Torque meter

Abstract

Abstract A device for measuring low torques, e.g., of the order of a gram-centimeter, and particularly for indicating if a torque is below, within, or above a preselected acceptance range. The device may be used to measure the torque required to turn a meter register. The device includes two structures, one of which is supported from the other by two or more flexible elements, e.g., strings. The supporting structure is positively rotated and the supported structure turns with the supporting structure only by torque transmitted through the strings. The supported structure is operatively coupled to a rotatable element, such as the shaft of a meter register, which element is subjected to frictional forces. The lag between the supported and the supporting structures is indicative of the frictional force acting on the element. The lag is measured by means of two Polaroid discs, one affixed to the supporting structure, the other one affixed to the supported structure. A light beam is sent through the two Polaroid discs. A photocell circuit detects the intensity of light passing through for the purpose of giving an indication of the angular displacement between the Polaroid discs. A discriminating circuit determines if the angular displacement, and hence the torque, is below, within, or above a preselected acceptance range, and accordingly actuates suitable indicator lights and/or suitable recorders.

Inventors

• 👤 Edward C Smith

Bibliographic Details