Closed Loop (e.g., Ring Or Tube) Patents (Class 73/862.635)
  • Patent number: 11851319
    Abstract: A device includes: a micromechanical sensing structure configured to provide an electrical detection quantity as a function of a load; and a package enclosing the micromechanical sensing structure and providing a mechanical and electrical interface with respect to an external environment. The package includes a housing structure defining a cavity housing the micromechanical sensing structure; and a package coating that coats, at least in part, the housing structure, the package coating including a mechanical interface configured to transfer, in a uniform manner, the load on the housing structure and on the micromechanical sensing structure, wherein the housing structure includes a deformable layer interposed and in contact between the micromechanical sensing structure and the package coating, and wherein the deformable layer defines a mechanical-coupling interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Anna Angela Pomarico, Giuditta Roselli, Daniele Caltabiano, Roberto Brioschi, Mohammad Abbasi Gavarti
  • Patent number: 11835400
    Abstract: A force-measuring device testing system is disclosed. A linear actuator assembly includes a Z-axis actuator and a slider. A load cell is secured to the slider, such that actuation of the Z-axis actuator is mechanically coupled to a vertical movement of the load cell via the slider. The load cell is configured to impart a time-varying applied force to the sample which includes a force-measuring device. A load cell signal processing circuitry is configured to measure force signals at the load cell and output amplified force signals to the controller. The controller is configured to repeatedly carry out the following until a desired force trajectory has been executed: (1) calculate digital force signals in accordance with the amplified force signals, (2) calculate a next actuation of the Z-axis actuator in accordance with a desired force trajectory and an elastic parameter, and (3) control the actuation of the Z-axis actuator in accordance with its next calculated actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: UltraSense Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhongxuan Tu, Deliang Tao, Chunlei Qian, Sina Akhbari, Hao-Yen Tang
  • Patent number: 11714013
    Abstract: A torsion sensor, including a casing assembly, a sleeve set, a driven slider, a driving slider, an elastic member, a magnetic sensor, and a magnetic member is provided. The sleeve set includes a first sleeve, a second sleeve, and a third sleeve. The first sleeve is disposed in the casing assembly. The second sleeve has a neck portion sleeved on the second side of the first sleeve. The third sleeve is disposed between the first and the second sleeves. The driven slider is connected to a head portion of the second sleeve. The driving slider surrounds an outer side of the driven slider. The elastic member surrounds an outer side of the second sleeve. One of the magnetic sensor and the magnetic member is disposed in the casing assembly, and the other one is disposed in the sleeve set. The magnetic sensor and the magnetic member are disposed opposite to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: PEGATRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wen-Hung Wang, Pei-Chin Wang
  • Patent number: 11650111
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a force sensor apparatus is provided including a tube portion having a plurality of radial ribs and a strain gauge positioned over each of the plurality of radial ribs, a proximal end of the tube portion that operably couples to a shaft of a surgical instrument that operably couples to a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system, and a distal end of the tube portion that proximally couples to a wrist joint coupled to an end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Christopher J. Hasser
  • Patent number: 11391619
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a filtration system comprising a cabinet, a filtration device having a filtrate or retentate vessel arranged outside the cabinet, and a weighing device that is configured to weigh the filtrate or retentate vessel. The weighing device can be arranged inside an enclosure and the enclosure can be arranged inside the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Inventors: Adrian Neil Bargh, Stefanie Meyer
  • Patent number: 10882589
    Abstract: The invention relates to floating platform mooring and involves an improved platform mounted tendon tension monitoring system with porch mounted variable reluctance measurement technology sensors configured. The variable reluctance measurement technology sensors of this system are optimized for porch mounting. The porch mounted tendon tension monitoring system can also be configured such that the porch-mounted optimized variable reluctance measurement technology sensors are replaceable. Sensors may be replaced to extend the desired useful lifetime of a tendon tension monitoring system or in the event that a sensor happens to malfunction. A plurality of variable reluctance measurement technology sensors can be configured in sensor packs at the corners or at other locations where tendon tension monitoring can be useful for a floating platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: OIL STATES INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Tye, John Ray Baileys, Joseph Michael O'Neil, Michael Eugene Hogan
  • Patent number: 9297687
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus may include a sense element having a first end and a second end; and a stud fitted inside the sense element. The stud may have a first end and a second end. The first end of the stud may be free floating with respect to the sense element. The second end of the stud may be attached to the second end of the sense element. The sense element may include one or more gauges. The gauges may sense strain on the sense element. The apparatus may include a ridge that may be used to provide overload protection of the apparatus. The ridge may be placed on the stud, the sense element, or the stud and sense element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Zwijze, David Hatch
  • Patent number: 9151697
    Abstract: The invention aims to produce an instrumentation making it possible to measure the loadings which pass through mechanical joins between two mechanical structures, so as to best evaluate the dimensions and masses without impairing their mechanical properties of a secure transfer of load. To this end, the invention proposes introducing into the zones of transit of the loadings an instrumented component of the form that favors the measurement of shear and its installation. In one embodiment, a zone of transit of loadings consists of an instrumentalized hollow shaft which takes the form of a cylinder (1) able to be introduced into collinear openings (30) in the fittings (20, 25, 26). It comprises a longitudinal housing (10) into which is introduced an insert (2) composed of a central prop (21) in tight contact with the internal wall (1i) of the shaft (1) and connected, on each side, to a flyweight (31, 32) also in tight contact, by way of multiple tabs (41 to 44) away from contact with said internal wall (1i).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Hervé Magnin, Géraldine Hache
  • Patent number: 8925395
    Abstract: A force measuring device for a bicycle includes a sleeve shell having a first shell-half outer wall and an inner tubular wall which are disposed between a bottom bracket shell and a spindle, a ring body disposed on the inner tubular wall and having a strain region which is configured to make a strain displacement corresponding to a treading force exerted on the spindle, a sensor holding unit defining a sensor activating zone and a hall sensing unit including a sensor which is disposed in the sensor activating zone, and a magnetic member which is displaceable with the straining movement to change a magnetic field generated thereby so as to give off a signal indicative of the magnitude of the treading force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Ching-Feng Hsu
  • Patent number: 8569635
    Abstract: A weight sensor includes a deformable body, a first strain resistor provided on an outer side surface of the deformable body, and a pressing member applying a load to the deformable body. The deformable body includes a tubular portion having a tubular shape extending along a center axis and surrounding the center axis, and a projection projecting from an inner surface of the tubular portion. The pressing member moves along the center axis so as to apply a moment to the tubular portion. The resistances of the strain resistors change greatly, allowing the weight sensor to measure a load with high sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Ohbayashi Masahiko, Motoki Ogata, Hiroaki Ishida, Takaaki Ogawa, Kazuhiro Nomura
  • Publication number: 20130014596
    Abstract: A force measuring device for a bicycle includes a sleeve shell having a first shell-half outer wall and an inner tubular wall which are disposed between a bottom bracket shell and a spindle, a ring body disposed on the inner tubular wall and having a strain region which is configured to make a strain displacement corresponding to a treading force exerted on the spindle, a sensor holding unit defining a sensor activating zone and a hall sensing unit including a sensor which is disposed in the sensor activating zone, and a magnetic member which is displaceable with the straining movement to change a magnetic field generated thereby so as to give off a signal indicative of the magnitude of the treading force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Ching-Feng HSU
  • Publication number: 20070186664
    Abstract: A strain gauge (10), comprising a silicon strain sensing element (14) for sensing strain with first and second load points (16) and provided with a pair of piezo-resistors (22) located between said load points such that, when said strain sensing element (14) is subjected to tension or compression at said load points, a first of said pair of piezo-resistors (22a,22b) is subjected to compression and a second of said pair of piezo-resistors (22a,22b) is subjected to tension, wherein a change in relative resistance of said pair of piezo-resistors is induced by subjecting said strain sensing element to compression or tension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Inventors: Ian Powlesland, Alan Wilson
  • Patent number: 7140228
    Abstract: An antifriction bearing equipped with sensors for measuring the length change in the rolling contact between antifriction elements and the outer ring, region vectors are formed and pass via an interface to an evaluation unit disposed outside the antifriction bearing which add region vectors from the sensors in at least three regions and determines magnitude and direction of force on the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: FAG Kugelfischer AG
    Inventor: Jens Heim
  • Publication number: 20050016297
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Publication date: January 27, 2005
    Inventors: Yuhide Aoki, Koichi Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 6774320
    Abstract: Standard attachment fittings for wire rope and chain (WR&C) that are enhanced to also perform load weighing functions in lifting/support or pulling assembly applications. The existing unmodified shape of each typical WR&C fitting provides focused linear strain under tensile or compression loading at determinable points on the fitting body. Affixing a strain gauge element to any of these points will enable accurate load weight measurement eliminating the need for a separate weigh scale and a “thin section” typically required in load sensors to focus load strain and achieve accurate load weight readings. The invention addresses increased WR&C fitting assembly simplicity, preserved structural integrity, improved assembly compactness, reduced cost, enhanced safety and maintenance of the original application functions of the standard attachment fittings while enhancing the said fittings with weighing function capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Gerald S. Simons
  • Patent number: 6596949
    Abstract: A tank weighing assembly includes a shear-web load cell in the form of an annular disk, a supporting base plate and components for mounting the load cell in a manner such as to enable compensation for effects of exposure to forces of the wind and thermal expansion. The load cell and a mounting washer each have an axial aperture through which a connecting bolt extends. The bolt has a countersunk head inclined at an angle of 45 to 50 degrees and an adjacent wall has an angle 3 degrees larger. A gap of ⅛th inch on each side of the bolt is provided to allow a small amount of lateral movement. Mating arcuate surfaces at the bottom of the load cell hub and at the top of the mounting washer enable self alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Jon L. Stimpson
  • Patent number: RE45883
    Abstract: A weight sensor includes a deformable body, a first strain resistor provided on an outer side surface of the deformable body, and a pressing member applying a load to the deformable body. The deformable body includes a tubular portion having a tubular shape extending along a center axis and surrounding the center axis, and a projection projecting from an inner surface of the tubular portion. The pressing member moves along the center axis so as to apply a moment to the tubular portion. The resistances of the strain resistors change greatly, allowing the weight sensor to measure a load with high sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Ohbayashi, Motoki Ogata, Hiroaki Ishida, Takaaki Ogawa, Kazuhiro Nomura