe extending outwardly from the cavity. The probe contacts the follower and is configured to measure movement of the follower to determine endplay of the bearing assembly on the shaft. The frame includes a plurality of legs extending from the frame to a hub mounted on the shaft and coupled to the bearing to support the frame relative to the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: John E. Rode
  • Publication number: 20120304783
    Abstract: A bicycle hub apparatus comprises an axle, a hub member supported for rotation around the hub axle, an intermediate drive member supported for rotation around the hub axle and having a first portion and a second portion, a sensor shaft supported for rotation around the hub axle and having a first portion and a second portion, and a force sensor unit disposed on the sensor shaft. The first portion of the intermediate drive member is structured to receive an external rotational driving force, the first portion of the sensor shaft is coupled to the second portion of the intermediate drive member to receive the rotational driving force, and the second portion of the sensor shaft is coupled to the hub member for communicating the rotational driving force to the hub member. The intermediate drive member and the sensor shaft are coupled to each other within the hub member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: SHIMANO, INC.
    Inventors: Satoshi Kitamura, Michihiro Kodama
  • Publication number: 20120060627
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pulley of a motor configured to accurately collect data for performance test without damaging screw threads of the pulley and a test jig, wherein the motor includes a rotation shaft and the pulley coupled to a distal end of a rotation shaft, and wherein the pulley includes a jig coupling groove axially formed at a distal end in the shape of a plurality of holes, and a part of a performance test jig is axially inserted, and the test jig of the motor, the test jig connected to the pulley coupled to a distal end of the rotation shaft of the motor to measure performance test, the test jig comprising a coupling pin lengthily and axially formed at the other distal end coupled to the pulley of the test jig, and inserted into a hole formed at the pulley.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: YONGSEOK PAENG
  • Patent number: 8117923
    Abstract: A bicycle bottom bracket force sensor includes an outer portion, an inner portion, at least one sensor mounting surface and a strain gauge. The inner portion is dimensioned to receive and support a crank axle bearing that rotatably supports a crank axle. The at least one sensor mounting surface extends between the outer portion and the inner portion has the strain gauge fixed thereto. The sensor mounting surface extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to a rotation axis of the crank axle when the force sensor is coupled to the bicycle bottom bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Bungo Sasaki
  • Patent number: 8113798
    Abstract: A turbomachine has a housing and a rotor mounted radially and axially in the housing. The rotor has a shaft and at least one impeller attached to the shaft. Two tilt-segment bearings having tilt segments, which bearings act in opposite directions, are provided for axial mounting of the rotor. The bearings interact with an assigned contact surface of the shaft. At least one of the tilt segments has a force measurement device for direct detection of the axial force acting on the assigned tilt segment. The force measurement devices are connected with an electronic control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Energas GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Bosen
  • Patent number: 8047085
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus (7) for monitoring the tension (17) and pinch force (19) associated with the contact of angled stub rollers (91) with a glass ribbon (23) are provided. The apparatus (7) includes a support member (39) which supports the shaft (13) of the stub roller (91). The support member (39) undergoes linear displacement (45) in response to tension (17) in the glass ribbon (23) and rotation (59) in response to a pinch force (19). The linear displacement (45) and rotation (59) are detected and converted to force values by a calibration procedure. By monitoring these forces, glass attributes such as residual stress can be improved which is of importance in glass sheets used in such applications as the manufacture of liquid crystal displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Raymond C. Cady, James P. Peris, G. Clinton Shay
  • Patent number: 7997153
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for bearing thrust monitoring allows measurable detection of tilt of a support bearing (52 or 56) for a roller (34 or 36) which rotatably supports a rotating body (22). A tilt meter (75 or 77) adapted to measurably detect a tilt of the support bearing is coupled to the support bearing (52 or 56), where the tilt is defined as an angular difference in bearing orientation between a first bearing position and a second subsequent bearing position that is cause by an axial thrust on the rotary body (22). Once tilt is detected, the bearing orientation of the support bearing (52 or 56) can be adjusted to return the support bearing (52 or 56) to substantially the first bearing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Phillips Kiln Services Ltd.
    Inventor: Walter M. Gebhart
  • Patent number: 7963701
    Abstract: A system and method for reducing roller skew, which involve ascertaining first and second thrust load properties applied to a roller while a rotary body rotates in opposing rotational directions, and adjusting an orientation of at least one bearing assembly for the roller until an amplitude difference between the first and second thrust load properties is below a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Phillips Kiln Services, Ltd.
    Inventor: Walter M. Gebhart
  • Publication number: 20100300214
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus (7) for monitoring the tension (17) and pinch force (19) associated with the contact of angled stub rollers (91) with a glass ribbon (23) are provided. The apparatus (7) includes a support member (39) which supports the shaft (13) of the stub roller (91). The support member (39) undergoes linear displacement (45) in response to tension (17) in the glass ribbon (23) and rotation (59) in response to a pinch force (19). The linear displacement (45) and rotation (59) are detected and converted to force values by a calibration procedure. By monitoring these forces, glass attributes such as residual stress can be improved which is of importance in glass sheets used in such applications as the manufacture of liquid crystal displays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Raymond C. Cady, James P. Peris, G. Clinton Shay
  • Publication number: 20100282001
    Abstract: A bicycle bottom bracket force sensor includes an outer portion, an inner portion, at least one sensor mounting surface and a strain gauge. The inner portion is dimensioned to receive and support a crank axle bearing that rotatably supports a crank axle. The at least one sensor mounting surface extends between the outer portion and the inner portion has the strain gauge fixed thereto. The sensor mounting surface extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to a rotation axis of the crank axle when the force sensor is coupled to the bicycle bottom bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Bungo SASAKI
  • Patent number: 7707902
    Abstract: A bearing rotor thrust sensor assembly is provided for being secured to a bearing housing having a plurality of fingers extending between a pair of opposite portions of the housing. The assembly includes a first anchor member including a first cleat and configured to couple to a first housing portion of the pair of opposite housing portions, a second anchor member including a second cleat and configured to couple to a second of the pair of opposite housing portions, and a head sensor bracket positioned at least partially between the first and second anchor members. The head sensor bracket includes a load cell including a bridge circuit for producing a signal representative of forces on said cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Frederic Gardner Haaser, Boris Kamentser, Francisco Zul, Eugenia Kamentser
  • Publication number: 20090320631
    Abstract: Sensorized gearbox with a plurality of sensors (8) and (14) assembled in a set of fixed parts (5) and (12) to the gearbox (1), measuring loads in the rotating shaft (11) and axial and radial forces derived from wind turbine operation. Sensors (8) and (14) assembled on the selected parts (5) and (12) detect in a specific time interval or during the life of the gearbox, measuring instantaneously and sending data to a control system that regulates the machine's power by controlling the r.p.m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Gurutz Urzelai Iribarren
  • Publication number: 20090320445
    Abstract: According to the invention, under braking of an aircraft (AC) with reverse thrust, that (those) engine(s) (Mc) of said aircraft (AC) the associated control lever (4c) of which is (are) not in a reverse thrust position (I) is (are) set to low idle speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: AIRBUS France
    Inventor: Alain Dupre
  • Patent number: 7634948
    Abstract: A process and device for dynamic measurement of the axial deformation of a rotating hollow shaft (10), a glass fiber segment (16) of a fiber optic sensor (18) being attached securely to a section of the inside wall of the hollow shaft (10) extending in axial alignment with the shaft. A light signal produced by a light source (24) is injected into the glass fiber segment (16), and the light signal being detected by a detector (28) after passing through the glass fiber segment (16). Axial deformation of the section of the inside wall of the hollow shaft (10) is ascertained by determining axial deformation of the glass fiber segment (16) from the change of at least one parameter of the light signal that occurs when the light signal passes through the glass fiber segment (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Prueftechnik Dieter Busch AG
    Inventor: Edwin Becker
  • Patent number: 7617610
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of measuring a clearance of a hub bearing for vehicles. A hub is fixed to a lower jig when a row of hub-side balls is disposed and an outer ring is disposed on an outer periphery of the hub and a row of inner ring-side balls and an inner ring are disposed. A press-fit jig is contacted to the inner ring and a load of less than 5 kgf is applied to an outer surface of the outer ring to prevent its vibration and movement. A gauge is installed to a portion of the outer ring. The inner ring is gradually press-fitted by the jig. An amount of press-fit of the inner ring is measured from when the gauge begins to move when press-fitting of the inner ring is completed. The amount of clearance is simply measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Il Jin Global Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Young Su Song, Suk Yong Bae
  • Patent number: 7526967
    Abstract: A measuring device for detecting stresses of a bearing arrangement. The stresses are measured based on elastic changes in shape. The inventive measuring device includes a light source, which is directed onto a light passage, and a light sensor. The dimensions of a portion of the light that penetrates the light passage and impinges the light sensor can be modified by elastically changing the shape of the light passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventor: Stefan Glueck
  • Publication number: 20080289436
    Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring apparatus (200) in connection with a gear (10). The gear comprises at least one first shaft (11) and at least one second shaft (14), a gear wheel placed on the first shaft (11) and comprising a helical toothing, which gear wheel (12) cooperates with a gear wheel (13) provided with a helical toothing and located on the second shaft (14). The gear (10) comprises in its connection the measuring apparatus (200), by means of which the axial force transmitted to the shaft (11) can be measured. The measuring apparatus (200) for measuring axial force comprises a bearing (17) located in connection with the shaft (11) in the gear, which bearing receives the axial forces. The axial force is transmitted further via the bearing (17). The device arrangement comprises a rod (20) to which the axial force is transmitted from the bearing (17), the rod (20) being located between the bearing (17) receiving the axial forces and the housing (100) of the gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: Moventas Oy
    Inventor: Pekka Laakkonen
  • Patent number: 7430926
    Abstract: A bearing rotor thrust sensor assembly is provided for being secured to a bearing housing having a plurality of fingers extending between a pair of opposite portions of the housing. The assembly includes a first anchor member including a first cleat and configured to couple to a first housing portion of the pair of opposite housing portions, a second anchor member including a second cleat and configured to couple to a second of the pair of opposite housing portions, and a head sensor bracket positioned at least partially between the first and second anchor members. The head sensor bracket includes a load cell including a bridge circuit for producing a signal representative of forces on said cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Frederic Gardner Haaser, Boris Kamentser, Francisco Zul, Eugenia Kamentser
  • Publication number: 20080042389
    Abstract: There is provided a steering apparatus including a pinion communicating with an operation of a steering member, a rack shaft having a rack meshed with the pinion, and a support yoke resiliently coming into contact with the rack shaft, and being configured to convert rotation of the pinion into movement of the rack shaft in an axial direction in a meshing portion in which the pinion and rack mesh to each other. The steering apparatus comprises a detection unit for detecting a force applied to the support yoke to which a force acting on the meshing portion being transmitted from the rack shaft and a calculation unit for calculating a steering torque applied to the steering member based on the force detected by the detection unit, wherein the pinion and the rack are formed in helical gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahiro Mizuno, Shiro Nakano, Kunihiro Oka
  • Patent number: 7316168
    Abstract: The invention relates to a roller bearing comprising curved running paths, in addition to roller bodies and strain gauge sensors which are arranged between said running paths, said sensors being located in a groove on the outer diameter of the outer ring and/or on the inner diameter of the inner ring. The length of two adjacent strip conductor sections of the strain gauge sensor varies in such a way as to measure the angular position of the roller bodies between the strip conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: FAG Kugelfischer AG
    Inventors: Henri van der Knokke, Rainer Wunderlich, Karin Hauser, Roman Hollweck
  • Patent number: 6967586
    Abstract: A bearing test method and a bearing test device are provided for bearings in which a non-contact state is maintained between a shaft element and a bearing element in a normal rotation state. In addition, a motor bearing monitoring device is provided to detect an abnormality in a motor or that a motor's life is near its end, where the motor utilizes the bearing. Furthermore, a storage device such as a hard disk drive equipped with the motor monitoring device is provided. For a bearing that can retain a shaft element and a bearing element coaxially positioned in a non-contact state when the number of revolutions exceeds a predetermined number of relative revolutions, a bearing test method is provided to determine whether the shaft element and the bearing element are in a contact rotation state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Sankyo Seiki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Narita, Haruhiro Tsuneta