US3858443A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Torque measuring and control system
Assignee: Columbia Research Laboratories Inc
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Filing: 1972-06-21
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Granted: 1975-01-07
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Expires: 1992-06-21
Abstract
Abstract The present device is an electromechanical device to measure the torque of a system, primarily extraordinary torque. In the preferred embodiment the system provides a torque transducer which has a first end with an aperture therein and which is fixed to the housing of the power source which delivers the torque. The first end is responsive to the reaction of the power source. The transducer also has a second end with an aperture therein and which is fixed to a reference means such as a wall which will not be affected by a reaction of the power source. The transducer has a center tube which couples said first and second ends and the shaft which delivers the torque passes through said tube as well as through said before mentioned apertures. In addition, the transducer has sensing means mounted on the first and second ends which act to generate a signal in the event said first end experiences an extraordinary torque or twist with respect to said second end. In addition, the present system employs an electronic circuit connected to said transducer which provides a well defined direct current error signal over a relatively large dynamic range thus enabling a quick and reliable detection of extraordinary torque.
Inventors
- 👤 Iii Harry E Roberts
- 👤 Thomas H Carey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 06:57
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01L; G01L3/00; G01L3/02; G01L3/04; G01L3/10; G01L3/101; G01L3/105
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
381 words
A torque measuring and control system to be employed with a power source having a shaft to deliver torque comprising in combination: first and second end means, each having an aperture therein, said first end means formed to be secured to said power source, said second end means formed to be secured to a reference means which remains substantially unaffected by a reaction of said power source; tube means having an aperture therethrough, said tube means disposed to couple said first end means to said second end means and to align its aperture with said apertures of said first and second end means to enable said shaft to pass therethrough; first pair of electrical coils with each coil mounted on a first yoke with a space therebetween, said first yoke being secured to one of said end means; first vane means located within said space between said first pair of electrical coils and mounted on said other end means; second pair of electrical coils with each coil mounted on a second yoke with a space therebetween, said second yoke secured to one of said end means and disposed approximately 180* from said first yoke; second vane means located within said space between said second pair of electrical coils and mounted on said other end means opposite from said second yoke; said first and second pairs of electrical coils connected in a bridge circuit which provides an unbalanced a.c. signal as a measure of the torque experienced by said first end means; correction circuitry connected to said bridge circuit to provide signals thereto wehreby its no load signal will be nullified; demodulating circuit means connected to said bridge circuit to receive a.c. output signals therefrom and connected to said a.c. power source to transform said a.c. output signals to a pulsating d.c. signal which is at twice the frequency of the signal from said a.c. power source; low pass filter means connected to said demodulating circuit means to pass only a certain signal therethrough having a component which is twice the frequency of the signal from said a.c. power source; and notch filter means connected to said low pass filter means to remove said last mentioned component and thereby provide a highly defined d.c. signal representative of the output of said bridge.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
381 words
A torque measuring and control system to be employed with a power source having a shaft to deliver torque comprising in combination: first and second end means, each having an aperture therein, said first end means formed to be secured to said power source, said second end means formed to be secured to a reference means which remains substantially unaffected by a reaction of said power source; tube means having an aperture therethrough, said tube means disposed to couple said first end means to said second end means and to align its aperture with said apertures of said first and second end means to enable said shaft to pass therethrough; first pair of electrical coils with each coil mounted on a first yoke with a space therebetween, said first yoke being secured to one of said end means; first vane means located within said space between said first pair of electrical coils and mounted on said other end means; second pair of electrical coils with each coil mounted on a second yoke with a space therebetween, said second yoke secured to one of said end means and disposed approximately 180* from said first yoke; second vane means located within said space between said second pair of electrical coils and mounted on said other end means opposite from said second yoke; said first and second pairs of electrical coils connected in a bridge circuit which provides an unbalanced a.c. signal as a measure of the torque experienced by said first end means; correction circuitry connected to said bridge circuit to provide signals thereto wehreby its no load signal will be nullified; demodulating circuit means connected to said bridge circuit to receive a.c. output signals therefrom and connected to said a.c. power source to transform said a.c. output signals to a pulsating d.c. signal which is at twice the frequency of the signal from said a.c. power source; low pass filter means connected to said demodulating circuit means to pass only a certain signal therethrough having a component which is twice the frequency of the signal from said a.c. power source; and notch filter means connected to said low pass filter means to remove said last mentioned component and thereby provide a highly defined d.c. signal representative of the output of said bridge.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
A torque measuring and control system according to claim 1, wherein there is further included logic circuitry connected to said notch filter to respond to signals therefrom and provide control signals accordingly.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-01-06 | 1978-07-08 | 1979-01-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-01-06 | 1982-07-08 | 1983-01-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-01-06 | 1986-07-08 | 1987-01-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |