US3906786A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Overload protector for torquemeter
Assignee: SPENCER WRIGHT INDUSTRIES Inc A CORP OF TENNESSEE
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Filing: 1974-04-15
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Granted: 1975-09-23
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Expires: 1994-04-15
Abstract
Abstract A torque sensing instrument is disclosed which detects angular deflection of a shaft to determine torque imposed thereon. The sensing instrument includes a nozzle member positioned to direct fluid in a direction substantially tangentially of the shaft axis and an anvil member spaced a predetermined distance from and facing the nozzle member for impeding flow therefrom. Those members are moved toward each other as a function of torsional load imposed on the shaft. A fluid under constant pressure is delivered to the nozzle member and variations in pressure caused by a change in distance between nozzle and anvil members are detected to indicate torsional forces on the shaft. The anvil member includes a displaceable portion, such as a thinned neck section, which permits overload movement of the members toward each other beyond the predetermined initial distance to prevent deformation or damage to the nozzle member.
Inventors
- 👤 Carl M Westbrook
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 18:30
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01L; G01L3/00; G01L3/02; G01L3/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
176 words
A torque sensing instrument comprising a torsion shaft, a fluid flow unit having a nozzle member adapted to conduct fluid, an anvil member spaced a predetermined distance from and facing said nozzle member for impeding flow therefrom or thereto, mounting means for supporting the members on the shaft with the nozzle member being supported from one location on the shaft and the anvil member being supported from another location axially spaced from said one location so that relative rotational movement occurs with torsion in the shaft, means for continuously moving fluid under constant pressure through the nozzle member, and pressure-responsive means indicating variations in pressure occurring at the nozzle member caused by changes in distance between the nozzle member and said anvil member as said members are moved through said predetermined distance by shaft rotation, at least one of said members including displaceable means permitting overload movement of the members toward each other beyond said predetermined distance to prevent deformation of surrounding structure, said displaceable means comprising a thinned neck section of one of said members.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
176 words
A torque sensing instrument comprising a torsion shaft, a fluid flow unit having a nozzle member adapted to conduct fluid, an anvil member spaced a predetermined distance from and facing said nozzle member for impeding flow therefrom or thereto, mounting means for supporting the members on the shaft with the nozzle member being supported from one location on the shaft and the anvil member being supported from another location axially spaced from said one location so that relative rotational movement occurs with torsion in the shaft, means for continuously moving fluid under constant pressure through the nozzle member, and pressure-responsive means indicating variations in pressure occurring at the nozzle member caused by changes in distance between the nozzle member and said anvil member as said members are moved through said predetermined distance by shaft rotation, at least one of said members including displaceable means permitting overload movement of the members toward each other beyond said predetermined distance to prevent deformation of surrounding structure, said displaceable means comprising a thinned neck section of one of said members.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A torque sensing unit according to claim 1, wherein said anvil member is provided with said thinned neck section.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
173 words
A torque sensing instrument comprising a torsion shaft, a fluid flow unit having a nozzle member positioned to direct fluid in a direction substantially tangentially of the shaft axis, an anvil member spaced a predetermined distance from and facing said nozzle member for impeding flow therefrom, mounting means for supporting the members on the shaft with the nozzle member being supported from one location on the shaft and the anvil member being supported from another location axially spaced from said one location so that relative rotational movement occurs with torsion in the shaft, means for continuously delivering fluid under constant pressure to the nozzle member, and pressure-responsive means indicating variations in pressure occurring within said delivering means by back pressure caused by changes in distance between said nozzle member and said anvil member as said members are moved through said predetermined distance by shaft torsion, said anvil member including a thinned neck portion permitting overload movement of the members toward each other beyond said predetermined distance to prevent deformation of the nozzle member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
173 words
A torque sensing instrument comprising a torsion shaft, a fluid flow unit having a nozzle member positioned to direct fluid in a direction substantially tangentially of the shaft axis, an anvil member spaced a predetermined distance from and facing said nozzle member for impeding flow therefrom, mounting means for supporting the members on the shaft with the nozzle member being supported from one location on the shaft and the anvil member being supported from another location axially spaced from said one location so that relative rotational movement occurs with torsion in the shaft, means for continuously delivering fluid under constant pressure to the nozzle member, and pressure-responsive means indicating variations in pressure occurring within said delivering means by back pressure caused by changes in distance between said nozzle member and said anvil member as said members are moved through said predetermined distance by shaft torsion, said anvil member including a thinned neck portion permitting overload movement of the members toward each other beyond said predetermined distance to prevent deformation of the nozzle member.
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) | 1978-09-22 | 1979-03-24 | 1979-09-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-09-22 | 1983-03-24 | 1983-09-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-09-22 | 1987-03-24 | 1987-09-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |